here have been no specific arrangements for the sister islands to actively participate in Virgin Islands Festival 2013, according to Director of Culture Luce Hodge-Smith. Photo: VINO

Social commentator Donald E. De Castro, during his ‘Straight Talk’ radio programme in June of this year, had questioned why much emphasis was being placed on bringing in international artistes for festival when monies could be spent at home by having the sister islands more actively involved. Photo: VINO/File

“No specific arrangements are coming...but persons are aware that if they do need assistance they can contact the Department of Culture, specifically the schools. We have done it in the past and we continue to support the schools with their entries by providing financial support. If it is requested then we will support in whatever way possible,” were the words of Director of Culture Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith when asked what the Culture Department was doing to ensure active participation of the sister islands in the festival.

Mrs Hodge-Smith was one of the persons at the head table at the press conference at the Youth Affairs and Sports Conference Room on June 28, 2013 to update the public on plans for Virgin Islands Festival 2013.

There have been criticisms in the public that not enough is done to allow the festival to be a true Virgin Islands festival with the active participation of the sister islands, specifically Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.

Social commentator Donald E. De Castro, during his ‘Straight Talk’ radio programme in June of this year, had questioned why much emphasis was being placed on bringing in international artistes for festival when monies could be spent at home by having the sister islands more actively involved.

“If this is Virgin Islands emancipation celebration, why is so much money spent to bring in outside entertainers and no money is spent to bring in schools and other persons from Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke?” de Castro asked.

The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&F) has announced a long line-up of international artistes for VI Festival 2013. They include reggae artistes Richie Spice, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica; dancehall entertainer Baby Cham and Trinidadian soca sensations Iwer George, Destra Garcia and Kes the Band.

Separate Parades

One thing Mr De Castro would probably be pleased about is the VIF&FC's decision to stick with the combined Adult and Children's Parade in Road Town.

He had previously called on the Festivals and Fairs Committee to explain its decision to hold an adult only parade in Road Town this year and one for children in East End.

"There was a lot of outcry for it to go back to the way it was and so the decision was made for it to go back to the way it was but from next year we will have to plan early and have it done," Mrs Luce-Hodge Smith had said at the press conference.