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Hon Hodge-Smith to lead 53-member VI delegation to CARIFESTA 2025 in Barbados

- CARIFESTA XV will take place from August 22 to 31, 2025
CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, will take place in Barbados from August 22 to 31, 2025. Photo: carifesta.net
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), will lead a Virgin Islands delegation to the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Arts, CARIFESTA. Photo: GIS
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), will lead a Virgin Islands delegation to the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Arts, CARIFESTA. Photo: GIS
The significance of the Virgin Islands' participation at CARIFESTA XV, according to Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), extends far beyond performance. Photo: GIS
The significance of the Virgin Islands' participation at CARIFESTA XV, according to Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), extends far beyond performance. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), will lead a Virgin Islands delegation to the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Arts, CARIFESTA.

CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, will take place in Barbados from August 22 to 31, 2025. The festival will be under the theme "Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence" and will feature over 2,500 delegates from various countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Colombia.

This regional event celebrates the depth and diversity of Caribbean artistic traditions, and the Virgin Islands will stand among its Caribbean brothers and sisters in showcasing its cultural wealth.

'Talented Virgin Islanders from various fields'

Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Premier of the Virgin Islands and Minister of Finance, announced the delegation's participation at a press conference on Monday, August 18, 2025.

“It is with great pride that I announce the Virgin Islands' participation in the upcoming Caribbean Festival of the Arts to be held in Barbados,” Premier Wheatley stated, adding that the delegation consists of "talented Virgin Islanders from various fields", including music, dance, theatre, and culinary arts, all of which represent the essence of the Virgin Islands' cultural identity.

The Premier emphasised, “These cultural ambassadors will not only share their gifts with regional and international audiences but also tell our stories in a way that ensures the Virgin Islands is recognised as a vibrant and integral contributor to the Caribbean's cultural tapestry.”

The significance of this participation, according to Premier Wheatley, extends far beyond performance. He explained that CARIFESTA provides a unique platform for cultural exchange, collaboration, and inspiration, deepening regional bonds and affirming the role of our heritage in shaping Caribbean identity.

Ensuring 'cultural voice is heard'

The Premier stated, "Through this engagement, our artists will strengthen both their craft and the wider regional cultural sector."

He commended the Virgin Islands delegation for its dedication and commitment as representatives of the territory and expressed gratitude to the many supporters and organisers who have made this journey possible.

Honourable Wheatley further stated, “Together, we ensure that our cultural voice is heard, our heritage celebrated, and our legacy sustained on both regional and international stages.”

The Premier said final preparations are being made, particularly in light of weather developments during this active hurricane season, and the necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and success of the Virgin Islands delegation as they prepare to represent us with distinction.

The total number of persons making up the VI delegation is 53.

14 Responses to “Hon Hodge-Smith to lead 53-member VI delegation to CARIFESTA 2025 in Barbados”

  • Just A Thought (19/08/2025, 10:30) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are sending several short films produced by our young people to be shown as part of the Carifesta Film Festival. Could not the directors, at least, have been included in the delegation or their attendance facilitated? For example, an invitation to attend and assistance with either airfare or accommodation?
  • My only say (19/08/2025, 11:10) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    NOTHING BUT ONE SET OF GRIFTERS.
    • @My only say (19/08/2025, 15:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly, that is what they are, Grifters. Mooching off the taxpayers money every chance they get. GRIFTERS ON THE TAX PAYERS MONEY. Who don’t like what I have said, to damn bad because I DON’T. PROFESSIONAL GRIFTERS.
    • @My only say (19/08/2025, 19:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Only now you have came to realize that? Took a while but true.
  • Name them.... (19/08/2025, 11:55) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the interest of full transparency, please name the 53 persons travelling to represent the BVI. This way we can confirm that they are in fact the demographic that the Premier has said he is supporting through this spending. The above comment regarding the short film directors seems to indicate the youth are not the ones getting a ticket...
    • @Name them…. (19/08/2025, 16:58) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Thank youuuuuuuu! Please name the 53 that will be flying on my dime to Barbados.
  • Gosh (19/08/2025, 13:01) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    Congratulations to the Virgin Islands delegation to CARIFESTA 2025!

    To all the complainers!
    Nothing positive can ever be said in this place. Everybody can’t go! Be happy for those that will represent the Virgin Islands.
  • for the record (19/08/2025, 13:08) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Too many unscrupulous people sitting under the same roof. The country needs HELP!
  • Turtle Dove (19/08/2025, 17:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will be great to know how many participants from the other nations are attending!
  • Honestly (19/08/2025, 18:24) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am so over all these damn politicians and their "concern" for the BVI and its people. I just waiting for GOD to remove them in which ever way he chooses. And I do mean which ever way HE chooses because it is obvious to me that not enough of us is sick and tired of all the bull they doing. Why is Luce going with that group of people? She has not one bone of culture in her body, she is not an athlete, crafter, etc. But I guess we can write this off as another" investment in our people". I wonder if this means we had to charter a plane., or where the travellers split across several reservations. Imagine some of us can't even afford the round trip fare to St. Thomas, but every minute our monies being used to fund some trip. Take the money and send our youth to school! Fix our hospital and clinics! Fix our roads! Pay some these debts that we have right here on island with local merchants!!!
  • Haven’t you noticed (19/08/2025, 20:26) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The only thing Luce is good at is saying everything was a sucesssss, it was a sucessss.
  • @ honestly (20/08/2025, 00:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are soooo right. Do the Math: 53 tickets are about 40,000.00. At least 40 rooms for 8 nights = $60,000.00. Ahhh I forget: de people dem hungry too. And we seniors can’t effort to buy healthy food with our little pension
  • LO (20/08/2025, 10:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    u
  • Teacher Smith (20/08/2025, 14:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulation to the 53 participants representing the country at carifesta. You guys are incredibly talented and beautiful people. Y’all make me so proud. Have lots of fun.


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