A 'stick dance' performance by BVI Heritage Dancers during Territory Day celebrations on the compound of Central Administration Complex on July 1, 2016. Photo: VINO/File

According to local singer and musician, Martino ‘Tino’ Mark, ‘Territory Day means remembering who we are as Virgin Islands people and keeping true to our traditions and culture.’ Photo: Provided

Territory Day celebrations will be held on Friday June 30, 2017 at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park in Road Town from 9:30 AM. Photo: VINO/File

According to Mrs Brenda Lettsome-Tye, Secretary for the Territory Day Ad-Hoc Committee, in a press release: “The committee wants to use the opportunity to stir the consciousness of the people of the Virgin Islands and shed light on the 50^th anniversary of Ministerial Government.”

She continued, “As we reflect on our political development as a Territory, assess our current status and chart a course for the future, let us not forget the road we have travelled that has propelled us to chart our own course, by pushing to change our situation to shape our own reality.”

Remembering who we are as Virgin Islands people

Martino ‘Tino’ Mark is one of the leading and well respected musicians in the territory, who has a love for his Virgin Islands culture.

In an invited comment, Mr Mark said, “Territory Day means remembering who we are as Virgin Islands people and keeping true to our traditions and culture.”

In an interview with another VIslander, who wished to remain anonymous, he admitted that he did not know what the significance of Territory Day is.

“At the end of June, I always notice some kind of celebration in one of the famous parks, but I never stopped to see what really going on. I see the kids dress up in cultural clothes and dancing around. Based on that, I think it means, the BVI community coming together to celebrate their traditions. Maybe this time around, I will attend the celebration to get an idea of what going on.”

Jody-Ann C. Martin, a VIslander, commented that she is partially aware of the meaning of Territoryl Day.

“I think I remember my parents telling me that Territoryl Day is about celebrating who we are and where we came from. This year, I plan to attend the celebration with my children to get more educated on what the day truly means,” said Ms Martin.

She added that she is proud to call the VI her home and the community should protect ‘Nature’s Little Secret’ for the future generation.

In speaking with another VIslander, who wished to remain anonymous, it was pointed out that Territory Day indicates the struggles the VI went through in order to reach where it is today.

“On this day we celebrate our national pride. It saddens me sometimes when I hear people saying that they do not care about Territory Day. If we as adults don’t even care to know about this important day, what should we expect from our young ones? It is important for them to be educated about our culture and traditions. We have to know where we came from in order to move forward. I try my best to do my part in educating the next generation.”

Territory Day celebrations will have dance and singing performances and will include remarks by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Leader of the Opposition and Representative for the First Electoral District, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, and Author, Lecturer and Head of Humanities, Social Sciences and Communications Department, Dr Richard Georges.