The 70th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will mark a momentous occasion with the Festival Village being named in honour of Larina Loretta Jacobs-Lamothe, affectionately known as “Rena.”
This announcement was made by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, celebrating Larina’s nearly four-decade-long dedication to the festival and her significant contributions to Virgin Islands hospitality.
Rena, a native of Jost Van Dyke, has been a cornerstone of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, serving up local culinary delights that epitomize the spirit of Virgin Islands hospitality. Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, praised her versatility and dedication, highlighting her as a worthy recipient of this prestigious recognition.
“Her versatility and dedication to Virgin Islands hospitality make her quite worthy of this prestigious recognition,” McCoy noted.
Beyond her culinary excellence, Rena’s contributions to the community are extensive.
“She has co-managed and cooked for her family business, Sidney’s Peace & Love Restaurant in Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and has built a multifaceted career as a property owner, manager, and proprietor of Rena’s Boutique, Rena’s Ice, and Rena’s Taxi Service. However, it is her consistent and welcomed presence at the Emancipation Festival as the owner and chef of Booth #3 that has made her a nationally recognized personality,” the Tourist Board & Filim Commission stated.
Larina’s journey into the culinary world was inspired by her grandmother, Ms. Keturah Martin, and her mother, Adina Hendricks. Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, who had a booth in Jost Van Dyke, Larina secured her own booth at the festival village in Road Town in 1986. This marked the beginning of a longstanding tradition that has seen Rena become a beloved fixture at the festival.
She credits her son, Glendon “NJAR” Lamothe, for boosting Booth #3’s popularity, noting that they have attracted a wide audience and notable visitors, including international musical artists Jada Kingdom, Beenie Man, and Morgan Heritage. Larina’s humble nature and commitment to excellent service have fostered a loyal customer base.