As the territory prepares for the 70th Emancipation Festival, questions about fiscal transparency and event management continue to surround this significant cultural celebration.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced that a supplemental budget is being processed for the 70th Emancipation Festival, less than two weeks before the official opening of the festival village.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Wheatley was unable to provide an exact figure for this year’s festival budget but confirmed that the government’s initial contribution of $1.2 million is set to increase.
The announcement comes as some events included in the overall budget, such as the Virgin Islands Prince and Princess Pageant, have already taken place. The Miss BVI Pageant was held shortly after the press conference.
When pressed about the final cost of the festival, Wheatley indicated that the total expenditure would likely remain unknown until the release of the Financial Report on the 2024 Emancipation Festival. This came during an exchange with social commentator Cindy Rosan.
Meanwhile, the public is still awaiting the financial report for the 2023 Emancipation Festival, the last to be held before responsibility for the celebration was transferred to the BVI Tourist Board.