Embrace The Spirit Of Togetherness, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley Urged Residents In Virgin Islands Day Message

Today is Virgin Islands Day and British Virgin Islands Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged Virgin Islanders to embrace the spirit of togetherness that keeps Virgin Islanders interconnected.

“Virgin Islands Day presents an opportunity for us to fully embrace and appreciate how our history and cultural heritage have shaped our character as a people. Our cultural expression has implications for our ethical framework, our resilience, our spirit of togetherness and essentially what keeps us interconnected,” the Premier shared in his official July 3 message.

The annual holiday is this year being observed under the theme ‘Virgin Islands Day Celebration: A Cultural Experience’. Virgin Islands Day is observed annually on the first Monday in July.

The Tourism Minister encouraged all residents and visitors to participate in the activities at Long Bay Beach at Beef Island on Tortola.

Activities include a praise party hosted by Brent Hoyte and Oneyke, a culture celebration service, a Virgin Islands Day official ceremony, traditional Virgin Islands games, cultural demonstrations, and a fishing competition organised in honour of Obell Penn.

“The fishing competition will be aimed at promoting the revitalisation of fishing in the Virgin Islands. Fishing is a time-honoured activity that has provided employment opportunities for the people of the Virgin Islands and has contributed significantly to integrating socio-economic development with Virgin Islands culture,” the statement said.

It added that the “Government of the Virgin Islands’ 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 ultimately enrich their lives.”