Social commentator Sandra Phillip Hodge has sparked debate after calling for a dress code for the August Monday Parade in Road Town, arguing that some costumes have become too revealing.
In a post on social media including several local community boards, Hodge questioned whether the Territory still upheld standards governing acceptable public attire.
“I suggest the Festival Committee set a dress code for the August Monday Parade. It’s getting worse every year. It’s not just flesh and feathers anymore, it’s the whole backside outta door,” she wrote.
Her comments triggered a barrage of criticism, with several persons accusing her of being overly judgemental and arguing that revealing costumes are expected during celebrations.
“Complain for everything. Let people be,” one person responded, while another said: “It’s a parade. Y’all need to learn to mind y’all business.”
Some persons were particularly upset that Hodge included a close-up photograph of a reveller wearing a costume she considered inappropriate, questioning whether the image was taken or posted with the individual’s consent.
However, Hodge received some support, with one commenter suggesting that stronger standards had previously been enforced, “Ms. Parsons was the only person that could hold them to some sort of standard or rules.”
Following the backlash, Hodge issued another statement declaring that she would not be silenced. She maintained that the photograph did not show the individual’s face and was posted as “evidence” of what she believes is happening to the Territory’s Emancipation celebrations.
“This is not Trin-Bago or Rio de Janeiro. This is Road Town, Tortola,” Hodge stated.
“I will not remain silent while a monster is being fed with our culture and heritage,” she added, insisting that everyone should be welcomed to participate in the parade, but “there must be a decent standard set by decent BVI people.”
In a post on social media including several local community boards, Hodge questioned whether the Territory still upheld standards governing acceptable public attire.
“I suggest the Festival Committee set a dress code for the August Monday Parade. It’s getting worse every year. It’s not just flesh and feathers anymore, it’s the whole backside outta door,” she wrote.
Her comments triggered a barrage of criticism, with several persons accusing her of being overly judgemental and arguing that revealing costumes are expected during celebrations.
“Complain for everything. Let people be,” one person responded, while another said: “It’s a parade. Y’all need to learn to mind y’all business.”
Some persons were particularly upset that Hodge included a close-up photograph of a reveller wearing a costume she considered inappropriate, questioning whether the image was taken or posted with the individual’s consent.
However, Hodge received some support, with one commenter suggesting that stronger standards had previously been enforced, “Ms. Parsons was the only person that could hold them to some sort of standard or rules.”
Following the backlash, Hodge issued another statement declaring that she would not be silenced. She maintained that the photograph did not show the individual’s face and was posted as “evidence” of what she believes is happening to the Territory’s Emancipation celebrations.
“This is not Trin-Bago or Rio de Janeiro. This is Road Town, Tortola,” Hodge stated.
“I will not remain silent while a monster is being fed with our culture and heritage,” she added, insisting that everyone should be welcomed to participate in the parade, but “there must be a decent standard set by decent BVI people.”
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It’s sad to see how brainwashed people are. The same women if a man was to come to there house would be like I’m not dressed let me put on some clothes before you come in. But because it’s festival I wear the same thing with a feather looking hat on top and call it culture. It has nothing to do with culture is just men like seeing women and man run things and they fools woman enough to make them think this is freedom to reveal exactly what the man wants to see as if that is female empowerment. Not self respect or dignity.
This discussion is long overdue.
I believe there should be a respectful dress code for our Emancipation Festival Parade, and I agree with Sandra Phillip that it is time for this conversation to take place.
I would like to know how we, as Virgin Islander women—and other members of our community who share this view—can begin the process of advocating for a presentable dress code that reflects the true purpose of our Emancipation Festival.
The British Virgin Islands does not celebrate Carnival; we celebrate Emancipation Festival. It is a national celebration that commemorates the emancipation of our ancestors from slavery and honours their courage, resilience, and sacrifices. It should be a celebration that reflects dignity, pride, and respect for our history.