Festival Village named in Penn-O’Neal’s honour
The Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) has announced that this year’s BVI Emancipation Festival Village will be named in honour of Irene Penn-O’Neal.
The VIF&FC said the announcement is in keeping with a tradition that bestows titles of honour on persons who have contributed greatly to the territory’s festival heritage and culture.
According to the Committee, Penn left her West End, Tortola home in 1975 and captured the first title of the Miss British Virgin Islands competition. Previously, the pageant queen crowned at Festival time carried the title “Festival Queen”.
Penn’s talent, a musical rendition of ‘Ram Goat Liver’ by Pluto Shervington sealed the selection for judges and brought great pride to the people of West End, the Committee said in a recent release.
Her achievement reportedly marked a significant moment for the Virgin Islands, as Penn’s new title was reflective of the intention for the new queen to represent the Virgin Islands abroad at pageants like the Miss Universe Pageant.
Following her win, Penn-O’Neal served the VIF&FC as a committee member for many years.
“Her contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48th anniversary of her win in 1975,” the Committee stated.
It was also announced that this year’s theme will be “A celebration of our freedom with cultural flair and creativity while embracing our unique diversity”. The winning submission was made by Anjanique Cheltenham of the Elmore Stoutt High School. The Committee said it felt the theme will inspire and unite the VI community, celebrating its freedom, culture, and diversity in grand fashion.
The 2023 BVI Emancipation Festival is expected to feature a plethora of events beginning on July 28 with a festival warm-up Tramp and culminating in the second week of August with the August Monday Parade, Boat Races and events at East End and Carrot Bay.
The final Emancipation Festival event will be the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on August 11.
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How appropriate (as usual) for the BVI! ???????
Can you refer to the overnight activities as juvert celebrations rather than “tramp”.
The mother of 2 of West Bank’s …
Good move. She is a gem of a lady.
I ain’t mad at this – but the same handful of people keep carrying the mantle – How about the other contributors – to name three Terry Donovan, Terry Donovan Terry Donovan
Nice lady, but w¡**ed children
They’re grown children. Mrs. Penn deserves this.
Wat that have to do with anything children chose their own life.mrs O is a good woman
NO. Absolutely nopt!! It is tramp. Always been tramp and will remain tramp. You don;t have to go. Someone with traditional values will attend for you