70 slogans submitted for 70th Festival anniversary

Residents submitted some 70 slogans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival as excitement continues to build ahead of the highly anticipated landmark event. 

Traditionally, the festival had been organised by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIFFC). However, that committee was dissolved last December and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley moved its functions over to the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC).

At that time, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley highlighted the need to revoke the committee’s governing legislation and mentioned that amending Section 8 of the Tourist Board Ordinance was necessary. The remaining Committee’s assets were also transferred to the BVI Tourist Board.

Meanwhile, Director of Tourism Clive McCoy expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from the community. “The slogans submitted showcase the immense creativity and talent within the BVI. I believe it is an indication of the public’s enthusiasm for participating in this year’s celebration,” McCoy stated.

Officials said a panel of team members from the BVI Tourist Board reviewed the entries and selected the eight finalists which, were posted on its Facebook page yesterday, April 8. 

Residents will now vote on their favourite slogans over the next two weeks, with the winning choice to be revealed on Friday, April 26.

Since the early 1980s, the Virgin Islands has held public competitions to choose slogans and themes for the Emancipation festival as a means of fostering widespread community involvement in the event.

This year is not only the 70th BVI Emancipation Festival but it also marks the 190th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Virgin Islands, and officials promised that a grand celebration is in store.