Despite Commonwealth Day no longer being observed as a public holiday in the territory of the Virgin Islands, public schools across the territory are observing Commonwealth day by engaging in a variety of activities throughout today March 8th, 2021.
The Joyce Samuel Primary School set the precedence with a day packed with activities commemorating Commonwealth Day under the theme: “Delivering a common future: Connecting, Innovating & Transforming”. The activities at the Joyce Samuel Primary school included: A Festival of Flags, Caribbean Cuisine, Games & Races, Musical entertainment and dancing. Patrons attending the schools Commonwealth day activities contributed a small donation at the gate and received a sampler’s crate with cuisines from Commonwealth countries. Other schools like the Althea Scatlife Primary School are hosting games, while the Alexandrina Maduro Primary school will be holding a short ceremony for students recognizing the significance of Commonwealth day. Students at the Alexandrina Maduro Primary school were asked to bring a memorabilia item of their country that the school could display for example clothes, sport/game item like a cricket bat or other items which embody the characteristics of the country, as well as dressing in his or her families national outfit or country colors.
In December of 2020 the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands removed Commonwealth and St. Ursula’s Days as notably observed public holidays in the territory of the Virgin Islands, replacing both with Virgin Islands day on July 5th and Heroes’ and Forefathers day to be observed on October 18th.
While many support national pride and the remembrance of Virgin Islands History, Heritage and its great Forefathers who have contributed significantly towards the territory. The decision by the Government of the Virgin Islands without public consultation to remove Commonwealth Day and St. Ursula’s Days as publically observed holidays has raised concerns among residents, leaving some to wonder if it is being sublimely suggested that the territory is seeking to alienate itself from the Commonwealth.