Non-national flags raise concerns at VI Festival celebrations!
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.
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