Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands is VI’s Territorial Song!
Each decision secured the support of ten Government representatives, where two representatives were absent from the sitting and one abstained from voting.
In support of the Territorial Song and Dress chosen, Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn, in addressing other Government officials at the House of Assembly, said with the aim of making the decision in efforts for the VI Olympic Team to showcase it, it was not done in time.
In congratulating the winners of the Territorial Song and Dress chosen, the Minister stated that those persons would forever be remembered in the history of the Virgin Islands.
The Minister further stated that although only one song was chosen in the end from the many submissions, “it is important that we all learn the other songs. These are songs that can be sung at different occasions.”
He added that with the National Dress chosen, it promotes the very rich culture, history and national identity of the Virgin Islands. “Our aim is to build national pride.”
The winner of each category would receive $1000, while second, third, fourth and fifth would receive $750, $500, $250 and $100 respectively.
Hon. Walwyn announced last year the creation of a Territorial Song and Dress competition to help foster Virgin Islands pride. Since then, an ad-hoc committee was formed and was spearheaded by former Culture Minister, Ms. Eileene L. Parsons.
The development of a Territorial song and dress was in keeping with the Government’s commitment to preserve, enhance and promote the Virgin Islands cultural identity.
“The creation of a territorial song and dress that embodies who we are as a people, will serve to infuse Virgin Islands pride and provide a greater sense of identity….This will help to develop confidence and self worth and build on national unity, identity and culture that will benefit not only present, but future generations of Virgin Islanders,” said Minister Walwyn.
Acknowledging a similar process which began in 2005, Minister Walwyn had said, “This new process will allow for entries from a wider base and give previous submissions the opportunity to redefine and submit their work.”
Following the collection of entries, the Ministry sought active public participation in deciding the winning submissions after which the top two entries in each category was then chosen by Cabinet.
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