This year the Virgin Gorda Festival Sub Committee and by extension the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee has decided to honour Virgin Gorda resident Franka A. Pickering for her hard work and dedication over the years supporting the activity. Photo: Provided

Hon Myron V. Walwyn said that Franka A. Pickering had served as the chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Festival Sub Committee many times and has served in several other capacities and he she is deserving of the honour. Photo: VINO

As Government continues to say that it is not broke, yet another manifestation of the opposite has arisen, with the Minister saying that cost cutting measures have been instituted on the 49th Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. As a result of the cost cutting, there will be no pageant, no international artists of any consequence and lower prize monies in the calypso competition. Photo: VINO

This was revealed at a press conference held at the Government Administration Building in Valley, Virgin Gorda on Friday February 26, 2016. 

Speaking at the press conference, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said part of the celebration is to honour those who have contributed in the past and served the community. 

“This year’s honouree is Franka Pickering, who is no stranger to our Festivals. Mrs Pickering has been involved in Festival from 1975, when she became a founding member of the BVI Festival Committee 1975 Limited. On Tortola she showed passion and commitment to Festival and was known to chair the Miss BVI and other sub committees during her long tenure with the organisation,” said the Minister. 

He said Pickering then moved to Virgin Gorda where she continued her involvement with Festival and shared her expertise. 

He further said she had served as the chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Festival Sub Committee many times and has served in several other capacities. 

“Her involvement in Festival is but one aspect of Franka’s volunteerism and giving to her community. She has served on many community boards including the Virgin Gorda's, the BVIEC’s, the Virgin Gorda Garden Club and the Virgin Gorda Lions Club. She is currently the President of the Virgin Gorda Diabetes Association and has been a member for some 17 years,” the Minister said. 

He said there is no question that Pickering is deserving of having this year’s Virgin Gorda Easter Festival named in her honour and hence the Festival Village will be called the Franka Pickering Festiville. 

'I feel honoured'

Ms Pickering in a comment to this news site said that it was an honour to be chosen this year.

"I feel honoured that they have chosen me. What I have done in the past and still do, I don't look for any reward but it is good to be recognised especially before you dead," she said.

Not broke but VG Festival scaled down

As Government continues to say that it is not broke, yet another manifestation of the opposite has arisen, with the Minister saying that cost cutting measures have been instituted on the 49th Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. As a result of the cost cutting, there will be no pageant, no international artists of any consequence and lower prize monies in the calypso competition.

At the press conference, Minister Walwyn said that his office has done all that is necessary for the outstanding monies owed to 2015 Easter Festival performers. He however could not what with certainty when those persons would be paid.