Entertainment
Premier Wheatley: Festival Committee Board to Be Finalised Within Days
As preparations for the Virgin Islands’ annual festival gather momentum, Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley has confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development is in the final stages of appointing a formal Festival and Fairs Committee board.
Speaking during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, 14 May, the Premier said that recommendations for board membership are currently under review and are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in the coming days.
“We anticipate that by next week, the Cabinet will approve the board appointments,” Dr Wheatley said. “Some of those who have been serving voluntarily have applied, and we look forward to having an officially ratified board in place.”
For years, the Festival and Fairs Committee has been driven by dedicated volunteers, many of whom have contributed tirelessly to the Territory’s cultural calendar. One such individual is Honourable Hart Smith, a former Director of Culture and a past Festival Queen, whose longstanding involvement was commended by the Premier.
“She has been part of the festival from way back,” he said. “We’re grateful to have someone with her knowledge and experience continuing to serve.”
While committee work has traditionally been unpaid, the Premier noted that legislation permits the Minister to provide stipends to appointed board members. Volunteers may also receive small benefits, such as complimentary access to events.
“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Dr Wheatley acknowledged. “If we can get the structure working efficiently and the finances allow, we will also look at what can be done to support sub-committee chairs, who put in a great deal of effort as well.”
The Premier was clear, however, that the government’s role in the festival is not commercial. “Our goal is not to make a profit,” he said. “We want businesses and vendors to thrive, but any revenue collected at the gate is intended solely to cover expenses and ensure everyone is paid. Vendors should not be left owed.”
In 2024, the festival generated over one million US dollars in revenue, though total expenditures exceeded that figure. Funding for the event is drawn from government allocations, private sponsorships and proceeds from festival-related activities.
As final plans are made for the upcoming festival season, Dr Wheatley reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, responsible stewardship and community engagement.
“We do this out of love for our culture and our people,” he said. “We’re working to ensure this festival is not only a success, but sustainable for the future.”