-
by pltm
(PLTM) - The passage of hurricane Irma has thrown the BVI back into yesteryear, which ironically fits the theme for the celebration of this year’s Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Week.
It is being celebrated under the theme, “Reflections of our Virgin Islands Culture: Then and Now”, with the sub-theme, “Living the Culture”.
The activities started yesterday, November 20 and culminates on November 24.
“I can just imagine the stories of what it was like then when there was no electricity and we depended on lanterns (and that was not so long ago). While our lanterns today are a little more sophisticated, we have been thrown back into yesteryear,” said Hon. Myron Walwyn, Culture Minister.
He continued, “Or, what it was like with no refrigerator or washing machines – using our hands to wash and then to hang our clothes on the lines, and I could go on.”
The Minister said that it is interesting to note that the theme was selected before the flood on the 7th of August and hurricanes Irma and Maria which followed.
“Ironically, it has turned out to be a most fitting theme for this year given what we have experienced. As we reflect with our students, we hope that they will be able to make the connection with what they have been taught about their cultural heritage over the years. As conversations are had and stories told, our rich heritage will unfold,” he expressed.
Hon. Walwyn said that he is aware that some persons may question why they did not cancel the week of activities due to the devastation which occurred as a result of the floods and hurricanes.
“My simple answer would be that culture is significant in our daily lives; no matter the situation. More importantly, our present situation affords us the opportunity to highlight and emphasise the examples of how our culture has evolved over the years.”
He said, “Finally, it gives us, the older folks, the chance to explain our traditions and the way of life of long ago and it gives the younger generation the opportunity to see and live firsthand how our fore parents lived in years past as we have had to revert to many of those things.”
Minister Walwyn stated that this year’s week of activities, even though scaled down in comparison to the usual highly packed schedule of activities, is nevertheless a week which promises to be impactful and successful.
Cultural presentations and exhibitions at the various schools throughout the Territory will be conducted on specific days throughout the week; a Virgin Islands storytelling series with Mr. Elmore Stoutt will air on the radio waves today Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the annual Territorial Dress-up Day will conclude the week’s activities on Friday.
