Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has voiced the call for greater participation of locals in this year's Festivals celebrations. Photo: VINO

An invitation was also extended to the churches to participate in the parade. Hon Walwyn noted that emancipation celebration started with the churches and it was very pleasing to see the St Georges Episcopal Church under the leadership of Father Ronald Branch last year with a wonderful entry in the August Monday parade in 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Plans are already in place for all schools to be actively involved in the August Monday and August Wednesday parades this year. Photo: VINO/File

At a ceremony on January 23, 2014 to mark the release of the theme and slogan for the diamond jubilee celebration for Festivals 2014 Hon Walwyn announced that plans are already in place for all schools to be actively involved in the August Monday and August Wednesday parades this year. “The Director of Culture is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure that every single school enters at least one troupe, floupe or float in the parades.”

He said that increased participation was one of the goals of the 60th Anniversary Committee and every effort was being made to involve all the various sectors of the community in the celebration. “We would like to see more local participation in all the activities,” Hon Walwyn stressed.

The Virgin Islands is quite a melting pot of different cultures and persons who now call these islands home from all across the world the Minister stated. “I want to invite those residents to also join us for our 60th Anniversary Festival Celebrations.  Many of those groups of individuals participated in the Premier’s Christmas around the world celebrations and we want to invite you to be part of the events for the 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Please come and share part of your culture, by entering a troupe, floupe or float in the parade and support all the nightly activities for 60 Years of Celebration with Cultural Class: VI Festival 2014, Let’s Play Mass! “

An invitation was also extended to the churches to participate in the parade.  Hon Walwyn noted that emancipation celebrations started with the churches and it was very pleasing to see the St Georges Episcopal Church under the leadership of Father Ronald Branch last year with a wonderful entry in the August Monday parade in 2013.

“I look forward to seeing them again, along with many other churches, joining the Virgin Islands,” Hon Walwyn said.