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VI Day celebration was ‘disappointingly lacklustre’- Skelton-Cline

- Said greater emphasis needed on celebrating national holidays
Commentator and clergyman Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has called on the private and public sectors of the Virgin Islands to embrace the significance of national holidays with renewed vigour and dedication. Photo: Facebook
Territory Day, a public holiday in the Virgin Islands, was renamed Virgin Islands Day in December 2020. Photo: holidayscalendar.com
Territory Day, a public holiday in the Virgin Islands, was renamed Virgin Islands Day in December 2020. Photo: holidayscalendar.com
Greetings from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) on Virgin Islands Day 2025. Photo: Facebook
Greetings from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) on Virgin Islands Day 2025. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - The private and public sectors of the Virgin Islands are being called upon to embrace the significance of national holidays with renewed vigour and dedication.

This call to action comes from Claude O. Skelton-Cline, talk show host, social commentator and pastor, who expressed his views on the importance of these celebrations during his radio show, "Honestly Speaking," aired on ZBVI and Facebook on July 8, 2025.

‘Disappointingly lacklustre

As the Virgin Islands marked Virgin Islands Day on Monday, July 7, 2025, Skelton-Cline noted, “While we are making commendable strides in revitalising our annual calendar with events that truly reflect our identity as a people and a nation, I feel compelled to offer a social critique. It is my belief that our celebrations will evolve and improve over time, but the way we commemorated this significant day—aside from the vibrant VI Icon Awards that took place on Sunday evening—was disappointingly lacklustre.

“It struck me that as a community, we are underestimating our responsibility in nation-building and in honouring our forebearers, as well as the unique narrative that binds us together and the rich cultural heritage we cherish.”

Historical significance

Virgin Islands Day, an annual observance celebrated on the first Monday of July in the British Virgin Islands, has a historical significance dating back to 1956. This was the year when the federation dissolved, and the Colony of the Virgin Islands was officially established. Over the decades, the holiday has transformed from "Colony Day" in its early years to "Territory Day" in 1978, and finally to "Virgin Islands Day" in December 2020.

Mr Skelton-Cline pointed out, “One of the major shortcomings we face is how we celebrate our national holidays. For instance, a surprising number of people were unaware that it was Virgin Islands Day. My primary message is that there must be a deliberate and unified effort to enhance our observances.”

He added,  “This is essential for constructing a solid national identity and fostering pride among our people. It is crucial for both the private and public sectors to share in this responsibility.”

‘Inappropriate date’

He further reflected on an insightful suggestion he received, stating that “Some people have proposed that perhaps Virgin Islands Day is scheduled on an inappropriate date. Maybe The Great March of 1949 should be recognised as the pivotal day we celebrate, Virgin Islands Day, given its immeasurable importance in our history.”

The Great March of 1949 represents a landmark moment in the Virgin Islands’ pursuit of political progress.

Pastor Skelton-Cline asserted, “We, as a community, must do significantly better in the way we commemorate holidays that resonate with the soul of our people, much more effectively than we demonstrated on Monday. Yet, I maintain a sense of optimism; as an evolving nation and democracy, I look forward to a more robust effort from both the public and private sectors as we approach Virgin Islands Day next year.”

17 Responses to “VI Day celebration was ‘disappointingly lacklustre’- Skelton-Cline”

  • who knew? (09/07/2025, 11:02) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I didnt even realise it was a public holiday until i could order stuff i needed
  • resident (09/07/2025, 11:08) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    nobody cares
  • Long story short (09/07/2025, 11:18) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVIslanders losing their patriotism and pride in being bvislanders because they no longer proud of what the BVI is or has become.
  • BuzzBvi (09/07/2025, 11:23) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think it is because it resonated better as Territory day as we are a Territory of the UK. When we were a Colony of the UK it was Colony Day. In 2020 there was no change in that status.

    There was increased ignorance towards the UK and an antagonistic approach to the UK brought about by A. Fahie and N. Wheatley.

    It is odd that the name was changed at all. It would have been better to save it for when we are no longer a Territory and therefore needing a change

    It is all part of the on going Agenda constantly pushed by P487 and the political elites to drive Independence against the will of the people.

  • bvi (09/07/2025, 11:23) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Life hard now a day trying make ends meet all the BVI is party party SMH.
  • Contract (09/07/2025, 11:40) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Contract man is at it again.
    • Mary (09/07/2025, 12:07) Like (1) Dislike (17) Reply
      Couldn't you have said thank you mr Skelton for brining this important matter forward. I will bet my last dollar that you are not from the BVI. Indeed BVI people have lost their identinity .
      Only God can help US. Thank you Mr. Skelton.
  • @Mary (09/07/2025, 13:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    ARE YOU RELATED TO THE " VIRGIN " WE KNOW HE THINKS HE CAN OUTSMART GOD , DO YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY TOO , OR YOU JUST WSNT TO BE IN THINGS , ( COULDN'T YOU HAVE JUST THANK HIM FOR THE REST OF US AND FIND A TOY FOR BOTH OF YOU TO PLAY WITH / SINCE HE HAS NOTHING BETTEG TO DO WITH HIS TIME , OTHER THAN TO FIND FAULT & COMPLAIN
  • Look, speaking for mysel only (09/07/2025, 14:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    As much as Claude annoys me I would have to agree with him.Ronnie did the best that he could for bringing this forward
  • CS (09/07/2025, 14:43) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ Mary go read Jeremiah 21:30 “Therefore,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. 31 Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the Lord. This contract man prophesies false talk.
  • ok (09/07/2025, 14:57) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you former contract holder from Detroit who took of back home when the hammer dropped.
  • reason (09/07/2025, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I understand where Mr. Claude is coming from and he made valid points. To that I would like to add or rather ask, beyond the end of the federation what is there to celebrate present day for this day? It’s hard existing here. No one can truly live in the Virgin Islands. The majority just survives. The roads are costing us so much in parts and repairs, the healthcare system doesn’t adequately support a sick population nor does the government take proactive measures to ban certain ingredients and products from hitting our shelves. Grocery prices are asking for blood but produce are riddled with mold. There’s little to no options outside of beach for leisure spots for kids. No playgrounds. The stench of sewerage still ails us, rent is insanely high for residential and commercial spaces and bringing purchases in would have you bawling from freight and taxes. What can we really celebrate about with Virgin Islands Day?
  • RedStorm (09/07/2025, 15:50) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I believe inclusion is a powerful tool to use in engaging the community. Allow each group of belongers bring something to the table. Whether Food, an activity, or something that brings together people of all walks of life to celebrate. This can create unity,and togetherness.
  • @ contract (09/07/2025, 16:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why do they give this crook any media time? SMH
  • jack (09/07/2025, 18:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Claude you speaking good we with you
  • Monday Holidays (09/07/2025, 20:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can't create any kind of attachment to a celebration is every year, you used a different day. Even BVI Islanders didn't know what we celebrated! Expats didn't have a clue neither.
  • Raspberry (09/07/2025, 20:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a VI we have become too Americanized in the way we operate.
    Our children do not want to associate with VI culture because the people involved in leading out the charge are too racist in their approach .

    We have too much deep seated anger aganist the people who live amongst us .
    We hate their guts and just tolerate them
    So that is why it will be that way
    Our own people despise us like crabs in a barrel


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