Applications reopened this week, targeting members from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda for membership on the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC). Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) confirmed that no applications from the sister islands were received for the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said it was an error that the ad for the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee did not specify members from the sister islands were also being sought. Photo: Facebook

This new application process was necessary as no individuals from the sister islands had applied for membership on the committee. 

The application process opened for the committee shortly after Easter this year, Junior Minister for  Tourism and Culture, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) said during a government press conference on June 23, 2025, and confirmed the absence of applicants from the sister islands. 

“There was an application period, you had to express an interest in the process, it’s not like you are before, so the persons from our sister islands had to express an interest in serving on the committee,” she explained. 

However, Hon Hodge-Smith added that they needed to “go back to the drawing board” to get members from the sister islands. 

The VIF&FC is responsible for the planning and oversight of annual festivals and other entertainment activities; initiating cultural and recreational activities, and encouraging public participation.

I will take some responsibility- Premier Wheatley 

Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), said he takes some of the responsibility for this oversight. 

“I will take some responsibility from a Ministry perspective, when the ad was put out, it didn’t specifically state that we were seeking representatives from the sister islands, we recognise that as an error so we’re going to put out another advertisement for members from Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke,” Premier Wheatley said at the press conference. 

New application period ends July 11, 2025

The new application period for members of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee opened on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and ends on Friday, July 11, 2025. 

According to the vacancy notice, interested persons should be deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent or be a resident in the Virgin Islands for a minimum of 25 years and hold a certificate of Belonger status for the same period. 

They should also possess management skills, cultural or event planning experience for a period of at least three years working in event planning or coordination, culture development, and communications, graphic design, marketing or related experience.

Applications should include a cover letter and resume, and sent to MTCSD@gov.vg with the subject line, ‘Application for Committee members Festival and Fairs Committee’.