The Ministry of Education and Culture continued its flag hoisting initiative at the Jost Van Dyke School (JDVS) on Tuesday in it its drive to foster national pride and identity.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr. Marcia Potter attended the event and spoke on behalf of Minister the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn. Dr. Potter said the flag hoisting ceremony is all about building and instilling pride in the Territory’s youth. She added, “We cannot forget our history. We must never forget our history, and we need to understand that we have to build on that history.”

Assistant Secretary Ms. Lorna Stevens outlined the protocols for hoisting and lowering the flags, which would be done from Monday to Friday by the students. The Union Jack - the United Kingdom flag - should be raised first and lowered last; or the Virgin Islands Territorial Flag and the Union Jack can be raised and lowered simultaneously.

Ms. Stevens also stressed that due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that both flags are always flown correctly and never allowed to touch the ground. The use of the Union Jack or Territorial Flag to cover a statue, a monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony is also discouraged. It is also improper to use the flags as seat covers or masking for boxes or barriers.

Torn or faded flags are no longer fitting for display, and should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect.

Member for the Second District Honourable Mitch Turnbull and JVDS Principal Ms. Lavern Blyden also delivered remarks at the ceremony.

The Jost Van Dyke School is the twelfth school to participate in the flag hoisting initiative, which began in 2012.     

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to strengthening the identity of all Virgin Islanders and fostering a sense of pride through creating a “Culture of Excellence”.