By DENA FISHER
Virgin Island Daily News
On July 10, after spending nine days abroad, one of the two cultural delegations consisting of the V.I.’s Rising Stars Steel Orchestra’s Pan in Motion Group and two mocko jumbies from the Caribbean Ritual Dancers returned from Santiago de Cuba.
The journey marked the first time a U.S. Virgin Islands delegation was invited to participate in the Fiesta del Fuego, one of the Cuban Ministry of Culture’s most significant cultural events, and it has been taking place for 36 years.
For some of the students, it was their first time traveling outside of the country. They left the Virgin Islands as musicians and performers, and returned as cultural ambassadors with a greater understanding and appreciation for Cuban culture and its people.
Conversely, Cuba has a greater understanding and appreciation for USVI culture and its people.
The history between U.S. and Cuba has been strained for more than 50 years. This year’s invitation provided an opportunity for the Virgin Islands to renew a socio-cultural-economic relationship with Cuba, which could become far-reaching.
Through music, art and conversation, the USVI delegation and the Cuban people were able to gain new insights and perspectives and build and strengthen connections.
Here are some of the impressions the student ambassadors had of Cuba, in their own words:
Irvin Mason Jr., 18, graduated this year from All Saints Cathedral School, and he is a mocko jumbie with the Caribbean Ritual Dancers.
“Cuba made me appreciate more what I have, as a Virgin Islander. You can see the struggles they are going through, everyone works so hard.
It has been amazing to see how the Cubans react to us, they are so friendly. They accepted us into their culture from the moment we arrived.
Replies
"Pan on de Road" in Cuba !
Big up , Rising Stars !
http://www.panonthenet.com/spotlight/RisingNews/risingstars.htm
Big Up ALL SAINTS EVERYTIME!
Good news!