The village at the 2023 August Emancipation Festival will be named in honour of former legislator Irene Penn O’Neal, according to the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee.

In 1975, Ms. Penn O’Neal, who lived in West End at the time, became the first Miss BVI — a title that was previously known as “Festival Queen,” the VIFFC stated in a press release issued last Thursday.

Ms. Penn’s talent, a musical rendition of “Ram Goat Liver” by Pluto Shervington, helped convince the judges, according to the committee.

At the time, the new title reflected plans for the queen to represent the territory abroad at pageants like Miss Universe.

Later, Ms. Penn-O’Neal served as a long-time member of the VIFFC.

“Her contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48th anniversary of her win in 1975,” the committee stated.

The VIFFC also announced that the parade marshall this year will be Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores, who has contributed to the annual event as a troupe member, a majorette troupe director who taught twirling, and a VIFFC member, the release noted.

Ms. Nibbs-Flores will ride as the first entry in the August Monday Parade on Aug. 7. She will also receive a plaque, a bouquet and other honours, including free entry to all festival-related events.

Theme and slogan

The committee also announced the winning theme for this year’s festival: “A celebration of our freedom with cultural flair and creativity while embracing our unique diversity.”

It was contributed by Anjanique Cheltenham, a student at Elmore Stoutt High School.

The winning slogan was submitted by Asia Riviere, a student at Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division: “It’s a Cultural Jamboree so let’s Fete and be Free for Festival 2023.”

Each winner received a cash prize of $250.

Main events

The main events for this year’s festival will get under way on July 28 with a Festival Warm-up Tramp, and they will wind down in the second week of August with the August Monday Parade, boat races, and events at East End and Carrot Bay.

The final event will be the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on Aug. 11.

For a full schedule, go to the “Virgin Islands Festival” Facebook page.