Hundreds turn out for annual Speedy’s Feel Good Holiday Concert

Christmas songs permeated the slightly chilled air in the Valley, Virgin Gorda as hundreds of persons from the territory gathered at Speedy’s headquarters’ parking lot for the annual Speedy’s Feel Good Holiday Concert.

This is the first time the event is being held since 2014, due to a two year hiatus. The concert first began in 2013.

In an exclusive with BVI News, General Manager of Speedy’s, Coralie George, said the company felt it necessary to host the event in an effort to lift the spirits of persons in the territory.

“This year is so fitting for our community, because of all the disasters and challenges we have had this year. We have been feeling so bad for so long, so we dubbed it “feel good” because we felt it necessary to feel good. Even if it’s just until 10.30 pm because we have a curfew, we can feel good,” she said.

George pointed out that the event was also staged to show appreciation to Speedy’s customers.

“Because Speedy’s is the community and the community is Speedy’s and we recognize that the majority of our business is the local community. So it’s just to show appreciation for our people and we love seeing them have a great time; we enjoy that.”

Entertainment

From old-time favorites such as “A baby in a cradle” to the sweet sounds of jazz, the entertainment was second to none. Patrons were seen dancing and singing along to the Christmas songs and having a good time.

Musical entertainment was provided by Clinton Farrington, Kadijah Roberts, Derese Henry, Althea Scatliffe Primary’s Striders In Harmony, among others. The feature performance came from Jeremy Vanterpool and Sultry Sounds.

George explained the reason for having an all-local entertainment lineup this year.

“We have had this show twice before and brought in outside artists and thought that this year it was fitting to spend the money locally and enjoy some of what we have. Because we have the same quality talent here,” she reasoned.

Special Fare

Patrons who came to the event enjoyed a special fare offer of $8 one-way as well as a shuttle to take them to and from the event.

According to the General Manager, the special fare offer is done on an annual basis to facilitate inter-island shoppers, and “It just so happened that it coordinated with our concert.”

She informed that the concert is totally funded by the company, as well as a welcome coquito or guavaberry drink. She however, declined to place a price tag on it.

“I don’t want to add value to it. I think we are willing to go the mile to make our people happy so money is not of any importance except that we wanted the people to come out and have a good quality evening and to see people smiling. The reward and the gift are seeing people happy and that’s what our company loves to do,” she noted.

The food and drinks were on sale by non-profit organizations within the Virgin Gorda community, such as the Valley Methodist Church Adults in Action, St. Mary’s Church, Ciboney Center of Excellence, and the Rotaract Club.