With guidance from the adults, children in the First District area took centre stage during the opening of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta and the last lap of the VI's Emancipation celebrations last evening, August 9.

The usual strong cultural presence was evident at the opening which started with a torchlight procession to the village, followed by an opening ceremony, a cultural presentation and a maypole dance.

Torchlight procession, August 9, 2012.

Photo Credit:

Torchlight procession, August 9, 2012.

Photo Credit:

Children in the community led the torchlight procession, which represented what their ancestors used in their struggle for freedom. They also played a major role in the cultural presentation as they depicted the struggles of their ancestors during slavery days.

This year's cultural presentation was held under the theme, 'Emancipation and our culture through the eyes of our Youth'.

Stuart Donovan, Chairman of the Carrot Bay Sub Committee thanked everyone for their continued support and recalled his childhood days with the donkey races and other cultural activities. He said the committee is committed to ensuring that the cultural aspects of festival are kept alive.

Donovan emphasized that it was their First District Representative, Hon. Andrew Fahie who got Government involved and they were able to brand Carrot Bay's Cultural Fiesta.

Hon. Fahie during his remarks, urged persons to have clean fun in respect of their forefathers. He thanked the committee for the hard work they have been doing, especially to keep the cultural aspect alive.

The District One Representative welcomed Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture and At Large Representative to the district.

Minister Walwyn declared the village open and said he was impressed with the presentation of the committee and noted that it was striking to him when he saw a number of children involved in the torchlight procession. He said that was a very good thing and urged the committee to continue their good work.

Last night's entertainment was provided by the Razor Blades, followed by Volume Band and Spectrum Band.

Apart from the sporting and cultural activities during today, the entertainment for this evening includes VI Band, Xtreme Band, Pumpa & De Unit, Wally Kat, Imo, Infamous, Krosfyah and Lil Rick.

The sporting events during the day will include lime and spoon, donkey races, tug-o-war and grease pig.

Tomorrow night, the last night of the festival activities, patrons will be entertained in the village by Third Dimension, Jaleena, Reema, Tripple K, Roy Cape All Star featuring Blaxx, Skinny Fabulous, Kerwin Dubois and Showtime Band.

[Photos by Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News]