An Ubersoca Cruise activity in Dominica in 2023. The Virgin Islands will experience its first UberSoca Cruise event today, Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The BVI Christian Council has formally objected to the proposed national UberSoca Cruise event scheduled for today, Tuesday, November 18, 2025 upon discovering that certain government-sponsored activities continue to undermine the Christian values of the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVI Chritsian Council

The UberSoca Punk Rock J'ouvert Cruise which the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, has sponsored sparked concerns across the territory following the decisions that the government has to take the faclitate the staging of this event. Photo: Internet Source

The UberSoca Punk Rock J'ouvert Cruise, which the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, has sponsored, sparked concerns across the territory following the decisions that the government has taken to facilitate the staging of this event.

The BVICC highlighted that the event involves the closure of Main Street, live revelry in the streets of Road Town, performances behind the Administration Complex, promotion of regional Soca artists, a budget allocation of $500,000, impacts on the public service—including a half-day work schedule, decreased productivity, and additional financial costs.

Reasons for objections

In a statement dated November 17, 2025, the council highlighted that these measures will therefore have potential effects on the education system, as well as the healthcare resources of the territory in the event of a mass casualty.

The Council also stated that its objections to the street Soca party revolve around several key issues, such as 

- Soca music events typically involve amplified music and attract large crowds, particularly among youth.

- National events inevitably increase traffic flow and parking congestion, while local roads are not designed to handle such an influx of vehicles, which could pose safety risks and hinder access for residents and emergency services.

- The scale and nature of a "national party" of this kind, held during the day, are inconsistent with the character of the community and threaten the peaceful environment residents expect.

- Large gatherings can sometimes lead to an uptick in criminal activity, increased anti-social behaviour—including littering and public intoxication—and other disturbances.

Consider 'negative impacts'

The BVI Christian Council further added that, "While it may be too late to change the current course of action, we urge the Premier to consider the significant negative impacts these events will have locally and on the well-being of our residents, particularly our young people. We value cultural events; however, this event cannot be classified as cultural or compatible with the Christian beliefs that our Territory strives to protect."

The BVICC also said, "We see ourselves as the 'Watchdog of our Nation and the Conscience of our Community,' and we remain fully committed to being proactive, transparent, united, and vocal regarding issues, actions, or behaviours that could compromise our core principles. Let us be remembered as a people who stood firm in safeguarding our moral values, leaving a legacy of integrity for future generations."

The BVI Christian Council also stated it had expressed its objections to the Vybz Kartel Concert held in March 2025.

The organisation emphasised its commitment to providing a strong and consistent voice on matters that could negatively impact the well-being of the territory, as well as to acknowledge positive initiatives when appropriate; however, it raised concerns about whether shutting down the country for such events should be seen as the new normal. 

Attempts were made to reach the Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), for a comment on the matter.