'Cultural preservation does not happen by chance'- Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith
Honourable Hodge-Smith, while speaking during the opening of an Introduction to Fungi Music workshop in the BVI Fiannce Conference Room in Cutlass Tower on June 17, 2026, pointed out that, “Our culture is the heartbeat of our identity. It tells the story of who we are, where we come from, and the values we share as a people.”
The Jr Minister said music, in particular, has always played a powerful role in preserving our heritage and bringing communities together. She said fungi music is one of The Virgin Islands' most treasured cultural expressions. “Through its distinctive rhythms, storytelling, and traditional instruments, fungi music reflects the creativity, resilience, and spirit of our people. It is a living tradition that connects generations and keeps our history alive,” she added.
Ensuring traditions thrive & evolve
According to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS), Honourable Hodge-Smith extended a special welcome to the young people participating in the workshop and emphasised that, “Cultural preservation does not happen by chance, it happens when we intentionally create opportunities for learning, participation, and appreciation. Workshops such as this one ensures that our traditions continue to thrive and evolve.”
The one-day fungi music workshop was hosted by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Virgin Islands Studies Institute.
Director of the Institute, Ms Rochelle Smith, said she anticipated the interactive aspects of the workshop, as participants explored the roots and evolution of fungi music and the different types of bands. She said: “Culture isn’t just something that you study, it is something that we live everyday and something that we pass on.”
The workshop was being facilitated by Mrs Bernadine A. Walters Louis of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute and educator and musician Mr Kayron Todman.
Twenty-four cultural practitioners and other community members participated in the workshop, which covered topics such as: The Origin of Fungi Music and its History in The Virgin Islands; Overview of Band Types: Fungi Bands, Quelbe Bands, String Bands and Comparative Distinctions; Fundamentals of Fungi Music; and Instruments Traditionally Used in Fungi Bands.
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20 Responses to “'Cultural preservation does not happen by chance'- Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith”
The Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy 2023–2028 emphasises the importance of safeguarding Virgin Islands cultural identity, strengthening national consciousness, and ensuring that the heritage, traditions, symbols, and traditions of the Virgin Islands are preserved and passed on to future generations. If cultural preservation is truly a priority, why was there no public response when activities appeared to conflict with those very objectives?
Is the Cultural Policy applied consistently, or is it only considered important in certain circumstances? Virgin Islanders deserve clarity on what aspects of our cultural heritage are being protected and what standards are being used to make those decisions.
More importantly, the time has come for an immediate public forum on the state of Virgin Islands culture, identity, and heritage. The Government, cultural stakeholders, and the wider public should engage in an open national discussion on the effectiveness of existing cultural policies, the challenges facing Virgin Islands culture, and the measures required to preserve and protect it for future generations. If cultural preservation does not happen by chance, then neither should the conversation about its future.
With the Filipino event, I’d imagine they were super organised, positive, community spirit, lots of volunteers, secured donations and not a drop of alcohol or any drugs in sight.
Food for thought.
It is indeed the reality that Mark Vanterpool will beat the Hon Luce Hodge Smith next year. But it saddens me to see that the same Vanterpool can treat voters off and on like a light switch. As somebody said before, if you do what you do, you get what you get.
I notice more and more people leaving the island when these events taking place. Airport and ferry parking lot full!