Hon. Andrew Fahie enjoying a moment with Travis Walters following the 5th Top 7@ 7 Music Awards. Also in picture is Monea Richardson (left). Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Travis, thanks to the investment of the then Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, had spent the last six months in Atlanta preparing for that very moment with the R.A.Y.D.A.R. Entertainment Superstar Moulding Programme.

Travis was certainly a much different artiste as promised and had the crowd screaming during his performances of “Crazy”, “See Her in You” and “Unbreak My Heart” and impressed enough was founder of UpFront Records, Devyne Stephens, who said the future of music in the Virgin Islands is full of talent and is well supported. He then made the big announcement that he was welcoming Travie Rozae into the UpFront Records family.

“This is a seed that was planted that is now into a fruitful tree and the fruits are one in which we all benefit from. The initiative came under heavy scrutiny and criticism at first but once your vision is clear, intentions pure, your course of action thoroughly mapped out as possible and your heart is pure for what is best for the BVI you will be able to bear fruits that will help you withstand the criticisms of the day and withstand the tests of time,” Hon. Fahie said in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

Hon. Fahie added that one of the visions he had during his tenure as Minister for Education and Culture was to create a new industry and to link it in to the tourism industry as a new facet that would attract more young people. “Only by opening new industries would we be able to gainfully employ our young people and our people generally in this Territory and when we open these new industries the key is to have them linked into existing industries such as tourism. When we do these things then we will create new jobs but jobs that will catch the attention of our people especially our young people but we must be open minded and allow ourselves to be guided by God to fulfil your purpose so that others can fulfil their purpose.”

The 1st District Representative said he was filled with joy but yet humbled following the announcement that Travis Walters was being signed to a major record label. “Because when you get these positions like what the people of the 1st District have given me and you are able to perform in the capacity as Minister of Education you must be cognizant that the position is not permanent and it is not yours. You are there for a specific time to help others fulfil their purpose because I firmly believe that each of us was given an assignment to fulfil in life by God and your duty as a minister or elected official especially in the government is to create the environment so that persons will have the best possible opportunities to fulfil their God-given purpose.”

Hon. Fahie also extended congratulations to President of Follow The Movement Craig Lake and Vice-President Raul Sprauve for their work in promoting the entertainment industry. “I also want to encourage all the persons out there who are interested in the entertainment and performing arts industry to continue to do so.”