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Premier Wheatley gives thumbs up to Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival

- said inaugural festival in October will complement VI tourism product during 'slow' tourist season
One of the venues for the Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival in October. Photo: Facebook
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has expressed his satisfaction that the Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival will take place in October, as the months of August, September, and October have traditionally been slow for the Virgin Islands' tourism sector. Photo: Facebook
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has expressed his satisfaction that the Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival will take place in October, as the months of August, September, and October have traditionally been slow for the Virgin Islands' tourism sector. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival is expected to enhance the Virgin Islands' tourism product and boost businesses during the slow tourism season.

This statement was made by Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), during a press conference on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to launch the inaugural Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival.

The 3-day event will be held from Friday, October 17, 2025, to Sunday, October 19, 2025, and will see world-class chefs, local culinary masters, wine experts and rum artisans showcasing the very best of the Virgin Islands, along with live musical entertainment from local and international artistes.

Ensuring 'tourism properties remain open'

Premier Wheatley expressed his satisfaction that this festival will take place in October, as the months of August, September, and October have traditionally been slow for the Virgin Islands' tourism sector.

He stated, “If we want to eliminate the slow season, which is an ambition here in the Virgin Islands, we need to ensure that all our tourism properties remain open and that the hardworking individuals from these properties are employed throughout the entire year, rather than just six or seven months out of the year.”

Honourable Wheatley noted that it will take collaborations between establishments like Rhythm+Sands and Village Cay, as well as other partners and sponsors, such as Caribbean Cellars, to achieve this goal.

He acknowledged Mr Steve E. Parillon, who typically organises a fish fete, expressing his endorsement and support for this initiative.

He further encouraged Virgin Islanders to come forward with ideas to enhance tourism products during the slow season and share their suggestions.

The Premier added that the government is interested and willing to partner in any way possible to ensure the success of these events.

11 Responses to “Premier Wheatley gives thumbs up to Village Cay, Rhythm+Sands, Food & Rum Festival ”

  • Oh yeah (29/08/2025, 08:10) Like (64) Dislike (1) Reply
    Once it's a party he is there
  • resident (29/08/2025, 08:30) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    the spreemier strikes again
  • VG Resident (29/08/2025, 09:56) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    You need to deal with the sargassum problem.
  • Our (29/08/2025, 10:32) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
    Treasury belongs to Stevie, Jougo and whoever else planning a party. Honestly I’m tired of this nonsense.
  • HMMM (29/08/2025, 10:52) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Things so slow, the economy iis stagnant. No Major xonsteuction. We all know construction is fuel of the economy, now buainwsses who wamts to survive have to find creative ways to attract buainess,,, to add to that we have a serious parking Issue, businesses around town may have to ask their workers to park featival ground and happy the Fovt Trally to work..Safe their littlw parking for their customers, still we have none customers parking in businesses parking lot all day ans gone some where else...Its Ruff on businesses..Let me congats village cay and wish them all bwst and all the success in this initiative...
  • WHAT!!! (29/08/2025, 12:11) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Travel and Party premier
  • ok (29/08/2025, 17:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Village cay.. great spot...if your a government bar fly or a crazy man begging a glass of water from a Venezuelan who is hoping they getting pay this month..raising funds for the investment club.?Village cay is sooooi depressing.Id rather spend my money with the South Africans next door..At least they a well stocked bar and a vibe..
  • Eldread (29/08/2025, 18:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mehson that's music and party you talking about there you know, of course natalio will give that thumbs up.
    I have never heard him give any economic forum and financial market thumbs up, because that's not his cup of tea, he is not a financial literate person like Lorna.
  • tola (29/08/2025, 19:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    This guy just ah waste election come
  • @ OLD DAWG (31/08/2025, 08:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WELL THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT ALLOWING THESE GREED LANDLORDS ( AKA ) JAWS - TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HUMANS FOR THEIR APPARTMENTS IS REALLY SHAMEFUL , ITS TIME THE GOVERNMENT START BUILDING SOME APPARTMENTS THAT THE PEOPLE CAN AFFORD AND LET THESE SHARKS KEEP THEIR " GOLDEN APPARTMENTS " TO BURY THEMSELVES IN WHEN THEY DIE , BECAUSE ( PEOPLE LOOKING FOR APPARTMENTS TO * RENT * ~ NOT TO OWN ■ IF TJIS GOVERNMENT IS REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE / THIS IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT NEEDS SERIOUS ATTENTION / THOSE SHIT THAT THE BUILT ON THE HILL SHOULD OF BEEN APPARTMENTS SINGLE - TWO AND FAMILY APPARTMENTS WITH AFFORDABLE PRICES / WE ARE SURE THEY WOULD OF BEEN BRINGING MILLIONS BY NOW / BUT THEY ARE MORE INTERESTED IN RENTING FROM FAMILY TO MAKE OFFICES FOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS / WHILE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ARE TAKING FOREVER TO BE REPAIRED / IF THAT DOESN'T SENT A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE / THEN ITS NO WONDER THE " NO CONFIDENCE VOTE " FAILED . ITS A FSMILY AFFAIR


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