Ferris Wheel at Coney Island in the Charlie Neil Frett Festiville. Parents and the community at large are being urged to all play a part on keeping children safe during the Emancipation Festival. Photo: Team of Reporters

Virgin Islanders are being asked to take all necessary precautions to keep children safe during this festive season. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) encouraged parents and guardians to keep children safe as they too deserve to enjoy the emancipation festival. Photo: Facebook

A Torchlight Procession on July 25, 2025, preceeded the Emancipation Festival's official opening ceremony. Photo: Facebook/GIS

In a video message posted to the Government’s Facebook page on Monday, July 28, 2025, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said, “We especially welcome the participation of our children in these activities to better ensure the continuity of these cultural activities; but while we embrace the joy and vibrancy of the season, we must not lose sight of our duty to keep our children safe, secure and cared for.”

He added that large crowds, noise and constant movement can create moments of confusion, particularly for young children. 

“We all have a role to play in ensuring their well-being.”

Tips for parents & guardians

The Minister, who is responsible for children, family and support services, sought to give helpful tips for parents and guardians who will accompany their children to the various festival activities. 

They include: 

• Teaching your child their full name and your full name, not just mommy or daddy.
• Write your phone number on your child's wrist and cover it with liquid bandage so it won't rub off.
• Take a photo of your child at the start of the event to ensure that you have an up-to-date photo should you need it. 
• Dress your child in bright, easily identifiable clothing so that you can spot them easily in a crowd. 
• Help your child memorise your phone number, and if they have their own phone, ensure it is fully charged and your number is saved and easy to access.
• Identify a meeting point at each event, such as a police booth, the main stage, or a vendor stall, where your child should go if they get separated. 
• Point out uniformed officers or event officials that your child can approach for help if needed. 
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles or alone at home, and always supervise them in crowded areas or near public restrooms.

“Be mindful of who you leave your child with and ensure they are responsible, trustworthy, and aware of your expectations. We also urge festival vendors to do their part in protecting children,” Hon Wheatley advised. 

He also cautioned against serving alcoholic beverages or any illegal substances to minors “under any circumstance”.

Our children deserve to enjoy the festival too 

Hon Wheatley added that children “deserve to enjoy the festival and environment that celebrates not only their heritage but also their safety”.

He reminded that it takes a village to raise a child, and during this festival season, we are all the village.

The 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Celebration is currently ongoing and will end on August 9, 2025. 

This year’s theme is ‘Uniting Our Culture, Freedom, and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025’.