The Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) has announced that the 2023 Festival Village will be named in honour of Mrs Irene F. Penn-O’Neal, the first Miss BVI. Photo: Provided.

The honouree selected as the 2023 Parade Marshall is Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores. Photo: Provided

The winning theme for the 2023 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was submitted by Anjanique Cheltenham, left, of the Elmore Stoutt High School. Right is Vice-Chairman of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) Mr Birchfield Burton Lettsome aka DJ Bertrum. Photo: VIF&FC

The winning slogan was submitted by Asia Riviere, centre, of Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division which reads, ‘It’s a Cultural Jamboree so let’s Fete and be Free for Festival 2023’. Photo: VIF&FC

This is in keeping with the tradition of naming the VI Emancipation Festival Village and bestowing titles of honour on persons who have contributed greatly to Festival heritage and culture.

VIF&FC said Penn-O’Neal’s contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48^th anniversary of her winning the first Miss BVI title in 1975.

Parade Marshall

Additionally, the honouree selected as the 2023 Parade Marshall is Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores.

Reverend Nibbs-Flores contributed to Festival in various ways, but most notably as a troupe member, a majorette troupe director who taught the art of twirling, and a Festival Committee member.

Reverend Nibbs-Flores will take the ceremonial ride of honour as the first entry at the August Monday parade. She will receive a plaque, a bouquet, and other honours including free entry to all festival-related events. 

Winning Theme & Slogan

Meanwhile, the winning theme for this year’s Festival is:  “A celebration of our freedom with cultural flair and creativity while embracing our unique diversity”.

The winning theme was submitted by Anjanique Cheltenham of the Elmore Stoutt High School.

The winning slogan was submitted by Asia Riviere of Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division which reads, “It’s a Cultural Jamboree so let’s Fete and be Free for Festival 2023”.

According to the VIF&FC in a press release on June 15, 2023, both Anjanique Cheltenham and Asia Riviere received a cash prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($250.00)eachfor their contributions.

Plethora of events for Festival

This year’s VI Emancipation Festival will feature a plethora of events beginning on July 28 with a Festival Warm-up Tramp and culminating in the second week of August with the August Monday Parade, Boat Races and events at East End and Carrot Bay.

The final 2023 Emancipation Festival event will be the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on August 11, 2023.