BVI Music Fest president Daniel Cline speaking at the press conference held last evening, Friday May 13, 2011. Left is promoter Neil Blyden. Photo: VINO.

This is according to President of the Music Festival committee Daniel ‘Pops’ Cline at a press conference last evening Friday May 13, 2011 at UP’s Sports Complex to update the media on the areas of security, advertisements and transportation for the 2011 Music Festival.

“It will be the official village until there is no more music fest in the BVI,” Mr. Cline told journalists, when asked if the familiar setting will be used for the three day musical extravaganza on the beach.

This year’s musical fiesta will be held in Cane Garden Bay from Friday May 27 through Sunday May 29, 2011. Headliners include Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Boyz II Men, Iwer George, Capleton, among others.

Mr. Cline also acknowledged that his committee has rectified any mistakes that were made from last year and is pleased with the end results.

The entrance to the village in Cane Garden Bay. Photo: Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson.

Meanwhile, advertisements have been aired on CBS, and several Spanish speaking countries including Venezuela, journalists from Germany and the United States will fly in to cover the event and security has already been planned for the one of the most popular affairs in the VI.

According to Director of the BVI Tourist Board Haddasah Ward, the word is out about the exciting line-up, and from all indication hotel rooms in Cane Garden Bay and Road Town are booked to capacity.

“We are looking forward to a sold out BVI Music Fest,” she declared.

One of the festival’s main sponsors LIME, will offer sweet deals leading up to the festival. This is the fourth year it has been involved with the event.

Likewise, Road Town Wholesale (RTW) will have its Heineken Girls giving away goodies.

Patrick Harewood revealing the security aspect of the festival.

Enhanced security

Mr. Cline announced that this year he wants to see a music fest that is gun free, drug free, machete free and fight free.

“The only things that you should have in your pockets are the ‘presidents’ the US dollars to have a great time,” he said.

This was reiterated by law enforcement officer, Patrick Harewood, who cautioned individuals that Police will not take it light on troublemakers.

He disclosed that on Saturday evening, 28 Police officers will be on duty, 33 on Saturday and 28 on Sunday.
“We are making an appeal to persons to respect the laws,” he advised.

Shuttles are key

In an effort to alleviate congestion, the committee’s president is urging motorists to use the shuttle service.  He noted that persons can purchase tickets at the Noel Lloyd Park and get in the shuttle and will be taken care of.

In addition to that, there are at least four parking lots in Cane Garden Bay that can hold up to 40 vehicles – at a price of course.

Furthermore, Road Town Fast Ferry is the official ferry service that will be transporting passengers from St. Thomas to Cane Garden Bay. Immigration and Customs officers will be on duty.

Meanwhile, promoter of the event Neil Blyden told reporters that artistes were selected after looking at the dynamics of culture in the VI and USVI. He said he is pleased with the enthusiasm shown and is optimistic that this year’s Music Fest will be a memorable one.

A special offer for tickets is available at a cost of $25 per evening. That offer lasts until May 23, 2011, after that it will cost $30 per evening.