The New Life Baptist Church Choir during their performance at last night's July 27, 2012 gospel fest at the Festival Village. Photo: Javon Liburd

Isabel Valdez of Santo Domingo, Regional Gospel singer performing for the Christians and the spanish community of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Javon Liburd

The Gospel Music Festival, organized by the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, was held at the festival grounds in Road Town also known as the ‘Village’.

In a well decorated ‘Village’ surrounded by bars, choirs and praise groups, regional gospel acts took the stage with power, energy, ready to bless the crowd with the messages that were laid upon their hearts by God.

The acts prayed and requested in song or scriptures for a safe emancipation festival. Prayers were extended that the people attending the events coordinated by the Fairs and Festival committee and other events, “may be covered by the blood and also that no harm may provoke them and healing and deliverance is appointed onto them.” said one of the acts.

The night saw performances from Joy Praise – Praise and Worship team, New Life Baptist Choir, Isabel Valdez out of Santo Domingo, Positive of Trinidad and Judith Gayle of Jamaica.

With such a huge population of persons from Santo Domingo living on the island, gospel singer Isabel Valdez delivered a wonderful performance in Spanish, to the Spanish Christians around.

Even though this is officially the first event for this year’s Emancipation Festival, the Official launching will be prior to the Annual Calypso Show on July 28, 2012 at the Village.