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by pltm
(PLTM) - BVI bands, Showtime and VIBE lit the St. Thomas festival village, as part of the USVI's carnival activities last evening, April 24.
The bands played to a large crowd, which included a massive support of BVI residents, who traveled to the neighboring island to support the bands.
It was a big deal for the local bands, who were previously faced with visa restrictions. However, Hon. Myron Walwyn, Education and Culture Minister, along with his team, managed to reach an agreement for a temporary visa system. This allows BVI bands access to perform, but only upon invitation from the USVI government.
Eustace 'Boss' Freeman of Showtime Band said that they were touched by the support received from BVIslanders.
"So many BVIslanders coming down to support their local bands; it was an awesome feeling. That was one of the times when you get that ambassador role, and you really feel the love because the people came down with you, partied with you," he told BVI Platinum News.
He said that the St. Thomas Festival Committee was also pleased with the turnout last evening.
"The reception from the Carnival Committee in St. Thomas and the love shown by the people who were in the village was unbelievable."
Freeman also thanked Minister Walwyn.
"I want to give props to the Hon. Walwyn for making everything possible, because without him we couldn't have been there this time around...We actually have a BVI night within the St. Thomas festival and that's a great thing," he said.
Roger Frank, Manager of VIBE also expressed satisfaction over the night.
"It was great. The guys were excited for the opportunity to finally perform down there. The support from BVI was tremendous. Also the reception from those on the USVI side of the waters was also tremendous. The performance was great, without a glitch, a lot of energy from start to finish," Frank told BVI Platinum News.
He said it's another door opened for the bands to perform live in the USVI.
"On their soil rather than they coming over to us; we are able to go to them now, and I think it's the step in the right direction. I want to give thanks to Hon. Myron Walwyn and his staff, and also across the waters, Lieutenant Governor (Osbert) Potter for creating this avenue...Hoping for better things to come."
In total, four bands were approved to play during the carnival. The other two were Hardcore and Final Faze from Virgin Gorda.
