This year’s August Emancipation Festival looks tired to me; at least from what I’ve seen of it so far. It gives me the feeling that we’re just going through the motions long after the spirit of festival has fled. Where to, is beyond me.

The Festival Village opened last Friday night, and the Calypso Competition was on Saturday night. Those two nights on the weekend are usually the biggest nights of the festival season but the poor showings, off-schedule starting of events, and general feelings of disappointment suggest that maybe it’s time to consider giving the festival a rest, so that it can recuperate and make a comeback with more energy and enthusiasm.

The Emancipation Celebration is supposed to be the most important annual festival in the BVI. It’s among the oldest and most established in terms of full public and private sector support. The cultural significance is rooted in tradition, history, education and liberation. It should command the democratic participation of the people who live and work in the Territory and offer something special to the visitor. Indeed, it’s been touted as a tourism product; an itenary that promises a smorgasbord of summertime jollification in Nature’s Little Secrets.

But despite the motivational messages of government officials, the flamboyant advertisements and usual attempt to hype up the events of the season, something seems to be lacking. Attempting to contain costs is a legitimate approach in these perilous economic times, therefore, I believe it was a wise decision on the part of the Minister of Culture to insist on a reduction on the price tag. However, if the true spirit of festival was in the heart and soul of the people, there would have been a way to stimulate the enjoyment of it.

On Friday night, events were scheduled to begin at 7:30pm. A play was on the agenda to be performed right after the opening ceremony. Eager to witness what was to be a highlight of the festival season, I was there. On time. A few other persons apart from booth operators and vendors were also at the Village. I saw His Excellency the Governor, no doubt he was to be a distinguished member of the ceremonial panel. But after hours had passed and still no signs of the ceremony, he took his leave. I might have done the same. But as an ordinary member of the public I found myself loitering, eating an $8.00-piece of fried fish (that almost paralyzed my system with salt), because I’d skipped dinner in my effort to be early. Shortly after 10:00pm when my body clock was signaling bedtime, the stage came alive with action to start off the 2008 Franchie’s Festiville.

I know many persons work hard to make festival a reality each year. And credit goes where it belongs. I also know that despite their efforts something still seems amiss. Could it be that the competition of so many celebrations almost every month of the year, is taking away from the importance of the Emancipation Festival? The Music Fest in May has become huge contender for attention, as well as public and private funds. The local, indigenous people of the Territory need to examine their role in the Emancipation Festival. It shouldn’t be the case that out of 12 calypsonians, only four were home grown, and not one of the four made a place. Where is the national pride?

It’s not only the Festival Budget that needs to be called into question, but the whole purpose and meaning, of this annual social, cultural and economic obligation. Where is it heading? I’m suggesting that “experts” be called in to do a study on this matter, and while they are busy trying to figure things out, we can all take a hiatus from it, get back to basics by renewing our family and friendship togetherness with picnics and outings at the beach. It shouldn’t cost taxpayers so much; boredom would be reduced, and in the end, those three days of unmitigated freedom should do us all some good.

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