Virgin Gorda Festival Forum Charts Future as
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development described a community forum on the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival as a productive, forward-looking engagement that brought clergy, cultural practitioners, festival leaders and residents together on Monday 16 February at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Speakers and participants agreed there will be no immediate changes to festival plans; instead the Ministry will undertake further consultations to develop a community-supported path that preserves cultural heritage while encouraging intentional evolution of the celebrations.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development convened clergy, cultural practitioners, festival organisers and community members at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Virgin Gorda on Monday 16 February for a wide-ranging forum on the future of the island’s Easter Festival. The Ministry has described the session as a productive and forward-looking engagement that fostered meaningful dialogue on the festival’s history, traditional dates and cultural significance (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Mary’s Episcopal Church and Anne Lennard, Deputy Director of Culture, each highlighted the deep spiritual roots of the Easter period and the long-standing cultural importance of the festival to Virgin Gorda. Their remarks set the tone for a discussion that balanced respect for faith with the need to preserve and promote local heritage.
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith welcomed the open exchange and underscored the importance of respectful dialogue in a diverse community now home to people from more than 116 countries. “This conversation is about balance: honouring faith, protecting culture and ensuring that the Virgin Gorda community has the final say,” she said, adding that the Territory’s democratic traditions allow differing perspectives to be expressed respectfully (remarks quoted by the Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Junior Minister confirmed there will be no immediate changes to existing festival plans. Instead, the Ministry will carry out additional consultations with church representatives, stakeholders and community groups to determine a clear, community-supported path forward. She stressed that festivals must evolve intentionally rather than accidentally and insisted that local music, maritime traditions, cuisine and folklore remain embedded as foundational elements of any future development.
Local festival leaders echoed those priorities. Reshawn Stevens, Chair of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee, spoke about maintaining the festival’s authenticity while improving organisation and participation. Natalie Penn-Lake, Chair of the Festivals and Fairs Committee, reinforced that cultural elements should be foundational and not merely decorative.
Community and youth involvement were central themes. Sharlene Smith called for year-round cultural programmes beginning in schools and supported by elders. Trevor Bridgewater Jr. urged intentional youth leadership, recommending that young people be given meaningful roles on subcommittees and practical training in event planning and execution. “Youth involvement must go beyond symbolism,” he said.
Participants also pushed for volunteer pathways that connect service to internships, mentorships and career exposure in event production and related sectors, and for stronger recognition of student and community volunteers. In closing, the Junior Minister reiterated that the festival’s future depends on community unity and buy-in: "If we create the space for honest dialogue and shared responsibility, we will safeguard this festival not only for today, but for generations to come." The Ministry thanked presenters and participants and announced the next Festival Forum will be held on Tortola on 27 February at the Eileene L.
Parsons Auditorium, HLS Community College. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration and preserving Virgin Gorda’s cultural heritage as it leads efforts to promote sustainable, community-led festival development across the Territory (Government press release).
Primary source: BVI Government