Fingers crossed for Xmas on DeCastro Street going beyond curfew

Organizers of the annual Christmas on DeCastro Street said they are keeping their fingers crossed that their request to have the event continue beyond the hours of the 11pm curfew will be granted on the final night of the two-day event.

The event begins today and ends on Saturday.

“We had a call from the police so we are going to finish at least Friday night for sure just before 11 pm. We won’t pass the curfew,” City Manager Janice Braithwaite-Edwards told BVI News.

“Usually on Friday night, we mellow out early anyway so that’s not a problem. Saturday night we will see what happens.”

She said a few ministers of Government are in talks with the Deputy Governor on their behalf in an effort to extend the event beyond the hours of the curfew.

“So at least for Saturday night only, because what happens is, even though we shut down by 12, we have to dismantle everything. We have to get permission to clean up the place so by Sunday morning, it’s like we never been there. So we are working on that.”

Traffic diversion

The City Manager has also reminded the motoring public that the traffic has been diverted from DeCastro Street. Persons now have to utilize the Waterfront Drive as an alternative route.

“Traffic in that area has been diverted as of Thursday night to facilitate the process. So we got permission to close at 7 o’clock Thursday evening to 7 o’clock on Sunday morning,” she informed.

“Everything is falling into place, the program is already set. All our performers have already consented that yes, they will be there. Each person will be allowed no more than 45 minutes. It’s going to be a little tighter than usual because of the curfew,” she remarked.

The event will be significantly scaled down this year because of the impact of Hurricane Irma on the territory.

The City Manager has confirmed that there will be no more than 25 vendors at the event.

Schedule of activities

There will an opening ceremony at 5.30 pm, today, followed by a storytelling exercise by Elmore Stoutt. A concert will bring the curtains down on day one of the event.

Saturday will be the usual concert.