Protect Students During Emancipation Festival
The Ministry of Education has launched the 'Our Festival. Our Responsibility.' campaign and urged vendors, bartenders, event promoters, parents and the public to ensure students are not sold or provided with alcohol during Emancipation Festival. The initiative, announced in a press release dated July 21, 2026, also includes a youth-focused 'Future Above Fete' programme to encourage young people to celebrate responsibly.
The Ministry of Education is calling on the entire community to protect students from exposure to alcohol during this year’s Emancipation Festival. In a press release dated July 21, 2026, Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe urged booth operators, bartenders, food vendors, event promoters, parents, guardians and members of the public to ensure that students are not sold, served, or provided with alcoholic substances while attending festival events. “Festival is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and we want every member of our community to enjoy it safely and responsibly,” Crabbe said, stressing that safeguarding children requires a broad community partnership.
The Ministry has partnered with the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee to roll out the ‘Our Festival. The campaign, described by the Ministry as “a community commitment to protecting our students and preserving the true spirit of our Festival,” asks adults to be vigilant and proactive. “Protecting our students is a responsibility that belongs to all of us…The choices we make as adults today can have a lasting impact on the health, safety, and future of our young people,” the statement said.
All vendors and alcohol servers are being reminded to ensure young people remain safe and to take steps to prevent underage access to alcoholic beverages. Parents, guardians and members of the public are likewise urged to supervise young people in their care, discourage underage drinking, and model responsible behaviour. “A simple act of intervention, guidance, or assistance may make all the difference in keeping a young person safe,” Crabbe added.
Our Responsibility’, the Ministry is also introducing ‘Future Above Fete’, a youth initiative that encourages young people to celebrate their culture with clarity and to make choices that protect their long-term ambitions. The initiative will include online resources aimed at helping youths navigate festival activities safely.
With Emancipation Festival drawing large crowds across the Territory each year, the Ministry’s appeal is a reminder that community events require cooperation from organisers, vendors, families and neighbours. Residents are encouraged to follow guidance from festival organisers and to report any concerns about underage drinking to event staff or the appropriate authorities so that the celebrations remain safe for everyone.
Primary source: VINO