VI’s music explored at 38th BVI/USVI Friendship Day [Photoslide Included]
Dignitaries dancing at the event, including Governor Boyd McCleary (centre), and Leader of the Opposition Dr. D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “It was obvious that everyone had a bellyful of fun,” declared Premier Ralph T O’Neal to officially wrap up the cultural programme of the 38th annual BVI/USVI Friendship Day celebration, which was held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College auditorium earlier today, Saturday June 4, 2011.
Held under the theme, “Celebrating the music of the Virgin Islands” – the music from the past to the present were showcased and highlighted.
Governor Boyd McCleary amused the crowd of his shocked reaction when he was told of fungi.
He admitted when he was told of the fungi dish he was a bit confused because he knew in Europe it is considered a fungus.
However, he proudly stated he enjoyed the fungi dish, as well as, under the tutelage of Elmore Stoutt he learned about fungi music. According to him, what fascinated him with the story telling style of music is the names of the bands.
The Trinity group took the audience of a gospel trip down memory lane.
To the surprise of the large crowd, he belted out the chorus of “Over the side” – a song that spoke of a woman who had some alcohol hidden in her pantaloons and the captain threw it into the sea before the US Coast Guard can seize anything.
His rendition had the crowd in the auditorium roaring with laughter.
Next on to deliver his speech was Governor John P. deJongh Jr., who made it clear he would not follow in the footsteps of Governor Mc.Cleary.
He said the large number of USVI residents that made the trip is an indication of how the friendship between the two Territories is concrete. VINO understands approximately 150 persons from St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix made the trip.
He noted that for the past four decades, the Virgin Islands and the USVI are socially intertwined which only makes the cultural aspect even stronger.
“Through music people are able to comment on what the politicians are doing wrong and the little they do right,” he added, to the amusement of the crowd.
Interestingly, there were two commentators to guide the audience through the passage of the music that has evolved to what it is today.
Neil Blyden and Craig Lake aka DJ Push Pop did not disappoint. In their own unique way, they were able to keep the audience on their toes.
As the Premier described it – the crowd had a bellyful of fun. A few minutes into the Lashing Dogs’ performance, Governor McCleary’s wife got the ball rolling by grabbing her husband to his feet and began to dance.
Soon after, Governor DeJongh and his wife, leader of the Opposition Dr. Orlando Smith and other VI and USVI delegates swayed to the fungi music.
Other performances included Quito Rymer, Trinity, Elmore Stoutt & Zion Sounds, Rosee Smith and the Razor Blades.Visuals and audios of some of the VI and USVI music were also showcased, including Bineda Boys, Foxy, Milo and Kings, Tarco and the Playboys, Prime Time, Jam Band, Rock City, Monea, Squad Up and Iyaz.
Chairing the proceeding was Dr. Allison Flax-Archer.
Dr. Drexel Glasgow & Co. played the Territories national anthems and Rev. Cannon Julian M. Clarke delivered the invocation.
Among the VI’s Government officials present at the cultural presentation included Minister for Health and Social Development Dancia Penn; Minister for Education and Culture Andrew Fahie and 7th District Representative Dr. Kedrick Pickering.
Here is a slide show captured through the lenses of Aneka Edwards.
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la8 Responses to “VI’s music explored at 38th BVI/USVI Friendship Day [Photoslide Included]”
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What happen to our Premier he does not dance or he is not able?
Hush your retard…he will be dancing the victory party after the elections.
for real
goodness gracious why does everything got to be about politics??? lord man!
this waz a nice event..very fun filled day…the usvi governor’s wife is hot
so is the bvi governor’s wife…
vino where are the photos from the lunch?
good photo slide