ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 22nd, 2012 – Residents of the Virgin Islands can look forward to a renewed focus on cultural activities for this year’s 2012 Emancipation Festival.
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn in his remarks at the first press conference for the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee (VIFFC) announced that the committee will now be managed by the Department of Culture.
Welcoming this change Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye, the Acting Director of Culture said, “It is imperative that we remember the historical significance of why we celebrate festival in the first place. Our forefathers took to the streets to celebrate their freedom and we must remember, with pride and reverence, the foundation of our festival celebrations.”
Mrs. Lettsome-Tye then announced that the week leading up to the August Monday parade, a cultural component will be held in the Village.
“At the village, we will have cultural exhibitions in music, song, dance and storytelling during the lunch hours so that patrons who purchase lunch at the village will be treated to a full dose of our cultural performing arts” Mrs. Lettsome-Tye stated.
She encouraged the community to, “Come out and enjoy the cultural entertainment as they also enjoy the culinary
delights from the Virgin Islands’ best.”
The lunch time entertainment will be held from July 30 – August 31st between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will feature plait pole demonstrations and performances by the Razor Blades, the Junior and Senior Heritage Dancers and 4 Strong.
It will also feature story-telling by Ms. Eileene L. Parsons, a peas and rice competition and entertainment by Leon and the Hot Shots and the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra.
Minister Walwyn in his remarks also announced that this year’s festival village is named the Claudette “Boopie” Smith’s Festville in honour of a long serving contributor to festival, Ms. Claudette Smith.
In her response Ms. Smith said, “I am an individual who stays behind the scenes and do what I have to do. I am a team player and I don't care what background you come from; once it involves my country I'm going to do everything to the best of my ability to ensure that you shine. I am very honoured and I will continue to do my best for my country and I give God the glory and the honour because without him it was not possible." Smith said.
Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mr. Marvin “MB’ Blyden stated that by the end of September, he will submit his financial report stating the cost of this year’s festival. Whilst Mrs. Malcia Smith-Hamilton delivered brief remarks on the Tourist Board’s marketing efforts for this year’s festival.
The 2012 line up which includes celebrations in Road Town, East End and Carrot Bay was also revealed and featured performers such as Christopher Martin, Kassav, Barrington Levy, Pumpa, Mavado, Mr. Vegas and a host of local artists.
The Micah Smith Cultural Food Fair will be held on Friday, August 3 and the East End/Long Look Festiville will be named in honour of Ms. Moviene Fahie. It opens on August 6. The Claudette “Boopie” Smith’s Festiville opens on Thursday, 26th July with the Gospel Fest. The theme for this 58th anniversary of the emancipation festival is “Bringing Back our Cultural Past; Let’s Celebrate BVI Festival with Class” while the slogan is “Emancipation: A Golden Story to Tell, Enjoy VI Festival, 2012”
The overall aim of the renewed focus on cultural activities for the 2012 Emancipation Festival is the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Virgin Islands culture by defining and supporting those aspects of our cultural heritage that are unique.
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