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This year’s festival was biggest disaster- Donald deCastro

- Says too many in the VI don’t know difference between festival & carnival
Mr. deCastro has lamented that Virgin Islanders have allowed their festival to be transformed into a carnival like affair. Photo: VINO
Donald deCastro
Donald deCastro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Although late in coming but maybe early enough for the thought to be considered for next year, Donald deCastro has lamented that the Emancipation Festival in the Virgin Islands has been transformed into a carnival-like affair and said this year’s celebration was disastrous and shameful.

Speaking on his radio programme “Night Talk” last evening December 13, 2011, Mr. deCastro said the festival should also be one that involves the entire Territory in the true spirit of Emancipation rather than a money making venture.

August Festival is regarded as one of the most important holidays in the Territory and is celebrated on the three days from (and including) the first Monday in August to commemorate the abolition of slavery in 1834 in the Virgin Islands. The festival includes the annual freedom march, emancipation service, calypso monarch competition, boat races, and August Monday Parade.

“Unfortunately too many people living, visiting and working in this Territory including some Virgin Islanders do not know the difference between a festival and a carnival and our own people have allowed them to turn this festival into a carnival and this year was the biggest disaster that I have seen and it was shameful. And big does not mean better and when we are celebrating emancipation we should be able to take our entire family and not have to leave the children at home because of the vulgarity that parading on the streets,” deCastro opined.

Looking ahead, deCastro said next year’s Festival should have a celebration on Monday (August Monday) that involves the entire Virgin Islands, from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. “With the kind of money that our Government spends to bring in these bands, troupes and entertainers from all over the world there is no reason why that same money cannot spend to bring in troupes from Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and every village on Tortola and let those troupes that participate depict something of the Virgin Islands and our past and present and who don’t like that could always take a plane, a boat or ferry and get out of here or they could stay home but we must have a celebration for us, by us.”

Mr. deCastro also said that the festival should not be designed for people to make money “but if the people make money in the process it is good for them. I have no problem with people making money but we will not design our Emancipation for people to make money.”

Meanwhile, one of the guests on the programme last evening, Dr. Quicy Lettsome, agreed that if persons are celebrating Virgin Islands festival it should be truly representative of the “indigenous efforts, history and culture and identity of Virgin islanders”.

45 Responses to “This year’s festival was biggest disaster- Donald deCastro ”

  • Jigga (14/12/2011, 06:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know why our Festival is more like a Carnival Mr. Decastro it is obvious due to the influx of expats that partake as well.
  • billy b (14/12/2011, 07:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we have allowed other people to come into our country and change who we are, this is exactly why we don't have an identity any more. Outsiders see us struggling to find ourselves and they are taking it upon themselves to planting their roots into us. We need to disallow this and back these outsiders off.
    • and (14/12/2011, 08:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      And stop watching US TV, Playing US sports, using US Money, buying US fods, Eating Pizza and french fries, driving foreign cars - should i go on? There is nothing wrong with having a multicultural cosmopolitan society it lends to a less ignorant population. Local History should be taught, local culture should be taught but so should other histories and cultures so that we (BVI) can fit in with the rest of the world instead of being a lonely little rock which is what some people seem to want.
      • C'mon (14/12/2011, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Cart your behind?! We can have other nationalities here but should have our culture up front. The same US everything that you mention is the reason why other nationalities come here. If we were using EC do you really think people would flock here?! We need to get hold of ourselves and express more national pride!!
        • and says (14/12/2011, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Nothing to stop the BVI minting it's own currency to stem the flow of immigrants!
          • C'mon (15/12/2011, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            The US itself does not mint its own currency through the Federal Reserve. If you research you would know that they 'borrow' since they do not 'own' the FED so how could the VI mint their own unless they did the same as Cayman.
        • and says (14/12/2011, 15:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Also if you had bothered to read my post you would have fully understood that I said that the local culture and history should be taught - but so should other cultures and histories so our people can become better rounded people.
      • huh (17/12/2016, 08:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yes, let's stop driving foreign cars and only drive ones built here!!!!
    • saying (14/12/2011, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      WELL SAID
  • MOTHER (14/12/2011, 07:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I recognise that there will be those that are for and those against, however, as a mother my view is against as I can no longer take my sons, ages 8 & 4 to the parade. They covered their eyes and pointed, "mommy look a bum bum", I was so embarassed for them. I petition that we have a separate adults parade and a children's parade (not the small one that Rotary does) like how St. Thomas does it. Families will then know it is okay to bring out the children to enjoy the parade on that day and the troop members will bare in mind that this is the " Children's" parade. You and your children may attend the Adult parade at your own risk.
  • crucian (14/12/2011, 08:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well said MOTHER
  • strupessssssss (14/12/2011, 08:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ayo always talking non sense ppl in the parade advertise the bvi traditions an past history every year an yea we should have 2 parade if thats the problem with kids watching bum bum lol an u decastro emacipatian is bout having fun that we are free an no longer in shakles we are puttin the past behind us not to carry it an not 50 troops displaying slavery. so u want to stop mokojumbies an majoretts come wake up into the real world bvi all we have to do is live as one an unite. one love.
  • Bat Man (14/12/2011, 08:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Decastro it will get worst...with island man Myron as Minister of Culture and so many expats and their wives now ruling the BVI it can only get worst. The indigenous peoples of the BVI have lost their country and that is a fact...HOW SAD!!!!!
    • street man (14/12/2011, 08:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      come on "bat man" Ronnie wife from here and Deloris husband from here so at least we have two we can call on...good point Decastro
    • robin (14/12/2011, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I second the motion
    • fact (14/12/2011, 08:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The indigenous people of the BVI were killed out centuries ago.
    • To Bat Man (14/12/2011, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The name Batman is already occupied in the online arena. No need to create confusion for the followers. Perhaps Robin will do?
  • rewrsdffds (14/12/2011, 08:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nothing like the smell of xenophobia in the morning
    • yes (14/12/2011, 10:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      My thoughts exactly
    • Grrrr (14/12/2011, 14:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nothing like the smell of napalm in the morning. Fire bun your behind!!!
      • lol (14/12/2011, 17:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        i see your'e a movie buff. how quaint. did you know that the mother of ursula iguaran had her buns burnt by fire and it was all because sir francis drake sacked cartagena. Small world! we gotta live together in it
    • PS (15/12/2011, 00:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please pardon some of these ignorant fools who don't even understand the gist of Mr. DeCastro's point. Mr. DeCastro has a valid point about the nature of the festival. Instead of focusing on the main point of his discussion they are doing what comes easy (because it doesn't require thinking) throwing barbs at expats. The time spent excoriating expats could be better spent on some good old fashioned self improvement. We will not get better by trying to tear others down. Further, to keep someone down requires that you stay down with them. Something to think about. For all those people who are busy talking about all the expats and others that they claim are "taking over" they need to be preparing themselves for the jobs they claim are being lost to expats. It is so funny when you look at it. We complain when outsiders getting positions and we complain when our own people get positions. Sounds like self hatred to me. Earlier this year when it was disclosed that the TRC was poised to pick an outsider based on the field of applicants we complained and said we should select our own. Now that it was reported that Ayana has been tapped for the position we are still complaining and finding all manner of fault and reasons why she shouldn't get it; none of which are her qualifications. She is young, vibrant, experienced, eminently qualified but we are still not satisfied. Oh I forgot, unless she is a friend or relative. We are own worst enemy and we swear we are being harmed by others.
  • Cajun (14/12/2011, 08:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Donald hush your darm mouth and write to the festival committee with suggestions from every minute talking froth! Your gas shop dont have work for you to do?
  • NDP STRONG (14/12/2011, 09:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    OH PLEASE!!! THE BVI IS A MULTI CULTURAL SOCIETY. WE CANNOT RUN FROM THAT. IF U DON'T WANT TO SEE BOTTOM ROLLIN AND PPL WEARING NXT TO NOTHING U NOT NEED TO BE AT THESE EVENTS. ITS AMAZING TO SEE PPL FROM ALL WALKS OF SOCIETY ON THE ROAD IN OTHER ISLANDS GETTING ON BAD ON THE ROAD. ITS ALL APART OF DE TING. LOOSING UR SELF IN THE MUSIC IS WHAT ITS ABOUT. LETTING UR HAIR DOWN. DON'T TRY CHANGE IT!!! ADAPT TO THE PROGRESSION OF THE TIME. IT IZ WHAT IT IZ
  • Friend (14/12/2011, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think the whole world has changed. Why are we so worried about simple things like that. There are so many things to talk about and not such petty stuff that happen once a year. People wear what they wants if they has no pride in themselves for one day why talk about it. It's FESTIVAL time. We talked so much about Christinan Community and island people and we Tortolian are so damn GREEDY and full of Self and HATRED. Can't you all see the island people children are trying to put the country forward take a survey and you will see. While the Tortolian build their big homes and don't educate their children and sit on their behind and complain about island people. All the Tolians them come and look at the Parade and don't take part. because them so holy and still so enveious.
    • I want to know (14/12/2011, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You out of place........ you should not generalize so.......... It shows ignorance on your part.
    • TORTOLIAN (15/12/2011, 11:21) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      BELIEVE ME THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ENVIOUS ABOUT!!
  • If You Scared Go To Church (14/12/2011, 09:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wait until they feature the GAY TROUPE it is the nyou guys will be BAWLING!
    • On the DL (14/12/2011, 14:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lawd help us if this comes to pass! Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, people get with the program and end this kind bizness! .
    • ONENESS (14/12/2011, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      u got jokees - never
  • Sammy (14/12/2011, 09:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course it is fault of the expats, just like everything else !
  • Country Gal (14/12/2011, 09:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    dem girls could flex.... Mr. D just sad he couldn't be in de with all dem gals
  • expat (14/12/2011, 12:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the only genuine tolians are born from expats. All the others who claim to be from here run St.Thomas and Puerto Rico to make their children. Tortola has no culture they are busy trying to be like the US and to busy looking down on island people to realize that it was island people who came to Tortola and made it what it is. If u look back in Tortola history many of the older folks will tell you majority of the prominent surnames in Tortola originated from Santo Domingo and down the islands. what island ppl need to do is build a psychiatric institute to house all those who want us out. for when we leave and there is no one to rent their houses. they will go crazy wondering how they going to pay the bank.
    • Many Generations! (14/12/2011, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You chatting a whack of $hit!!! I am a Virgin Islander of many generations and all my siblings are born right here. Not every family ran to St. Thomas or PR to born their children. We VI people are peace loving from what I remember growing up but the influx of foreigners is what makes this place different. Your comment alone breeds envy, "what island ppl need to do is build a psychiatric institute to house all those who want us out. for when we leave and there is no one to rent their houses." Where you come from do you own a concrete house? Or rather a galvanize shanty? If VI people were more agressive and less tolerant of the bull$hit you would be singing a different tune! GET REAL!
      • expat (16/12/2011, 12:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        oh yes i do own a three bedroom two bathroom concrete house. wonder if i can say the same for you. or u just add on a piece on mammy and daddy house and remain right there. have you read or listened to the news lately? who is doing the sh$$$t? Ignorant Tolian. you need to get out of the box and remember there are many Tolians who leave the Virgin Islands looking for greener pastures. if the shoe was on the other foot would you like somebody to treat you or your many generations how some of u all treat down islanders.
  • Sam (14/12/2011, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with Mr. DeCastro to a certain extend. We do have to watch the level of vulgarity on Parade day, but on the other hand we must learn to embrace other cultures and be more excepting of people who are different. This can be done without losing who you are as Virgin Islanders. I think immigration and labour need to be reform to insure that Virgin Islanders do not get short changed in their own country. Who is a Virgin Islander (with full citizenship and not partial)? I still must say the UK and local laws when it comes to citizenship is going to leave this territory a revolving door, where people just come, get what they can get and leave without a care for the territory. People born in this territory that do not receive citizenship and does who receive it with limitations are not going to be patriotic.
  • Mo Sack Fon Seek Her (14/12/2011, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Perhaps we should look at all of the Cultural magazines that are sold in DeCastros shop. We would only find local cultural books and magazines. Nothing showing women in states of undress. Perhaps one should practice what they preach.
    • BVIslander (14/12/2011, 15:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And he hires expats because he wants to pay them as little as possible. He's a big hypocrite.
  • MY YUTE (14/12/2011, 15:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    aLL I WILL SAY IS GOD HELP YOU LOCALS UNDER THIS NDP CLAND...FOR AYO ANIT IN NOTHING!
  • My Humble Opinion (14/12/2011, 19:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a bvislander, concerning the "down island ppl dem" i say they bring us out of our closets, we see and hear so much of ourselves in them and because we are so shy and soft and they are bold, aggressive and courageous we envy them because they have qualities that we lack, but instead of commending them (so to speak) we criticize them. I agree with part of mother's comment about having a separate parade for the kids and have the adults parade bearing in mind that morality is not something that it's going to be displayed. And i personally think that it is about time to just let ppl express themselves any way they see fit, they could have a cultural parade and a carnival parade that's an idea to be looked at for possible consideration, though i won't be attending because i'm now a child of the almighty God, but this was once my thing, but that's something for everyone, who don't want the vulgar display would go to the cultural parade and them who would entertain freedom of expression can go to the carnival parade. And stop trying to box up ppl and let ppl be who they are, and not what you want them to be.
  • yellow man rules (15/12/2011, 10:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Donald Decastro for president..he he he
  • Sue-Ellyn (16/12/2011, 00:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn't the parade supposed to be inclusive, not exclusive? Isn't the idea for everyone to come together and celebrate a massively important turning point in (local) history? Surely we can also agree that certain points of decency in dress and behavior are to be expected for something so public. It would be a sad statement about BVI if there had to be separate PG and X-rated parades.


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