Despite the many residents who said the money could have been better used to fixed schools and help those who are still homeless following the 2017 Hurricanes, the August Monday 2018 Parade, went on as planned and has come to a close. Photo: Team of Reporters

The smiles say it all, these lassies certainly enjoyed August Monday 2018. Photo: Team of Reporters

The BVIEC was given a special tribute in this year's August Monday Parade for their hard work and dedication in repairing the National Grid. Photo: Team of Reporters

Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) poses here with a costumed reveller for the 2018 August Monday Parade. Photo: Facebook

Costumed revellers along the parade route as eager spectators look on. Photo: Facebook

VI Culture on Display for the 2018 Emancipation August Monday Parade. Photo: Facebook

A traditional VI August Monday sight as these young men skillfully gyrate on stilts. Photo: Facebook

Music was not in short supply. Photo: Facebook

All set for the August Monday Parade. Photo: Facebook

Once the parade started, it was the usual big gaps, trucks that broke down, generators that refuse to start and an impatient public, but it got underway nonetheless. Photo: Facebook

Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), was among the patrons. Photo: Team of Reporters

The 2018 Emancipation Day Parade of floats, troupes, Kings, Queens and spectators. Photo: Team of Reporters

These dancers thrilled spectators with their specially choreographed dance routines. Photo: Team of Reporters

The 'August Monday' (6, 2018,) Emancipation Day Parade of floats, troupes, Kings, Queens and spectators, took place amidst the usual late start, not getting on the way until almost 2:00 PM in Road Town, the Capital City. 

Once the parade started, it was the usual big gaps, trucks that broke down, generators that refuse to start and an impatient public, but it got underway nonetheless. 

The winners 

The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) won both senior and junior categories and also took home two first-place awards and a second-place award.

Meanwhile, the BVI Dance School copped first place in the 'Children's Festival Troupe' category.

BVI Heritage Dancers—under the leadership of cultural icon and National Democratic Party (NDP) spokeswoman, Eileene L. Parsons, OBE—won Best Float and the Rotary Club took home a prize in that category also.

The parade was very small as most residents are still hurting from the recent hurricanes, while many others travelled overseas. 

A tie 

Meanwhile,  four-time champions VIBE and three-time champs – Xtreme Band were both named 2018 title winners for the Road March, and will share a trophy and prize money.

Both have also earned a spot in the line-up of artistes for the closing night of the Emancipation festivities on Friday, August 10, 2018.

Many critics of the NDP Administration have said, everything has deteriotated under this Government and that the Virgin Islands cultural activities have been placed on the backburner, under the Minister of Culture (Honourable Myron V. Walwyn)