2016 Emancipation Festival planning off to slow start
However, it was alleged that after much begging by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Ms Baronville agreed to retract and has remained in the post of Chairwoman. She has for the past months been chairing all Festival Committee meetings.
This year’s Emancipation Festival is expected to run from July 22, 2016 to August 6, 2016, but an official schedule has not been released by Government or the Festival Committee.
Lack of funds an issue
It is believed that the committee is struggling in the planning stages due to lack of financial support from the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as the private sector, who is reluctant to give as it is also under financial stress.
There are a few troupes who are trying to stage practice sessions, however, turnout and participation have been weak and raising funds for troupes have been slow, according to one Committee Member.
While the official schedule has not been made public, it is expected that some days will be cut from the 2016 Emancipation Festival, as with the serious financial conditions of the territory, the Ministry of Education and Culture, hence the Government, can no longer afford the elaborate days of celebration.
Would there be a Miss BVI?
As for the Miss BVI Queen Show, it is reported that many young ladies have no interest in the pageant this year, as at one point there were just three young ladies vying for the title. To date one has allegedly dropped out, leaving a mere two so far, according to our newsroom's sources close to the Miss BVI Committee.
The reigning Miss BVI [2015-16] is Adorya R. Baly, who is expected to give up her crown in August once a new 2016-2017 Miss BVI is selected.
While the Festival Committee has been meeting, there appears to be no motivation or much interest in this year’s Emancipation Celebrations. The East End and Carrot Bay Committees have also been meeting and planning events, but they are uncertain of their final budgetary allocations.
Last weekend May 21, 2016 the East End/ Look Look Festival Committee had an event which was poorly supported. One Committee member told our newsroom “the event flopped.”
Wasted funds on million dollar wall?
Critics of the embattled Education and Culture Minister Hon Myron V. Walwyn said the one million dollars he wasted to build a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town could have been better used to support our festival and much needed items for schools throughout the British Overseas Territory.
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29 Responses to “2016 Emancipation Festival planning off to slow start”
How is it that's we're supposed to have a festival and the Slogan nor the Theme has been released?! 2016 Festival is going to be the brown substance that flushes down the toilet! The economy done been strained from snap elections!