Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has assured that persons would get at least 50% of their payments prior to or immediately following performances at festivals 2014. Photo: VINO

The Department of Culture has been officially named the secretariat for Festivals 2014. Above: Director of Culture, Mrs Luce Hodge-Smith. Photo: VINO

Persons identified to sit on the advisory and other committees for the Diamond Jubilee of Festival celebrations in the Virgin Islands which are said to be in their infancy stages of planning. Photo VINO

Persons identified to sit on the advisory and other committees for the Diamond Jubilee of Festival celebrations in the Virgin Islands which are said to be in their infancy stages of planning. Photo VINO

Persons identified to sit on the advisory and other committees for the Diamond Jubilee of Festival celebrations in the Virgin Islands which are said to be in their infancy stages of planning. Photo VINO

Chairman of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin “MB” Blyden said the annoucement of the winners of this year’s 2014 Festivals theme and slogan competition was a significant sign of progress. Photo: VINO

Dr Quincy Lettsome (centre), in a brief acceptance speech, underscored the pleasure of BVI Islanders residing overseas being allowed the opportunity to participate in local activities. Photo: VINO

Ms Lenisha Thompson, winner of this year's Emancipation Festival slogan competition, expressed her gratitude of being afforded the opportunity to do something she likes and be rewarded for doing so.. Photo: VINO

This assurance was given by Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn yesterday January 23, 2014 at the occasion of the releasing of the theme and slogan for the Diamond Jubilee Festival celebrations of 2014.

The celebrations of Festival 2013 were hit left, right and centre by tardy and untimely payments to persons who were to have been paid for services of some sort. As a result, a number of performers, bands and groups insisted that for this year the festival committee would have had to bow to contract agreements as drafted by the bands and groups rendering their services.

Hon. Walwyn, while alluding to the exceptional job done by committee Chairman Mr Marvin Blyden, said that the budget for the celebrations this year has not been increased. He however noted that government remains committed to subsidizing if, when or where necessary.

According to the Honourable Minister, the Department of Culture has been designated as the official secretariat for all matters of 60th Annual Festivals activities of 2014. “All things regarding festival 2014 would be coming out of the secretariat,” Hon. Walwyn stated.

This would include it being the main point for things ranging from applications to payments. According to the Minister, coming out from occurrences and critical analysis of the past, the Festival can be more cost effective.

The Minister assured residents and visitors alike that while plans are currently in their infancy stages, the celebrations this year, though shorter in terms of the number of days, will be sweeter.

See previous story posted January 23, 2014:

‘Talk of the Town’ theme & slogan released

- Chairman Marvin 'MB' Blyden hails early announcement of Diamond Jubilee Emancipation Festival celebration as sign of progress 

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Ms Tracy Lettsome and Ms Lenisha Thompson have been announced the winners of this year’s, 2014 Festivals theme and slogan competition respectively and according to Chairman of the committee, Mr Marvin “MB” Blyden, this has been a significant sign of progress.

The presentation of cash prizes to the winners was done at a simple ceremony today, January 23, 2014 at the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Workers Museum. While Ms Lettsome was not on hand to receive her prize, her father, Dr Quincy Lettsome did the honour on her behalf.

Dr Lettsome, in a brief acceptance speech underscored the pleasure of BVI Islanders residing overseas being allowed the opportunity to participate in local activities of such nature. Ms Thompson also had very little to say but expressed her gratitude of being afforded the opportunity to do something she likes and be rewarded for doing so.

The theme this year is “60 years of cultural display and appreciation. VI festival 2014: Our diamond Jubilee Celebration.” The Slogan is “60 years of celebrations with cultural class. VI Festival 2014 – Let’s Play Mass.”

Chairman Blyden has had very little to say but was moved by emotion as he fought to hold back the tears as he acknowledged the passing of Ms Corrine S Brewely who was very instrumental in the initial stages of organizing the celebrations for this year. A moment of silence was observed in her honor.

Mr Blyden assured the small gathering, which included Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, that the celebrations this year will most definitely be the talk of the town.

As first and accurately reported by this news site, it was again confirmed that the this year’s Emancipation festival has been reduced from seventeen (17) to fourteen (14) days. Three days have been cut from the Road Town celebrations while one day has been cut each from Carrot Bay and East End/Long Look.

This was officially announced by Hon Walwyn at the ceremony today. Other changes as previously reported by this news site were also confirmed by the Culture Minister.

Further details to come in a subsequent report.