The Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville, named in honour of the first Miss BVI Mrs Irene F. Penn-O’Neal, was officially opened on a night that coincided with the Gospel Explosion at the same venue on Monday, July 31, 2023. Photo: VINO

2023 VI Emancipation Festival honourees Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores, left, and Irene F. Penn-O’Neal, right, with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: VINO

Chairman of the VIF&FC Dirk L. Walters presents 2023 August Monday Parade Marshall, Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores with a plaque. Photo: VINO

Chairman of the VIF&FC Dirk L. Walters presents Festival honouree Irene F. Penn-O’Neal with a plaque. Photo: VINO

The schedule of events for the 2023 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival. Photo: VIF&FC/Facebook

The occasion also saw the honouring of the 2023 August Monday Parade Marshall, Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores.

The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) had said Penn-O’Neal’s contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48th anniversary of her winning the first Miss BVI title in 1975.

It had also said Reverend Nibbs-Flores contributed to Festival in various ways, but most notably as a troupe member, a majorette troupe director who taught the art of twirling, and a Festival Committee member.

Time to celebrate- Premier Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) congratulated the honourees as well as the leadership of VIF&FC and wished everyone a safe and enjoyable Emancipation Festival.

“We had a rough few years, when you think about COVID, when you think about the hurricanes, when you think about inflation, and now is the time for you to be able to meet family and friends and to be able to have a good time.”

Dr Wheatley also encouraged the public to support all the Festival activities, especially the cultural events.

A special invitation to cultural events

He said people have been speaking about the loss of the VI culture and he used the opportunity to invite everyone to the Cultural Food Fair in the Festival village on Friday, August 4, the Cultural and Heritage Village at Greenland Recreation Ground on August 9 and the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on August 11, 2023.

“And I want to see those places packed, because if you have concerns about ensuring that our culture is alive and well, you will make sure that you pack those events where we are celebrating, in full effect, our Virgin Islands culture.”

Also giving remarks at the opening of the Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville were Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), Chairman of the VIF&FC Dirk L. Walters and Mrs Penn-O’Neal.

The welcome was done by Festival Prince and Princess, Jeron K. Springette and De'Nya E. Winter.

Tonight is Festival Glow Night at the Festival Village.