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Non-national flags raise concerns at VI Festival celebrations!

“Just advertising our culture to another, we mean no harm” – Booth owner
A female Bar owner says she displayed many flags because there is variety of cultures in the Virgin Islands and she targets all. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO
 Jamaican Bar Owner said he paint over his Jamaican Flags to show some respect to the Virgin Islands. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO
Jamaican Bar Owner said he paint over his Jamaican Flags to show some respect to the Virgin Islands. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – When concerns were raised with booth and bar owners operating at the festival village in Road Town who are not nationals of the Virgin Islands (VI) about their bars only representing their homeland and not the VI, they replied that their intentions were not to hurt the feelings of others or bring shame to the VI Culture.

Since July 26, 2012 when the Gospel Fest event was opened in the Village and even the official opening on July 28, many noticed that flags of the Virgin Islands were not seen around the village.

A concern was raised by a proud Virgin Islander, regarding the flags being showcased at the Village, with none representing the VI. In worry, the male Virgin Islander noted that, while attending an event at the Village, he noticed a variety of flags on display of which none were the Union Jack or Virgin Islands flag. However, the Virgin Islander was speaking of flags that he saw flying at the particular event and not the flags that were painted on the booths.

He further stated that, “I am sure that they did not have permission from the Governor’s Office and there is certain protocol for the flying of a foreign flag in another’s country.”

However, this news site made contact with the Law Reform Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers, and was informed that they were not aware of anything of that sort.

When this news site spoke to several bar and booth owners, they all shared the same sentiments as one owner of a Jamaican Bar when he said, “we are just advertising our culture and food to others, we mean no harm.”

Speaking with the owner of the Jamaican Bar at the Village, it was noticed that two Jamaican flags were painted over, to which the owner indicated that, “I was approached by the committee and they said that it doesn’t look good with my huge Jamaican flags with nothing representing the BVI, at a BVI festival, so I paint over the flags to hide them.”

Another bar owner, who had a display of flags from countries all over the Caribbean on her bar said, “I don’t see it as a big deal, they are just showing the public where they’re from and what they have to offer. It is a way of advertisement and promotion.”

The female owner added, “I chose to display all the Caribbean countries on my bar, because the BVI is filled with so many nationalities and culture, and if the festival was only for Virgin Islanders, then no one would have showed up and the fest wouldn’t have meant a thing.”

VI Flags to be put up tonight

When contacted in relation to the comment made by the Virgin Islander, a committee member said that it’s a comment that was made too soon. He added that later this evening, flags representing the Virgin Islands would be erected on the Village grounds.

The committee member, who wished to remain unknown, added that it is in no way disrespectful for the bars to showcase their national flags from other countries, but it is the committee’s responsibility that this is not done to a an extreme level.

Efforts were made to contact Chairman of the Festival and Fairs Committee, Marvin Blyden for any comments he would have wished to make, but these proved unsuccessful.

64 Responses to “Non-national flags raise concerns at VI Festival celebrations!”

  • flag woman (31/07/2012, 16:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is utter disrespect...shouldn't be allowed
    • oh no! (31/07/2012, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      girl wait until Archie and Myron start flying the antigua flag in the house of council
    • flag man (31/07/2012, 23:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      come on man the island people just letting the public know that if u want to taste food from their country come to this booth...that's all
  • son of the soil (31/07/2012, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    thats why i feel only locals should have booths
    • OH WOW (31/07/2012, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What sense that make that only locals should have booths? Seriously, people need to think before they talk. It does not matter what nationality have a booth, as long as respect is shown to the BVI is what is important.
    • fish market (31/07/2012, 23:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      this must be Donald again as i see his article on another news site.. boss I bet if it was from a white country (USA, UK, France, Canada) you won`t hear he make any comment....old sell out
  • Albion (31/07/2012, 16:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People, really? "utter disrespect"? "only locals should have booths"? Dial up the intolerance. It must be festival time.
    • talk girl talk (31/07/2012, 23:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the fact of the matter tis ah correct protocol when you want to fly another country flag in your country...,We BV Islanders stand for everything but or own....It is mare disrespect ad that is a fact BAM BAM
  • Not2Sure (31/07/2012, 16:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What will be next? Banning people from wearing Jamaican T-shirts or from putting Grenada stickers on their cars? Ayuh.
  • mother hen (31/07/2012, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But nobody cares about the indigenous people of this place. See the island man took over the house of assembly, the boots and now they can fly their own flags.
    • rodent (01/08/2012, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The indigenous people were the Caribs and the Arawak
      • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 19:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Rodent I do hope that you feel the same way about where u came from abut who is indegenous
      • National man (01/08/2012, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We have a Nation to build and a country to mould and it's not ever going to happen by guessing. We are all in the same ship of state everybody sailing sink or float we all go share the same fate. The collective duty is ours to stop we from failing, it is we alone who must make the BVI great. I heared thos lyrics in a calypso this season. I think no one understood. Shame. We need to start to be more nationalistic as BVislanders and support our own,develop our own and own our own. Just makes sure that our flag is flying higher than the others,or with every booth flying a non-national flag there should be a BVI flag as well...... Love the BVI Ah Born here
  • dominant (31/07/2012, 16:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The different owners of may nationalities,should just concentrate on the food they offer or drinks. This is the BVI. The foods that they sell should speak for itself. My parents from St.vincent and the Grenadines and I am a BVIslander, choose to cook foods that are from St. vincent. Should I also put up my parents national flag, especially at the festival. I think not. It is just my opinion.
  • smh (31/07/2012, 17:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Non-national flags raise concerns............Really people? A freaking Flag, Really ?...So many real issues we have in the BVI and you people getting high blood pressure over freaking flags....BVI people have some real peanut shell minds....A large majority of the make-up of the BVI is Expats ..if these people feel like representing their home country by displaying the national flag during the festival what the hell is the problem.....This is been done all over the world people of the BVI...smh....you people minds go as far as your footsteps...So sad!....”Labour Day People” You think America got time for people displaying flags other than American flags smgdh again and again
    • Thinking man (31/07/2012, 18:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Labour day celebration in Brooklyn is for the entire Caribbean people to come together.  Fly whatever flag you want, play your own music, Yes! Go up town, or even Sheep's head bay flying your flag and see what will happen to your dump a$$.  Bvi people shouldn't complain, all we have do is close the boarder, this culture of disrespect has being going on for a very long time, it's not going to stop until the country of the BVI  put its foot down. This is the bvi time to celebrate THEIR culture and have pride and so should you visitors that live here, enjoying the safety and security of this BLESS LITTLE NATION.  Show some respect!!!
    • Me, the outsider (31/07/2012, 18:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      sounds like you have no national pride or have no idea what a national flag stands for, and the significance it [should]bear[s]. Festival comitee claiming that flags would have been raised tonight is a blank shot, as that should have been done on opening night. He trying to board thbe bus that has already left.
  • dude (31/07/2012, 17:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A man stabbed int he village doesn't raise concerns but non national flags do.............well newsflash I have been to different carnivals around the place & I see non national flags everywhere....................Carnival is about waving your national flag where ever u may be from b/c carnival for many symbolizes independence from european oppressors THE BVI ppl dem who offended better go learn about history esp when in the case of donald duck they want to be writing history books
  • ausar (31/07/2012, 17:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have to agree with "Son of the Soil". While we understand that this is a festival of all peoples engaged in by all peoples, this festival is taking place in the Virgin Islands(British) and as such Virgin Islands(B) flags should be flown. We want to welcome all to participate in our festival activities but actions such as this is an insult and should not be tolerated. Now if there were a ban on anyone other than nationals having such booths at the festival grounds, all sorts of "noise" would be raised about discrimination, biases, and other vices. Perhaps, now is the time that the Festival Chair Committee start to ensure that basic ground rules about booth aesthetics, internally and on the periphery, be implemented for next year's activities. Until such pronouncements are made, well, go figure!
    • Tom Sawyer (31/07/2012, 19:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you BVIslanders minds are sooo small...it sickens me to hear that I must not choose a booth by the Caribbean foods I may choose to eat at the village what the hell is going to be next? Should we hide our Caribbean passports under the bed? Does this mean the Caribbean artists who are invited to entertain should not seek representation from the othe islands and only the BVI? Think on it, if BVI ppl alone would sell we may die from diabeties with the sugar int the peas soup or the heartattack from de oil in the johnnycake.
  • BVEye (31/07/2012, 17:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Has none of you grouchy small-minded nationalists not noticed that we live in a global village? Anyone noticed the Olympics – a CELEBRATION of the cultures of the world? Why do so many Virgin Islanders have such contempt for outsiders? It can only come from one thing – insecurity. Small-man syndrome. We need to get over it before it does damage. This place was beautiful when we were kids, full of wonderful Virgin Islanders and not many others. But that place changed, because we made it change, and much of that change involved incoming from foreign people and dollars. Why do we think we should get the benefits of that change, and not accept those who are here because of it? Why don't we celebrate the exciting diversity we have all around us these days, and appreciate the outsiders who come here? How can they possibly be ALL bad and us VIslanders ALL good? I know this doesn't represent hatred of foreigners, and it's essential that we keep up our culture, but the very fact that VINO brewed this up into yet another xenophobic story to massage the backs of its local constituency, shows how very small-minded and insecure some of us are. I say, paint dem flags, fly dem high! Le we drink to Jamaica, drink to Trinny and Vincy.. and even Antigua - and above, let's raise a glass to EVERYTHING that's great about today's BVI.
    • so look again (31/07/2012, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      what damm global village "bveye" ??? one where the indigenous rights are none existent and locals are at the bottom of the food chain?? go sit down with your all bull crap!!
      • BVEye (01/08/2012, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Das wha''m talking 'bout – real live insecurity, real small-man syndrome, a real belief among the people in power - yes, that's us – that in fact we are the victims and bottom of the heap (nice work VINO, you stoking that one up good). Look, and look again. You don't see anyting good about this place? You think we bottom of the heap? Well, sir, you should try being a foreigner. All I hear from foreigners is how hard it is to live her, how they have to beg and bow and scrape to get a work permit, how local people treat them like dirt and employers make them work the longest hours, Sundays and holidays and pay them less than minimum wage and threaten to trow dem off island if they don't do it, how they can't get nothing tru government because they ain 'one a we', how they can barely afford rent and lucky if they can afford to buy a car, and so on and so on. And YOU, Look Again – I bet you got more than one car and I bet they fancy 4x4, plenty house and piece a land, PLENTY friend in government so you get whatever you want any time. I bet you got family and friends all around to look out for each other. I bet you even got a US passport and most of your family, too. And I bet you didn't even notice you live in one of the richest islands not just in the Caribbean, but in the whole world. And still you think you bottom of the heap? If that's the case, you got to be the runt a de litter, because in the real world, overall, VIslanders have it better than most people on the planet. And STILL you whining?
  • Stop being so small minded (31/07/2012, 18:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We as Virgin Islands people have to stop being so small minded. We welcome all who live among us as they help us to celebrate our festival. You go to the village and you do not see any of our people there yet we calling down everything our caribbean people do. Come on people we are one people let us learn to live as one and enjoy the festival. Who cares who the booth belongs too as long as we can get good food to eat. How many booth in the village belongs to locals and how many belongs to outsiders.
    • Local (31/07/2012, 19:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Will said but one thing missing if u are in the bvi and ur flying everybody else flag on ur booth but not the bvi it says where there mind set is at
    • Well Sah (31/07/2012, 22:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Small minded my a$$ try that crop in any other caribbean country flying outside flag during their carnivals and you will see what will happen to you and your booth. It probably be burnt to the ground. I'll bet anyone that this could not happen in Jamaica at any of their reggae festivals.
      • male (01/08/2012, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        u never been to none of them islands so stop talk crap like u know. Nothing will happen to u because them aint so petty. ayo just make the dog sick
    • hmph (01/08/2012, 05:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Small minded my ...!!!! I do not believe in segregation but half of the crap you outsiders do here in the BVI you wouldnt do it back where u came from. Let me go JA, Stt. Vincent, Grenada, Domina, etc. and try this crap.. Yuh will only hear how fast dem kick me out dem country. But no, we iin the BVI where everybody can do wat they want. Smh ....... Only God knows
      • male (01/08/2012, 15:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        u never been to none of them islands so stop talk crap like u know. Nothing will happen to u because them aint so petty
        • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 19:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I have been to all of the eastern caribbean and the same thing that the BVI islanders complain about here is the same thing that u all in those other caribbean countries complain about outsider taking away the jobs and so forth. So don't come on hear make believing that you all are so welcoming in your home countries. I have never seen this disrespect happening in St. Kitts, Antigua, St Lucia, Dominica, Jamaica or Trinidad during their carnivals. It's only here you all think that you can do anything and know one should comment about it.
  • Roxy (31/07/2012, 20:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We can't prevent the Caribbean people to have national pride. After these Islands gain Independence from England they created their flag and national anthem and these people are very, very proud of their nationalities. Too bad BVIslanders are ashame to display their own flags. When BVIslanders go to the US to attend Universities the only flag they sport around is the USVI flag. Wake up BVIslanders, show some national pride then the ISLAND PEOPLE will join in displaying some BVI national pride.
    • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 13:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Roxy The majority of the students that leave the BVI to attend Universities in the US are actually born in the USVI therefore they are actually displaying their national pride by displaying the USVI flag. I thought you knew that! lol.
  • apple pie (31/07/2012, 20:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    just give it up locals after the last election we lost the country...go back to St. Thomas or the states.
  • @@@@@@ (31/07/2012, 21:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    boy you locals really stupid sah....to let these expats own booths in your festival village and on top of that flying their island flags..he he ha ha
  • Stewie Griffen (31/07/2012, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I guess these ppl from the BVI never went to Labor Day Or Caribanna, flags from all over the world.
    • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 13:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Stewie You are talking about international festivals that are held in countries where carnival is not even part of their culture. I can bet you one thing, you will never see this type of disrepect in Trinidad & Tobago during their carnival.
  • WISE (31/07/2012, 21:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give long term expats to the BVI citizenship and wallah, people will gain national pride and wave the BVI's flag.
  • Real Talk (31/07/2012, 22:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Serians taking over the supermarkets and other businesses, buying up property. The whites buying up islands, prime lands and companies. But we here arguing over a phucking flag?? These people must be laughing at how damn simple we are in this place. WTF?????
    • Business (01/08/2012, 07:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's the problem with you island people, when matters important to Virgin Islands are being discussed you all would not stay out
    • rodent (01/08/2012, 10:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You say the Syrians are taking over buying businesses and the Whites are buying up islands.. Who's selling them to these people?? Are they being sold by Martians from Mars?
  • Real Talk (31/07/2012, 22:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    99% of those in agreement don't even own a BVI flag!
  • Flag Law (31/07/2012, 23:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am very surprised to read: "However, this news site made contact with the Law Reform Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers, and was informed that they were not aware of anything of that sort." Both are high level offices and should have refered to news site to the DEPUTY GOVERNOR's Office. We have a flag law as every other Country in the World
  • pop-skull (01/08/2012, 08:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i guess while them making fuss about people who own their booths flying what-ever flag they should tell them to play only bvi culture music in their booths.....
    • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @pop-skull Not a bad idea at all. It should be implemented immediately.
  • rodent (01/08/2012, 10:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about doing it like they do on yachts where you show your countries flag and a smaller courtesy flag for the country your visiting.
  • Flatfoot (01/08/2012, 11:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is a matter of national pride and advertising. Whose fault is it that BVI Nationals don't fly their flag? It may just say they are not deep into national pride. Lets face the fact: Most Caribbean islands national pride is stronger than the BVI, it is something they are taught from young and the BVI don't push national pride. If the other country are flying their flags so can the BVI Landers but they choose not. To the other booth owners as a form of respect fly your flag and fly the Union Jack also.
    • Online Now Now (01/08/2012, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That's the difference - most other countries are pro themselves. The BVI is instead anti everyone else.
  • blah (01/08/2012, 11:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the fact is that we have laws, you follow OUR LAWS, or else GET-OUT-MY-COUNTRY! BOTTOM LINE
  • Expat (01/08/2012, 14:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI Flag should have been up since the opening night. Its not island people fault why this was not done. Painting one's country flag on their boothe is a means of advertising as when you live in a foriegn land you may prefer to get food from your home country. These people are just advertising. Not everyone want Blood Pie and Fungi to eat. If you want the BVI Festival to be completely BVI do not pay other Caribbean musicians to come here and perform to try and make money. Last I recall nobody cares about the local nights and local acts here and thats not island people fault Not because other Caribbean nationals come here for work means you must belittle and try to control them. They are building the economy as believe it are not BVI Islanders alone cannot sustain this country you simple do not have the capability. Pretty soon we will soon hear not to place our country flags on the rear view mirrors of our vehicles. You all make me sick to the stomach with the small "mindedness"
    • Well Sah (01/08/2012, 19:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Expat If you sick to your stomach go to the hospital. And yes you should stop flying those dawn flags in your cars. If you so proud of your country why aren't you there building it up and making it better.
  • Caribbean Queen (01/08/2012, 16:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on folks.......Why are we making such a big issue over painted flags on a booth? As far as I can see there's a BVI flag painted on the lady's booth as well. i see absolutely nothing wrong with an individual portraying flags of other Caribbean islands on her booth where she serves BVIlanders and non nationals as well. i find it's a bit hypocritical on our part. We are the very same people preaching “One Caribbean" Crying for Caribbean Unity.... When and why have we become so small minded, when did we become so selfish? Have we forgotten our Caribbean people celebrate emancipation day and carnival as well,,,,Have we forgotten how many Caribbean people visit our islands to join us in celebrating our culture. I don't think we're that Naive in believing BVIlanders are the only ones attending and participating in this festival, We were all taught the spirit of hospitality especially when dealing with guest in our homes or homeland,,, It's common courtesy to extend a warm welcome to our guests and i find portraying their island flag is a great welcome gesture. How would you feel visiting a neighboring island and seeing your islands flag painted or flying high, if you're honest you'll admit the sight of your island's flag in a foreign country makes you feel really good inside. So why not allow our visitors to experience that welcome feeling. Let's stop all that bickering and focus on embracing Caribbean unity instead. i don't think this lady meant any disrespect, but rather a way of welcoming her customers. In conclusion, i want you to pounder on these six words " UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL" We often say these words, but do we really know what it means,,,do we really practice these words in our daily lives....We need the other Caribbean folks to share and participate in our festival in order for it to be a success. We need each other.
  • Ppl man (01/08/2012, 18:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But the bvi flag is right there , so what's the big issue about we all Caribbean people . Stop stereotyping and let's live as one ...only in the bvi the down island people as they call us we see is been treated so. Many of the Tortola people who lives abroad I'm sure you guys wouldn't like to hear they been treated they way so if you tola people treat your our Caribbean people .
  • Nationalistic (01/08/2012, 21:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have a Nation to build and a country to mold and it's not ever going to happen by guessing. We are all in the same ship of state everybody sailing sink or float we all go share the same fate. The collective duty is ours to stop we from failing, it is we alone who must make the BVI great. I heard those lyrics in a calypso this season. I think no one understood. Shame. We need to start to be more nationalistic as BVislanders and support our own, develop our own and own our own. Just makes sure that our flag is flying higher than the others, or with every booth flying a non-national flag there should be a BVI flag as well...... Love the BVI Ah Born here
  • Devon O (01/08/2012, 21:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    juust send uh all home
  • sea bird (01/08/2012, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    but no body flies the BVI flag anyway..hardly see it on government buildings
  • WORDS AND DEEDS (02/08/2012, 08:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    flags flags everywhere
  • black man (02/08/2012, 08:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm so disappointed not to see a BVI flag in the village!!
    • go money (02/08/2012, 15:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      and if you dear talk about it everybody start hating on you...bvi wake up
      • Well Sah (02/08/2012, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ go money That's the problem whenever we got to talk about anything here in the BVI these people ready to say that we hating. Look around at all of those organizations from those other countries. If BVI islanders was suppose to have a BVI organization you will quickly see how everyone else start talking that we don't like them. Respect people in their country.
        • Online Now Now (03/08/2012, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Make up your mind. Is the problem the lack of the BVI flag, or the presence of foreign flags. You are so angry that you do not know who to be angry at.
  • Wonderwoman (02/08/2012, 11:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How is this a story to write... yall overdo.... THIS IS NOT NEWS... get real


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