VI featured 'prominently' @CARIFESTA XV- PS Joseph Smith-Abbott
Speaking with the Director of Communications, Mrs Karia J. Christopher, on August 26, 2025, from Barbados, Mr Smith-Abbott said CARFIESTA is a “wonderful opportunity” for members of the Virgin Islands’ delegation to be exposed to all the cultural things that make us Caribbean people.
A 53-member delegation is in Barbados for the week-long CARFIEST XV, which will end on August 31, 2025. Among the delegation are students who are participating in the first-ever CARIFESTA Student Jamboree.
Proud to be at CARIFESTA XV
Mr Smith-Abbott, who was charged with organising the VI’s presence at CARIFESTA XV, said: “I am exceedingly proud of being a part of the delegation and we are being featured prominently in so many venues.”
He also said he hopes these experiences will be transferred and the delegates will be able to share not only the experiences but the knowledge they gained while attending CARIFESTA.
The Permanent Secretary added that these experiences and knowledge gained can also help “solidify the programming of our culture and so many of the other things that we’re attempting to do”.
Sharing experiences
Mr Smith-Abbot also highlighted that CARIFESTA goes beyond a display of culture, but is also the bringing together of Caribbean nations that share similarities.
“It is exceedingly important to understand that we are here as part of a much larger group of people who are going through similar experiences.”
Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who is leading the VI’s delegation, led a panel discussion on Cultural Restoration and Climate Resilience in the Caribbean on August 23, 2025.
“That really and truly gave the opportunity for us to highlight the work that we’re doing in the cultural space and the space of sustainability and really and truly allowing us to share part of the breadth of what we’ve been through to a much larger community,” Mr Smith-Abbott said.
Virgin Islander and lead singer of the popular band VIBE, Raul R. Sprauve, aka ‘Jougo’, received the prestigious CARIFESTA XV Icon Award for his contributions to the arts and culture of the Caribbean on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
See links to related stories
VI’s Raul R. Sprauve aka ‘Jougo’ receives CARIFESTA XV Icon Award | Virgin Islands News Online
VI youth @first ever CARIFESTA Student Jamboree | Virgin Islands News Online
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2 Responses to “VI featured 'prominently' @CARIFESTA XV- PS Joseph Smith-Abbott”
What else would you say whether it’s true or false . We expect that from you but is it really as it is said ?
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