ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 20th, 2012 – The finalists in the Territorial Dress Competition have collaborated towards a common goal and will today, June 20, submit two new designs for consideration by Cabinet as Government continues its quest to develop a Territorial Dress.
Mrs. Florence Christian-Phillips and Ms. Kristin Frazer both finalists in the Territorial Dress competition had their paper designs, sewn and modelled to a live audience at the presentation of the Finalists for the Territorial Song and Dress Competition on June 10 in a programme hosted by the Government titled, “Defining Ourselves: The Virgin Islands Story in Song and Dress.”
Mrs. Phillips in an exclusive interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations said that noting the age difference, their experiences as designers are similar.
“I am proud to be part of this collaboration because the experience that Kristin has and what I have seem to be quite similar in terms of designs.
We have already worked together and are continuing to work together. It has been extremely positive. I know for sure that when it all comes together finally the public will be proud of us,” Mrs. Phillips said.
Ms. Frazer in her comments said that they have worked tirelessly to produce the final pieces and agreed that it has been a positive experience.
“We are now coming together to produce two new designs that will be absolutely amazing and hopefully, the public can appreciate, love and understand.”
Both finalists welcomed the constructive criticism following the showcasing of their original pieces on June 10.
Ms. Frazer said, “We don’t want to create something that most of the public would say ‘I don’t want to wear’. I received constructive criticism which I welcomed with open arms. It only makes you stronger. You take it, run with it and hopefully get a better end product. That is why we are here working together to create something better.”
Mrs. Phillips echoed similar sentiments. “It actually made both of us stronger and brilliant ideas came out from it. We needed that constructive criticism to change. Without it, we would not be able to move forward because in the end our goal is to make everyone happy and comfortable in the dress.”
Other guests on the programme were Ms. Eileene L. Parsons, chair of the ad-hoc committee on Territorial Song and Dress who applauded the young ladies and expressed how extremely proud she was that they took part in the competition. Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye Acting Director of Culture recollected the process that led to the competition and spoke of the significance of having a Territorial Song and Dress.
The full interview will be broadcasted today and on Friday evening at 7 p.m. and repeated on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. The programme will be aired at various times on HLSCC channel 52.
It is the hope of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ad-hoc Committee on Territorial Song and Dress to have the BVI 2012 Olympic team outfitted with the Territorial Wear and presented on a world stage at this year’s Olympic games in London.
The finalists in the Territorial Song Competition were “Wonder of Creation: The Beautiful Virgin Islands” written by Dr. Quincy Lettsome, composed by Mr. Kamau Georges and performed by Ms. Rochelle Smith. Finalist #2 was “Oh British Virgin Islands” written and composed by the brother sister team of Ayana Hull and Kareem Nelson Hull. It was performed by Ms. Deanna Wattley. Territorial Song Finalist #3 was “Virgin Islands: Land I Love” written by Mr. Dylan Penn, composed by Mr. Kamau Georges and performed by Ms. Nicole Donovan.
All three submissions will move forward to Cabinet for a decision before they are forwarded to the House of Assembly for debate and passing.
The creation of a Territorial Song and Dress is in keeping with Government’s commitment to preserve, enhance and promote the Virgin Islands cultural identity
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