Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Mr Dirk L. Walters has said he is not aware of any vendors being owed by the VIF&FC). Photo: VINO

The VI Emancipation Festival will be held from July 27 to August 5, 2022, under the theme ‘Celebrating Freedom for Me and You, BVI Festival 2022’. Photo: Facebook

Vendors over the years, particularly under the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government, have complained of being owed for a lengthy time for services rendered at various festivals.

The government would then be in the habit of approving funds for a new festival but would require the Committee to pay debt from the same funds.

‘Pittance’

This year Government approved half a million dollars to the VIF&FC to run off Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival.

With the amount being labeled as “pittance” compared to previous years, Mr Walters at a press conference call by the VIF&FC today, July 11, 2022, was asked whether the Committee would have to settle debts to vendors from the amount approved by Government.

‘Not aware of any vendors owed’- Dirk L. Walters

“I am personally not aware of any vendors that are owed,” Mr Walters responded.

He added: “I have only been involved in this, myself and the vice-chair, and our new treasuer and our first task was Virgin Gorda Easter Festival and as far as I know we have paid off all of our debts. All the bills have been paid. If there is anything outstanding in terms of there [VG Easter Festival] then that has to be brought to our attention, obviously.”

Regarding the possibility of vendors still being owed from previous years, Mr Walters said he could not comment on that.

“Any vendors owed previously, I can’t speak to because I know I didn’t sign anything with anyone, any contract or anything. I can only speak to what I know about.”

The VI Emancipation Festival will be held from July 27 to August 5, 2022, under the theme ‘Celebrating Freedom for Me and You, BVI Festival 2022’.