DRAFT
2013
Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands
Ministry of Education and Culture VI Government
Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands
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
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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.
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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.
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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;
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands
MANDATE Develop partnerships involving government, the private sector, the voluntary sector, the non-profit sector and other groups interested in supporting and promoting culture.
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,
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Identify and encourage opportunities for Virgin Islanders to share, experience and express our culture and creativity.
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.
Culture Policy of the Virgin Islands
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.
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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.
New opportunities for the Government of the Virgin Islands to support and promote culture are identified.
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
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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.
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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.
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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: BrLettsome-Tye@gov.vg