A competition for the creation of a Territorial Pledge was officially launched as the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to work on building national pride among the youth and the population in general.

This initiative will be guided by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Minister, the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn announced on December 21 during the sitting of the House of Assembly that the Government will be moving to institute a Territorial Pledge to build a nation of citizens and residents who understand and have a deep reverence of Virgin Islands heritage.

Minister Walwyn said, “We will be launching a competition for a Territorial Pledge as we did with the Territorial Song and Territorial Wear.”

The Minister added, “A woman who has committed her life to bringing out the best of Virgin Islands culture in business and the arts, Honourable Delores Christopher has willingly agreed to chair that committee and I am very grateful to her.”

The Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by Fifth District Representative, Honourable Delores Christopher also include committee members Mrs. Eileene L. Parsons, Mr. Theodore James, and Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye.

The pledge must consist of no more than 30 words and must include the words: pride, service, territory, and Virgin Islands. The competition is open to BVIslanders and Belongers 15 years and older.

All entries for the Territorial Pledge competition must be sealed and submitted to the Ministry of Education and Culture in care of Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye on or before Friday, April 15.

The pledge, which is an oath of allegiance to the Territory of the Virgin Islands, will be recited in all primary and secondary schools in the Territory and at other formal functions.

For more information, persons should contact the Ministry of Education and Culture at 468-3701 ext. 4949.