Queen’s 90th birthday to be celebrated in VI on April 21, 2016 - Gov Duncan
This is according to Governor John S. Duncan OBE, who made the announcement in his 2015 Christmas message to the Virgin Islands.
The Queen’s birthday is usually celebrated with a grand parade at the Festival Grounds in Road Town.
“We have also renewed our links with Her Majesty the Queen with the reinstallation of the traditional gift of a pound of salt from Salt Island. And in this context, I am also pleased to confirm that following a request from the Virgin Islands Government, Her Majesty has agreed that next year we will hold the celebrations of her 90th Birthday on the actual day, namely the 21st of April rather than the usual date in June. So we hope many more people will be able to participate in that historic occasion,” wrote Governor Duncan in his message sent to local media houses today, December 24, 2015.
The celebration is usually attended by many persons although there are many critics of the event who believe it is too symbolic of colonialism.
Christmas message
Meanwhile, Governor Duncan said Christmas is a special time of year, a time when families and friends draw near to each other to renew personal ties and friendships and to share in the warmth of the season and embrace the joy that it brings.
“Christmas is also a time to look back over the year which will be drawing to a close. For the Virgin Islands, 2015 was certainly an eventful year. Elections were held in the spring which the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association observers qualified as free and fair, continuing the Virgin Islands proud tradition of vibrant democracy. We also have a major extension of the Cruise Pier and the Pier Park, to name but two new landmarks to the Road Town landscape.”
The Governor also said the season is a time to remember those that are less fortunate and noted that on December 4, 2015 the annual Christmas party was held at Government House for the children of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, the Rainbow Children’s Home, Autism Centre and Social Development’s BVI Services.
He paid tribute to the many organisations and individuals in the VI who contribute their time, energy, and skills for the betterment of society, including the Rotary Clubs, the Lions Club, the BVI Red Cross, VISAR, the BVI Diabetes Association, HIV/AIDS Foundation, the Humane Society, the Family Support Network and all those who have supported these groups through fund-raising or donations.
“I encourage each and every one of us to be thankful and appreciative for our many blessings. Thankful to the Almighty for his faithful watch over the BVI and that we once again emerged safely through the Hurricane Season,” Governor Duncan said.
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13 Responses to “Queen’s 90th birthday to be celebrated in VI on April 21, 2016 - Gov Duncan”
Peasant Woman: Well, I didn't vote for you.
King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.
Peasant Woman: Well, how'd you become king, then?
[Angelic music plays... ]
King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. That is why I am your king.
Dennis the Peasant: Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
Arthur: Be quiet!
Dennis the Peasant: You can't expect to wield supreme power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!
Arthur: Shut up
Dennis the Peasant: I mean, if I went around saying I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me, they'd put me away!
Arthur: [grabs Dennis] Shut up! Will you shut up?!
Dennis: Ah, now we see the violence inherent in the system!
Arthur: [shakes Dennis] Shut up!
Dennis: Oh! Come and see the violence inherent in the system! Help, help, I'm being repressed!
Arthur: Bloody Peasant!
Dennis: Ooh, what a giveaway!
Is that what one calls condescending?