Farewell to “Lý Sơn District,” a Name Cherished for Over Three Decades
Lý Sơn – the only island district of Quảng Ngãi Province – will officially no longer bear the name “Lý Sơn District.” This frontline island, steeped in layers of cultural and historical sediment, is about to turn a new page in its history with the name “Lý Sơn Special Zone.” The local people are eagerly awaiting this transition, placing great hopes in this pivotal transformation.
Though Lý Sơn District (Quảng Ngãi Province) remains peaceful as always, across both the Big and Small Islands – in early morning markets, roadside cafés – the most talked-about topic is the upcoming change.
On the island, the people of the sea are quietly bidding farewell to a familiar name that has accompanied them for more than 30 years, while putting their trust in the long road ahead.
Lý Sơn is not just a name; it is a living piece of the homeland amidst the vast sea – the birthplace of the heroic Hoàng Sa naval fleet, a resilient island that has weathered natural disasters, storms, and scarcity to remain steadfast at the nation’s maritime frontier.
In just a few more hours, Lý Sơn will be officially known as the “Lý Sơn Special Zone.”
“Only a few hours left before we’re no longer a district!” murmured Mr. Dương Minh Trí (64, a resident of Lý Sơn), his voice a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. The name “Lý Sơn District,” which has been a part of people’s lives since its separation from Bình Sơn District (Quảng Ngãi Province), is now becoming a part of history.
The name “Lý Sơn District” has long been ingrained in the consciousness of many generations – from everyday conversations to official documents, from school and hospital signs to street name boards.
In just a few more hours, that name will close a chapter of more than three decades and open a new era, with a new name and new hopes for a breakthrough in development for this island full of potential yet still facing many challenges.
Mr. Dương Minh Trí is hopeful that this turning point will mark a historic transformation for Lý Sơn.
Mr. Phạm Văn Tân, a resident of Lý Sơn, shared: “Back in the day, when we heard that Lý Sơn District was being established, the islanders were as joyful as during Tết. Now that the term ‘district’ is being replaced with ‘special zone,’ it sounds a bit strange, but our hopes are even higher. As long as our people have better lives, with jobs, proper roads, hospitals, and schools, that’s more than enough to be happy about.”
That simple statement reflects years of hardship endured by those who have clung to the island. It also captures the common wish of thousands living on the frontlines of the sea – as they bid farewell to a familiar name to welcome a bold new hope.
“Becoming a special zone is necessary. As a small district with limited resources, many national policies couldn’t be flexibly applied. Now, with special zone status, Lý Sơn will have its own mechanisms, better suited to such a unique island. The name may change, but the soul, identity, and people of Lý Sơn remain – still standing proud like the sea pines that brave the storms,” said Mr. Trí.
With an area of just over 10 km² and a population of around 22,000, Lý Sơn may not be large, but its strategic position and cultural, historical, and economic value are immense. For generations, Lý Sơn people have taken pride in the brave Hoàng Sa fleet, and the courageous fishermen who continue to venture far offshore to protect the seas. Since the island was connected to the national power grid in 2007, it has begun to attract investment in tourism, services, and infrastructure.
As the historic moment nears, Ms. Phạm Thị Hương – Chairwoman of the Lý Sơn District People’s Committee – expressed both joy and hope. She is confident that the Lý Sơn Special Zone will receive more policies and larger investment to become the island marine tourism hub envisioned by Resolution 26 of the Politburo.
Ms. Hương shared that Lý Sơn already has a 1:2000 zoning plan, and tourism currently accounts for 50% of the island’s total production value. She is certain that within just five years of becoming a special zone, tourism and services will make up around 75%.
“Every policy from the central government aims to improve the lives of the people. I firmly believe that Lý Sơn will shorten its journey to becoming a tourism paradise once it becomes a special zone. I’m truly happy and, like everyone else, eagerly awaiting tomorrow morning,” said Ms. Hương.
Though it will no longer be called a district, Lý Sơn will always be the homeland of those who carry the spirit of the sea. Farewell to an old name – and welcome to a new journey under the name “Lý Sơn Special Zone.”
Cre: tienphong.vn ( Bản Tiếng Việt )
