A Facebook post by political activist Cindy Rosan has triggered public outrage over the attire worn by the BVI delegation at the regional cultural showcase, CARIFESTA, with many questioning why the official territorial dress and colours were not used.
Videos and photos circulated online showed Virgin Islands delegates dressed in plaid outfits that some critics felt misrepresented the territory.
One social media user questioned whether the territorial colours had been changed without public notice. Rosan responded that no such announcement was made, alleging that the change was allowed without Cabinet approval.
“This is Luce abusing her power. Straight up. And the Premier letting her do it,” Rosan wrote.
Other commenters echoed the frustration. “I’m so confused! I kept thinking this was a throwback!” said one Facebook user, while another added: “Because WHAT WAS THAT.”
Questions also arose about whether the offices usually responsible for cultural representation had been bypassed, with some residents expressing disbelief that such a decision could have slipped past officials normally meticulous about protocol.
Community members lamented what they saw as a lack of territorial pride. “How do you end up down CARIFESTA representing us in something other than our territorial wear or fabric?! How?” Rosan asked in response to another commenter.
Others pointed to a broader issue of accountability and planning. “From the time I saw so much blue and Union Jack in the departure photos, my worry radar went up. Feels like we got blindsided. That happens when we don’t ask questions before the showdown,” one resident wrote.
Some even mistook the group for delegates from another country. “For a while there if the flag wasn’t up I thought it was St. Lucia or Dominica,” another commenter added.
The controversy has left many Virgin Islanders questioning who authorised the change and why national identity was not more prominently displayed at a regional cultural event intended to showcase Caribbean diversity.
The government has not yet issued a public response to the criticism.
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