The three-day activities kicked off with a bang at the annual East End Festival, when patrons witnessed an array of brilliant performances from such acts as Sister Joyce, Quito and the Edge, and the “Gideon” of contemporary reggae, Richie Spice.

Sister Joyce, a local artiste with her purifying lyrical flames left fans wanting after delivering an incomparable act. Then it was time for Quito and his band which drew a much larger crowd, their performances etched them permanently as a major musical force as they played a wide variety of local and international hits.

It was approximately 1:20 am when the stage lights brightened and ladies were no longer interested in her high heels, but more focused on the Spice Band on the stage as Glenroy ‘Snatcha Lion’ Bonner, Richie Spice’s younger sibbling paved the way for the Gideon’s arrival.

Anticipating the arrival of the self proclaimed king of the night to hit the stage, there were no scattered bodies at day break as the crowd was more compact. Richie Spice ensured that the crowd received their monies worth as he kept his musical hits flowing.

The Fifth Element Artiste armed with just a microphone belched out culturally uplifting lyrics from his ‘Gideon Boot’ Album among others that sent the crowd into a frenzy, especially when he touched his breakthrough single, ‘Grooving my Girl’ - an engaging lover’s rock tune.

Then it was time for the crowd’s favorite from his 15 track album, “The Plane Land” which stirred up an already pumped up audience. Spice’s flawless vocals weaved evocative melodies throughout his over two hour performance.

Born Richell Bonner, from the suburbs of Kingston Jamaica , Spice hails from a musical family and is bent on carrying on the legacy.

During an interview after a stunning performance, Spice told the StandPoint he was pleased with the response he received from the crowd and looks forward to another trip to the beautiful island of Tortola .

“It was a pleasure performing here for the first time, the crowd was very supportive. I like how the people here full-joy and get the understanding of my new album Gideon Boot. I will be back here because I love this place and the people here are great, nuff respect to that,” added the Rastafarian who was decked out in his usual head wrap, with a cream casual-jacket and denim jeans.

Spice proudly disclosed that he is inspired to write all his songs as they relate to his day to day experiences as he referred to his current hit “The Plane Land”.

“It is a song that everyone can relate to if they travel, and if they don’t travel, they will learn this is what we go through as entertainers as we go to other countries,” he noted.

The East End Festival Village was officially named in honour of Medita Wheatley, who captured the first Miss EE/LL pageant crown in the early 1970’s. She was also honored in recognition of her contribution to the community of East End where she was raised and was also recognized for her sterling contributions as a teacher throughout the Territory.

Among those in attendance were, Deputy Primier and Minister of Health and Social Development, Dancia Penn-Sallah; Minister of Education, Andrew Fahie, Dr. Quincy Lettsome and and the reigning Miss EE/LL pageant queen, Patreace Donovan.

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