Festival & Fairs Committee taking extra precautions to ensure patrons’ safety

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Extra precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of patrons for this year’s Emancipation Festival.

The 71st Virgin Islands (VI) Emancipation Festival began on July 13 and will run until August 9, 2025.

The chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie N. Penn-Lake, said while there have been concerns around safety, the committee is “doing what we’re supposed to do to make sure that everyone will have a great time, but they’re also safe at the same time”.

Speaking on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, July 21, 2025, Mrs Penn-Lake revealed that cameras will be erected throughout the festival.

She added that extra security has been sourced and will be on the grounds in addition to a commitment from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to have officers patrol throughout the festivities.

“We have taken some extra precautionary measures to make sure that everyone who is going to be attending the festivities will be safe.”