BVI Festival Village named for Jacobs-Lamothe, noted chef and hospitality icon

TORTOLA — British Virgin Islands dignitaries joined residents Monday night in opening the Festival Village, which was named in honor of Jost Van Dyke native Larina Jacobs-Lamothe, fondly known as “Rena.”

She told The Daily News that she was “quite surprised” when the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission officials called to inform her of the honor, and whose opening Monday night would officially kick off the 70th Emancipation celebration.

Jacobs-Lamothe has been a cornerstone of the Emancipation Festival for nearly 40 years, serving up culinary delights and exemplifying the spirit of Virgin Islands hospitality.

Rena’s Festiville, whose opening night entertainment features Trinidadian soca queen Destra, will open nightly through Aug. 10, with both local and international artists. Monday night’s opening was preceded by a torch light procession from the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park to the village.