ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, April 23rd, 2012   --  Persons may visit – Beginning today, and for this week only, the public can vote online for their choice from the two finalists for the Territorial Dress Competition. www.virginislandsnewsonline.com or www.bviplatinum.com and look for the “Vote Now” flashing black and white banner which will direct viewers to the final options.

Acting Director of Culture Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said the online polls will allow the public the opportunity to deliberate on the final options before selecting their preference. A total of nine entries were submitted for the competition.

“The entries were all unique and creative. The judges have done their part and have selected the top two submissions. It is equally important that the public be given an opportunity to select their preference of the two. We want everyone to feel a part of the process and the on line poll facilitates this.”

Beginning, next Monday, April 30th the finalist for the Territorial Song Competition will be placed online for the public to vote.

Following the online votes, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Department of Culture will give the public a final opportunity to vote for their favourite design. On Wednesday, May 9th the sketched designs and composed melodies will take on new life when the Ministry and the Department of Culture present the final entries for the Territorial Dress and Song at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. Beginning at 6 pm, the final designs will be modelled by local models.

A local artist will compose and play the melodies and performances by local steel and fungi bands, dancers and poets will complement the programme. Public participation is solicited to help determine the winning song and dress to represent the Virgin Islands’ culture and people.

The decisions from the online polls and the May 9th event will be submitted to members of Cabinet who will make the final decision.

The Creation of the Territorial Dress and Song was announced by Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn last December following Culture Week 2011 activities.

Former Culture Minister, Ms. Eileene L. Parsons spearheads the ad-hoc Committee on Territorial Dress and Song and the other committee members are Mrs. Sheila Brathwaite, Dr. Charles Wheatley, Mrs. Delores Christopher and Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye.

The development of a Territorial Dress and Song is in keeping with Government’s commitment to preserve, enhance and promote the Virgin Islands cultural identity.

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