Simplified Revised Organic Act eBook Published by UVI Scholars

Scholars from the University of the Virgin Islands have published a user-friendly version of the founding documents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the university announced today.

According to the release, the easily accessible, plain language version of the Revised Organic Act of 1954 is now available to the public in the form of a 185-page eBook thanks to the collaboration of UVI professor emeritus, Dr. Paul Leary; professor of political science and history, Dr. Malik Sekou; and UVI alumna, Attorney Patricia Welcome.

The project was supported by a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to raise public awareness of the Revised Organic Act and provide access to it via the territory’s schools, libraries, civic organizations and/or institutions. Its publication auspiciously coincides with Liberty Day, the Virgin Islands holiday commemorating the institution of free press in the former Danish West Indies.

“This publication is designed to develop awareness of government and the ability of the people of the islands to participate in it. It is an important step towards our quest for self-determination and better government,” said Mr. Sekou, the project’s director. “I would like to give high praise to my colleague Dr. Leary who served as one of the pioneering scholars on this subject as well as Attorney Patricia Welcome for her expert support.”