BVI’s cultural wear ‘pirated’, territorial song unfit — Davies
Local commentator and attorney Daniel Davies has lambasted the territory’s cultural wear and territorial song for their lack of originality and authenticity.
“Some people might say I’m wrong for saying this, but to me, our cultural wear looks like a pirated copy of the Jamaica national dress, that’s my opinion,” Davies said on the Hot Seat radio show recently.
Davies argued that part of what constitutes a country and its identity is its culture but he said the BVI’s culture has evolved into a mishmash of other cultures over the years and is now a mixture of other Caribbean countries.
The commentator added that the BVI’s cultural wear has better patterns than Jamaica’s national dress and suggested the designs may have a shared origin in quadrille dancers.
“One important thing about that is because the quadrille dance that we perform here is actually a shared thing with the Jamaican culture. And Jamaica also has quadrille dances, right? So that’s a shared part of our culture. So we need to reflect what else our culture has to offer,” Davies said.
Davies also suggested the BVI’s territorial song is too Americanised and was not reflective of the BVI culture.
“I’m not going to tell you any lie… I do not like our territorial song. And the reason why I do not like it is because it is very Americanized,” he argued. “It’s a very Americanized thing and I really think that national songs should have an ethos of the culture. So even if it was Fungi, why can’t our national song be in the form of Fungi?”
Davies suggested that a selection shared by Dr Quincy Lettsome should have been chosen instead for the territorial song.
“I mean no disrespect to the person or to the decisionmakers or the artistes that wrote the song and so on. I have no problem with the song itself, it is just the form. I really think maybe old-style Calypso or Fungi would have been so much more reflective of who we are,” Davies commented.
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He making sense…
You and he need two kick
Daniel is showing his limited knowledge of the BVI and of the Caribbean in general.
The “style” of dress he is criticizing the BVI for is COMMON throughout the Caribbean. We have a SHARED history and CULTURE. He needs to learn more about his African and Caribbean heritage so that he can speak on the subject intelligently.
I am proud of our territorial wear and song. To say Ms. Fraser stole that design is a serious accusation. And what is an Americanized song? Daniel, I believe you mean well but you talk and talk until now you’re talking nonsense. Find something else that is sensible to say.
He’s not commenting on the fabric. It is beautiful. It is the style that he is commenting on. I think that as a Caribbean community you can’t call similar styles ‘pirated’ given the nature of how we got here and where we came from. Our nations may have different names, but there are many similarities, which would inevitably also include clothing styles and colors.
When it comes to the territorial song though I could not agree more. It does not reflect our culture and apart from the word VIRGIN ISLANDS in there it could be a badly written song about anywhere. The tune is wrong, the wording is wrong, the grammar is wrong. The whole thing screams NEPOTISM – it embarrasses us on an international level. We are all so proud of what BVIslanders are achieving all over the world, but as soon as a big international event starts to play our territorial song on the world stage we all cringe – this is facts.
I thought it was me alone, I agree.
I think one part of is misogynistic with shallow values. Success of a nation does not ride on women being pretty and the men being rich. There are more important qualities. Integrity and honesty would be a better target to reach for.
There is very little autentic BVI culture. We drink guava berry at Christmas but that’s about it. We have no traditional dress, no traditional anything. Our ‘national dress’ is a recent invention, our dance was made up by the mad lady politician, and we have no real culture other than filling our faces with fried chicken, and pushing in line. You can’t invent a culture.
That song is garbage.
Not catchy, way too wordy, truly lacking in merit.
The irony is this man does not look very much like a bvislander himself. How would he feel if someone told him he sounds too americanised and looks more like a Neanderthal? The boy is an insult to the territory…all in one stupid comment he has lost all respects beyond reasonable doubt. Go look work to do as it is obvious you have too much free time on your hands. Spewing nonsense.
Racist much?
The fact that you are obesely fat, have diabeties, hypertension and erectile dysfunction does not make you any more a BVIslander than Daniel – or are you just being racisit?
This is the irony. If you tell someone they do not look like a bvislander (skin colour) or sound like one (americanised accent), it is racism. Yet he has a platform to say bvi song and dress does not sound or look bvi enough. What does that make him? This place is full of airheads, no doubt. The point is it falls in the same category of stupid as Daniel’s Comments. He needs to be mindful of his own ignorance which is triggering in the same way racism would be.
So how does a Virgin Islander look? I’ll like to hear the answer….
If he is so clever, why don’t he come up with whatever dressing and song he think is appropriate. Time and place for everything. To the persons who contributed the song and dress, I congratulate you for the people with sense know that you were only being obedient by fulfilling your divine assignment. Let this be a warning for others, DO NOT vote for any independent party in the next election. It shows they do not have the backbone to align with a party when the purpose of a government is to work as a team. It also means that no party would have found them suitable just by the folly in their conversation that you and I may not have been privy to. Even where they start out as an independent and later join a party, they are likely to make snake moves. These unwanted bunch cannot be trusted. DO NOT VOTE FOR THEM! He who has an ear to hear, let him hear. FINALLY, a moron in a suit is a moron nevertheless. In true season, his true colors will show. This young man’s season is at hand.
The cultural wear is ugly! That’s why no one wears it but just buy the material and make their own outfits.
Personally, I think the Fabric is ugly and its too thick; which keeps you hot especially when you make those outfits with different layers. I feel they should have sent them back to the drawing board instead of combining the two designers submissions.
Also, if it’s done on a thinner fabric maybe our taxi men would look real all uniformed in this when ships are in port instead of the blue shirts. It’s as if we have two different cultural wear.
This is just my personal opinion.
The cultural wear is ugly! That’s why no one wears it but just buy the material and make their own outfits.
The reality is that the Caribbean is one people with ostensibly the very same cultural practices. These silly efforts that we make to differentiate ourselves is pure nonsense and buried in the fact that we believe that because we use the US dollar that we are better than the other Caribbean countries.
Every other Caribbean island tries to differentiate their culture and it is a problem for you when BVI so it. We all know we have a similar caribbean culture but the reality is we are all not the same.
.
I have not heard such nonsense in my life. I love our Territorial wear and all the different styles that people make out of it. I love our Territorial song. I get goose bumps whenever it is sung. They may not be perfect but we have come a long way from where we were before. I congratulate everyone who had a part to play in this journey. Mr. Davies, if you have nothing to say you should try whistling. Your mother is from England with a national anthem that speaks about saving one man so that he could rule over us. You and your mom should try dealing with that before you criticize a Territorial song that is all inclusive. You have gone down several points in my book.
The current portrayal of women in the British Virgin Islands’ national song is regrettably shallow, perpetuating outdated and sexist notions. Reducing women to mere objects of beauty neglects their myriad contributions to our society. Women in the BVI are leaders, professionals, caregivers, innovators, and so much more. To confine them solely to the realm of radiance is a disservice to their intelligence, resilience, and hard work that enriches our communities.
Similarly, glorifying wealthy sons whose fortunes may have murky origins is not a representation that aligns with the values of integrity and transparency that we aspire to uphold. It’s no secret that illicit activities often underpin the wealth of certain individuals, tarnishing the reputation of our nation on the global stage.
In the 21st century, it’s imperative that our Territorial Song reflects the diverse realities and aspirations of our populace. It’s time to revise and modernize the lyrics to celebrate the multifaceted contributions of all individuals to the British Virgin Islands. Let’s move beyond superficial portrayals and embrace a narrative that truly embodies the essence of our community, inclusive of both men and women, and rooted in principles of equity, progress, and honesty.
It’s amazing how perspectives can differ. When I heard the terms ‘radiant” and “wealthy’ in the national song, it never occured to me that they were referencing physical attributes.
From Google: “What makes a woman radiant?
Radiant women are those who exude confidence, grace, and positivity. They are admired for their inner strength and their ability to shine no matter what life throws their way.” And from vocabulary.com: “If you have riches you are wealthy. Don’t be misled into thinking “riches” means only money — to many people, to have a healthy family and to be surrounded by love is to be abundantly wealthy.”
Spot on , it says more about the mindset of the person inerpeting the words than the words itself.
Well in that case flip it so it can’t be misinterpreted. How wealthy are our daughters. How radiant are our sons.
boss go and find your white ancestors and adapt their culture, leave we and we culture alone.
Homie your whole island is owned by a white nation. And you’ll never gain independence with no army.
I am intrigued, with both,the territorial song, and, our national attire!
Two brilliant Virgin Islander women, spearheaded these national treasures, and as such, I will be forever grateful!
Perhaps, the young attorney has other suggestives.
And as such, he can, lay them before the people, and let them decide!
Good luck, Danny!
“Two brilliant Virgin Islander women” who should be ashamed to have allowed lyrics that set women back a century and reduces them to merely “radiant” beings who’s sole purpose is to serve as eye-candy for our “wealthy” men.
2 Virgin who
Check again check again
Now Daniel you are totally wrong and unpatriotic and be careful that the artists – musical and art proper don’t come for you claiming you defame them. “Pirated”??? Really??!!! Shame.
Daniel…do you know that the BVI, Jamaica and all the Caribbean islands share common ancestry and hence culture etc.??? How you could say something like this?!! This is very unpatriotic indeed!
Some of you whites’ audacity knows no bounds.
I Googled Jamaican national dress and the images show several looks that resemble the Heritage dancers kind of outfit. Our national dress can be made in that version but most people were encouraged to be creative and design different styles using the BVI material which CANNOT be duplicated. So in that sense Mr Davies you are wrong. In regards to the national song, sure the lyrics can be improved but it is still about our beautiful country and we ALL should be proud to sing it. I think you Mr Davies need to have more patriotism.
No one said she stole it, he said it looks like.
Based of a who ya know
See what happens when we are ashamed of our local ways, our speech and way of life. I remember when they used to slap me in the mouth for using our local dialect. Even today our radio stations look for persons with a “good American accent” to voice their ads. As one of the most neglected places in the world Virgin Islanders developed a survival strategy based on nature and our African culture only to throw it away when the tourist dollar became available. We have destroyed our most precious natural resource. The large dumpster bins that we use here are not seen in many other Caribbean countries Noel Lloyd referred to us as a throw away society. We have been so totally brainwashed that it will be next to impossible to reclaim ourselves in this maze of confusion that presently exist in our islands.
A set of negative moo moo and we wondering why everybody has high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. Stressing over bullshit and never acknoweledging anything positive is the reason for it. Look at what people are here debating on. LOL, wow!
@lol. Agreed. Another lesson here is to stay in your area of expertise.
Another 10 day talk. S**t will remain the same. Bigger issues to deal with.
A white English man dissing our national song and dress , but saying nothing about “God save the King”
He’s neither white nor English.
This same man says the BVI is a boring place on his Facebook page
I totally agree with Daniel, that song is not representative of the BVI, it is not easy for folks to sing and the words are very shallow, very reflective of who wrote it. What the hell is going on in these Virgin Islands. I think they should have consulted with the likes of Jennie Wheatley, and other Virgin Islanders. Let’s get rid of it.
Some of these comments really rattle my funny-bone, lol! Am not trying to defend Daniel, am sure he’s capable of defending himself. As regards the national dress, am not interested, for people can wear whatever they want. However, when it comes to the national song which represents the Territory on the world stage, it is somewhat disappointing, to say the least. Frankly, I find it boring and a bit disingenuous. For those who may not know, a National Song competition was held during the 1990’s, spearheaded by the HLSCC under the leadership of Dr. Charles Wheatley. All BV-Islanders has a chance to enter, I believe, but I don’t think some of you commenting on here was born as yet. I was very disappointed when the competition was trashed because not enough entries were submitted (that’s what I heard).
I agree that the flavour of the song is not reflective enough of our culture. If the Fungi music is good enough to represent the BVI all over the world as the national music for the national dance that flourished under the Heritage Dancers, that music, with appropriate lyrics could have well been the national song. But now we are stuck with something that leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps when we gain independence we can go back to the drawing board for a new song and flag.
I want to live to see the day you become premier
Most fitting person
have been placed in BVI News jail for a considerable time now.
The constitutional and human rights i have inherited has been violated and completely destroyed.
The person and mind who cannot accept that on earth dwells differently intellectually disposed persons need not be in journalism, the foundation and gate keeper of democracy.
Suspect this comment about journalistic freedom will also be censored and hidden from the public and scrutiny.
@ I and I
Having also suffered BVI News jail time, I share your concern about censorship.
My issue arose from a libelous comment that was posted anonymously in response to a truthful comment that I posted in my name.
On bringing the matter to the attention to BVI News Admin. both comments were taken down. However, for weeks thereafter my comments on unrelated news items were blocked.
I trust that this comment will not send me back to jail.
where is it ? Mr Davies you have awaken the xenophobia that lies within some IGNORAMUSES especially the canary from the yello site who has added his usual racist lyrics as flavor to the mix to try and twist your meaning into what is in their evil thoughts ( we already know that our Caribbean brothers and sisters from the other Caribbean countries are labeled ~ ISLAND PEOPLE so you should expect this kind of reaction / look at the once ” Cultural Center ” that should give you an idea of who or ( WHAT ) we are dealing with / even miss Parsons said something about it ( hel~ooooooO
Africa is composed of upwards of 54 countries.
How different are the cultural wear of each country?
From my observation the cultural wear of the whole of Africa is a lookalike recognizable basic defining African cultural garb with unique variables added which defines and signals the identity of each country..
It is no different with the Islands of the Caribbean and elsewhere such as South Anerica.
Agreed. One of the most sensible comments on this topic.
I am reading these blogs, all I can say. Only in Tortola people can voice their opinions, criticize and make suggestion while their identity is hidden.”Real freedom of Speech”. And when one online site sensor your blog for political reasons, you have options you can do it on another one…Only in the BVI. Enjoy the good life now you have it, it may not last..My Opinion on this. The song is not bad, I like the idea of a Funni beat, back by lashing Dogs co sing with Aubrey.Asto the National wear I would prefer it comes in trench Coat form..”Like a knee hight jacket, with a 3/4 length sleeve, you have the option of dressing from home but if you are leaving work going straight to an event, hang it in your car and just throw it over you when you get to the event..
Regarding these individuals;
Premier Sowande
Atty Fliegelstone
They both ,in my opinion are a representation of arrested development.
Their mentality is that of preteenage boys.
Their silly statements belies an Academic education and worldly exposure..
They will never become grown folks.
Blame it on the Sahara Dust.
Why Sahara dust? That would mean we are all affected. I mean it’s the same Saharan dust that blankets the Caribbean and the Americas isn’t it?
The issue that Daniel Davies has raised is relevant to the entire region and it reflects the cultural identity that was lost through slavery and transportation.
Whether it be the Creole costumes worn on “cultural days”, or the suit worn at the office every day; the mode of dress reflects that of past colonial masters. It is contrary to the culture of descent and totally unsuited for the climate.
Hmmmm
Where have I heard that before?
I’ve always wondered if they got permission to use that.
I keep saying it. Tortola prople dont like there own people!!!
now you have come with a very interested point or a different view ,to this xenophobia
/ which is probably why outsiders shouldn’t expext to be liked either , which boils down to ( ignorance )
Me too.
I consider it to be a compliment.
To break it cto buou gently ya’ll know that ya’ll are a bunckmh of hypocrites for playing the racism card here = its not about the messenger it’s all about the message •¿• / ya’ll need to cleanse yourselves from the devil within ya’ll, but we all know that the truth can be very painful sometimes/ but the truth eill set ya’ll free from the burden of guilt
The only thing I would agree with is we have lost all the things we had as cultural tradition. An to me that’s from the younger generation that think it’s old fashion. The schools need to instill it more. Steel band , plating the flag pole, cultural dance etc. That being said our Horse Racing which is our # I sport has been taken from us. Tell me what sport can replace that.
We need to take a closer look at the wannabe emperor of the 3rd district who wants to be premier but cannot even settle a dispute between government and the family , but would rather go chasing down the COI / we are still wondering what was found in the COI that pissed him off much ? yet he is not revealing if the COI was relevant ,and if not WHY ❓️ and when you get right down to it none of them in opposition or government is willing to explain to the people what wad found / so every one of them is distancing themselves from that topic / instead they all using the UK – the GOVERNOR and COLONIALISM as a scapegoat to hide their guilt ( how is that going to solve the problems ? ?
We have much more important issues and situations the need to be solved, than making this shit important.
i proud a my culture, virgin islander till i die.
love my fungi n fish, my guava berry.
soooo this fool better find some more important shit to attend to and solve.
Daniel picking a fight. Only people who can sing the song or have cultural wear in their closets are qualified to respond to him. Otherwise stay in the back, sit down, and hush.
Says the no identity youngster
This ingrate needs to stop.