BVI Culture On Display At Ishma's Culture Ville
By Angela Burns-Piper
Inclement weather has never prevented the successful hosting of the BVI's annual festival celebration and this year would be no exception. Under the theme "BVI Culture on Display for Festival Y2K", activities kicked off last Friday July 28th with the official opening of Ishma's Culture Ville at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.
A number of events were held prior to the official opening. The Miss Glamorous Lady Pageant led the charge and was held on Sunday July 23rd at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. There were six contestants: Aisha Chiddick, Alecia Scatliffe, Delia Nibbs, Jasmine Henry and Ivanna Williams. The winner was Ms. Odette Samuels. She walked away with several prizes for poise, best cocktail wear and best professional wear. The Prince & Princess Show was held Thursday July 27th at Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. The contestants were Dehmauri Herbert and Danielle Wheatley, Anthony Urena and Jerema Scatliffe, Paul Bridgewater and Deanna Leonard and Kashaun Osborne and Danielle Archer, with Dehmauri Herbert and Danielle Herbert being judged the winning couple. Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal and new Minister of Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie addressed the opening night. They wished everyone a wonderful and accident-free festival. "Government will continue to encourage and support all these cultural activities," said Chief Minister O'Neal. He said now there is a separate Ministry of Culture, there would be more time to devote to such.
The new Minister of Culture pledged his support to the VI Festivals and Fairs Committee and expressed appreciation to all businesses and individuals for their contribution to festival 2000. He also paid tribute to Ms. Ishma Frett, for whom the Village is named. Hon. Fahie noted that she has been participating in festival for over 30 years as a booth owner. "During that time, she has delighted the culinary fancy of countless locals and visitors alike with her many local culinary treats during festival time as well as year round." He thanked and congratulated her for helping to keep the culinary dimension of BVI festival alive.
The VIF&FC presented her with a commemorative plaque. The local calypso show was scheduled for Saturday night, but was rained out. It was postponed to Tuesday night. Eight contestants vied for the title. They were reigning King Siah, King Paido, Glama Gurl, De Knight-rider, Lady Nightingale, Lord Land Crab, Professor Melody and Martino Mark. And the winner was Martino Mark, with his two songs - "Dis is Calypso" and "Bacchanal Time". First runner was Professor Melody with "As One" and "Lock Dem Up", a crowd favourite. Second runner up was De Knight-rider with his "We Want Representation" and "Bleaching Bacchanal". The M.C for the night was Ras Reg out of St. Thomas, while the guest artist was the Lollipop Man. The Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee presented some awards to several individuals on the night of calypso finals. Lord Ski was awarded for his dedication towards calypso music. Other awards were presented to Algernon Mathavious, Mr. Elmore Stoutt and Kenny Hodge. Long time calypsonian Lord Strawn appeared on the show. Despite the rainy weather, the annual Kiddies Fiesta, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of the BVI, was held at the old Festival grounds on Saturday July 29th. Hundreds of kids turned out to enjoy the games, music, refreshments and toys provided for the occasion.
The local food and craft fair was held today Friday August 4th and tonight in the Village, the local and international reggae show will be held. Local artists will include Tomal, Jamsie P and Quito Rymer and Sean Paul from Jamaica. The annual car show is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday August 5th, with the International Calypso Show carded for 10 p.m. This will feature MC Tommy Joseph out of Trinidad, Super Blue, Baron and Singing Sandra of Trinidad and Tobago, Winston So So of New York/St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Meeko from Nevis, King Wadabli of St. Thomas, Mighty Tumba of St. Croix and local calypso King Martino Mark. On Sunday August 6th, there will be an interdenominational service at the Sunday Morning Well at 3 p.m., following a march from Waterfront Drive.
Later in the evening, six contestants will vie for the prestigious Miss BVI Crown. They are Kristin Rhymer, Jennifer France, Kerianne Malone, Jaka Bobb, Shariesma Maduro and Shakima Stoutt. Other activities for festival 2000 will include the rise and shine tramp, the annual parade and the opening of the East End/Long Look Village on August Monday and the early morning tramp, aquatic sports and plait pole and horse racing on August Tuesday. Activities move to East End/Long Look on August Wednesday for the rise and shine tramp, annual parade/cultural day and fireworks, bringing the curtains down on Festival 2000.