UPDATE: Late start to VG parade fails to dampen spirits
The parade, which saw reduced participation when compared to previous years, saw limited but colourful and vibrant troupes that seemed to have made amends for lack of numbers.
But if there was any one getting flying colours, it had to be the large crowd of spectators that waited patiently in loud sunshine to view the parade, which started in the vicinity of the H. lavity Stoutt Community College- Virgin Gorda Branch and slowly made its way to the Ralph T. O’Neal Festiville in Spanish Town.
Leading the procession of revellers was a vehicle taking Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (R9) whom the festival has been named after this year.
In the mix was also Ninth District candidate for the upcoming elections Dr Rawle R. Hannibal who will be contesting as an Independent.
Other participation included The BVI Cancer Society, Little Dix Bay Resort, Teens for Oceans, Youth for Walwyn, Tropical Fusion troupe, RAL Sidewalkers, Digicel and its Easter Bunny and Island Revelry Fun Troupe.
“I think it’s very nice, the colours, the music and everyone around,” said Emily Scott of New York.
“It’s been fun. It’s the first time I have seen a display of such and I really enjoyed it,” stated Marsha Brunner, a tourist on Virgin Gorda.
A VI resident who gave her name as Esther said she was not too pleased with the late start but said the parade was good.
“The weather was just perfect, my family and I have a great time. We can’t ask for more,” said a man who had his family out with him.
Politicians out in their numbers!
Mingling with the many spectators were most of the members of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, including Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Health and Social Services Hon Ronnie W. Skelton and Hon Archibald C. Christian.
“I was pleased to be in Virgin Gorda for the festival celebration. It is something that I look forward to every year and of course I go up and participate in as many activities as I can. I enjoyed the parade today and also enjoyed listening to Leon and the Hot Shots and the other entertainment provided,” Premier Smith told Virgin Islands News Online.
Opposition gives thumbs up
All three members of the Opposition- Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Hon J. Alvin Christopher (R2)- were also on hand to witness the parade and interact with the many persons that approached them.
“It has been very impressive. I am thrilled that I am here today and glad that everything went off as well as it did. I know there were some portions of the parade that I missed because I was elsewhere even though I came to see the whole parade,” Hon Fraser told this news site.
The Virgin Islands Party Chairman did not fail to point out, however, that the issue of a timely start to the parade needs to be addressed. “They have to begin earlier to the starting time given so that people don’t have to leave, because I know some people have some rigid schedules. Some people I know had to leave for Tortola and missed parts of the parade, but I think that is a matter for the Festival Committee to decide how they want to better the festival.”
Hon Fraser noted the excellent weather and the large turnout, saying “everyone seemed to have had fun and that’s what important,” adding that he was now heading to the Hon Ralph T. O’Neal Festiville “to get some good food” including some Jhonny cakes and fish or chicken leg.
VG Easter Fest good for economy- Hon Fahie
A very active Hon Fahie, who was seen meeting many persons and snapping photos with some of the participants of the parade, said he thought the parade went well.
“As usual I thought Virgin Gorda did well to make sure that they put on a very good display for their Easter Festival. It is always very good when these things happen because the economy thrives, the ferries, rentals, restaurants, hotels everything.
This is what it is about, spurring on the economy and whatever is good for the country, although I am on the other side, the Opposition, I always feel what is good for the country is good. I commend them for naming it after Hon Ralph T. O’Neal.”
Meanwhile, the results of the parade will be announced at a later date.
See story published April 6, 2015:
VG Easter Parade now gearing up for takeoff!
The 2015 Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Parade is gearing up for take off shortly in the Valley today, April 6, 2015.
There has been a delay to the procession, and according to Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee Public Relations Officer Jerrell A. George, certain issues are being rectified for the parade to get moving.
Persons have started to line the streets to get a good look at the troupes this year.
The parade will start in the vicinity of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and proceed to the Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal OBE Festiville in Spanish Town.
Stay logged in to Virgin Islands News Online for photos of the usual colourful parade.
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23 Responses to “UPDATE: Late start to VG parade fails to dampen spirits”
Fed up of the waste of them and lame excuses.
I haven't been to VG in over 5 years, but is has grown. I was glad to see the people from Tortola that came out to support their sister island. Again please start on time, so that I can see the whole thing. More of us from St. Thomas
will enjoy to come up, because we have that long weekend. It is so relaxing over there. Really enjoyed the local food.
Again, thank you.