BVITB: Emancipation festival on track amid challenges, resination

Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Clive McCoy, stated at a press conference on Friday, July 19, with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, that despite encountered difficulties, the 70th Emancipation Festival will proceed as planned.

“We have been working closely with all the various subcommittees day in and day out, and they have assured me that everything will start as advertised. Even though we had a late start for various reasons, we will begin on time,” McCoy stated.

Concerns were raised following the recent resignation of Dirk Walters as the Events Manager of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB), especially so close to the upcoming 70th Anniversary Festival celebrations.

In January this year, the government announced the dissolution of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs (VIF&F) Committee, transferring its functions to the BVI Tourist Board. Walters, who previously served as the VIF&F Committee Chair, was appointed Events Manager at the Tourist Board in 2023.