The residents of the Virgin Islands are being encouraged to wear their Territorial Wear to symbolically celebrate and unite for Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week, tomorrow Friday, November 18.

Director of the Department of Culture, Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith said, “Persons are encouraged to wear their Territorial wear all week, but especially on Friday, and post photographs of themselves to social media using the hashtags #VICultureandHeritageWeek and #VICultureWear.”

“For those who haven’t had the chance to obtain Territorial Wear, we are still looking forward to seeing the Territorial colours - red, blue, yellow, green and white, and have them paint the town on Friday,” said Mrs. Hodge-Smith.

The director also said that local designers, T-Shirt Genius, have designed t-shirts for purchase to also highlight Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week.

The week’s activities thus far included an Official Opening Ceremony, Opening of a local Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Central Administration Complex’s east atrium, and various cultural festivities at the Territory’s schools.

The highlight of the week takes place on Friday with the Cultural March and Food Fair, beginning 11:00 a.m. The march route begins at the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum and ends at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, followed by the official start of the Food Fair.

The week ends with the ceremony to launch the book, ‘Where I See the Sun: Contemporary Poetry in the Virgin Islands’, at 5:15 p.m. on the grounds of the Central Administration Complex.

For more information, persons should contact the Department of Culture at 468-4373.

Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week has been observed since 1994. This year, the week is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Embracing Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage through the Arts, Literacy and Language’.

1. Scene from Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week 2016 as the Premier cut the ribbon signaling the Arts and Craft Exhibition open. (Photo credit: GIS/ Franklyn Skerritt)
2. Scene from Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week 2016 activities at the Elmore Stoutt High School.  (Photo credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)
3. Scene from Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week 2016 activities at the Elmore Stoutt High School.  (Photo credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)