Governor John deJongh and First Lady Cecile deJongh last week announced plans to host the 39th anniversary of USVI/ BVI Friendship Day on Saturday, October 20, on the island of St. John.
“It is always a pleasure to participate in USVI/ BVI Friendship Day activities with our neighboring brothers and sisters,” deJongh said. “These festivities celebrate the close bond between the two territories and is a platform to showcase our cultural traditions while spending time together with good friends and acquaintances.”
“Cecile and I are delighted to host our BVI counterparts for the first time on the island of St. John,” said the governor.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Roots, Heritage and Culture.” Raul Carrillo, Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Governor and USVI/BVI Friendship Day Committee Chairman, said the theme revisits the shared past that exists within the two territories.
“We look forward to celebrating our joint history, culture and people, and we are very excited to be doing all of that for the very first time on the island of St. John,” said Carrillo. “And more particularly at the Annaberg Plantation, a location whose sheer existence is on the cusp of both territories, not only physically but historically.”
Festivities will begin on Saturday, October 20 at 9 a.m. with a mini parade followed by a short welcome program at the Franklin Powell Park in Cruz Bay.
The public is also invited to attend a cultural presentation at the Annaberg Plantation featuring a dramatic performance by Denise Georges along with a series of “how-to” demonstrations by local artisans.
Demonstrations will include broom making, fish net making, baking dumb bread and creating other edible local delicacies such as sugar cake and local drinks. Entertainment will be provided by the Mungo Niles Dancers and music by Smalls and the Music Makers.
For more information, call Carrillo at 693-4354 or St. Thomas/Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen at 693-4342. Persons interested in participating or volunteering should contact Armecia Martin at 693-4381.
