Leon 'Kinny' Creque (left) along with his band Leon and the Hotshots, opened the performances at the Leon 'Kinny' Creque Festiville last evening. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Right to Left: Hon. Myron Walwyn, Mervin Blyden, Leon Creque, Frederick Walters, Tennecia Tudd and Premier Smith. Photo: VINO

Speaking at the opening of the festivities last evening April 7, 2012 at the Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque Festiville in the Valley, Virgin Gorda, Hon. Walwyn said both culture and spirituality helped the forefathers of the Virgin Islands to survive and build the Territory so generations can reap the benefits today.

“Virgin Islanders have come a very long way since the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1834. During our festival celebrations we should take the time to recall the struggles of our forefathers and be even more grateful that today we live in a Territory where we get to elect our leaders from among ourselves. Virgin Islanders are socially and economically empowered in various sectors and are leaders in industries.”

Hon. Walwyn added that during Festival Virgin Islanders should reflect on the importance of their culture to their present day lives. “I contend that only by knowing who we are, where we have come from, Virgin Islanders will be prepared to manage the challenges that will inevitably come.”

A part of the Virgin Islands cultural makeup and which should be appropriately recognised during this festive season, Hon. Walwyn said, is their spirituality.

“As we reflect on the culture of the islands during this festive Easter weekend let us take a moment to give thanks to the son of God for sacrificing his life so that we may have life. Virgin Islanders have traditionally had a strong faith in the Lord. I imagined that faith helped our ancestors live a hundred and seventy five years ago, the men and women that built the islands that we now know and our faith will also be needed as present generation of Virgin Islanders face today’s challenges. So during this weekend’s festivities let us take some time for cultural reflection among ourselves and see how we could work together to strengthen our islands and ourselves by acknowledging the sacrifice of Jesus and honouring the cause by seeking to live Godlier lives.”

The Minister for Education and Culture also extended condolences to the late Mr. Dawin George, who he said was an outstanding member of the Virgin Gorda Festival and Fairs Committee and every year would work hard to prepare the Little Dix Bay Resort troupe for the Annual Easter Day parade.

Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith said he was pleased to know that the festival has been growing from strength to strength over the years and was also pleased that the festival village has been named after Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque. “Leon is an old friend of mine who I have seen, and heard and listened and danced to his music over many years and has seen his band grow strength to strength.”

He added that apart from persons being able to attend the festival and be entertained by the various performances, it is also a time particularly when the young people in Virgin Gorda have the opportunity to display their talents.

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Mervin Blyden said his committee invested $100, 000 in this year’s festival in Virgin Gorda since it believes it is necessary to help organise and present an event that is of highest quality. He also congratulated the Virgin Gorda Festival and Fairs Committee and noted that he looks forward to working more closely with it.

Mr. Blyden also urged Virgin Gordians to join the VG Festival and Fairs Committee. “Festival is a lot of work and I encourage you to participate and help the committee as it needs all the help it could get.”

And Leon ‘Kinny’ Creque, to whom the festival village is named after, wished everyone a safe festival.

Miss Teen Virgin Gorda, Tanieka Gludd then declared the festival village officially open.