Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, has announced that the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Celebrations will be held from Saturday March 31 to April 2.

The annual celebrations are planned and executed by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIFFC), through its Virgin Gorda Sub-Committee.

Ms. Lyra George has been selected to head the blended team. She served on the Sub-Committee for many years and is said to have much experience as it relates to the financial aspect of the celebrations.

Ms. George and her team met with Honourable Walwyn and the current Chairman of the VIFFC, Mr. Trefor Grant, on Saturday February 3 to discuss plans for the upcoming celebrations. 

Minister Walwyn assured members that he had no intentions to cancel festival but could not place great emphasis on its planning because of the recovery situation at hand.

He stated “Unless the people of Virgin Gorda decide that they do not want Easter Festival Celebrations, I will not be cancelling. I apologise for the late start in planning but I could not in good conscience focus on this while many persons were without homes as a result of Hurricane Irma”. 

Honourable Walwyn said he is confident that the team will be able to execute a successful festival; which includes staying within the financial budget allocated. The committee will receive the usual one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to carry out this year’s celebrations.

The minister indicated that this year he would like to see a more cultural celebration, one that showcases more local entertainment and activities.

Virgin Gorda students in public and private schools, will be invited to participate in the theme and slogan competition in an effort to get more young people involved in the activities.

Persons interested in assisting the committee for the upcoming celebrations are asked to make contact with Ms. Anne Lennard at the Department of Culture at anne.lennard@yahoo.com. For more information on Government news, information and services follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at BVI Government or log onto the web portal at www.bvi.gov.vg.