Claire L. Roker, the Queen Mother, Is Honored

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Everyone who was anyone turned out to heap praise and thanks to a magical lady who has touched the hearts and minds of thousands in an illustrious career that has spanned decades. Claire Lorraine Brown Roker was honored by the Virgin Islands Port Authority and Department of Tourism along with countless Virgin Islanders, by naming the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility visitor center on the Frederiksted Pier, in St. Croix as the “Claire L. Roker Visitors Center.”

Known to many as Auntie Claire, the Queen Mother of Pageants, and the Mayor of Frederiksted, this celebrated community leader whose decades of service have left her mark on tourism, youth development, women’s advocacy, and cultural preservation has a smile and a gracious way about her that could disarm a ship of pirates. 

A former Commissioner of Tourism, a Board Member of the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, Board Member of the Women’s Coalition, Delegate to the 5th V.I. Constitutional Convention,  Representative for Pan American Airlines, Travel Agency owner, Ms. Roker has been a pillar of strength to the hundreds who knew her personally. 

“She is a relentless iron fist in a velvet glove,” remarked Senator Novelle Francis. 

At the Dedication and Sign Unveiling Ceremony held on the far end of the Frederiksted Pier, under beautiful white tents on a breezy day, Ms. Robertson, who spoke for Ms. Roker, asked the 150 in attendance to stand up if they were in some way mentored by the Queen Mother - there were only a very few who did not rise to their feet. 

“She is someone I consider a mother figure and an inspiration,” said The Honorable Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr. from the podium on a stage packed with dignitaries. “The legislation to honor Claire is one of the most meaningful pieces that I’ve ever sponsored. She is a Virgin Islands powerhouse, community advocate, leader, mentor, and friend.”

Bill No. 35-0262, an Act honoring Claire Lorraine Brown Roker for her dedicated service to the Virgin Islands community by naming the visitor’s center at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, the “Claire L. Roker Visitors Center,” was signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on August 11, 2024.

“Claire was here to build a path where there was no path,” said Governor Bryan at the dedication. “Her name is not only on this building but will always be in our hearts.”        

Ms. Roker’s genuine, welcoming smile and unwavering dedication set her apart. Even in a crisis like Hurricane Maria, her unique blend of generosity and ability to mobilize community support was widely admired. She spearheaded events like Harbor Night, the Jazz festival, V.I. Emancipation Festival and chaired the St. Croix Pageant. For over 30 years Auntie Claire mentored youth in pageantry, instilling confidence and personal growth to all those she took under her angelic wings.

“This island has given me more than I could ever repay,” she said. “It means the world to me that this center is a gateway to the USVI. This building may carry my name but it represents the love and commitment of everyone I’ve had the honor to know.”