B.V.I. Monday, June 15 - Residents of the Territory are being urged to participate in 36th BVI/USVI Friendship Day celebrations, scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park.

Having been postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Omar in October last year, the event will be held under the theme, A Harvest Thanksgiving: Two Virgin Islands, One People.

At his recent Ministerial Press Conference, Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE said “Government is inviting the churches, primary and secondary school and service organisations to participate and attend this year’s BVI/USVI Friendship Day celebrations.”

There has been a renewed focus on the cultural aspect in recent years and Honourable O’Neal explained that “the day’s celebration will take the form of a traditional harvest festival.”

According to the Premier, “the planning committee promises a day of colour and culture reminiscent of harvest day of times gone by.”

Providing some history on the origin of the event, he said, “Friendship Day dates back to 1972 with both territories hosting the event in alternate years. The BVI/USVI Friendship Day is celebrated to recognise and strengthen the traditional close ties between the two groups of Virgin Islands.”

Students and senior citizens are expected to participate in the event, helping to highlight the traditions that are shared by the two territories.

Residents can learn more about BVI/USVI Friendship Day by tuning in to the GIS Radio Report this evening on ZCCR 94.1FM at 5:30 p.m.; ZVCR 106.9 FM at 6:15 p.m.; ZBVI 780 AM at 6:35 p.m. and ZROD 103.7FM at 10:00 p.m.

Government has continuously reaffirmed its commitment to hosting Friendship Day celebrations in honour of the longstanding close ties between the two sets of Virgin Islands.