Draft Culture Policy

D R A F T

2013

Ministry of Education and Culture

VI Government

Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands

C u l t u r e P o l i c y o f t h e V i r g i n I s l a n d s P a g e | 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ...................................................................................... 3

Introduction .................................................................................................. 4

What does culture mean? ........................................................................ 5

The Economic and social benefits of Culture ............................................ 5

Background ................................................................................................... 6

The Problem ................................................................................................. 7

Goal of the culture Policy .............................................................................. 7

Policy Development .................................................................................... 18

Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................ 9

Vision ............................................................................................................ 9

Mission ....................................................................................................... 10

Guiding Principles ....................................................................................... 11

Strategies .................................................................................................... 11

Priority Areas .............................................................................................. 14

Outcomes ................................................................................................... 16

Implementation .......................................................................................... 17

Culture Policy Institutional Framework ....................................................... 18

Conclusion .................................................................................................. 19


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands has come to fruition through the support and

assistance of the Ministry of Education and Culture along with the Department of

culture which was tasked with the research and drafting of the policy. CARICOM’s

Regional Cultural Policy and other regional and international cultural policies were

reviewed for ideas on content and layout. Thank you to the Government of Alberta,

Canada for ideas contained in their provincial cultural policy, The spirit of Alberta.

Sincere appreciation is extended to all who contributed to the formulation of this

draft. Special appreciation is extended to UNESCO for their generous financial

contribution.


INTRODUCTION

This Policy is the result of research and consultations with Virgin Islanders, cultural

organizations, individual artists, and various ministries in the Virgin Islands

Government. It is also the culmination of recommendations made by UNESCO

consultants Mr. A. J. Seymour in 1981 and Mr. Neville Dawes in 1982. Mr. Seymour

advocated that a National Advisory Committee on Culture and the Arts (NACCA) be

formed while Mr. Dawes strongly advocated the development of a Cultural Division

within the Department of Education to over see the activities of NACCA. Mr. Dawes’

recommendation to create a post for the Education Officer responsible for culture

was implemented. However, no formal document in the form of a cultural policy was

attempted until 2008 by the newly established Department of Culture. In 2009 a

Committee was formed by the Department of Culture to formulate a Culture Policy

of the Virgin Islands in consultation with stakeholders.

Virgin Islanders have clearly expressed their desire for culture to be a priority and for

the Government of the Virgin Islands to play a leading role in creating and sustaining

the conditions in which culture can contribute to the development of the Territory.

Virgin Islanders also stated that all sectors of the Government of the Virgin Islands

should work in partnership with the private sector, non-profit organizations, other

stakeholders and individuals. Virgin Islanders also believe that culture is critical to

enhancing the quality of life.

The government acknowledges that culture is vital to the individual, social and

economic well being of the people of this Territory and is committed to supporting

and promoting culture in the Virgin Islands well into the next century.


What does culture mean to Virgin Islanders?

There are many definitions of culture. For the purpose of this policy, Culture is

defined as “the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behaviour that

depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding

generations.” It includes tangible and in tangible heritage. The tangible heritage

includes monuments or architecture, art and crafts, sites, manuscripts, books and

other objects of artistic and historical interest. The tangible heritage includes

language, oral traditions, performing arts, music, festive events, rituals, social

practices, traditional craftsmanship, knowledge and practices concerning nature.

The Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage is based on a value system, which includes God

fearing and serving, family, respect, honesty, integrity, cooperation, collaboration,

living within means, self-help, a good mix of dependence and independence, a strong

work ethic, and a commitment to equality and quality in our dealings. Our beliefs,

behavior, outputs of interaction, labour, art, craft, writings and other things of

historical interest, (oral traditions, rituals, ceremonies, social practices and

knowledge) foods, literature, songs and dances, and the characteristic spirit of our

culture, all revolved around our values. Daily activities were intrinsically linked to

these values.

The cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands includes language and literary arts,

performing arts, visual arts and handicrafts, indigenous knowledge, cultural beliefs,

traditions and values, historical sites and buildings, monuments and antiquities.

The Economic and Social Benefits of Culture

Cultural activity provides benefits for the economy. Inherent in culture is creativity;


and it fosters and attracts fresh and innovative thinking. Cultural activity in schools

helps develop flexibility and openness of mind, enhances the ability to question and

to solve problems and builds confidence, leadership, self-discipline and self-respect –

all skills that are prized in the knowledge economy.

Cultural activity in the Virgin Islands also has a host of other social benefits that are

valued, such as countering juvenile crime, contributing to improved physical and

mental health and building more harmonious communities.

BACKGROUND

The Virgin Islands are comprised of approximately 60 islands and lie 60 miles east of

Puerto Rico. They are situated in the Virgin Islands archipelago, which also includes

the United States Virgin Islands of St Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. The Virgin Islands

consists of 16 inhabited islands the largest of which is Tortola. The main inhabited

islands include Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke with the Capital being Road

Town which is found on Tortola. The population of the Virgin Islands is approximately

twenty-eight thousand five hundred and fourteen according to the estimate of the

2010 census with the majority of people living on Tortola.

The Westminster model of Government is followed.

The government recognizing the importance of culture to the development of the

Virgin Islands created the post of Education Officer for Culture in the Department of

Education in 1984, and in 2007 the Department of Culture was established. Culture

was promoted through involvement of students in dance, drama and music.

Traditional August Festival activities celebrating emancipation from slavery along

with an Easter Festival were also promoted.


THE PROBLEM

There is a general lack of appreciation of the significance and value of cultural

heritage towards the realization of development goals.

The Government of the Virgin Islands recognizes that it is imperative to never lose

the fundamentals of Virgin Islands culture, and the importance of embracing its

evolution.

GOAL OF THE CULTURE POLICY

The goal of this policy is to provide strategies to enhance the integration of culture

into the development of the populace and seize the opportunity to create a better

quality of life through increased cultural involvement.

The Policy focuses on fostering and supporting the aspects of culture and quality of

life that include professional and amateur individuals and organizations, community

enjoyment and recreational activities, cultural industries, cultural institutions and

natural and built heritage.

The strategies of the policy are:

Advocating for culture – advocate the importance of culture as an invaluable

resource for the development of the Territory.


Capacity building – providing opportunities for knowledge and skill development.

Ensuring Research and documentation – the tangible and intangible heritage of the

Virgin Islands must be researched, identified, wherever possible restored and

documented and preserved.

Promoting Collaboration with stakeholders – fostering collaboration among

stakeholders.

Mobilizing resources for Culture – recognize the economic, social and citizen building

benefits of cultural development and as such provide the resources to ensure its

continued development.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT

The process of developing this Policy was consultative, participatory and inclusive.

The consultation process was in the form of interviews with a wide cross section of

stakeholders which included the following persons, groups and government

Ministries and Department representatives:

Callaloo Poets

Sugar Apple Drama Group

Heritage Dancers

Lashing Dogs Fungi Band

Social Development Department

Library Services Department

Town and Country Planning Department


Agriculture Department

BVI Musicians Association

BVI Handicraft Association

Customs Department

Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour

Archives and Records Management Unit

Trade and Consumer Affairs Department

Select persons from Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

BVI British Virgin Islands

NACCA National Advisory Committee on Culture and the Arts

NGO Non-governmental Organization

RCC Regional Cultural Committee

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

VI Virgin Islands

VISION

To preserve and promote the evolving culture of the Virgin Islands for future

generations.


MISSION

To ensure that present and future generations of the Virgin Islands benefit from a

healthy and inspiring cultural environment that builds on our unique and diverse

heritage, evokes feelings of pride and achievement, contributes to a better quality of

a life and have the opportunity to share, express and experience culture that

respects the past, celebrates the present and welcomes the future.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Virgin Islanders have expressed their desire for a broad definition of culture, founded on a number

of key principles that will inform the Policy, guide the Territory in setting goals and developing

cultural strategies, initiatives and programs.

Unity –It is by celebrating the diversity of the people of the Virgin Islands and

creative expression, building on values and experiences that we share, that we will

be able to know each other better, make the Virgin Islands an even more attractive

place to live, and where all citizens can feel a sense of pride and belonging.

Respect – Virgin Islands culture must be treated with respect by visitors and

residents alike.

Inclusion – All residents in the Virgin Islands no matter where they live or what their

income is, or the background have the opportunity to participate in and experience

Virgin Islands’ culture.

Change –Culture is not static and with the diversity of persons in the Territory, it is

only natural that cultural exchange will take place and Virgin Islands culture will


evolve.

Protection – All aspects of Virgin Islands cultural heritage must be protected.

Partnership and Collaboration– The successful development of a thriving cultural

community requires a healthy social capital marked by active volunteerism and a

strong non-profit sector, solid partnerships and a sharing of responsibility among the

Government of the Virgin Islands, the private sector, cultural organizations, other

public sector agencies and Virgin Islanders. Through this collaborative approach,

positive and powerful commitments can be made and realized.

STRATEGIES

The vision, mission and guiding principles of this policy provide a base of action for support of

cultural activity in a number of areas. These include not only performance and fine arts, cultural

industries, museums and historic sites but also education, health, sports and recreation and

parks.

In all these areas, the Government of the Virgin Islands will demonstrate its commitment through

actions and partnerships designed both to strengthen the resilience of the cultural community

and to ensure that the cultural legacy of the Virgin Islands is protected, preserved and enhanced

for future generations. Informed by the guiding principles, the vision will be achieved by

successfully attaining five basic strategies:

ADVOCACY FOR CULTURE

Ensure Virgin Islanders throughout the Territory, have access to a wide range of cultural

experiences and opportunities.

Provide support for Virgin Islands major performing arts organizations


Use new technology to strengthen our ability to share and experience culture

Increase public awareness of Virgin Islands natural heritage and history

through innovative education

Provide support to communities and individuals for the conservation of historic

places and for heritage education

Provide support for arts festivals, traveling exhibitions, public galleries and the

acquisition of Virgin Islands art

CAPACITY BUILDING AND PROMOTION

Enhance community capacity to support and promote cultural activity.

Provide support for individual artists, artists’ organizations, community

support organizations and projects.

Develop, promote and support opportunities to provide Virgin Islands artists

and cultural performers with training and regional and international exposure.

Review existing cultural and recreational programmes with a view to ensuring

continued relevance and effectiveness.

Encourage the various ministries of the Government of the Virgin Islands to

work together in implementing initiatives that fall under the umbrella of the

Cultural Policy.

Encourage volunteerism in our community

Promote awareness of the beneficial role of culture in health, wellness,

education, human rights, youth development, tourism and community.

ENSURING RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION

Encourage Excellence in the work of Virgin Islands’ heritage professionals and organizations.

Develop, promote and support opportunities to provide Virgin heritage

professionals (e.g. teachers, researchers, curators and archaeologists) with

training and regional and international exposure.


Provide guidelines and support for heritage professionals in researching and

documenting Virgin Islands’ culture

Review existing cultural and research programmes with a view to ensuring

continued relevance and effectiveness.

PROMOTING COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Foster partnerships between Virgin Islands’ artistic and cultural professionals and organizations.

Encourage greater private charitable contributions to non-profit organizations.

Explore opportunities to enhance partnerships among the government, the

private sector, non-profit organizations, cultural and educational institutions

and individuals for the promotion and support of culture in the Virgin Islands.

Provide linkage with Regional and International Organizations for the

promotion and preservation on culture.

MOBILIZATION of RESOURCES for CULTURE

Foster growth, sustainability and investment in Virgin Islands ‘cultural industries.

Foster an environment that ensures funding for the Government’s cultural

facilities.

Provide funding to plan, build and upgrade cultural and recreational

facilities

Explore and consider options for a cultural industries development

programme.

Foster the use of technology for the preservation of cultural heritage

Improve collaboration with cultural industry stakeholders to align

government and industry efforts to increase industry capacity, sustainability

and development

Develop and promote Virgin Islands cultural industries.


PRIORITY AREAS

Cultural industries – Creative industries are amongst the most vibrant sectors of the

global economy, 7% with a growth rate of 10% (RCC, 2011). Cultural industries in the

Virgin Islands including the work of crafters, artists, and performing artists have been

gaining a foothold. A cultural industries development programme needs to be

explored and developed.

Languages and literary arts – The Virgin Islands boasts a vibrant literary arts sector

and in recent years the Department of Culture and the Library Services Department

have facilitated the launch of literary works by local authors. The works cover a

variety of topics including the traditional life in the Virgin Islands in the early 1900’s

to the present, and utilizes the use of Virgin Islands dialect and idioms.

Promotion of cultural traditions and beliefs – Most cultural beliefs of the VI have not

been passed on to the younger generation. Some beliefs like going to church on Old

Year’s Night have started to make a comeback. Traditional herb medicine is one

aspect of cultural tradition that has been promoted and is actually enjoying

resurgence since the global trend is toward natural homeopathy. Traditions like the

emancipation celebrations in August and Easter are an essential part of the cultural

heritage and still given prominence. However, cultural beliefs like having a wake for

the dead, is no longer practiced by the younger generations. Although many cultural

beliefs seem to be irrelevant in today’s technological world, the lessons they

represented are timeless and thus should be shared.

Values – Virgin Islands values include having manners, being honest, engaging in hard

work to achieve one’s goals and collaboration. Faced with the influx of divergent

cultures that may not hold these values in the same esteem, it is important that VI

values are practiced and promoted.


Indigenous knowledge – The indigenous knowledge of Virgin Islands has declined in

the last 20 years with the economic growth, development and prosperity of the

Virgin Islands. Medical doctors and chiropractors have replaced the knowledge of the

mid-wife and setter. However, as the world is moving towards homeopathic and

holistic living, the indigenous knowledge of the persons like herbalists, mid wives and

setters is being avidly sought. Research, documentation and accessibility are

essential to the passing on of the indigenous knowledge to future generations.

Performing arts –Musicians, dancers and poets are representative of the performing

artists in the Virgin Islands. They have all struggled as artists from around the region

and the globe have influenced their audiences and at times the performers. For

example, Fungi Music evolved from the African dances and music practiced by the

slaves and was once the most popular music in the Virgin Islands. As the Territory

developed Virgin Islanders were exposure to pop, calypso, reggae and other music

and the popularity of Fungi Music started to diminish. Collaborative efforts by the

government and organizations like the Virgin Islands Fungi Fest Committee, who

teach fungi music in the schools, have made some impact on the preservation of the

music. In an effort to further preserve and promote Fungi Music, the government has

officially decreed it as the official music of the Virgin Islands. A mandatory

comprehensive performing arts programme in the schools will further secure the

cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands.

Visual arts and handicrafts – The visual artists and artisans have been a vibrant part

of the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. The government has provided

workshops, development training, and exposure through exhibitions and fairs. A

Festival of Arts has been created by the government to celebrate the work of the

visual artist and artisans specifically. Along with these efforts, a comprehensive

development plan including an educational component exposing students to not only

to the traditional visual arts and handicrafts, but to the use of technology in the

creation and enhancement of these arts needs to be developed.

Cultural co-operation – Cooperation and collaboration between various agencies and

government is needed to further develop the cultural heritage in the Virgin Islands.


Currently organizations like the Virgin Islands Fungi Fest Committee, The Jost Van

Dyke Preservation Society and BVI Heritage Dancers are committed to preserving

different aspects of the cultural heritage. Collaborative partnerships between the

government and other agencies who share the responsibility and ownership of

positively committing to the development of the cultural heritage will promote the

successful development of a thriving cultural community.

Cultural tourism – Cultural tourism has been underdeveloped in the Virgin Islands

although the Virgin Islands can boast such rich history as being the first colony to

manumit slaves as early as 1776. Not only were they freed, they were given the

Nottingham Estate to be theirs and for their descendents. This is but one example

of the many cultural and historical sites, areas, and monuments that represent the

cultural heritage that can be developed into a vibrant tourist market. Visitors are

eager to learn about the Territory and what makes it unique. Events like the

emancipation festivals offer the story of the Territory’s people and should be

further enhanced to draw a wider audience. Cultural tourism has the potential to

become another pillar of the economy if planned and executed with sensitivity to

the balance between preservation and promotion.

OUTCOMES

Virgin Islanders are proud of their culture

and their cultural heritage, and believe that

strong policy accompanied by a committed

and supportive government will create a

better Virgin Islands. The desired outcomes

include:

Virgin Islanders explore and

express their culture

Virgin Islanders have a greater

awareness and appreciation for

culture and its benefits to society

and the economy.

Virgin Islanders become proud of

their culture and participate in

cultural activities that shape and

define who they are as Virgin

Islanders.

Our artists and creators are

recognized as leadersin the

Caribbean.


MANDATE

Develop partnerships involving

government, the private sector, the

voluntary sector, the non-profit sector

and other groups interested in

supporting and promoting culture.

Identify and encourage opportunities

for Virgin Islanders to share,

experience and express our culture and

creativity.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Government of the Virgin Islands

has pledged to actively encourage, and

support culture by establishing boards,

providing financial support for cultural

groups and individuals and operating

cultural facilities and institutions.

Support for culture is mainly

administered through the Department

of Culture. However, it is imperative

that support be widespread though

foundations, funds and commissions.

The infrastructure of the Department

of Culture as the lead agency must be

developed in order to:

maximize return on investment,

leverage the existing

programmes and initiatives,

effectively communicate the

benefits both internally and

externally, and

ensure the successful

implementation of the Culture

Policy.

From this development, it is hoped that

a coordinating commission, a Virgin

Islands Cultural Heritage Commission,

can be created which will be

responsible for ensuring the

government’s support for, and

promotion of the Culture Policy. The VI

Cultural Heritage Commission will be

chaired by the Director of Culture and

will report to the Ministry of Education

and Culture.


MEASURING PERFORMANCE

Effectiveness of the coordinating team will

be assessed based on the achievement of the

following:

The goals and strategies of the Cultural

Policy are successfully implemented.

New opportunities for the Government

of the Virgin Islands to support and

promote culture are identified.

Government support for the Cultural

Policy is effective, efficient,

collaborative and coordinated.

Partnerships are developed among the

government, the private sector, the

non-profit sector, the voluntary sector

and other groups interested in culture

in support of the Cultural Policy of the

Virgin Islands.

CULTURE POLICY INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Government Ministries and Departments – Their role will include distribution,

support, sponsorship, promotion of indigenous goods and services, preservation of

resources and traditions etc., research. The Physical Planning Act No. 15 of 2004, Part

6 Environmental Protection Section 50-53 addresses the preservation of historical

buildings.

Department of Culture – Its role is to use culture as a tool for national development,

fostering the various art forms and new cultural products; and promote, produce and

host cultural festivals and associated events that are considered economically viable

and/or socially acceptable


Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee – prepare, conduct and manage annual

festivals, initiate cultural and recreational activities and assist in the development of

projects that are economically viable.

Traditional cultural organizations – Organizations like the BVI Heritage Dancers, BVI

Elite Sky Dancers, Foggy Mountain Boys and serenaders continue to keep the

traditions alive. Corporate and government sponsorship is encouraged to ensure that

these organizations continue for develop.

Private sector – The role will include financial contributions/sponsorship of cultural

projects from NGOs and the private sector businesses.

Regional institutions can provide assistance in training, networking, collaborating and

capacity building for promotion of cultural development and preservation.

CONCLUSION

The policy applies to all the citizens of The Virgin Islands (e.g. public, civil servants,

residents, etc)

There are no special conditions, restrictions or exemptions in this policy.

All authority is vested in the Ministry of Education and Culture through the

Department of Culture for the governance and administration of the Cultural Policy

of the Virgin Islands. The Ministry of Education and Culture will be responsible for

authorizing, approving and revising the Policy every five years.


Virgin Islanders are proud of their culture and heritage, and believe that a strong

policy accompanied by a committed and supportive government will create an even

better Virgin Islands.

Putting culture first as a benchmark for all national activities is one which the

Territory should implement.


The Ministry of Education and Culture welcomes your input. Please send your

comments and suggestions to:

Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye

Ministry of Education and Culture

Central Administration Complex

33 Admin Drive, Road Town

Tortola, VG1110

Telephone: 468-3701 ext.2151

Email Address: [email protected]

Documents

Draft Culture Policy