The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Student Government Association’s Social and Cultural Committee will host the 2nd Annual UVI Village on Thursday, April 13, in the front parking lot of the Sports and Fitness Center.
This year, the university is celebrating its 55th anniversary as the V.I. commemorates the Centennial of the Virgin Islands becoming a United States territory.
“We are highlighting this monumental time with [an] explosion of V.I. culture and customs with a taste of Buccaneer pride,” said Leon Lafond, UVI student activities director. “There will be games, food, an opportunity to win prizes, entertainment and so much more.”
The event will be opened at 1 p.m. when a Pride Parade leads into an opening ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Sports and Fitness Center parking lot. Entertainment will be provided by Spectrum Band, The Venomous Poizon Band and a special guest DJ.
“This will be an amazing event for all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the wider Virgin Islands community to attend,” said Lafond. “As we embrace the culture of the Virgin Islands and UVI being the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, we encourage families to support such positive initiatives as such.”
Two distinguished titles will be awarded at the event. These titles include a pageant raffle and the UVI Village 2017 Grand Marshall, both of whom will be representative of culture and pride.
Registered UVI clubs and organizations as well as UVI departments will host booths at which food and drinks will be on sale and games will be available. There will also be an expo segment of the event occurring throughout the afternoon that will include an array of presentations and display boards that represent U.S.V.I. culture, especially during its 100-year history. UVI’s Carnival Village is the official kick-off of the UVI’s Pride Week events.