The traditional torchlight procession which forms part of the activities of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Emancipation Festival Celebrations was a spectacle through Water Front Drive in Road Town, Tortola into the Bernard 'Yampi' Nibbs Festival on July 28, 2022. Photo: VIF&FC

Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer was also part of the procession. Photo: VIF&FC

While the turn-out this year was not as large, persons bearing torches in the walk were able to leave an impact as they tramped along with Virgin Islands Cultural Music by the Zion Sounds Fungi Band with one of the Territory’s icons Mr Elmore Stoutt on the microphone. Photo: VIF&FC

Ella Gift and many other VI folk songs created a fun dancing scene however, according to one of the participants, more youths should have been in the procession. Photo: VIF&FC

While the turn-out this year was not as large, persons bearing torches in the walk were able to leave an impact as they tramped along with Virgin Islands Cultural Music by the Zion Sounds Fungi Band with one of the Territory’s icons Mr Elmore Stoutt on the microphone.

The process moved off from the center of Road Town, adjacent to the Traffic light with several persons joining in as they move along the route to the Festival ground.

Youths encouraged to partake in parade  

Ella Gift and many other VI folk songs created a fun dancing scene however,  according to one of the participants, more youths should have been in the procession. 

“We need to encourage our young people to come out and be part of this. This is one way they can learn how to embrace the culture of the BVI,” they said. 

Persons also expressed happiness in seeing several reporters who are from different Caribbean countries join in the celebrations. 

“This is what we talk about, you are from a different country but you can still embrace that of where you are resident and we need to see more of that from others who are living and working here not necessarily only journalists, but the lawyers, those in the construction industry, everyone."

"Let’s celebrate each other and the festival is for the celebration of the BVI,” one person who was a part of the procession added.