Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is commends the organisers of the Festival and Fairs Committee and the people of the Territory for celebrating the Emancipation festival ‘Virgin Islands style’ while keeping the celebration vibrant, safe and successful. Photo: GIS

In a telephone conversation with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Premier Smith signaled his approval of the recent activities stating, “I am very pleased with the participation and revelry shown in this year’s Emancipation festivities. Everyone seems to have put their best foot forward upholding the slogan and demonstrating Virgin Islands pride and culture in the various activities held, from the jouverts to the pageants, parades and the festival villages.”

This year’s festival was celebrated under the winning theme: ‘Looking back at 175 years of being fully free, Our Culture, Our Heritage and Virgin Islands History’; and slogan: ‘2013 Festival, Virgin Islands Style- Celebrate Freedom with Territorial Pride’. Both theme and slogan were submitted by Ms. Linette Rabsatt and Ms. Yvonne Mactavious respectively.

Premier Smith said that festival is one way of ensuring that the lessons of the past remain fresh in our minds, and that the blessings of today are always appreciated in light of the suffering our ancestors endured.

“It is a proud tradition and a fundamental part of what it means to be a Virgin Islander,” he said.

The Honourable Premier, who serves as both Minister for Tourism and Finance said that the annual festival attracts a large number of visitors and spurs a considerable amount of economic activity which he said is an added bonus for businesspersons in the community.

Premier said, “Not only do we have an influx of visitors around this time, which means business for hotels and other ancillary services, but festival also generates economic activity for a plethora of other types of businesses, including clothing stores, food vendors, even local entertainers.”

Premier Smith took the opportunity to commend the winners of all the competitions held during the festivities, including Prince and Princess Mr. Jahkhoy Martin and Miss J'dya Sprauve; BVI Calypso Monarch Ms. Joyce “Sistah Joyce” Searles and Soca Monarchs Mr. Martino “Tino” Mark and Mr. Kendol “Kingman” Arthur, among others. He said they all had electrifying performances and it is good to see such revelry.

The Minister for Tourism also commended the recently crowned Miss BVI, Rosanna Chichester, for her victory and for becoming the Territory’s newest ambassador. Premier called on the new queen to work alongside the BVI Tourist Board to assist with the promotion of Destination BVI.

Premier thanked the business owners for sponsoring and doing their part to promote and support festival. “The spirit of unity during festival is shared by all residents, Virgin Islanders and businesses alike. This unity indeed transcends social and economic boundaries,” he said.

Honourable Premier said that he was also pleased to retain his title as champion of the 10th Annual Great Festival Sloop Shootout. He thanked Captain Junior “Butch” Romney and Member for the House of Assembly and Eight District Representative Honourable Marlon Penn and crew for sailing his sloop ‘Sea Moon’ to victory. He also thanked Acting Governor Inez Archibald, Captain Elvet Meyers and the crew who sailed ‘Moonbeam’ for a competitive race. This annual event is held to revive the maritime heritage of the Virgin Islands.

In reflecting on the parade and the troupes, Premier Smith said he was also proud to see the cultural take on the celebrations, in addition to the church’s involvement. Premier said he is looking forward to more active engagement next year from all churches in the community. “There was a time when the churches played a huge role in the direction of the festivities and I would like to see this happening more.”

Premier commended the Road March champion Showtime Band and encourages all bands to begin writing songs from now and get them on the radio as early as possible so that people become even more familiar with their songs ahead of the festivities.

Commenting on the recent August Tuesday Horse Races at the Ellis Thomas Downs, Honourable Smith said the feature race of the day was very exciting and that he was proud that horse racing continues to be enjoyed by the people of the Virgin Islands. Premier congratulated the Premier’s Cup winner and owner of the race horse ‘Plotter’, Mr. Dennis Brow, adding, “Although the win did not happen for this Territory, it was good to see our people and our Virgin Islands neighbours celebrating together. It really is evidence of the strong friendship that the BVI and USVI share up to this very day.”

He added, “Next year, we are celebrating our 60th festival celebration and I encourage organisers and other participants to begin plans from now to ensure that 2014 is the celebration of a lifetime.”

In making the emancipation festival more meaningful, Premier Smith said he would like the public to reflect more on the history behind the festival, stating, “In all the fun and entertainment, we need to remember why we celebrate. We must acknowledge the ancestors who contributed to the legacy we have today. Let us continue to research and learn from these former slaves who passed on an appreciation of freedom that we must continue to embrace.”

Premier reminded the public that the Emancipation Service at the Sunday Morning Well is important to the celebrations. “I would like to see more people patronising this event because it represents the foundation of why the Territory is able to have our Emancipation celebrations,” Premier Smith said.

Premier Smith also commended the organisers for an ‘excellent job’ in managing the Juliette Penn Festiville in East End/ Long Look and the Benito Potter Festiville in Carrot Bay, stating, “I am very happy to see that festivities continue to take place in the villages, just like they did in the past.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to preserving the Territory’s cultural heritage for generations to come.