The art of fish pot making will be demonstrated on Saturday, November 19th at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the Department of Culture holds their annual Culture Week Celebrations.

According to a GIS press release, a full week of community and school based activities are planned to stimulate and encourage the transmission of Virgin Islands culture and focus on events and circumstances in history which made the Territory what it is today.

New to this year’s celebration is a Local Author Book Fair which will highlight the contribution of local authors in documenting and transmitting Virgin Islands Culture. Additionally, a ‘Basics of Fish Pot Making Workshop’ will be hosted in conjunction with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Persons are encouraged to register early to learn this trade.

Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations Deputy Director of Culture Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said “being aware of one’s culture is important because it enables persons to understand themselves and the world around them. It is what makes that person unique and gives them a sense of belonging or identity.”

She highlighted that knowing one’s culture is not automatic. “Culture must be passed on. This cannot be underscored enough. It is important to pass these traditions to the younger generation because they become tools with which they can relate to the rest of the world.”

The Deputy Director encourages the public to experience Virgin Islands Culture during the Culture Week Celebrations. Major events to happen during the week include a Cultural Extravaganza on Virgin Gorda, a Community ‘Wear a Cultural Costume Day’, a Food Fair with cultural demonstrations and the Fifth Annual Virgin Islands Fungi Fest.

The Deputy Director of Culture will also make guest appearances on ZBVI’s Speak Out BVI with Host Douglas Wheatley on Tuesday, November 1, Teen Talk with Host Tamara Archibald-Gill on Saturday, November 5 and on Marlene’s Kitchen on Tuesday, November 10.

Culture Week is held annually in November to highlight Virgin Islands culture. It was first celebrated in October, 1994 and its main objectives are to promote and preserve the Territory’s cultural heritage and bring attention to the areas in culture which requires special attention.