Poor participation @ Festival Parade 2015

- Parade described as one of the poorest in recent years; extra late start

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The BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation and the Tortola Dance Project troupe during the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Limping Jack from Way Back at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Street Kings ready to roll in the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

2015 Calypso Queen Sistah Joyce takes part in the Festival Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Moviene F. Fahie and Jack the Donkey during VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Leader of the Opposition and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA and wife Kharid @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Former Fourth District representative Dr Vincent G. Scatliffe takes in the spectacle at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Some of the ancient artifacts of VI culture on display at VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Reigning Road March champions VIBE during the Festival Parade on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool observing the Festival Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith greets persons along the way during the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

The judges' perch at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Enjoying some shade at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

One of the colourfully decorated trucks at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

A float depicting former members of the House of Assembly at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Part of the Street Kings car convoy at VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

A float on the move at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

A pair of pageant winners at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Parade Marshall Andrew Charlie Turnbull at the helm of the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

One of the USVI pageant winners in the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

The Dynamic Twirlers in the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Enjoying the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Miss BVI 2013 Rosanna K. Chichester at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

A bevy of queens at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Getting into the spirit of things at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Members of the Tortola Dance Project at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Alred C. Frett at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Members of the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

The Rotary Clubs' float at the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Territorial At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian was part of the Rotary float at the Festival Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Steve Augustine and family @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Abraham A. Tarabay @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

First Lady Lorna G. Smith OBE @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie @ VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

John F. Black and Clifton Skelton during the VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

VI Emancipation Festival 2015 Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015. Photo: VINO

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A very late start of 3pm may not have been all that bad as the Emancipation Festival Parade in Road Town on August 3, 2015 would have probably been wrapped up way too early than expected.

Such was the very limited participation in this year’s parade that saw many persons waiting in an unforgiving sun only to be left asking the question: That’s it?

Nevertheless there were some diehards and others that averted a complete disaster with their faithful participation for yet another year.

Those included Limping Jack From Way Back, Althea Scatliffe Twirling Striders, Dynamic Twirlers, Fete T'Niques, the BVI Elite Sky Dancers, The Rotary Clubs of the VI and Moviene F. Fahie and her plump donkey Jack.

Also adding some flavour to this year’s parade were Freedom Mas Camp, Jems of Anegada, Down Memory Lane- 1990 till now, the BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation who teamed up with Tortola Dance Project, Street Kings with their car load of amplifiers, speakers and bassline, and the many pageant queens and princes of the VI as well as the USVI Carnival Queen 2015 Miss Derisa Greaves and St John Festival Queen 2015 Miss Shanell Harney.

The newly crowned Miss British Virgin Islands Adorya R. Baly and the contestants of this year’s pageant were also part of the parade.

The small troupes, however, had lively participants all keen on enjoying themselves despite the agonising wait to get the parade underway. Some participants, including children, were ready since around 10am.

Limping Jack From Way Back leads them out

Leading out was Limping Jack From Way Back highlighting certain items used back in the days, including coal iron and a pit latrine.

“We have to show the youth of today what it was like way back then so they could appreciate what they have now,” said Limping Jack From Way Back member Jerome Craig, who noted that he returns every year from Missouri for the Emancipation celebrations in the Virgin Islands.

Crowd favourite

A favourite among spectators was prominent farmer Moviene Fahie and Jack the donkey.

“We re highlighting Tortola culture and how we used to use donkeys way back to fetch our load from country or up the hills,” said Mrs Fahie, who also used the opportunity to wish both residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands a happy Emancipation Festival 2015.

Then there was the BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation, in collaboration with Tortola Dance Project with their message of ‘knowing your status’.

The colourful troupe drew positive reactions from spectators with their coordinated dance moves.

“We are a group of people that love the BVI. We live here and support its causes. Regarding HIV, everyone should be aware and know their status.

“These girls love to dance. It’s a club for them and they are so amazing. Our troupe is made up of different races and types of people, including from here and abroad. It’s important that we keep that going and celebrate freedom, unity and diversity and just life,” said President of the BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation, Cid Nava.

Twirlers

No stranger to the annual Festival Parade, Dynamic Twirlers came with 15 girls this year. “The girls really work hard. We have been spinning in the parade as Dynamic Twirlers since 2010 and are partially funded by the Department of Culture,” commented Siyeeda Brewley, who also noted that Dynamic Twirlers have emerged winners in their category in previous years.

“We try to keep festival live, that is the main reason why we are here,” Ms Brewley added when asked what has motivated the troupe to participate over the years.

Two schools participated this year; a handful from the Francis Lettsome Primary School and a bunch from the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. The Althea Scatliffe Twirling Striders numbered 28.

Legislators participate

Meanwhile, the Rotary Clubs of Tortola had in their float Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith and First Lady Lorna G. Smith as well as Territorial At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian.

Noted also in the parade was former legislator Ms Eileene L. Parsons on a float that took the VI ‘Down Memory Lane- 1990 till now’. The float highlighted many persons who have contributed to the VI in various ways. Those included late Chief Minister H. Lavity Stoutt, late former Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, former legislator R. Dancia Penn QC, Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald and former legislator Irene F. Penn O’Neal.

Then there was a dancing fire blowing dragon that was a hit with the crowd also and was forced on many occasions to cool it down a bit for photos and selfies.

Many persons, although appreciative of what was offered, couldn’t help but comment that the parade was much smaller compared to previous years and was in need of reviewing.

“I am not sure why the participation was so poor this year but something needs to be done cause we might have nothing next year,” said Elise, who said even the crowd was smaller this year.

“From the late start to this little show, I am not impressed at all. Good thing I am not paying to see this,” joked a local businessman.

“We didn’t see any major costumes this year and it’s sad,” said Mrs R. Donovan.

Similar sentiments on the meagre and less colourful parade were shared by many.

“It was fun. We had a great time. The display was nice,” said tourist Emily Dhurkan on a more positive side of things.

14 Responses to “Poor participation @ Festival Parade 2015”

123 (04/08/2015, 13:56) Like (15) Dislike (9) Reply
YEP THIS YEAR WWZ AH BIG FLOP TOO MUCH POLTITICS DEM PUT ALL THE NDP TO RUN EVERYTHING
Usvi visitors (04/08/2015, 14:50) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
This year parade was not bad at all, what some people was looking for is wild out men and women, wuking up. To me there was no favorite, the schools did well and tortola dance project also the lady with the donkey was a common thing and limping Jack they could of improve on that. But I must shout out to carzack, for making his craft from cart box wow wow. But the grand Marshall have to understand the parade very late and he added more to it wanting his photo shoot, there's where he needed to move up, it's not a Marshall parade
miss (04/08/2015, 15:59) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
It was a flop because Anasazi and Treasures of the BVI weren't there.
- Usvi visitors (04/08/2015, 17:36) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
  Hell no, the festival didn't need them to have a festival, because looking back, they need to carry themselves as grown people, not skinning out their body parts for us as bystanders to look at with our children, so I'm glad not see them at all
- Yes (05/08/2015, 09:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
  Those groups do add to the parade but without them the parade was wonderful. You know what I was thinking?? Each year these groups get NEW COSTUMES right. I really do not think they does throw them away after spending soo much money for them. So why did they not compile a costume from past years and come together and perform?? I think they were quite selfish lol. Imagine I still have bits an pieces of my costumes from over twenty years being in Jasmine group.
  - Country Gal (05/08/2015, 10:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now put on your bits and pieces and start the ball rolling....
- Real Talk (06/08/2015, 10:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
  the parade was better without a lot of those groups. In fact it was almost a family parade
Dragon (04/08/2015, 17:08) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
A lot more familys would attend and watch the parade if it was not like a porn show with simulated sex.
Renee (05/08/2015, 09:49) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply

Whoever is in charge of the Festival Committee should be replaced. This is ridiculous. It starts later and later each year. I was exhausted, hot, sleepy and disgusted by the time they started. This is my last time attending. These are the feelings of many. This parade should start no later than 12:00 pm. A lot of the participants in the parade did't look happy and I know the poor children are sleepy before they even start. Poorly poorly planned and never never on time. I'm done!
- wondering (06/08/2015, 16:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  Were you there at 12pm?
bystander (05/08/2015, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
The fat lady hasn't sung yet.
onlooker (05/08/2015, 11:58) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
I do not/cannot/will not blame the committee for the late start. What I would do is that I would start with whoever is there and let the others fall in. But truthfully speaking I would suggest that the committee sit down by next week while everything is fresh in their memories and evaluate the entire Festival celebrations and plan for the way forward to next year. To begin with, the celebration is too long and drawn out, emphasis need to be placed on a shorter time period and make it real nice. Too much money is spent on bringing in Artists and Bands and performs for only a short time . Take a fresh look at the entire picture and revamp the entire thing for next year. The community needs to share constructive criticism instead of looking down on the committee. After all they (the committee) don't have to do what they are doing, as they are not been paid, rather it's for the love of country. Let's all get out and help.
Cheaters (05/08/2015, 22:12) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
They need to stop rigging the judging and more people will join. One set of troups winning same set of bands every year
Vision (06/08/2015, 07:55) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
A great day's outing on Festival Monday!!!!!!!!!!! Who will allow anyone to encourage them to BOYCOTT their very own Festival once they are in their right mind?????????????

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Poor participation @ Festival Parade 2015

14 Responses to “Poor participation @ Festival Parade 2015”

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