The festival village in Road Town will this year, 2017, be named in honour of the late radio personality and businessman Mr Neil A. Blyden aka Mr Melee. Photo: VINO/File

The festival grounds in Road Town will start soon start taking shape for Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival 2017. Photo: VINO/File

Radio personality and businessman Mr Blyden, who passed away on January 1, 2017, was known for this contribution to the development of culture in the Virgin Islands.

“Each year the VIFFC decides on a well deserving person for each village to honour during our celebrations,” a press release from the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) stated.

This year’s Emancipation Celebrations will take place from Sunday, July 30, 2017 to Saturday August 12, 2017. The Official Opening Ceremony will take place on Monday, July 31, 2017, preceded by the Annual Torch Light Procession. Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, the village is expected to host one of its largest Cultural Nights.

Fitting honour

“We are indeed pleased to name the Road Town Village in honour of the late Mr Neil Blyden. Mr Blyden who passed away earlier this year was instrumental in the staging of Festivals throughout the Virgin Islands and the development of our local artists,” the VIF&FC press release stated.

Chairman of the VIFFC, Mr Trefor A. Grant, said “This year’s honouree is quite fitting. Mr Melee could always be counted on for his expert advice in productions, access to his international connections, and for promoting festival continuously and without favour on his radio station.”

Alda Dawson-Lettsome & Mr Oliver ‘Ollie’ Turnbull other honourees

Meanwhile, the East End Long Look Festival Committee will honour Mrs Alda Dawson-Lettsome for her contribution and support to the EE/LL Festival and also a former member of their committee.

East End Village will run from Tuesday, August 8 to Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta will be held from Thursday, August 10 to Friday, August 11, 2017.

The Carrot Cultural Fiesta Fisherman’s Tournament Sub-Committee will be honouring Mr Oliver "Ollie" Turnbull. He hails from the village of Carrot Bay, and has been fishing from a teenager.

Mr Turnbull has been hearing impaired from an early age while in Primary School.

Sub-Committee Chair Judy Ann Smith said “This year we have chosen to honour Mr Turnbull because, despite his challenge it does not stop him from following his passion of fishing”.

Theme & Slogan

The year’s combined theme and slogan for Emancipation Festival is: “A Colorful kaleidoscope to be Seen, Creating a Cultural Scene for Festival 2017”.

The combined winning theme and slogan was submitted by Kayasha Mactavious and Tiana Hewitt, who will both be presented with a cheque for $250.00.

The platinum sponsor for the 2017 Emancipation Festival Celebrations is CCT Life Unlimited (CCT).