Senate Rejects Bill to Enhance Festival Organization in the Virgin Islands

A recent initiative led by Senator Franklin Johnson to ensure equal and more effective management of festivals across the Virgin Islands did not advance in the Senate. The proposal, Bill 35-0232, sought to streamline the Division of Festivals by replacing the role of assistant director on each island with island-specific directors. This adjustment, aimed at removing unnecessary bureaucratic layers, proposed a shift towards a more nimble and responsive festival management structure, envisioned to better celebrate the distinct cultures and identities of each island community.

Senator Johnson, with the backing of significant figures such as former senators Janelle Sarauw and Myron Jackson, as well as the endorsement of former Governor Kenneth Mapp, highlighted the importance of having dedicated leadership on each island. This local focus was expected to enrich the festival experience, ensuring it mirrors the unique essence of each island’s heritage and community spirit. However, amidst aspirations to illuminate the diverse cultural tapestry of the islands, the bill was halted due to a lack of second motion in the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture.

The conversation around this bill brought to light various concerns, particularly regarding the perceived disparities in festival execution, especially when comparing the Crucian Christmas Festival with the St. Thomas Carnival. Key community stakeholders, including Senator Diane Capehart, Senator Marise James, and longtime festival participant Rena Francis, voiced their frustrations over issues ranging from communication breakdowns to the potential shortening of festival days due to financial constraints. The heart of their argument lies in the belief that a director residing on their respective island would lead to more equitable, transparent, and culturally resonant festival planning and execution.

Despite the push for reform, the Department of Tourism expressed reservations, with Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman emphasizing the potential overreach into executive operational management. The department defended the existing festival structure as instrumental in fostering growth and unity across the territory’s festival events since its establishment in 2019.

The debate on the bill underscored a broader discussion on how best to support and celebrate the unique identities of each island while fostering a sense of unity across the territory. Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, among others, cautioned against measures that could sow division, advocating for alternative approaches to promote island-specific cultural expressions within a harmonious territorial framework.

In the end, the absence of support within the committee halted the progress of Senator Johnson’s bill, a development he attributed to potential fears of retaliation among supporters. This setback underscores ongoing challenges in achieving a balance between island autonomy and territorial unity in cultural celebrations, highlighting a continued search for justice and fairness in the administration of the Virgin Islands’ cherished festivals and carnivals.