65th Emancipation kicks off with ‘Prime Time Festival Village’
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Mr Carnel D. Clyne thanked those who helped to plan and execute the event and urged citizens to take advantage of all that Emancipation 2019 has to offer.
Bills Covered - Carnel D. Clyne
“A lot of work has gone into making the 2019 Emancipation festival indeed special, from the improvement of our boots to the increase in numbers, the variation of the boots, the layout of the village,” Mr Clyne said.
Noting that all bills for the event is covered with a great lineup of entertainment on the way, he said, “We have gone the extra mile to bring you a celebration worthy of our territory, this is evident where you can call the hotels, the car rentals, the supermarkets, the taxi men, etc”.
In inviting citizens of the territory to celebrate in the 2019 festivities across the territory, calls were also made to support vendors plying their trade in the festivities, “All in all we want to say, enjoy your emancipation,” Mr Clyne said.
In congratulating the Chairman of the VIF&FC, for executing the events, Premier and Minister of Finance in his opening remarks spoke briefly about the history of the Prime Time band. “Prime Time had a very special place in my heart because for those who don’t know, I was actually a member of Prime Time band for quite a whole and I also managed Prime time,” Premier Fahie said.
“I want to give the Minister of Education [Hon Natalio D. Wheatley] a round of applause also because I know being in that seat before, pulling off this festival is not easy,” he further said.
Respecting sacrifices
The Premier in underscoring the importance of the celebrations noted that it represents freedom from slavery and an appreciation of the blood of those who fought for those freedoms.
“Our ancestors are still speaking today and it is saying my children, make sure you represent us well… make the BVI proud [and] do what you can while you can, but make sure you always present the best you,” he said.
The Premier also took the opportunity to call for law and order given the importance of the celebrations, by urging citizens to not get involved in any criminal activity, illegalities or fights.
“Instead you will use this time to unite… to build up each other, because that is what festival is a tribute to our ancestors.”
Further, the Premier in welcoming all to the celebration urged them to, “respect what we have done, because we have made a great place for you and we want you just to make it greater,” given the sacrifices of the ancestors.
Event Lineup
The Road Town Festival Village, named in honor of the “Prime Time Band” will remain open until August 6, 2019.
August 1, 2019, will feature the annual Calypso Show, with some 10 participants including Redo, Mighty Lay Lay, Princess Dede, King Henry, Falco, King Paido, Macko, Young Blood, Michelle and Lady Liberty, competing for this year’s crown and a cash prize of $7,500.
Then on August 7, 2019, the Soca Monarch competition, featuring JJ, Makisha, Mr Blues, Teejay, Ramon, Jammie Twitt and Pascal will kick off with more fantastic prizes.
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