Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has announced that the 51st Annual Virgin Gorda Easter Festival festivities will take a different format than attendees have grown accustomed to over the years.

Minister Walwyn said activities will be scaled down taking into consideration the current circumstances of the Territory following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Honourable Walwyn said, “The decision to scale down the festivities came just over a week and a half ago after consulting with a cross-section of the Virgin Gorda community including pastors and persons that have been involved in the festivities in past years.”

He added that the decision and plans for this year’s event strike a balance between the differing views about the festivities at this time.

The Easter Festival, which is planned and executed by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee through its Virgin Gorda Sub-Committee, will feature a Gospel Fest on March 30, food fair on March 31 and a beach picnic on April 2, as was done in the early years of the festival. The usual Easter festival village will be excluded from this year’s event.

Minister Walwyn highlighted the importance of the continuation of cultural events to the recovery process stating that it is important for everyone to remember the vital role that the acknowledgment and continuation of cultural events play in contributing to the overall recovery process.

Honourable Walwyn stated, “The Easter Festival is a staple in the Virgin Gorda community and I fully understand and appreciate the concerns raised by persons, particularly those who would have received damage to their homes and those who would have lost jobs in the hospitality industry. However, I think it is important that we strike a balance to ensure that the culture of the Virgin Islands is preserved despite our circumstances.”

The festivities will feature a celebration of the culture of the Virgin Islands through local entertainment and activities. The business community of Virgin Gorda are also invited to independently host various activities to supplement what is being put on by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee.

Persons interested in assisting with the upcoming celebrations are asked to make contact with Ms Anne Lennard in the Department of Culture at anne.lennard@yahoo.com