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Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley says he has already identified a cultural figure whose name he would like the proposed National Cultural Arena to bear, although he is keeping that choice under wraps.
Speaking at Tuesday night’s public meeting on the project, which remains in the design phase, Wheatley said the eventual name would honour someone who has made a significant contribution to culture.
“I know what I want to call it, but I wouldn’t break the news now,” he said. “We are going to honour someone who has made a great contribution to culture.”
The Premier indicated that “Cultural Arena” would not be the facility’s final name, suggesting that a different title could also help clarify its intended purpose.
He explained that the venue is being envisioned to accommodate a broad range of cultural arts, including different genres of music, dance, theatre, food and poetry.
“The cultural arena, perhaps we only think about culture one way. That’s not what we mean. It just means the arts, the cultural arts,” Wheatley said.
He noted that references to culture had led some people to associate the project primarily with folk traditions and performances by groups such as the Heritage Dancers and the Lashing Dogs. The proposed venue, he explained, would serve a wider range of artistic activities.
“Maybe we will have to name it differently for persons to understand it better,” he added.
Wheatley said the design consultant would continue working to finalise the plans, with further stakeholder meetings to be held as the process advances.
The Premier described the questions and comments raised during the meeting as extremely helpful, while making clear that the Government intends to proceed.
“We are moving forward with the project, but we will take all steps necessary to be able to ensure that it’s best value for money for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley stated.
He acknowledged that public opinion would remain divided.
“Some persons will agree, obviously; some persons will disagree, but at the end of the day you have to be able to make a decision.”
Speaking at Tuesday night’s public meeting on the project, which remains in the design phase, Wheatley said the eventual name would honour someone who has made a significant contribution to culture.
“I know what I want to call it, but I wouldn’t break the news now,” he said. “We are going to honour someone who has made a great contribution to culture.”
The Premier indicated that “Cultural Arena” would not be the facility’s final name, suggesting that a different title could also help clarify its intended purpose.
He explained that the venue is being envisioned to accommodate a broad range of cultural arts, including different genres of music, dance, theatre, food and poetry.
“The cultural arena, perhaps we only think about culture one way. That’s not what we mean. It just means the arts, the cultural arts,” Wheatley said.
He noted that references to culture had led some people to associate the project primarily with folk traditions and performances by groups such as the Heritage Dancers and the Lashing Dogs. The proposed venue, he explained, would serve a wider range of artistic activities.
“Maybe we will have to name it differently for persons to understand it better,” he added.
Wheatley said the design consultant would continue working to finalise the plans, with further stakeholder meetings to be held as the process advances.
The Premier described the questions and comments raised during the meeting as extremely helpful, while making clear that the Government intends to proceed.
“We are moving forward with the project, but we will take all steps necessary to be able to ensure that it’s best value for money for the people of the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley stated.
He acknowledged that public opinion would remain divided.
“Some persons will agree, obviously; some persons will disagree, but at the end of the day you have to be able to make a decision.”
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