Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville declared open!

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville, named in honour of the first Miss BVI Mrs Irene F. Penn-O’Neal, was officially opened on a night that coincided with the Gospel Explosion at the same venue on Monday, July 31, 2023.

The occasion also saw the honouring of the 2023 August Monday Parade Marshall, Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores.

The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) had said Penn-O’Neal’s 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 winning the first Miss BVI title in 1975.

It had also said Reverend Nibbs-Flores contributed to Festival in various ways, but most notably as a troupe member, a majorette troupe director who taught the art of twirling, and a Festival Committee member.

Time to celebrate- Premier Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) congratulated the honourees as well as the leadership of VIF&FC and wished everyone a safe and enjoyable Emancipation Festival.

“We had a rough few years, when you think about COVID, when you think about the hurricanes, when you think about inflation, and now is the time for you to be able to meet family and friends and to be able to have a good time.”

Dr Wheatley also encouraged the public to support all the Festival activities, especially the cultural events.