UPDATE: Territorial Song officially replaces ‘God Save the Queen’ @ sport events
Historic Day – Dr Wheatley
Speaking at the continuation of the Fourteenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House today, September 17, 2020, at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Dr Wheatley thanked all for their contribution, including the stellar performance of VI’s athletes in paving the way for what he called a “historic day.”
Adding to the debates ahead of the passage of the Motion, Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) called the Motion well needed, while pledging his full support. “It is something that all of us in this Honourable House, and all of us in this Territory should be absolutely proud of,” he said.
Hon Penn also noted that the official Territorial Song 'Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands' instils a sense of national pride in Virgin Islanders and will go a long way in supporting VI’s athletes.
Song will add an immense sense of pride – Hon Penn
“Along with the support of this song being played, when they are on the podium, it's going to being an immense sense of pride to all of us as a Territory,” he said, while commending Virgin Islanders, Ayana S. Hull and her brother Kareem Nelson Hull for composing the song.
Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Member, Hon Neville A. Smith (AL), Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), along with Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) also pledged their full support of the resolution today.
The Motion was passed shortly after noon at 12:13 pm, receiving the full support of the House of Assembly.
Dr Wheatley said the move comes at the intersection of national pride and a legacy of sports in the VI, noting that he is looking forward to hearing the song played for the first time when a VI athlete scores a medal.
See previous article published September 23, 2020
HoA debates Motion for Territorial Song to play @ regional & int sporting events
In a Motion moved by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) last evening, September 22, 2020, the House of Assembly (HoA) debated that the official Territorial Song of the Virgin Islands should formally replace ‘God Save the Queen’ at international sporting events.
Song written by Virgin Islanders
The Official Territorial Song 'Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands' will play when VI athletes win medals.
According to Dr Wheatley, the process to have the song replace the anthem was one that took several steps.
“At the International Olympic Committee, permission has to be sought from them for it to happen and the international Olympic committee said that is not a problem at all,” Hon Wheatley said.
Ahead of that, he said the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) originally made the request but for the process to complete, it had to first go to Cabinet and now the House of Assembly (HoA).
VI/UK relations creates longing for local pride – Hon Wheatley
According to Dr Wheatley, the Motion now is especially important at a time when the VI relationship with the UK is one that creates a longing for individuality and pride for the Virgin Islands.
Seconding the Motion was Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), who offered his full support for the Territorial Song to play at various international sports events when VI athletes score medals.
Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) said tears will flow when a VI athlete wins a medal, while Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) also threw her full support beind the initiative, mentioning that the songwriters are from her district.
Legislators pledge support
Other legislators, including Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), contributed positively to the debate.
The debate on the Motion will continue on Thursday, September 24, 2020, with Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) yet to take the floor.
‘Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands’
“Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands” originally was composed in 2012 by Virgin Islanders, Ayana S. Hull and her brother, Kareem Nelson Hull.
The song, which was originally arranged by Mr Howard John, was officially adopted as the Territorial Song by resolution of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on July 24, 2012.
As a British Overseas Territory "God Save the Queen" is the VI’s official national anthem.
The rousing, 80-second, orchestral version of the Territorial Song was arranged by Mr Alton A. Bertie, an Elmore Stoutt High School alumnus who graduated in the field of Film Scoring and Song Writing from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
Click on the link to hear the score https://bit.ly/VITerritorialSong
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53 Responses to “UPDATE: Territorial Song officially replaces ‘God Save the Queen’ @ sport events ”
It's a sh*t song but OK - the BVI should use it's own anthem.
@ Cr@p..etc al....Not. U full of sh**.
As a national Athlete I'd like to petition a large but humble no to this act. The song is very long, slightly boring and doesn't exactly motivate or drive us to want to compete. I mean, neither does "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN"but lets just stick to evil we know until better comes.
Peace and blessings.
Who is the Government misleading now? The story is not about a popularity contest or a vocalist. It was a about the BVI's territorial song becoming the replacement to the national anthem at sporting events. Deanna was the chosen vocalist. She recorded to melody that was provided to her. She used her talent and she is the recorded voice on the official CD and has been given credit for her vocals there. Do you want her name to be mentioned as the vocalist who made it popular in your mind, each time? These comments are really petty and the authors of the song could really care less. I like Deanna but these comments are silly man. These are all people who really hate to be in this kind of mix up.
Anyways... Open the borders so we can go and represent and play our new song at sporting events lol.
#GodlyAwfulSong.
God save the Queen