Since the newly established Maroon Country Park, now called Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park, I have been getting hundreds of texts, phone calls, and email messages — locally, nationally and from around the world — congratulating me for my decades of efforts to preserve the Great Northwest of St. Croix. Believe me, I am not an island unto myself. What I did was I kept the fire burning politically and socially for 42 years until Maroon Country became the largest established territorial park system in Virgin Islands history.
Starting from 1969 to 1973, an inventory was completed of the Great Northwest and the Great Northeast Central of St. Croix to establish a park in Maroon Country. This proposed park would have encompassed 6,000 or 7,000 acres of land with forests, historic sites, and the northwestern rough coastline of St. Croix. However, the park never materialized. Nevertheless, let us move forward to 1983. In 1983, a developer named Jake Jacobus purchased 4,000-plus acres of land from the northwest and northeast central of St. Croix from the Rockefeller family.
It was there where I began my social and political career in land preservation to protect Maroon Country. My first public hearing was held at the then College of the Virgin Islands, now the University of the Virgin Islands, on the St. Croix campus, where the late Agriculture Commissioner Rudolph Schulterbrandt was the facilitator for the hearing. I was in my early 20s. I had just completed my undergraduate studies and planned to return to graduate school to study environmental science, natural resources, and agriculture — a promise that I made in the 1970s to the late Gov. Cyril Emmanuel King.
Nevertheless, we received funding from the Department of Commerce and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect Maroon Country. As a result, the designation of 2,469 acres of land as the Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park was made official Aug. 25 of this year by Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.
Following are some of the many comments from people expressing their views about the newly established Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park in the Virgin Islands. Mary Roebuck Mason wrote, “I am so thankful for all the work Bush Man has dedicated his efforts and spiritual self to preserving, what I consider exceptionally sacred land, for all ah we. My great-grandparents’ navel strings, sweat, blood, and, I am sure, many tears were shed in Annaly and Orange Grove West, documented from the 1700s …”
Jeanne Cole, commented, “I’m so glad people are helping preserve the real history of our early settlements. I have Native American friends fighting the same battles. Glad St. Croix won this one. Hope the mainland celebrates with you.”
Carolyn Ehle wrote, “Tears of joy here!!! The best news I’ve heard in ages!! Congratulation to all of the team, but especially to Professor Davis for carrying the torch of the history and bush knowledge of St. Croix and fulfilling a personal dream which I share! Many spirits may now find peace and refuge. My prayer wheel is rolling that we all live many more years to bask in the joy and relief and gratitude news brings.”
Kathy Lawson Costello commented, “Olasee is such as amazing man. So much knowledge of the island history and island botany. The hiking club was one of the unexpected treasures of my 5 years on island.” Susan Q Britton noted, “Preserving our history! Fabulous, thank you Professor Davis!” Mattice Haynes added, “I’m so grateful this is finally happening!! Professor Olasee Davis is an exemplar of vision and dedication!” Bruce E. Small commented, “This is awesome. Congrats on the advocacy and determination to preserve our heritage and culture. Kudos!!!!” Patrick Richardson added “Wonderful news, history and ecological biodiversity.”
Irene Lewis wrote, “Hard work and passion pay off!! Thank You!” Anastasla Doward commented, “Great news! Thank you Dr. Olasee Davis!” John McKeon shared, “Good man doing good work.” Ann-Marrie Hendrickson wrote, “Exceptional job Olasee, congratulations!” Sayeeda Carter said, “Praise Jah and the efforts of Olasee!” Riise Shulterbrandt Thurland noted, “Job well done Olasee!”
George Tyson wrote, “Hearty congratulations for this piece and all you have done to make the Maroon Park possible.” Jennifer Valiulis commented, “This is such amazing news! Congratulations to you and all the folks that have worked to make this a reality. Thank you for your years of dedication to preserving this essential area of St. Croix history, culture, and environment. It is a very welcome relief to receive some good news for a change.” Em Whalen said, “Wow, Olasee! This is incredible news! Your article brought tears to my eyes. I ‘m so incredibly happy for you and for all of the people with a connection to Maroon Ridge. It truly is a sacred site.”
Denise Blanchette wrote, “At a time when there is not a lot of good news, THIS is such good news! I was a little worried for a while, what with Trump at the helm. Bravo!” Suzanne Pierre commented, “Good Afternoon, Bushman, God works through certain people, and in ways don’t understand, to bless the Earth and humanity. Thank you for being one of those people who listen, reflect, and remain steadfast to make the impossible a reality for the next generation. Thank you for living a life we can all look up to. I am ever grateful to be your student and honored to walk in your shadow.”
Tashya Allen shared, “Dr. Davis — this is so exciting!! Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and faith in making this happen. I know it been years on you doing to make this happen. This is truly amazing, and transformational — this sacred land will be safe from development and preserve St. Croix’s heritage.” Nick Drayton stated, “Congratulation Olasee, on your latest and historical accomplishment! Your struggle has been ageless and tireless, and has paid off in the end, you are an inspiration to all!! This ordinary bushman’s name is now etched into the pages of history forever on a topic that spans many past generations and serves to inspire many future generations! That’s extraordinary for an ordinary Bushman! I am proud of you and proud to be your friend!!”
Susan Kraeger wrote, “Thank you for this! What an important step forward in protecting our island’s cultural heritage! And a tremendous addition to our heritage sites!” Melissa Hill commented, “Olasee, What a beautiful article. I can tell a lot of your heart went into it. Thank you for including me and the Trust for Public Land in it. Congratulations on the conservation of Maroon Ridge, thank you for all you’ve done!”
I would like to thank the St. Croix Hiking Association members, V.I. Trail Alliance members, my colleagues of the University of the Virgin Islands, V.I. Territorial Praks System colleagues, Division of Department of Planning and Natural Resources and so many other people at home and abroad for this great accomplishment by all of us to preserve our history and culture of the Virgin Islands. It was impossible to mention everyone’s names and their congratulations to me. In many of the comments I got, people wanted to know when the big ribbon cutting will take place for the park and big cultural celebration. I will say this, the park is the people’s park. So, anyone or groups can get together and celebrate our ancestor grounds.
— Olasee Davis is a bush professor who lectures and writes about the culture, history, ecology and environment of the Virgin Islands when he is not leading hiking tours of the wild places and spaces of St. Croix and beyond.
