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‘Territory Day is not just a day to have fun’- Janice Brathwaite-Edwards

- said Territory Day is a day where the community becomes aware of who they are as a people
Territory Day celebrations will take place on Friday June 30, 2017 at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park starting at 9:00 AM. Photo: VINO/File
City Manager Janice Brathwaite-Edwards has stated that Territory Day is not just a day to have fun, but also a day in which the community can become aware of how and why the VI became a territory. Photo: VINO/File
City Manager Janice Brathwaite-Edwards has stated that Territory Day is not just a day to have fun, but also a day in which the community can become aware of how and why the VI became a territory. Photo: VINO/File
Vincent O. Wheatley, Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Territory Day is a day for the people of the Virgin Islands to reflect, 'where we came from, where we are and where we need to go as a people'. Photo: File
Vincent O. Wheatley, Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Territory Day is a day for the people of the Virgin Islands to reflect, 'where we came from, where we are and where we need to go as a people'. Photo: File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “Territory Day is a day for us to really reflect, where we came from, where we are and where we need to go as a people. That’s what Territory Day is really all about. Introspection, reflection and deciding what next.”

This is according to Vincent O. Wheatley, Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, who was at the time a guest on the ZBVI 780 AM radio programme, Umoja, with host Cromwell Smith on June 15, 2017 to discuss why the Virgin Islands (VI) celebrates Territory Day.

According to Mr Wheatley, former Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE viewed Territory Day as one of the most sacred days in VI history. “A committee was formed to really bring forward the feelings and the thoughts of why we celebrate Territory Day. Why Territory Day even exist and what is really means to us as a people. In terms of determining our future and where we came from.”

Not just a day to have fun

Meanwhile, Janice Brathwaite-Edwards, City Manager, who was also a guest on the radio programme, stated that Territory Day is not just a day to have fun. It’s a day in which the community can become aware of how and why the VI became a territory.

“We are actually trying to see how we can stir the consciousness of Virgin Islanders. Giving an opportunity to understand how we can subdue to challenges and change as this economic situation hurls over us. What happens in the United States and what happens in Europe affects us even if it’s subtly. We need to be in a position to understand how we can be resilient under those kinds of circumstances. So that’s kind of where we are heading this year.”

This drew a response from the host, who commented that there are some external pressure on the Virgin Islands and they (people) need to have a stronger sense of nationalism and patriotism.

Mr Wheatley observed that the external factors that are affecting the VI are nothing new. However, the people of the territory have always been able to respond and bounce back.

Not in control

Mr Smith suggested that the VI is in a different situation now, than it was back then. He recalls, during his era, the VI was in control of its destiny. “We provided food, clothing and shelter for ourselves. We owned our economy. We were not in debt up to our eye balls and we did not depend on external sources to provide food, clothing and shelter for us.”

Sister Islands Coordinator, Mr Wheatley pointed out that many persons in the VI are not aware of how the territory got to where it is presently.

Mr Wheatley, explained that the VI is an overseas territory and at one point the territory was a part of the Leeward Island Federation.

“In 1956, the Leeward Island Federation was dissolved and at that time, the BVI became a colony. What that meant was, before 1956, we didn’t decide much by ourselves what happened to us. There was a governor who resided in Antigua and any decision that needed to be made concerning the BVI future, had to go through Antigua and also London and then came back to us.”

This year’s Theme

Mr Wheatley announced that the theme for this year is “a territorial awakening; resilience in the time of challenges and changes.”

“We want to use the opportunity to stir the consciousness of the people of the Virgin Islands. As we reflect on our political development as a territory, a sense of current status and chart our course for the future,” he remarked.

Territory Day celebrations will take place on Friday June 30, 2017 at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park starting at 9:00 AM.

5 Responses to “‘Territory Day is not just a day to have fun’- Janice Brathwaite-Edwards”

  • Political Observer (PO) (16/06/2017, 09:15) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    True, the VI is an Overseas Territory (OT) of the UK. With the breakup of the Leeward Island Federation in 1956, the VI was tagged as a colony and later it may have been as an overseas dependency. Nonetheless, OT is no better sounding or diffferent than colony or dependency. It sounds like a relic of the past. What has changed? Nothing. Imperialists, colonialists and neocolonialists still have tremendous control and influence of the VI political and economical status.
  • thank you (16/06/2017, 09:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    “Territory Day is a day for us to really reflect, where we came from, where we are and where we need to go as a people. That’s what Territory Day is really all about. Introspection, reflection and deciding what next.”

    This just brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Vincent and Janice.
  • just asking... (16/06/2017, 10:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about a heros day?
  • Donald E. de Castro (16/06/2017, 16:12) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    This I can understand, however, the persons responsible are not serious as they seldom celebrate it on the actual date as they are more interested in having a long weekend than celebrating on the First day of July as it should. Until we develop more Pride and Respect, those in power will celebrate it on a day convenient to them. Why are we Celebrating July 1 on the 3oth of June?
    • Reply (16/06/2017, 19:04) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      No time for partisan machinations and political business as usual.


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