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by pltm
(PLTM) - Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn has announced that plans for the 2018 Emancipation Festival are underway, following the appointment of a new Executive Board for the Virgin Islands Festivals & Fairs Committee.
Mr. Trefor Grant has been reappointed Chairman and Ms. Xavyrna Samuels as Vice Chairman.
Other members of the board include Treasurer, Nashema Smith-McKenzie; Public Relations Officer, Lynette Harrigan; Secretary and Culture Officer (ex-officio), Luce Hodge-Smith; Permanent Secretary Representative, Brenda Lettsome-Tye; BVI Tourist Board Representative, Carnel Cline; Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee Representative, Lyra George; Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Representative, Judy-Ann Smith; East End/Long Look Festival Committee Representative, Sandra Potter-Warrican; Anegada Representative, Harella Wheatley; and Jost Van Dyke Representative, Ricky Callwood.
Other committee members include Lyndon Hodge, Ottley Hodge, Marvin Blyden, Stuart Donovan, Kathryn Smith, Samuel Hodge, and Richard Georges.
This announcement comes after residents enquired whether the annual celebration would be held following the devastation caused by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
In recognising the current circumstances of the Territory financially, Minister Walwyn has given strict instructions to the committee to ensure that the celebration remains on budget.
However, he said that the festivities will be scaled down from what residents have grown accustomed to over the years, noting that historical events such as the Miss BVI pageant, Rise and Shine Tramp, Emancipation Service, August Monday Parade and village entertainment will remain part of this year’s celebration.
The Minister underscored the cultural significance of the celebration to the Territory and the overall recovery process.
“As the Territory continues on its journey towards recovery, it is important for us to remember the vital role that the acknowledgment and continuation of cultural events play in contributing to the overall recovery process,” Minister Walwyn said.
He added, "The Emancipation Festival is engrained into the history of this Territory and every effort should be made to ensure that it is continued — even if it isn’t on the grand scale that we have grown accustomed it.”
Persons wishing to assist with the upcoming celebration are asked to contact Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith in the Department of Culture at lhodge-smith@gov.vg.
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