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VICA’s ‘Traditional Virgin Islands Christmas’ event a success

-function captured the spirit of VI Christmas while honouring traditions
Scores of persons turned out to the Virgin Islands Communal Association’s (VICA) ‘Traditional Virgin Islands Christmas’ event held on the grounds of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Photo: Provided
The function, which captured the spirit of yesteryear and encompassed the traditional Christmas culture of Virgin Islanders, featured various foods and gift items, plus games of yesteryear such as jacks, spinning tops, marbles, pick-up stones and ‘bat-n-ball’. Photo: Provided
The function, which captured the spirit of yesteryear and encompassed the traditional Christmas culture of Virgin Islanders, featured various foods and gift items, plus games of yesteryear such as jacks, spinning tops, marbles, pick-up stones and ‘bat-n-ball’. Photo: Provided
Present at the event was Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who presented VICA’S President and function coordinator, Ms Melissa M. Potter with a cheque for the organisation valued $2,000 on behalf of the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), to help in preserving Virgin Islands culture. Photo: Provided
Present at the event was Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who presented VICA’S President and function coordinator, Ms Melissa M. Potter with a cheque for the organisation valued $2,000 on behalf of the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), to help in preserving Virgin Islands culture. Photo: Provided
Local telecommunications company CCT also presented the organization with a $500.00 donation towards the cause. Photo: Provided
Local telecommunications company CCT also presented the organization with a $500.00 donation towards the cause. Photo: Provided
Ms Potter stated that it was a great joy witnessing the interaction and cultural immersion between older adults teaching the youths how to play the various games such as jacks, marbles and skipping. Photo: Provided
Ms Potter stated that it was a great joy witnessing the interaction and cultural immersion between older adults teaching the youths how to play the various games such as jacks, marbles and skipping. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Scores of persons turned out to the Virgin Islands Communal Association’s (VICA) ‘Traditional Virgin Islands Christmas’ event held on the grounds of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

The function, which captured the spirit of yesteryear and encompassed the traditional Christmas culture of Virgin Islanders, featured various foods and gift items, plus games of yesteryear such as jacks, spinning tops, marbles, pick-up stones and ‘bat-n-ball’.

Featured also, was skipping with a traditional 'whist', hand-picked from the ghuts of Tortola.  

VI Christmas tradition honoured

VICA’S President and function coordinator, Ms Melissa M. Potter speaking on the initiative said that highlight of the evening was a depiction of traditional Christmas carolling in the BVI.  

“There were five groups of carolers, who all visited a village home, Ms Fena’s House, played by actress, playwright and cultural Icon, Janice Stoutt, along with actress Sandra Herbert and budding young actresses, Precious & Roselphena. The stage depicted a traditional Virgin Islands house, decorated with flycatchers, goatskin, coal goose, ironing board and other items of yore.”

The tablescape featured foods and drinks that are often prepared for the carolers such as bag ham, tarts, nuts, sweets, guavaberry liqueur, and other soft drinks.

Vendors also sold traditional foods such as goat head soup, fish soup, peas soup, stew mutton, corned pork and peas-n-rice at the event. 

Donations totalling $2500 presented to VICA

Present at the event was Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who presented VICA with a cheque valued $2,000 on behalf of the Premier, Andrew A. Fahie (R1) to help in preserving Virgin Islands culture and to encourage continued progress.  

Local telecommunications company CCT also presented the organization with a $500.00 donation towards the cause.

Commenting on the success of the event, Ms Potter expressed gratitude for the support and to the performers and said she was already inspired with the thought of a 'Gratitude Fest' for 2021, which will also feature the traditional games of yesteryear being used as a tool to bridge the gap between the young and old.

Further, Ms Potter stated that it was a great joy witnessing the interaction and cultural immersion between older adults teaching the youths how to play the various games such as jacks, marbles and skipping.  

According to Ms Potter, with more interaction and support for adults to continue teaching the youths about culture, VI traditions will continue with the younger generation, in keeping with VICA’s mandate of promoting local culture.

 

5 Responses to “VICA’s ‘Traditional Virgin Islands Christmas’ event a success”

  • Nice (22/12/2020, 18:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let remember to social distance always please, but good initiative all in all!
  • pop (22/12/2020, 18:49) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I just believe all event should suspend....its to much going on now.
  • ... (22/12/2020, 19:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is great stuff
  • Norris Turnbull (23/12/2020, 06:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    CCT could have donated more with their r** *** ***

  • wear your mask (23/12/2020, 14:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    If anyone gets Covid it will be spreading like wildfire here. People are not wearing masks, not social distancing, and refusing to sanitize their hands when they enter businesses. Scary.


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