ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 19th, 2012 – In what was described as a historic and memorable moment, flags were hoisted at the Territory’s public primary schools signalling a climax to one of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s initiatives to instil Territorial pride and identity in students throughout the Virgin Islands.
Senior students of the Ebenezer Thomas and Althea Scatliffe Primary Schools participated in the Ministry’s first Flag Hoisting ceremonies on September 17 where they hoisted the Union Jack and the Territorial Flag.
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn told the gathering of students, faculty, parents and well wishers at the respective schools that the ceremonies were part of the Ministry’s effort to instil pride in the students.
“What we are doing today, is not something that is simply ceremonial. We are trying to develop what we know you have in you already, a love for your country. But we don’t want you to just say ‘I love my country’. We want you to show it, in your actions and in your deeds.”
The Minister said that he wants students to understand what it means to be a Virgin Islander and that he wants students “to be proud to be Virgin Islanders. To be proud to be citizens of this country and to understand what the legacy of a Virgin Islander means.”
Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Ms. Lorna Stevens in her remarks outlined the protocol for the handling of the flags. In part she said that:
• The Union Jack should be raised first and lowered last unless the Territorial Flag and the Union Jack can be raised and lowered simultaneously;
• The use of the Union Jack or the Territorial Flag to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony is discouraged;
• The Union Jack or Territorial Flag should never be allowed to drag on the ground;
• A tattered or faded Union Jack or Territorial Flag should be removed and replaced with a new flag;
• Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the Union Jack and Territorial Flag is always flown the correct way up, and that
• The Union Jack or Territorial Flag, when they are in such a condition that they are no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect.
Acting Director of Culture Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye outlined the partial protocol to be used when the National Anthem “God Save the Queen”, is being played or sung.
She said, “The audience should stand to attention, and sing along if it is required. There should be no talking or walking around while the Anthem is being played.” She also told students that the same protocol applies when the Territorial Song is played.
The Acting Director of Culture also spoke of the “The Virgin Islands Print.” “We have many aspects of our culture represented in the Virgin Islands Print that makes the fabric for the Territorial Dress” she said, adding, “It depicts the turtle dove, oleander, hibiscus, soursop, sugar apple and Virgin Islands sloop along with the islands of the Virgin Islands and our name is represented in the print. This print is a clear representation of those things that are synonymous with us as Virgin Islanders.”
House of Assembly Member and Fifth District Representative Honourable Delores Christopher and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool also delivered remarks at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS) while Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser delivered remarks at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Honourable Archibald Christian was also in attendance.
The Territorial Song and Dress and the hoisting of the Virgin Islands flags are initiatives by the Ministry of Education and Culture to instil a sense of identity and foster Virgin Islands pride in the Territory’s students.
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