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Unique VI/USVI culture & connection must be celebrated- Gov Mapp

- VI/USVI Friendship Day held on St Thomas on September 17, 2016
US Virgin Islands Governor, Kenneth E. Mapp (left) welcomed Virgin Islands Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith and his wife Mrs Lorna G. Smith to the VI/USVI Friendship Celebrations on September 17, 2016 on St Thomas, USVI. Photo: VIC
VI CONSORTIUM

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI — US Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Kenneth E. Mapp welcomed Virgin Islands Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith and the VI delegation to St Thomas, USVI for a full day of cultural exchange on Saturday September 17, 2016.

The celebration, themed “Ties Across the Water That Bind Us”, marked the 43rd anniversary of the relationship, which has seen both territories, though having different owners, enjoying a relationship that has been beneficial to their respective economies.

Saturday’s activities began with a local breakfast at the historic Catherineberg estate. USVI dignitaries including former Governor Charles W. Turnbull and members of the Senate joined the VI delegation to kick off the celebration. Policy Advisor of External Affairs, Shelley Moorhead, introduced members of the delegation and announced the day’s activities.

Breakfast was followed by an educational programme on the history and culture of the [US] Virgin Islands hosted at the Reichhold Center of the Arts. Vendors were on hand to provide samples of foods, snacks and crafts native to Virgin Islands culture.

Beautiful renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Virgin Islands March were sung by the CAHS Hawks Concert Choir. VI singers Kenrico Christoper and Kaywanna Pope offered solos of God Save the Queen and Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands respectively. AY-AY Cultural Dance company traveled from St Croix to entertain the crowd with classic quadrille dancing. One of the programme highlights was the presentation of the Tale of Four Wharves written by Glen Davis, Carmen Dennis and Denise Humphery. This was highlighted by the Cultural Extravaganza performed by the Caribbean Ritual Dancers.

In his remarks, Governor Mapp thanked all for coming to the friendship celebration of the “greater Virgin Islands”, a term he says was coined by former Governor Turnbull.

“Our islands share a unique culture and a deep connection that families have shared between these islands for generations and it must be celebrated,” Mr Mapp added.

The territory’s leader also indicated that efforts to ease travel between the Virgin Islands was a top priority following the IVIC meetings earlier this month. And for the first time since the celebration was started, the friendship day celebration will be held in St Croix  come 2018, according to the governor.

12 Responses to “Unique VI/USVI culture & connection must be celebrated- Gov Mapp”

  • Not2Sure (19/09/2016, 12:15) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Blah blah blah blah blah blah
    • Yeswesure (19/09/2016, 17:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not2Sure, it was more than blah, blah, blah. Who do not understand what the two Virgin Islands mean to each other, shut up your rotten teeth and go put some grass on them. Leave the ties between us alone.
  • what transpired? (19/09/2016, 12:16) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Eating, drinking and chatting shite.
  • cc (19/09/2016, 12:18) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    This event was so much of a non-issue and irrelevant that no one on the BVI side reported one word about it…thank you VINO
  • Observer (19/09/2016, 12:21) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Look at the body language the governor is looking away when greeting Dr. Smith
    • Hmm (19/09/2016, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Stupid... that doesn't look like the first greeting, more so that they're in a conversation. Your name don't suit you.
    • Wendy (19/09/2016, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Observer,did you misplace your specs? Premier chatting the Gov while gesturing with his right hand. Gov is taking it all in and Mrs Smith is amused...a light moment with the Gov,that's all.
  • Friendship (19/09/2016, 13:19) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is there a reason why the general public don't hear much about VI friendship day until the day before? Is the event just for a classified few? People travel to USVI on government / taxpayer paid and its only the chosen few elites. Yes, I know societies such Rotary and large organization arrange their own events for this day. What gets up irk is when the civil servants and cronnies of government come on FB showing off on we. The event even when held in BVI should not be for a chosen few
  • OfCourse (19/09/2016, 17:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes, it should be for those who love the BVI with all their heart, not those who behind our backs bad-talking us. It should be for those who appreciate the ties that bind the Virgin Islands; it should be for those whose forefathers sailed the waters to help build up the BVI; it is for those who want peace between neighbours. Who wasn't there and don't know what went on, ask if you want to know. Listen to what the Acting Governor Mrs. Adams said then you will understand what held us together. Let the Greater Virgin Islands live in peace and harmony. We need each other. Put that in your "kotta" and wrap it.
    • @OfCourse (20/09/2016, 09:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You could only sit to your phone and type what you want because you happen to be one of the cronnies probably with close family sitting in the same DG office so you can wipe your arse on the so-called lower class cause you can get to shake somebody hand and feel important.
  • Just saying (20/09/2016, 00:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can someone tell me the cost of these events?


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