The excitement is building as the 70th Virgin Islands Festival approaches. BVI residents have enthusiastically participated by submitting 70 creative slogans to commemorate this landmark celebration. The festival, now organised by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC), invites the public to play an integral role in choosing the festival’s slogan.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from the community. He said, “The slogans submitted showcase the immense creativity and talent within the BVI. I believe it is an indication of the public’s enthusiasm for participating in this year’s celebration.”
A total of 70 slogans were submitted to the BVITBFC by the deadline of 15th March. Following this, a panel of team members from the BVI Tourist Board meticulously reviewed the entries and selected the eight finalists. On Monday, 8th April the top eight slogans will be revealed to the public via the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Facebook Page. From there, everyone will get a chance to vote for their top 3 slogan choices until Friday, 12th April. The top three picks will be announced on Monday, 15th April. Residents will then vote for their choice of the top slogan, with voting closing on Friday, 19th April. The winning slogan will be unveiled on Friday, 26th April.
The tradition of public competitions for selecting slogans and themes for the BVI Emancipation Festival started in the early 1980s as a means of engaging community-wide participation in this aspect of the festival. This year is not only the 70th BVI Emancipation Festival but also the 190th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Virgin Islands, so a grand celebration is in store.