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August Monday Parade 'has nothing to do with our emancipation’- Hon Hodge-Smith

- but said public will decide ultimately whether parade stays on August Monday
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) addressed concerns regarding the decision to move the August Monday Parade to Saturday during the 4th District Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Photo: Facebook
The Junior Minister for Tourism made it clear that although the parade is a longstanding tradition among Virgin Islanders, it is not tied to emancipation and therefore defended the decision to shift the parade day. Photo: VINO/File
The Junior Minister for Tourism made it clear that although the parade is a longstanding tradition among Virgin Islanders, it is not tied to emancipation and therefore defended the decision to shift the parade day. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Concerns have arisen among Virgin Islanders following an announcement by the Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), regarding the announcement to move the August Monday Parade to Saturday.

Hon Hodge-Smith addressed these concerns during the 4th District Town Hall Meeting at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. 

Parade not related to emancipation

She emphasised that while the parade is a significant part of our festival celebrations, it is not related to our emancipation.

"I misspoke when I said it was because of the visit of Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth visited in 1966. It was actually the ascension of Queen Elizabeth to the throne, when, in 1952, our people decided to celebrate her ascension to the throne with a parade," Hon Hodge-Smith clarified.

Longstanding tradition

The Minister made it clear that although the parade is a longstanding tradition among Virgin Islanders, it is not tied to emancipation and therefore defended the decision to shift the parade day.

She stated that the goal is to improve the overall quality of the event and, to help determine the best course of action, the ministry plans to conduct a survey.

"It could be the Saturday before, we are going to do a survey. It could stay on Monday. It could move from the Saturday before, it could move Saturday after."

Hodge-Smith also highlighted that various activities occur throughout the territory during the festival season.

"East End/Long Look gets Tuesday and Wednesday. You don't want to take that from them, although we had the horse races on Tuesday, and then you go into East End in the night, Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday is Carrot Bay. You have these things as part of the tradition. You don't want to take them away from the community," she said.

Hon Hodge-Smith added that something needs to be done to recognise the actual day, stating that, "So, we are going to do a survey and let the people decide whether we're going to keep it on the Monday."

See related article below: 

August Monday Parade to shift to Saturday- Hon Hodge-Smith

5 Responses to “August Monday Parade 'has nothing to do with our emancipation’- Hon Hodge-Smith”

  • Consider this (05/03/2026, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Due to the significance of August 1st, hold the rise and shine tramp on 1st August each year regardless of the day of the week.... those who wish to participate can take the day off (vacation day) from work if they wish. Clear the street by 8:30 am for those who have to traverse to work. Have the parade on August Monday as usual.
  • Every year attendee (05/03/2026, 12:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mrs Smith. The most suitable change would be the Saturday before August Monday for the rise and shine. Doing it a week after makes no sense. When I travel to enjoy the festivals I can't wait a whole week for town to commenced the celebrations. I'm sure speak for others in the diaspora and visitors alike. Also the booths should be allowed to open earlier seeing that they have invested so much money and on the evening not night of the official opening they should be asked to cease sales until the territorial song and national anthem is rendered. Doing the opening at night and wai5ing for persons like the Premiere is ridiculous qith all those long speeches. Limit the remarks time please. I got the hook stick.
  • Stealth (05/03/2026, 13:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Move the J’Ouvert to the Saturday before August Monday. It is a casualty not teaching Virgin Islands history in school. I’m hearing for the first time that the August Monday parade started with the coronation of QEII. Moving the parade to the Saturday after is not a good move, for by then most of the visitors are gone back, perhaps. Start and end with something directly related to emancipation of our forebears . End with the Carrot Bay culturerama. The East was first in freedom and they need to do more better. Last year was an improvement. East need to show more interest, pride, in its history, heritage, etc. Carrot Bay found a way to secure a spot in the celebration. It has laid down a marker. Common on East. Leh we goh!
  • Lord 0. (05/03/2026, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Smith Hodge, you already made a decision that I and a lot of people believe to be the right one. Stop answering everyone that disagreed, let it go, "Decision Made". You have to now focus on putting rules and serious people in place to ensure the parade starts on time, serious business. No more Jokey stuff.. Get on time start with a flow. Caribbean people has a problem with time .Next year we working on moving VG from the Holy weekend and Honour our greatest leader HLS Having that Celebration on his Day. August is to honour our fore parents, March Festival in VG is to Honor our great leader. HLS.


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