Miss BVI Sharlita Millington donated  her “cultural wear” symbolizing a local sloop to the HLS Community College Marine Center. She is pictured here with  Mrs. Christine Dawson-Hodge and Mr. Geoffrey Brooks—

 [photo by  Reynold Corum/GIS]

 MISS BVI DONATES HER CULTURAL WEAR TO HLSCC MARINE CENTER

"Miss Sharlita Millington is very civic minded and I wish her a successful reign along with a bright future", Mrs. Christine Dawson-Hodge , assistant vice president of the HLSC College, said when she accepted Miss Sharlita Millington's presentation of her cultural wear symbolizing a local sloop.

She wore the same costume at the Miss BVI pageant and named it the "Vigilate" because she believes that the BVI should remain focused and vigilant.

The "Vigilate" was accepted by Mrs. Hodge and Mr. Geoffrey Brooks maintenance supervisor of the center, in addition, Miss BVI thanked Mr. Brooks for being a resource person during the preparatory period before she participated in the Miss BVI pageant. She told those present at the brief ceremony that when she was preparing for the cultural aspect of the pageant she had sought assistance from Mr. Brooks who had given her the information needed to make a cultural costume that symbolized the maritime history and culture of the BVI. She said that since Mr. Brooks is in charge of developing a Maritime Museum at the College's Marine Center the sloop can be displayed as its main center piece.  

Mr. Brooks said that he is pleased that Miss Millington has decided to donate her costume and that it will be exhibited. Mrs. Hodge said, "We will display it with pride."  The Vigilate along with other pieces by the late boat builder Mr. Osmond Davies can be viewed at the Marine Center.