Speaking to members of the media at a press conference held in the flagship store of event platinum sponsor CCT Global Communications yesterday June 30, 2015, Pastor Dr Melvin A. Turnbull, one of the Festival sub-committee members, outlined the programme of events surrounding the more spiritual side of the Festival. Photo: VINO

Gospel singer DeAnna Wattley. Photo: Provided

A scene from last year's church service at the Sunday Morning Well. Photo: VINO/File

A scene from last year's march. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking to members of the media at a press conference held in the flagship store of event platinum sponsor CCT Global Communications yesterday June 30, 2015, Pastor Dr Melvin A. Turnbull, one of the Festival sub-committee members, outlined the programme of events surrounding the more spiritual side of the Festival.

“Gospel Fest which is usually the kick off point is going to be on Sunday July 26 at 7:30pm at the Festival Grounds and since last year we decided to do a local presentation this year. Most of you may be aware that when Gospel Fest began it was totally local and we have decided to revisit that and go back to totally local. It is going to be awesome and featuring such artistes as Gabriel Hoyte, DeAnna Wattley and Pastor Gumbs who is a rap artiste. High Frequency Band is going to be in the house so you know that is a lot of energy.”

Then Dr Turnbull said that on Sunday August 1, 2015 there will be the Freedom March at 3:00pm. “We will march from Government House to the Sunday Morning Well. We will have as our road band again this year the High Frequency Band. They brought some serious energy last year and it will be something else this year as well.”

Following the march at 3:00pm, the crowd will assemble at 4:00pm for an Emancipation Service at the Sunday Morning Well.

“During that service we will feature of course local artistes and special presentations from some of our Ministers of Government,” he said.

“We are looking forward to a tremendous time in our march as we encourage all kinds of civic organisations, uniformed groups, especially the schools to be a part of that,” he said. “On Monday, the second, we will have our Sunrise Service which begins at 7:00am at the Administrative Complex.

Don’t forget our foundation

Dr Turnbull said that for the entire month they will be highlighting moments in VI history which will speak of the accomplishments of many of the heroes and 'sheroes' of the Virgin Islands “so that our children can appreciate the hard work that has gone into building the BVI and has continued to be so.”

The pastor of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church also said it is critical that the foundation of the people of the territory is kept alive so that generations yet unborn will appreciate that we didn’t just get here. “We got here through prayers and sweat and through the grace of God,” he said.