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Reflect on culture & spirituality this Easter Festival- Hon. Walwyn

Leon 'Kinny' Creque (left) along with his band Leon and the Hotshots, opened the performances at the Leon 'Kinny' Creque Festiville last evening. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO
Right to Left: Hon. Myron Walwyn, Mervin Blyden, Leon Creque, Frederick Walters, Tennecia Tudd and Premier Smith. Photo: VINO
Right to Left: Hon. Myron Walwyn, Mervin Blyden, Leon Creque, Frederick Walters, Tennecia Tudd and Premier Smith. Photo: VINO
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn has called for Virgin Islanders to reflect on their culture and spirituality as they partake in the Easter Festival activities in Virgin Gorda.

Speaking at the opening of the festivities last evening April 7, 2012 at the Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque Festiville in the Valley, Virgin Gorda, Hon. Walwyn said both culture and spirituality helped the forefathers of the Virgin Islands to survive and build the Territory so generations can reap the benefits today.

“Virgin Islanders have come a very long way since the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1834. During our festival celebrations we should take the time to recall the struggles of our forefathers and be even more grateful that today we live in a Territory where we get to elect our leaders from among ourselves. Virgin Islanders are socially and economically empowered in various sectors and are leaders in industries.”

Hon. Walwyn added that during Festival Virgin Islanders should reflect on the importance of their culture to their present day lives. “I contend that only by knowing who we are, where we have come from, Virgin Islanders will be prepared to manage the challenges that will inevitably come.”

A part of the Virgin Islands cultural makeup and which should be appropriately recognised during this festive season, Hon. Walwyn said, is their spirituality.

“As we reflect on the culture of the islands during this festive Easter weekend let us take a moment to give thanks to the son of God for sacrificing his life so that we may have life. Virgin Islanders have traditionally had a strong faith in the Lord. I imagined that faith helped our ancestors live a hundred and seventy five years ago, the men and women that built the islands that we now know and our faith will also be needed as present generation of Virgin Islanders face today’s challenges. So during this weekend’s festivities let us take some time for cultural reflection among ourselves and see how we could work together to strengthen our islands and ourselves by acknowledging the sacrifice of Jesus and honouring the cause by seeking to live Godlier lives.”

The Minister for Education and Culture also extended condolences to the late Mr. Dawin George, who he said was an outstanding member of the Virgin Gorda Festival and Fairs Committee and every year would work hard to prepare the Little Dix Bay Resort troupe for the Annual Easter Day parade.

Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith said he was pleased to know that the festival has been growing from strength to strength over the years and was also pleased that the festival village has been named after Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque. “Leon is an old friend of mine who I have seen, and heard and listened and danced to his music over many years and has seen his band grow strength to strength.”

He added that apart from persons being able to attend the festival and be entertained by the various performances, it is also a time particularly when the young people in Virgin Gorda have the opportunity to display their talents.

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Mervin Blyden said his committee invested $100, 000 in this year’s festival in Virgin Gorda since it believes it is necessary to help organise and present an event that is of highest quality. He also congratulated the Virgin Gorda Festival and Fairs Committee and noted that he looks forward to working more closely with it.

Mr. Blyden also urged Virgin Gordians to join the VG Festival and Fairs Committee. “Festival is a lot of work and I encourage you to participate and help the committee as it needs all the help it could get.”

Chairman of the Virgin Gorda Festival and Fairs Committee, Mr. Franklin Walters noted that despite the late start to planning and lack of fundraising the committee is still able to pull off the Easter Festival activities.

And Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque, to whom the festival village is named after, wished everyone a safe festival.

Miss Teen Virgin Gorda, Tanieka Gludd then declared the festival village officially open.

13 Responses to “Reflect on culture & spirituality this Easter Festival- Hon. Walwyn ”

  • millionare road (08/04/2012, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why was the turn out so poor?
  • HELP HELP HELP (08/04/2012, 10:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lawdy ah mussy Myron jaket and tie was not necessary...somebody need to teach you about appropiate dressing...Lorna step in and help the child
  • critic (08/04/2012, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    you can tell that these guys don't have a clue as to whats going on....easter celebrations has absolutely nothing to do with slavery....some people just write all kinda of foolishness, just to make a speech sound good
  • Fat boy (08/04/2012, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron you face getting fat you need some real work to do!!! lol
  • ooooo (08/04/2012, 11:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is the only picture i've seen MB without a drink in his hand
  • mask man (08/04/2012, 13:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why do we need a ceremony for everything?
  • long road (08/04/2012, 14:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at their faces! why they all look so sad…smile Myron it seems like they need to remind you that you won the election and you got a little power to get your island friend dem from St. Vincent in Bell View School when locals can’t get in and give your family a job to build at the ESHS..and they not even aint in the 4th
  • old man (08/04/2012, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron you trying your best and so far you seem to be a proactive Minister. But I am not sure you not being from here you know the BVI culture but you trying to learn that is good so you can bring it back along with our traditions. Do your best we will support you as long as the power do not go to your heard.
  • foot mate (08/04/2012, 22:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Walters for 9th
  • dead duck (10/04/2012, 07:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    good show guys


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