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April 21, 2008
GOVERNOR’S 2008 CARNIVAL MESSAGE Listen to the Governor's Message Traditionally this is the time of the year we look forward to with much anticipation: a time to re-kindle friendships, highlight our local talent, comment on our politics, purchase our local arts & crafts, and foods – just be a community of one. Addie Ottley got it just right when he gave us this year’s Carnival theme: "A Cultural Escape for 2008." Carnival is an escape, it is an escape to our culture: an escape to our past and a voyage to our future. It is a visit to the best of traditions and ways of the Virgin Islands. Traditions we must never lose. Traditions of community, of respect, of civility. Traditions of having fun and making fun -- of not letting ourselves take ourselves too seriously, but realizing we live in serious times. We are all fundamentally much more alike than we are different. And we are much too mixed as a people to ignore this truth. During our Cultural Escape for 2008, we think back to the past. We will celebrate the past and honor those like Trevor "TJ" Joseph for whom this year's Carnival Village is named. We will remember all who came before. We are mixed by race, and national origin, and color, and language. We are too mixed to ever unscramble the mix that is the people of the Virgin Islands. And why would we want to? Carnival is the swirl of our colors, the beat of our rhythms and the song of our voices. From pageants and talent contests, to children’s rides and Carnival races, to eating delights at Food Fair, to tramping and the boat show to talking with friends in the Village, to watching them showcase at the Friday and Saturday parades, it is an enjoyable escape. This is John deJongh wishing a happy Carnival to one and all!! Have fun! Look out for each other and keep a watchful eye on all our children. Be safe and be well. |
