High level of safety and comfort guaranteed during Easterval 2019 – Committee

The Union Island Easter Committee is promising all patrons a high level of safety and comfort during this year’s Easterval festivities.

As part of the preparation for the 2019 festival, the committee, for the first time met with representatives of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to talk about the security logistics.

A release from the committee said that this meeting took place on February 20 and was attended by Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Thecla Andrews-Thomas, several other police officers and members of the committee.

“The areas discussed were: island wide safety, security at events for the Easterval Festival, road traffic arrangements during the festival, and the Police Band performance at the opening of Easterval 2019 on Sunday, April 14, among other security issues,” the release said.

The festival is slated to begin on April 14 and end on April 22, and the committee has promised a “fun-packed” calendar.

According to the release, the events are aimed at maintaining the island’s rich cultural heritage but also feature several private events, which they say also play an important role in the festival.

These events include a gospel concert on April 15 and SocaRama on April 16. Several events are slated for April 17, namely Culture Fest, Foreplay and Fire Fete, while Basketball and a party called Black Pearl will take place on April 18.

“The Easterval Culture Fest would feature traditional performances such as the Union Island Big Drum performances which is unique to Union Island. The event will host performers from across Union Island and guest performers from nearby Carriacou and Grenada,” the release said.

It also highlighted that “persons will have a chance to see the traditional wedding ceremony along with the cake dance and the dancing of the flags. A new addition this year will see traditional food being cooked and sold at the venue, this will give persons the chance to experience Union Island culture to its fullest”.

Castaway, an all-inclusive event on Happy Island, will take place on April 19 as well as a Full Moon Party and All White Affair.

Festival Day is April 20 and the Miss Easterval Pageant and a Memories Party will also be held on that day.

The All Fours Match and Beach House party are scheduled for April 21 and Easterval will end on April 22 with J’Ouvert and Wasted Cooler Fete. For more informaion on the festival, persons can visit www.easterval.com