The winning design for the commemorative license plate celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Emancipation Festival. Photo: GIS

Mr Shaquille S. Bell submitted the winning design for the commemorative license plate celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Emancipation Festival. Photo: VINO/File

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), congratulated Mr Shaquille S. Bell on his submission and winning graphic design.

"Mr Bell's contribution to our 70th Festival Celebrations speaks to the liberty of the celebrations, and symbolises the spirit of freedom while marking this historical milestone through this limited-edition commemorative license plate," said Honourable Rymer in a press release today, July 19, 2024.

Commemorative plates not yet available for purchase

Acting DMV Commissioner, Mr Gregory Skelton stated that the plates are currently on order and the public will be notified upon availability for purchase. "We had 32 submissions for this historic event, and required the expertise of Industry Experts in selecting the winning submission," said Skelton. He added that the judging panel included representatives from the Tourist Board, locally recognised senior graphic artists, a local youth graphic artist, and officials from the Ministry of Communications and Works. 

The commemorative plate features a unique design that pays homage to the Virgin Islands' rich history and culture. It includes the inscription "Virgin Islands" at the top and "Nature's Little Secret" at the bottom, as per the design competition guidelines. 

The 70th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival is being held from July 14 to August 10, 2024, under the theme: “Together, we can keep the spirit of emancipation alive as we ‘Celebrate our Freedom, Live in Unity as BVI Festival turns 70.”