The revitalization of the Virgin Islands’ culture will be in focus when the Territory observes 25 years of Culture Week from November 10.

Deputy Director for the Department of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard said the department is very excited to celebrate 25 years of Virgin Islands Culture Week.

“We speak this year about the revitalization of Virgin Islands culture. In our current day society where we live among persons from as many as 115 nationalities, the preservation of our culture must be everyone’s business.”

Ms. Lennard added that activities to mark the week will be held from November 10 to 16 and is encouraging residents to start the week of activities by attending a church service of their choosing.

 “Many Virgin Islanders were raised in the church and are known to be a God fearing people. This has been our traditional way of life and given what our Territory has been through over the past few years we have a lot to be thankful for,” she said.

Other events for the week include the release of a cultural newsletter, the launch of the week’s Facebook page along with the annual Cultural Food Fair to be held on Friday, November 15 at the Road Town Festival Grounds from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The public is also encouraged to wear the Territorial material for the week and learn more about the Territory’s culture and heritage by revisiting the old fashion way of getting things done.

“The transfer of information about our way of life must be passed on to the next generation and sometimes all it may take is: putting down the cell phone, turning off the TV, putting down that project from work and just speaking with members of your family and friends,” Ms. Lennard further added. 

Activities to observe the week will be held under the theme, “Revitalizing Virgin Islands Culture as we Celebrate 25 Years”. Virgin Islands Culture Week was first observed in 1994.

The Department of Culture’s vision is a Virgin Islands where all Virgin Islanders feel a sense of belonging and pride, and actively participate in cultural activities that reflect their heritage and enrich their lives.     

NOTES:

Full schedule of events for the week:

Sunday, November 10:

• Minister’s Message to officially open Virgin Islands Culture Week.
• Sunday worship throughout the Territory encouraged

Monday, November 11:

• Feature on ZBVI’s Almanac and General Knowledge Quiz

Tuesday, November 12:

• Various Activities at Public and Private Schools
• Robinson O’Neal Fair Day,( 10am- 3:00pm)

Wednesday, November 13:

• Leonora Delville Culture Day Fair

Thursday, November 14:

• Willard Wheatley Primary School: Cultural Fiesta 1:00pm - 3:30pm
• Alexandrina Maduro Primary School
• Joyce Samuel Primary School

Friday, November 15:

• Department of Culture’s Grand Food Fair, Road Town Festival Grounds from 10:00am until
• Release of Department of Culture’s Newsletter entitled:“ Culturally Yours”
• Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School Fiesta
• Bregado Flax Primary Fair Day/Demonstrations
• St. George’s Primary School

Saturday, November 16:

• Release of VI Centenarian Mini-documentary