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VI continues to be ‘bombarded by forces from all directions’ – Premier Wheatley
“Some of these interactions and influences can be positive, and some can be detrimental to the survival of our identity and everything that goes with it. And even where the influences are positive, we must be careful that the traits that make us unique and special do not fade away,” he said.
The Premier’s warning came as part of a speech for the day, and he added that one of the most valuable things in the VI's arsenal is the Virgin Islands' identity.
“In fact, identity is important to all people. Often persons who say your identity is not important, jealously guard theirs. Because your identity secures your space in the world, and those who are wise and aware understand this,” he said.
He added that Virgin Islanders have earned their place in this world, and are appreciated as a unique people where the VI identity has been shaped by centuries of violence upon our fore parents.
VI shaped by History
“It was shaped by having hope and determination in the face of hopelessness and despair; by resourcefulness, innovation and ingenuity. It has also been shaped by the journey of our political development; from being a part of the Leeward Islands colony to being a stand-alone colony to a Territory with our own political institutions and where decisions on our governance are made by elected representatives with the exception of a few areas reserved for the Governor. We must include here too our social and economic development.”
The Premier reminded that the people of the VI have made a lot of progress in their journey to nationhood, and therefore they must take time to reflect on where they have come from and where they wish to go.
“Recognising and appreciating our uniqueness, and being conscious of our identity, are essential for us to define our destination and to ensure that we stay on course.”
He added that as the VI continues along its journey, and gets to its destination, many things will change, “but we must still be recognisable as Virgin Islands people, and our story and our special identity must live on.”
Hon Wheatley was away from the Territory; however, his speech was delivered by Junior Minister For Culture And Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) at the Virgin Islands Day Cultural Celebration at Long Bay, Beef Island on July 3, 2023.
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26 Responses to “VI continues to be ‘bombarded by forces from all directions’ – Premier Wheatley”
THE
ROOOAAAADDDDSSSSS!!!!!!
The latest move to fix the roads is putting sand in the pot holes. Stupid.
It has gotten to the point that persons from the USVI try to correct us whenever we use our name because they never learned that they are the ones abusing the use of our name as if it's theirs. People are blatantly saying we are confusing them when we post about VI Festival for example, instead of BVI Festival.
We need to continue marketing like this even if we have to teach our USVI neighbours, who are now often confused, especially the younger generation.
Also, customs and other authorities need to stop correcting persons who do not use British on the forms. The passports clearly say The Virgin Islands, but many are so programmed to use British in everything that its seen as incorrect. Yes we are a British territory but our name is simply The Virgin Islands.
BVI is de facto a brand name. Use that if you want to change the Territory’s name to something else, unless there are negative connotations associated with that name. Changing it to “The Virgin Islands” would allow USVI to take advantage, as, for example, in creating a marketing campaign to come the The Virgin Islands, the moniker most Americans use when referring to STT/STJ/STX. Americans who come here refer to the Territory as the BVIs.
I’d also point out that there are greater priorities than coming up with new names for the Territory: education, health care, infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, waste disposal), and dealing with narco trafficking come to mind,
He’s been too busy using the Trump method when really he should just do his job.