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Territorial Song 'boastful'- Cromwell Smith

- Said lessons, including humility, should be learnt from effects of Hurricane Irma
Talk show host Mr Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka has criticised the Territorial Song, saying it is boastful. Photo: VINO/File
Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO
Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Territorial Song has been criticised for being "boastful" by a regular talk show host.

Speaking on the radio show Honestly Speaking with host Claude O. Skelton-Cline on Tuesday October 17, 2017, Mr Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka was at the time speaking about some of the lessons he felt should be learnt following the passage of the destructive Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.

According to Mr Smith, Hurricane Irma should create a different mindset in people and they should rebel against wrongs in the homes, churches, society and government.

It was stated by Mr Smith that the people of the Virgin Islands should no longer stand for injustice, inequality, greed, and "need to eliminate our pride"

Too boastful

It was during this time that Mr Skelton-Cline made mention of the Territorial Song when Mr Smith responded that he didn't particularly like the Territorial Song "Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands".

"I feel it is boastful. I don't care who get hot but that is what I think."

The Territorial Song was composed by the brother and sister team, Kareem Nelson Hull and Ayana S. Hull, both Virgin Islanders. The song was adopted as the territorial song by resolution of theHouse of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on July 24, 2012. As a British Overseas Territory, the Virgin Islands retains "God Save the Queen" as its official national anthem.

"In a couple of hours, all of the wealth, the cars, the beautiful houses, all of those that we have been fighting over, looking for power for, being greedy and selfish for, being individualistic for...they were gone," Mr Smith said.

38 Responses to “Territorial Song 'boastful'- Cromwell Smith”

  • ABC (25/10/2017, 16:13) Like (31) Dislike (14) Reply
    I agree with him
    • Caribbean National Anthems (26/10/2017, 10:31) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think Irma has damaged more than our islands. Everybody will never all agree on what should be a territorial song, but they are always written from a sense of integrity and pride. See some of the Caribbean ones below. All very proud of their island and people. So, we should be less? May Cromwell should write on for consideration. Songs don't make people. We do have some shifting to do including Cromwell but the song has nothing to do with it. If we are rightful people and living right we should he proud of that in a good way but not in a wicked way.

      Dominica

      Isle of beauty, isle of splendour, Isle to all so sweet and fair,
      All must surely gaze in wonderAt thy gifts so rich and rare.
      Rivers, valleys, hills and mountains,
      All these gifts we do extol.
      Healthy land, so like all fountains,
      Giving cheer that warms the soul. Dominica, God hath blest thee
      With a clime benign and bright,
      Pastures green and flowers of beauty
      Filling all with pure delight, And a people strong and healthy,
      Full of godly reverent fear.
      May we ever seek to praise Thee
      For these gifts so rich and rare.

      Come ye forward, sons and daughters Of this gem beyond compare.
      Strive for honour, sons and daughters, Do the right, be firm, be fair.
      Toil with hearts and hands and voices. We must prosper!
      Sound the call, In which ev'ryone rejoices,"
      All for Each and Each for All."

      St. Lucia

      Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia,love the land that gave us birth.
      Land of beaches, hills and valleys,fairest isle of all the earth!
      Wheresoever you may roam,love oh love, our island home.

      Gone the times when nations battled for this 'Helen of the West'.
      Gone the days when strife and discord dimmed her children's toil and rest.
      Dawns at last a brighter day,stretches out a glad new way.
      May the good Lord bless our island,guard her sons from woe and harm.
      May our people live united,strong in soul and strong in arm.
      Justice, Truth and Charity,our ideal forever be!

      Anguilla

      God bless Anguilla Nurture and keep her
      Noble and beauteous She stands midst the sea
      Oh land of the happy A haven we'll make thee
      Our lives and love We give unto thee

      Chorus:

      With heart and soul We'll build a nation
      Proud, strong and free We'll love her hold her Dear to our hearts for eternity
      Let truth and right our banner be
      We'll march ever on (last three lines x2)

      Mighty we'll make her Long may she prosper
      God grant her leaders wisdom and grace
      May glory and honour Ever attend her
      Firm shall she stand Throughout every age

      Cayman Islands

      O land of soft, fresh breezes,
      Of verdant trees so fair
      With the Creator's glory reflected ev'rywhere.
      O sea of palest em'rald,
      Merging to darkest blue,
      When 'ere my thoughts fly Godward,
      I always think of you.

      Chorus: Dear, verdant island, set
      In blue Caribbean sea,
      I'm coming, coming very soon,
      O beauteous isle, to thee.
      Although I've wandered far,
      My heart enshrines thee yet.
      Homeland! Fair Cayman Isle
      I cannot thee forget

      2. Away from noise of cities,
      Their fret and carking care,
      With moonbeams' soft caresses,
      Unchecked by garish glare,
      Thy fruit and rarest juices,
      Abundant, rich and free,
      When sweet church bells are chiming,
      My fond heart yearns for thee.

      (Chorus)

      3. When tired of all excitement,
      And glam'rous worldly care,
      How sweet thy shores to reach,
      And find a welcome there,
      And when comes on the season,
      Of peace, good will to man,
      'Tis then I love thee best of all,
      Beloved Isle, Cayman!


      • @ Caribbean N A (26/10/2017, 17:09) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
        struz Mr. Hull too long to read
      • @ C A (02/11/2017, 10:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thanks for the words in reference. However, I do agree that the BVI territorial song does sound very boastful and a new one is in order just as we have to rebuild everything else.
    • What? (27/10/2017, 01:47) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      What the what??? The song prays for the leaders of the country, asks for wisdom and understanding, asks for us to be able to live in harmony. The BVI boasts (or boasted) of tourism being one of its main economic pillars...I wonder if they would market the BVI as an unattractive place with poor people during their road shows since it would be too prideful and boastful to market it otherwise. This man have sense?? Or that gone with the wind too. To the Hulls, thank you for your contribution. Your qualities can never be denied, as much as some may try....what example is this for our young people...some people need to be seen and not heard!!!
  • AOC (25/10/2017, 16:51) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    You may be correct sir, and will pause for reflection on your deep thoughts.
  • belonger (25/10/2017, 17:07) Like (25) Dislike (34) Reply
    No, I don't agree with him. Virgin Islanders work hard for what they have achieved over the years, shouldn't we be proud of that? As a territory we have developed to be the envy of the Caribbean, it wasn't given to us on a silver platter. Yes the song is boastful and what's wrong with that? It's what we have achieved and are aspiring to be. Every country has it's own unique way of achieved a high standard of living, shouldn't we be proud of the life we live in the VI? From the Financial Services Sector, Tourism, Education and Culture and our faith in God the Father. You bet I am a proud Virgin islander and love our territorial song and God save our gracious queen, that's the prayers we sing at all national events. God has delivered on his promise she has reign for over 65 years. We remain a humble people, and not to be ashamed of our achievement,we will rise again, we holding on, VI strong.
  • Young BVIslander (25/10/2017, 19:04) Like (27) Dislike (13) Reply
    I agree I've always said this and until the BVI and it's people mindset change there will be worst things to come.
  • Also VI (25/10/2017, 19:08) Like (36) Dislike (17) Reply
    I totally agree with his statement.It should be thrown in the dustbin.
    I always felt that way about that song and refused to sing it.
    God hate prideful people starting with Lucifer.
    Read below for yourselves;

    I will break down your stubborn pride. Leviticus 26:19
    The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Obadiah 1:3
    His pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 26:16
    In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4
    For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. Psalm 59:12
    When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
    Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
    Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
    A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23
    The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8
    The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11
    I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11
    Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians’ pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. Isaiah 13:19
    The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth. Isaiah 23:9
    But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. Daniel 5:20
    “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 1 Corinthians 4:6
    Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:4
    Your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8:14
    Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low. Job 40:11
    Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6
    The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5
    Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19
    Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12
    The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled). Isaiah 2:12
    Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
    Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 (NLT
    • All that scripture (26/10/2017, 09:58) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      ....Yet you don't understand that not all pride is destructive. Understand God in the context he speaks. God has issue when pride turns us selfish, unkind and unloving. The way people are has nothing to do with a song. Our Virgin Islands is beautiful. Our beaches boast our beauty, our success is not second to any body and our people are beautiful and wealthy. You are too short sighted and Cromwell also, as wealth is not only money. It means abundance. And the second verse is a prayer to God. You all need to have an open mind and stop assuming people's intent. Our hillsides are green and they do replenish our hopes and pride. Hurricanes can only destroy material things that men built. It cannot destroy oceans and hillsides. Only God can do that. We will rise again and we are doing great. But when a tragedy like this can make public speakers criticize a territorial song, then the issue is not the song, the issue is us.
    • You forgot this Proverb (26/10/2017, 10:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. God expects us to gain wealth. It is laid up for the righteous. It is not wrong to have wealth and wealth is not only money. I can add many more to support that it is ok to speak positively about success.

      God did not hate Lucifer because he had pride. God made pride and he gave us all some. Look at the texts carefully.
      Dissect them. See when God truly hates pride. God loved Lucifer so much he was the chief musician in heaven. He was a walking instrument. Sounds came from his arms and feet at every movement. But Lucifer couldn't manage his pride. He allowed it to make him become wicked and dark and believing he was better than God himself. That is where God cut Lucifer down. In everything there is a balance and we must have pride but we must manage it so that it does not make us dark, wicked and an outcast to God. Let's keep things in perspective please. God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands and may your hillsides continue to replenish our hopes and pride!
  • islander (25/10/2017, 20:16) Like (26) Dislike (18) Reply
    I am very disappointed with Mr. Smith's comment and some of the bloggers. As Virgin Islanders we have come a long way. The achievements made should not be envied. I played that song every time I watched pictures of the devastation and it lifted my spirit. GOD BLESS OUR BEAUTIFUL VIRGIN ISLANDS.
  • BVIslander (25/10/2017, 20:20) Like (33) Dislike (16) Reply
    All you BVIslander haters! It’s ok for every country to be boastful except Tortola! Two proud children of OUR SOIL were brave and proud enough to stand and sing y’all hating.
    Too long we have stood aside and allowed y’all to oppress us, take our land if you can, our men if you can. Too long we have stood in SILENCE like slaves on the plantation. Because we have stood up and shown our pride in song y’all vex!! No sense. We ARE BEAUTIFUL and I will join them singing with BOASTFULNESS and. PRIDE. to hell with the haters!!!
  • V.G massive (25/10/2017, 21:57) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    And forget our own MORRIS MARK'S beautiful day in paradise,this song is breakfast for CHAMPIONS this is how I starts my day everyday.The issue with Mr.Smith saying the song is boastful makes wonder where the heck is dude from.Bet if it was written by JZ he would have love it,come on man take PRIDE in what we got,can produce locally,& keep dear to our heart BOASTFULLY.
    • quality denied (26/10/2017, 06:48) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      how beautiful are our daughters, how wealthy are our sons - what about ugly sons and wealthy daughters?
      • @ quality denied (26/10/2017, 08:01) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
        Very sexiest indeed
        • @quality denied (26/10/2017, 10:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Perhaps, or may be more traditional and biblilcal...Liberate!
      • Really (26/10/2017, 10:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        There are beautiful and ugly people everywhere and wealthy and poor people everywhere. Why should we not choose to accentuate the positive. And beauty is not physical beauty and wealth is not only about money. Money does not make people wealthy. It is an abundantly good life that makes people wealthy. Think UP and free your mind.
    • tola (26/10/2017, 23:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I love that song
  • Just Woke (26/10/2017, 00:50) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    The song is a good song. I like the melody. However, I think Morris Mark song is a better song...Don't understand why they chose this song over Morris Mark song
  • Real Talk (26/10/2017, 07:23) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    I never liked that song it is vain and has no substance other than musically pleasing to the ears that's all. It was only accepted based on who wrote it and their affiliation with you know who.
    • And that's ok. (26/10/2017, 10:41) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
      Others have come from outside the BVI asking that the song be adopted for the entire Caribbean and not just the BVI but yet all we can think about is that it is vain and has no substance.

      Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands!
      Out of the huts of history’s pain
      Our ancestors bled and died!
      But with strength and will power we overcame
      To restore Virgin Islands pride!
      To preserve our beauty we devised a plan
      To retain ownership of your precious lands!
      Educating our people is the golden key
      To maintain the success of this Territory!

      VAIN AND NO SUBSTANCE? OK!


      We shall protect your bountiful shores
      And uphold your dignity!
      We shall fight to preserve your culture
      Your splendour and integrity!
      And we shall never fail to understand
      How blessed we are to possess this land!
      So we shall unite standing proud and tall
      Let none divide us, lest we fall!

      VAIN AND NO SUBSTANCE? OK!

      Chorus

      Oh how radiant are your daughters!
      And how wealthy are your sons!
      Your beaches boast your beauty!
      And your success is second to none!
      Green and brilliant are your hillsides!
      They replenish our hopes and pride!
      Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands!
      Your qualities can never be denied!

      VAIN AND NO SUBSTANCE? OK!


      May God richly bless this country!
      May we ask three things of thee…
      Courage for our great leaders
      That they may rule our destiny!
      We ask for wisdom for our people
      That we may live in harmony!
      And understanding for children
      So they may cherish this legacy!

      VAIN AND NO SUBSTANCE? OK!

      Wow, something is really wrong with us as a people. There are a lot of things wrong in the BVI and a lot of people do wrong things. Perhaps God was trying to rid our beautiful oceans of all those marine spirits some people unleashed in them from all their witchcraft dealings! Perhaps Cromwell can reflect on that and similar issues and pose solutions as to how to eradicate those things and stop attacking things he know he cannot change. God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands whose qualities indeed could never be denied!
  • Silly (26/10/2017, 07:36) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    I think that the song is WONDERFUL it speaks of our territory it’s specifically speaks on our beaches(which tourist loves) our green hillsides(tourist loves because that is things they don’t really often see) education (I’m sure everybody had some at some point) we can see in clear view that things is getting back how it was an how beautiful the place is we didn’t even had to wait months for the green to come back Electricity already restored in some places at night the town lights up that’s what beautiful if you thinks it’s boastful then it is because everywhere somebody is boastful about their country IM A PROUD VIRGIN ISLANDER
  • My girl (26/10/2017, 08:02) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I saying far from the ndp civil war
  • ...... (26/10/2017, 09:06) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    with God in all our struggles keeping standing BVI
    this no time up hurt ourheads on song when we are all struggling to get back on our feet more important things are there to think about come on. Bind us together with cords that cannot be broken but many continue to break the cords of peace harmony friendship love etc.Father Lord help us to beeach other keeper not only for now but always
  • wize up (26/10/2017, 09:44) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    how long that song be out: and homeboy just got a copy: if some of our numerous critics begin or were able to offfer up solutions this place will be great: when you run into mr smith ask him what was his contribution to the national song because each one of we had the chance to write then submit our version::::once a few tourist start saying how much they love the BVI national song you will see how quick his assessment of the very same song will change!!!!!!....talk that!!!!
  • Rogue (26/10/2017, 09:57) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    If he's saying he thinks its boastful now, that means he thought it was boastful all along. Why not say something about it then? Everybody boasts about their country and what they have to offer so if we don't boast about ours, who will?
  • We need good representation (26/10/2017, 10:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't tell us about no stupid song in this ya time. Tell me why Current taking so damxxn long and why so much of electricity resources have been spent on giving one man underground electricity. Then harrassing us with all kind of stories and excuses about bills and money. Tell us why RYW/,Rite Way treating their workers with so much disrespect and disregard causing so much unnecessary stress.. How many revenue the government losing? Why is our government buying their story and not representeting us. This company makes the most money in the BVI..
    • @We need good representation. (26/10/2017, 13:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Truth that... Too much bull Shea going on in this place... Too much unnecessary suffering and unfairness...
    • wize up (26/10/2017, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ we need good representation: say after me, 2 aero planes and a beach at brandy wine bay: so it just might take you a bit longer to get current and sad thing the beach project dead and the 2 planes we still awaiting some for of update
    • wake up (27/10/2017, 07:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

      Do you realize that our island was hit by a category 5 hurricane??? Current taking long by @$$!! Right there St. Thomas after Marilyn some persons were without power for a year. Have compassion for the men working. They are not machines. Has your sorry @$$ even offered them a drink of water along the way?? People like you irk me!!!

  • Pridevsboastful (26/10/2017, 11:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    There are a few lines and words that are a little much and I would have chosen differently but we should have some pride in the VI and this territorial song is a good place to start. VIlanders have always look to other places with shinny eyes its time we look at ourselves with pride.
  • enough (26/10/2017, 12:43) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    As a BVI Nationals, this passing of Irma have hit us hard and I agree with the first part of what was Mr. Smith said - "Hurricane Irma should create a different mindset in people and they should rebel against wrongs in the homes, churches, society and government. - the people of the Virgin Islands should no longer stand for injustice, inequality, greed, and "need to eliminate our pride"

    I stand proud as I have always stand proud to be a BVI National and even more today I stand behind the Territorial Song.

  • Godfather 3 I'm Joey ZaZa (26/10/2017, 12:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The last part...only good come out of this hurricane.
  • island man (26/10/2017, 21:03) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    I think it's quite ok to boast of your territory and people. However the song is a bit to long.
    • 2 island man (27/10/2017, 09:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most anthems have many verses but only one or two are usually sung. They can form a protocol for the song and decide which ones will be sung at events. Sometimes I do feel, we are standing too long but the song speaks of our past, present and future and is quite appropriate for the BVI
  • Myo (26/10/2017, 21:59) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    This song around for donkey years and only now Cromwell listening to the words? OMG! What was he singing all along? We have a right to boast..should we let others boast for us? I loveeee our national song..i think its the best in the caribbean. It truly ecplains us as a people in a country we love. Ok Cromwell Mr. Smarty and oh soo correct, give me something better. You never seize to amaze me. By the way, are you really one of us? BVI strong?
  • Coconutbroom (02/11/2017, 18:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawd ah mercy. Just because Cromwell's prefab house get mash up he wex with BVIslanders.

    For donkey years we singing God save our Gracious Queen... them ain't had no problem with that, when the Monarchy was involved in trading of slaves; Cromwell, you losing it.

    To sing about our past and our present and future, you have a problem with the words, Bwoi, go sidddung yourself.

    You remember when our men used picks and shovels to build roads
    You remember when families had trash and board houses?
    You remember when comprehensive high school started in 1968?
    You realize how far we have come since those dark days?

    Well, I'm a proud Virgin Islander and if I see you coming close me, I
    going sing Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands and deafening your ears.

    You ought to be shame of yourself, coming on here after Irma talking you piss!!


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