The Dawn Flax Easter Festiville opened in Virgin Gorda last night, April 8, 2023. Photo: VINO

Ms Dawn Flax was the centre of attention on stage when the traditional ceremony to mark the opening of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival was held in her honour last night, April 8, 2023, at the Dawn Flax Easter Festiville in Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO

Ms Flax was introduced by one of her sisters, Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) who spoke of Dawn's commitment and passion for festival related activities over the years.

Deserving of honour

"Dawn started participating in Virgin Gorda Easter Festival from the tender age of 5. We still have pictures of her from that first troupe. As she grew, she started putting together her own troupes year after year. Dawn would conceptualise what she wanted her troupe theme to be, and our sister Sharon, who lived in Las Vegas, became her personal shopper for the costumes..." Hon Flax-Charles stated.

Dawn would go on to work in pageantry, and many shows were coordinated by her during her time on the VG Easter Festival Committee.

However, it was at the mention of her significant other of over 30 years who died in November of 2022 and her deceased mother Norma Henry-Flax that the honouree broke into tears and was unable to take to the podium to give remarks. Hon Flax-Charles did it on her behalf.

Meanwhile, the night also featured a presentation to Ms Joyce Seareles aka Sistah Joyce as the winner of the Theme Competition.

The theme this year is: 'Rejuvenate and Celebrate wid we stress free for Virgin Gorda Easter Festival 2023'.

Among others present and giving remarks were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7), Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee Mr Dirk L. Walters, Ninth District Representative Hon Vincent O. Wheatley and Chairman of the Virgin Gorda Festival Committee Mr Franklyn Walters.