The St. Thomas Historical Trust held its kick-off campaign for its Hassel Island Initiative on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at the Hassel Island home of Josefina and Ricardo Charaf. Over a half-million dollars was raised through generous, local donations.

Guests toured Hassel Island harbor aboard the m/v Harbor Cat, kindly donated for the evening by Trudie and Cornelius Prior. Historical commentary was provided by Alton A. Adams, Jr. and Charles Consalvo.

Noted historian George F. Tyson, as the guest speaker, emphasized that throughout the restoration process the contributions made by local residents must be highlighted. Their role in sustaining the economy has the same historical significance as the sites targeted for preservation.

Senator Basil Ottley remarked on the importance of making Hassel Island available to our youth; Hassel Island is significant to us locally as well as globally. Delegate Donna Christensen extended her full support to the Trust and its members in taking on the task of saving Hassel Island. Christensen stated that although Hassel Island sits in the St. Thomas harbor, its history is joined to our history---as Hassel Island was once physically joined to St. Thomas---the history of all the Virgin Islands.

Executive Director of the Trust, Luanne Melchior, estimates that the Hassel Island Initiative will cost upwards of $7,000,000. The current condition of the sites necessitates the immediacy of raising funds, Melchior said. All community members are encouraged to join. Membership makes these events possible.