The Government of the Virgin Islands has pumped an additional $500,000 into the 2023 Emancipation Festival, taking their total contribution this year to $1,000,000.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley confirmed to the media on Tuesday that his government had approved an additional $500,000 for this year’s festival in the recently passed Schedules of Additional Provisions (SAP) that totalled nearly $24 million.
Premier Wheatley also said that he has so far noticed that this year’s festival is attracting more sponsorship than recorded in the past.
He further said that he is observing a trend of efficient spending within the Festival and Fairs Committee towards the festivities.
The premier also clarified his role when it comes to the allocation of monies for festival purposes, stating that all spending is determined by the Festival and Fairs Committee.