VI’s culture & heritage placed on shelf – Culture Minister [Photoslide Included]
Speaking to attendees who packed the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, Hon. Myron Walwyn proudly stated that the national dress and song are steps in the right direction in keeping the Virgin Islands’ pride alive.
“The rich culture and heritage and what it means to be a Virgin Islander has somewhat has been lost to this generation. Today is our opportunity to bring it back, and to make it a part of our daily lives. It will help them to navigate the many challenges and tribulations that they will face as they mature in this world,” the Education and Culture Minister stated.
He also acknowledged that there are a few generation of Virgin Islanders who are unable to connect with the purpose and birth right to be productive and contributing members of society.
“Our students seem to know more of what is going on with Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Busy Signal instead of knowing more about Elmore Stoutt, H R Penn, JR O’Neal and the many men and women that helped to build this country,” he remarked, which received a loud applause. “For me there is much pride to identify with our struggles as Africans people and as VIslanders who were left with no means after slavery ended, but somehow they found their path and made a way for us to be here today.”
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. D. Orlando Smith stated that having a Territorial song and dress is one way of ensuring the VI’s cultural identity is maintained.
“Today, we are one step closer to putting in place the requisite emblems that will define, shape and provide texture to who we are as a people, in the context of a symbolic song and dress. Threaded through our Territorial Dress like strands of fine silk, woven into the Territorial Song like the sweetest of notes, are our dreams and hopes and our recognition of our great, though sometimes painful history,” he said.
He added, “We will remember and honour men and women like Sally Keys, Prosper, Daniel Bruce, Samuel Hodge, Cambric Dracot, Frederick Pickering, Ellis Rabsatt, Gladys Simon, Carlos Downing, Edwe Flax, Mario Connor, Angelina Varlack, Esmie Dawson, Rosanna Helena Smith, Alpheous Osorio Norman and so many others whose talents, skills, labour and, most of all, whose love for these islands, built this Territory.”
The finalists revealed!
From 24 songs and nine designs it all boiled down to three and two respectively.
Live renditions of “Virgin Islands: Land I Love,” “Wonder of Creation: The Beautiful Virgin Islands” and “Oh British Virgin Islands” were performed with the latter appearing to create the most buzz.
As for the dress, which outfitted a male and female model, red, green, white, blue and yellow had to be incorporated into the designs. Kristin Frazer and Florence Phillips showed their artistic flair, but in the end only one will be the winner!
According to Hon. Walwyn, the designs and songs will be taken to Cabinet and the House of Assembly and once selected the Territorial song will be sung at all official events.
“At the start of the school semester students in public and private will be taught the Territorial song which will be sung at the morning assembly. Variation of the Territorial dress will be used to outfit the national teams’ starting with this year’s Olympic that will be heading to London in a few weeks. The dress will also be used in ambassadorial, cultural and promotional activities.”
The history and significance of the VI’s cultural dress was presented by Chairman of the Territorial Song and Dress Ad-hoc Committee Eileene L. Parsons, while Chairman of the Board of Governors, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Dr. Charles Wheatley gave an overview of VI’s music.
Adding some cultural flavour to the event included the likes of Lashing Dogs, the BVI Heritage Dancers, the Junior Heritage Dancers, Foxy, Shereen Flax-Charles and Quito.
Several elected members were in attendance including Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool, At Large Representative Hon. Archibald Christian, 5th District Representative Hon Dolores Christopher, 6th District Representative Hon. Alvera Maduro Caines and 8th District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn.
Chairpersons for the event were Aubrey Levons and Rosalia Gardener.
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