Mr Ira Oliver Skelton, to whom the Road Town Festival Village has been named after, has called for a happy and safe Virgin Islands Festival 2013 and said he was also happy to have made a contribution to the development of the event over the years. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

Kamau Georges (left) and Dalan Vanterpool perform during the RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Marvin ‘MB’ Blyden also spoke of the work that went into planning this year’s Festival and called for persons to focus on integrity and pride in this year's Festival. Photo: VINO

Hon.Walwyn urged that residents use the Emancipation Festival season of recollection to recommit themselves to living a life that slave ancestors will be proud of. Photo: VINO

The Road Town Festival honouree was presented with a plaque from the Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, for his outstanding contribution to the Emancipation Festival over the years and he called for a happy and safe Festival for everyone. Photo: VINO

The Ira Oliver Skelton Festiville was officially opened last evening, July 26, 2013. Photo: VINO

RT Festival Village opening. Photo: VINO

Mr Skelton was at the time giving brief remarks at the opening of the Ira Oliver Skelton Festiville in Road Town last evening, July 26, 2013.

The Road Town Festival honouree was presented with a plaque from the Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, for his outstanding contribution to the Emancipation Festival over the years and he called for a happy and safe Festival for everyone.

He spoke about the various changes he had witnessed over the years since his involvement began in 1968 and said he was happy to have made a contribution.

“I have had great times assisting with the Festival,” Mr Skelton stated, “I have fond memories on working with the members of the various committees and I had a lot of fun.”

Hon. Walwyn urged that residents use the Emancipation Festival season of recollection to recommit themselves to living a life that slave ancestors will be proud of.

“During this time it is imperative that we recognise the freedom we now experience…,” Hon. Walwyn said while speaking of the Territory’s commemoration of 175 years of full emancipation from the chains of slavery.

He asked that persons cherish this freedom with the understanding that there is a responsibility to work towards the betterment of life for all the people of the Territory.

Hon. Walwyn said the Virgin Islands was at a very critical stage of development and added, “while we work on strengthening our local economy, much more investment is also needed to revitalise the culture of the Virgin Islands and the promotion of positive attitudes and purpose among the people in each and every community.”

He also stated that a way must be found to cut back on VI youth engaging in negative behaviour and finding their way to the prison and suggested that this could only be done if persons led by example.

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Marvin ‘MB’ Blyden also spoke of the work that went into planning this year’s Festival and called for persons to focus on integrity and pride in this year's Festival.

The Razor Blades band performed last evening along with El-A-Kru Ft. Tizzy and the VI Showtime band.

This year’s Festival Theme is: ‘Looking Back at 175 Years of Being Fully Free – Our Culture, Our Heritage and Virgin Islands History’

Activities today include the Rotary Kiddies Fiesta at 10:30 A.M. at the Queen Elizabeth Park and the Local Calypso Competition this evening.