Culture comes alive @ Carrot Bay Festival opening
This was the advice given by First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta held in Carrot Bay.
The fisherman's part of the Carrot Bay festivities this year is in honour of celebrated educator and fisherman Elmore Stoutt OBE.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said it was a wonderful initiative for the people of the territory to end the 61st emancipation celebrations in the Virgin Islands in Carrot Bay.
“We like to always make sure that we call what we have here a festival and not a carnival because of the historical significance that we attach to it. And because of that historical significance it is a fitting way to end the festivities right here in Carrot Bay because of the cultural background and the cultural purpose of the celebrations here,” he said.
“That is why the Government is so pleased that we have been able after so many years to deliver that fisherman’s dock right next to where we are for the people of Carrot Bay to continue their fishing,” said the Minister.
He called Mr Stoutt, known for so many things in the territory, a cultural icon and expressed thanks to him for the contributions he has made to the development of culture and education.
Well-deserved honour
Addressing the audience, First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie urged persons to be a part of the cultural games and treats that await them. He thanked the committee and sponsors of the Cultural Fiesta.
“With the rich heritage in Carrot Bay when you come here you feel at home away from home,” he said. He congratulated the committee for naming the fisherman’s part of the celebrations in honour of one of his mentors, Mr Elmore Stoutt.
“I really must say that it is a pleasure being on stage with you while you get this honour. You deserve it."
Hon Fahie said that for those who are visiting, it was a chance for them to hear some of the stories that the village and the territory grew up listening to and where they came from. He also urged them to get the true meaning of what they are celebrating.
“Make sure you celebrate in a manner that reflects that you are respectful of what our forefathers fought for, that is our freedom. And if you are respectul what they fought for you will celebrate in a respectful manner that shows that you are glad that you are free, not only physically but mentally,” he said.
Culture alive on a daily basis
Honourable Fahie noted that Carrot Bay is one of the only places on Tortola where culture is alive and strong not only at Festival time but on a daily basis with the fishing and farming, among other activities.
The three F’s of fishing
Honouree Stoutt had nothing but words of gratitude and appreciation for being honoured. “I wish to thank the Carrot Bay Fiesta Cultural Committee for their thoughtfulness whereby they have honoured me. Now ladies and gentleman fishing for me is something special. Fishing was a pastime for the young men all over the British Virgin Islands in the 50s and the 60s. They structured their time around doing many things but fishing was the main thing,” he said.
He said too that he had impetus to do more fishing because of his grandmother being allergic to chicken. “So that was a special job to get out and find fish,” he said.
He spoke of older experienced fishermen willing to take him and other young men out with the on their boats and mentioned the late Jimmy Donovan and Austin Callwood among others. “All those were keen on taking young fellows to fish with them and teach them the tricks in fishing. Now today I could teach young people the tricks,” he said.
“I would like to encourage the young men to do something about structuring their time around fishing, not just for food and fun but it also [gives you] funds…three F's,” he said, adding that for him he would add a T for therapy which going out to sea was to him.
Following the end of the speeches, the official cutting of the ribbon and the awarding of prizes for the Elmore Stoutt Fisherman’s Tournament, it was time for Fungi. And it was Elmore Stoutt leading the Serenaders into a lengthy performance, giving stories of old much to the humour and delight of the audience who got a clearly painted picture of life in the Virgin Islands in the days gone by, not through Google but through oral tradition handed down through the generations.
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13 Responses to “Culture comes alive @ Carrot Bay Festival opening”
I see a lot of people aligning themselves with the devil worshipping M****W. People cleanse yourself of this devil's agent. He isceverything that the Bible says not to be.
He and his flunkies no longer worship the Lord. He's trying to lead our youths down the dark path with him.
Has anyone seen this man in a church? He is pulling everything he touches into the darkness. Let's all prey for the Lord's protection, because in these times we surely need it.
I've heard that stuff about M..... Come to think of it I've known him for a long time never heard of him going church. Even during election time when all others were popping up in churches around island I never heard of him going.
He was truly making his round at the bars though. Yeah I guess the devil truly walks with him.