Mister Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to update the people of the Virgin Islands on the plans for our emancipation festival activities, which are progressing well.

In anticipation of the 65^th Annual Emancipation Celebrations, the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Parade (VIFF) Sub-committee in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee will be hosting a Celebratory Dinner under the theme: -“Honouring all generations: Let’s commemorate the 65^th Emancipation Celebration.”

The public is asked to note that the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee has extended its deadline to Friday, April 12 for the submission of entries for the BVI Emancipation Festival’s 2019 theme and slogan competitions.

Preparations to celebrate the 52^nd Virgin Gorda Easter Festival are well on the way, with a lineup of Cultural activities scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 13.

The Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee is inviting the public to submit entries for the BVI Emancipation Festival’s 2019 theme and slogan competitions.

The public is being reminded to park responsibly on the Festival Grounds.

All government agencies are asked to remove or dismantle all structures and/or materials, including storage trailers/containers from the Road Town Festival Grounds by Thursday, June 28.

The public is notified that Boo Bay Drive between Nagico Insurance and Marche Restaurant will be closed from Saturday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Food handlers participating in the Emancipation Festival in August are encouraged to get certified early.

The public is invited to submit entries with suggestions for a slogan for the upcoming Emancipation celebrations.