From L-R: Trinidad's Fay-Ann Lyons and her husband Bunji Garlin along with Antigua's Tian Winter Antigua.

Photo Credit:

From L-R: Trinidad's Fay-Ann Lyons and her husband Bunji Garlin along with Antigua's Tian Winter Antigua.

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The community of Virgin Gorda (VG) will come alive this month end as a number of activities are on the cards for this year's grand Easter Festival, beginning with the annual Miss VG Easter Festival pageant on Saturday, March 23.

This year's village is named in memory of the late Mr. Darwin George.

At a press conference held on VG yesterday, March 12, the much anticipated lineup was revealed and among the notable acts are major names on the international soca scene, including Bunji Garlin and his wife Fay Ann Lyons, Antigua's Tian Winter, and Denise 'Saucy' Belfon.

There will also be a number of local acts, including Leon & the Hot Shots and the Razor Blades.

Mr. Marvin Blyden, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee told reporters that he is very pleased with the activities planned.

Mr. Blyden related that he is satisfied with the amount of work that has already been put forward by the VG Festival Committee, which is headed by Mr. Rupert Vanterpool Jr.

"The event at times don't go off the way we expect it to, but I encourage you all to come out and support us," Mr. Blyden stated. The Chairman also expressed confidence that under the chairmanship of Vanterpool Jr., he believes the event will be a success.

Mr. Vanterpool disclosed at the press conference that there will be 10 booths during this year's event.

Hon. Myron Walwyn, Education and Culture Minister also spoke at the press conference where he noted that the committee's response to Government's call for accountability and responsible spending is commendable.

Minister Walwyn said this year's festival village is named in memory of Mr. Darwin George, who contributed to the festival over the years but passed away last year. He expressed hope that the tribute to the late Mr. Darwin George will comfort the George's family. Minister Walwyn also added that he hopes Mr. George's contribution would be greatly appreciated and also inspire the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lynette Harrigan of the BVI Tourist Board (TB) stated that the board has been aggressively promoting the event. She said advertisement and promotion of the festival and the fisherman's jamboree have been done in countries such as St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Ms. Harrigan added that the board has been using the social media to create a buzz about the festival.

Following the pageant on March 23, there will be the opening of Cooney Island on Thursday, March 28, then on Saturday, March 30, a cultural food fair will be staged from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, which will be followed by the official opening of the village at 6:00 pm. The village entertainment for that evening will include Denise 'Saucy' Belfon, Tian Winter, Session Reloaded, VI Showtime Band, Lashing Dogs and DJ Wiz.

On Sunday, March 31, there will be a wet fete starting at 12:00 noon and in the village there will be the VG Calypso Show at 8:00 pm, followed by Bunji Garlin with Fay Ann Lyons alongside the Asylum Band. The evening will also feature Pumpa and the Unit and DJ Push Pop.

Lynette Harrigan of the BVI Tourist Board speaking at the March 12, 2013 press conference on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit:

Lynette Harrigan of the BVI Tourist Board speaking at the March 12, 2013 press conference on Virgin Gorda.

Photo Credit:

On Monday, April 1, the rise and shine tramp will take place from 4:00 am to 8:00 am, followed by the grand parade from 12:00 noon and then the action will move to the village from 6:00 pm to midnight with entertainment by Nu Vibes known as Sugar Band, Caribbean Ecstasy and Showtime Band featuring Boss.

Meanwhile, major emphasis is being placed on the 17th annual Spanish Town Fisherman's Jamboree which is titled 'Wahoo Madness'.

The activities will take place with a welcome cocktail and fishermen meeting on Friday, March 28 at Fischer's Cove beach side; fishing days on March 30 and March 31 at 4:00 pm at Andy's Chateau Dockside. There will also be exciting RC boat exhibitions and a spring fashion show.

The prizes for this year's catch include 1st prize, $5,000; 2nd prize, $1,500; and 3rd prize, $1,000. There will also be prizes for best angler, best female angler and youngest angler.