Local Heritage dancers during the 2015 culture week in Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/File

Commenting on the initiative, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), said he was excited and satisfied with what he called the beginning of a true collaboration between the Department of Culture and the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission. Photo: VINO/File

Previously celebrates as just a week of culture, this new initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Culture and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITB&FC), and will introduce the month which will also include the Territory’s first Virgin Islands Poet Laureate Ceremony.

As part of the scheduled events, a food fair incorporating a Schools’ Arts Festival will also be hosted, plus the screening of the documentary “Story of a Colony: The Virgin Islands” in honour of the Territory’s seventy years of Legislative Government.

Commenting on the initiative, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), said he was excited and satisfied with what he called the beginning of a true collaboration between the Department of Culture and the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission.

Month a launching point for more partnerships - Dr Wheatley 

“It is the vision of this administration that culture and tourism enjoy a stronger relationship. Sun, sea, and sand have served us well, but our residents and visitors along with our industry partners have expressed the need for more cultural activities, and this month can be the launching point for a truly enriching partnership that benefits locals and guests.”

According to the Department of Culture, several arts and heritage workshops will also be held, as well as major activities planned by cultural groups around the Territory.

“Our culture is beautiful and our story is truly captivating and worthy of exhibition for the world to see,” Hon Wheatley went on to say. 

Other events and promotions will be incorporated by the BVITB&FC and its industry partners. The month will be observed under the theme “BVILove is our Culture” and slogan “Virgin Islands Cultural Roots Run Deep: Unity and Togetherness are the Crops We Reap!”