Scene from Monday’s Parade in August 2022.About two dozen troops showed up at the Road Reef Marina parking lot to participate in the Road Town August Monday Parade.
The streets were also packed with shoppers excited to see the colorful costumes and procession of participants dancing through the city after the COVID-19 pandemic took two years of August Monday celebrations.
The first group to hit the road was called Marshall followed by the newly crowned Prince and Princess of the BVI, Kwame Prince and Angelique Lettsome. Other royalties were also in tow and customers on the street saw Mr. and Miss Junior BVI, the new BVI tourism ambassador, mr.
The royal court was closely followed by Solo Twirler, Kazak, and an all-white ensemble, whose attire was in recognition of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.
Six cars followed and then passed participants from Necker and Moskito islands.
Legislator and businessman Mark Vanterpool led the OneMart truck which was followed by the Rotary Club of Tortola. Prime Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley spent some time afterwards in the Virgin Islands Community truck. The vehicle was powered by the Premier and the Community of District Seven.
The Heritage Dancers followed shortly with band members playing mushroom music to remind people of the authentic sounds of the BVI. They were followed by District Five led by District Representative Kye Rymer.
Dingolay, a name taken from Trinidad and Tobago, followed with dancers who were dressed in bright red and white. This was confirmed to describe fire and ice. The dancers, after arriving at the stop window in the Sunny Caribee parking lot, performed a dance routine to Soca music.
Digicel drove by a little later and its representatives handed out bags and hats to customers along the way. The Vibe Routine truck came with the biggest crowd and the Mocko Jumbies accompanied them.
A joy to see the return of the parade
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Sharie De Castro was excited for the August Monday Parade to return to the BVI.
“That was hugely important, really. We understand what emancipation means to all of us. Especially in the Virgin Islands and the celebration today, it’s just extraordinary because it reminds us what it means to come together and really come together in the spirit of unity to celebrate … freedom. I’m excited because it means a lot because we were in for a while and now we’re out really enjoying life,” said De Castro.
The Minister of Culture added that she was not surprised at the number of troops who participated and the patrons who came to support.
“I was aware of the body count, of course, but given the time it took to prepare, I’m really excited about the numbers, especially the patrons who came out to support, watch, dance, eat and enjoy the festivities. De Castro said.
Unlike past years, this year’s parade was not a competition and each troupe entered in the parade will receive a stipend as previously announced by the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee.
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