Good afternoon ladies and gentleman of the press corps and persons listening online and via radio.

Over the last two years, we have celebrated emancipation virtually. I am happy to see that we can physically commemorate this important and historic milestone in our Virgin Islands history.

The public is notified that a portion of Lee Road, Virgin Gorda, near the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour gate to South in the area of the Fire Station will be temporarily closed from Friday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m.

The recent enhancement to the eastern entrance/exit at the Festival Grounds has resulted in an improved passage way, as part of the phased approach in making a pedestrian friendly City of Road Town.

Emancipation Service 2021 will be held virtually this year to ensure that people continue to remain safe during COVID-19.

The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee is inviting persons to submit themes and slogans for the 2021 Emancipation Festival celebrations.

My people of the Virgin Islands, Good Day and God’s Blessings to all of you. Today is August 1, 2020, another day in this history of the emancipation in the Virgin Islands.

Residents and visitors to the Territory will celebrate the 2020 Emancipation Festival celebration virtually and physically from July 31 to August 5.

Mister Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to update the people of the Virgin Islands on the plans for a 2020 Emancipation Festival.  Many persons in the community have been questioning whether this would ever be a reality due to the complications caused by COVID-19.  I can reassure the fine people of this Territory that there will never be a time while I am sitting in this Ministerial seat that we will not celebrate our emancipation from slavery in some way, shape, or form.  Our ancestors worked too hard for too long and went through too much to be ignored.

I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to make a statement on Festival and Fairs.