VIF&FC Chairperson laments lack of funding for festival
Baronville, who was a guest on the Morning Ride Show aired on ZROD 103.7 FM on July 19, 2016, was responding to a comment by host Paul ‘Gadiethz’ Peart that “word on the street” was that the committee had to “settle” for certain artists, including Sizzla, Destra Garcia and Beenie Man, who have all performed for festival before, due to late planning.
Peart said that as far as he has heard, the Committee “dropped the baton” this year on the organising of Emancipation Festival.
Baronville, however, disagreed that the Committee “dropped the baton,” saying that plans are always in place but the committee can only move as fast as it has the funding to do so.
“We have a team of volunteers. The executive committee while it’s appointed, it’s volunteer. We have subcommittee members that are all volunteers. We have various persons who are on various subcommittees that are volunteers as well. They give of their time and we would want the community to know that the committee has had its plans, but plans are as good as you are able to execute and the execution of these plans require funding. Our sincere apologies for the late information coming out, but we could not have put it any earlier than we have done.”
Troubled VIF&FC
It was our newsroom that first and accurately reported early this year that Baronville had tendered her resignation.
However, it was alleged that after much begging by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Ms Baronville agreed to retract and has remained in the post of Chairwoman. She has for the past months been chairing all Festival Committee meetings.
The Committee, Virgin Islands News Online was told, was struggling in the planning stages due to lack of financial support from the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as the private sector, who is reluctant to give as it is also under financial stress.
Critics of the embattled Education and Culture Minister Hon Myron V. Walwyn said the one million dollars he wasted to build a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town could have been better used to support our festival and much needed items for schools throughout the British Overseas Territory.
24 Responses to “VIF&FC Chairperson laments lack of funding for festival”
So that the Bars also get more support as well back in those days village was more nice when it use to be free.
Also it will need lots of police on the streets this festival coming up for things are going right now.
Please take notes to who a may concern thank you..
while im on the issue of Sponsor ship, in other caribbean counties its the businesses in the ciommunity that each take a part in funding the Festivals/Carnivals. We have more than enough Trust,Law, Corporations to aid in the development of this country.
Its Called CORPORATE TAX!! 1% of thier earning can assist with Public Education, Infrastructure, Health etc. etc.
its done in many other offshore banking industries and can also be done here.
Come on NDP put things in place for all not just yourselves.
Look at the money wasted on that NPT concert with the Legend fellow.
And look what has become of the CGB Music Fest..
Bacchanal in a paper bag comes to mind.