Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to install a plaque at the peak of Ram Head in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, United States Virgin Islands, to commemorate the slave rebellion that began on St. John in 1733.
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior to install, in an appropriate location in the area of the Ram Head trail at the peak of Ram Head in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, a suitable plaque to commemorate the slave rebellion that began on St. John on November 23, 1733.
Sponsors: Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in or connected to the history of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the 1733 slave rebellion
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill is focused on commemorating an historical event, specifically the slave rebellion of 1733, which is a significant historical moment in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The installation of the plaque will particularly impact communities that are directly or personally connected to the Virgin Islands, including those who are descendants of the enslaved people from that time.
- The plaque has cultural and educational significance that can influence residents and tourists who visit the Virgin Islands National Park.
- People interested in African American history, specifically the history of slavery and slave rebellions, would find relevance in this bill.
- The bill could also impact the historical park's staff and management, as they implement the changes and educate visitors.
Reasoning
- Since the policy involves a commemorative plaque on a trail in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the most directly impacted individuals will be those with historical and personal connections to the Virgin Islands and the history of slavery and slave revolts.
- The financial investment is minimal, suggesting that the direct economic impact will be limited. Therefore, the change in wellbeing is likely to be more symbolic and cultural than financial.
- Tourists, both American and international, who visit for historical and educational reasons may have a raised awareness, but their direct wellbeing change may not be significantly measurable.
- Park officials and local governments in the U.S. Virgin Islands are responsible for managing the implementation of the policy but would not sustain significant personal wellbeing changes themselves.
- The budget constraints suggest a focus on cultural and historical impact rather than widespread economic benefit, targeting local inhabitants, visitors, and those with a vested cultural interest.
Simulated Interviews
African American History Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The commemoration is a step in acknowledging important historical events.
- Awareness of such events can bring a sense of justice and recognition.
- As an educator, having tangible reminders of history is invaluable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Park Ranger (St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This plaque is important for both locals and visitors to understand the history of this land.
- It contributes to a fuller story of the Virgin Islands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tourist (Miami, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The inclusion of historical context via this plaque enriches my visiting experience.
- It enhances the cultural value of the trips.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Historian (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This plaque acts as a catalyst for discussion and research.
- Brings light to important but underrepresented historical narratives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Social Studies Teacher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational initiatives like these in national parks are crucial.
- They help to broaden people's understanding of history beyond textbooks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Travel Blogger (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having additional historical insights adds depth to travel itineraries.
- It draws more attention to significant occurrences and places.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Descendant of Virgin Islands Slaves (Hudson, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The installation acknowledges our ancestors' struggles and resistance.
- It is a symbolic gesture of recognition and respect.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Educator (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The preservation of historical narratives is vital for cultural memory.
- Such initiatives keep the conversation going about important historical events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The plaque helps connect historical education with civic engagement.
- It serves as a reminder of past struggles that informs present issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Museum Curator (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This adds to the collective memory and understanding of resistance movements.
- The plaque underscores the importance of including diverse historical events in public spaces.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The plaque's educational and cultural value as part of acknowledging historical events.
- Limited financial implications beyond the initial cost, due to low ongoing maintenance needs.
- The importance of ensuring all regulatory and environmental considerations are addressed.