In the following statement released yesterday Monday November 17th, the BVI Christian Council has registered its formal objection to the Government sponsored UberSoca Cruise event.
“In a previous correspondence, we formally registered our objection to the Vybz Kartel Concert held in March 2025. At that time, we made a commitment to provide a stronger and more consistent voice on matters that could negatively affect the well-being of our Territory, as well as to give praise when it is deserved.
We were pleased to see that the National Security Council organized the Anti-Crime Summit. Although we felt that the individuals who most needed to hear their message were not in attendance. We recognize this as a positive activity and look forward to its potential as an annual event with meaningful outcomes. Despite such positive initiatives, we are deeply disappointed to learn that some activities sponsored by the Government of the Virgin Islands continue to erode the Christian values of the BVI. These events have a negative impact on our youth and society, and they burden the community with both financial and moral costs.
In the lead-up to and including November 18th, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, has sponsored the UberSoca Punk Rock J’ouvert Cruise. The event will involve:
1. Closure of Main Street
2. Live reveling in the streets of Road Town 3. Performances behind the Administration Complex
4. Promotion of Soca artistes from the region
5. A budget allocation of $500,000
6.Impact on the public service, including a half-day schedule, decreased productivity, and additional financial costs under the pretense of reducing traffic congestion.
7. Potential effects on the education system. 8. Impact on healthcare and lack of resources in the event of a mass casualty
9.Long-term concerns regarding future visits
We question whether it should become the expected norm to shut down the country for such events.
Our Objections to a street Soca party:
1. Soca music events typically feature amplified music and attract large crowds, especially the youth.
2. National events inevitably increase traffic flow and parking congestion. Our local roads are not designed to accommodate such an influx of vehicles, which could result in highway safety risks and hinder access for residents and emergency services.
3. The scale and nature of a “national party” during the day of this nature are out of character for our quiet community, and threaten the peaceful environment that residents expect.
4. Large gatherings can sometimes lead to criminal activities, increased anti-social behavior, including littering, public intoxication, and other nuisances.
While it may be too late to change the current course of action, we urge the Premier to consider the significant negative impacts this event will have locally and the well-being of our residents, especially our young people. We value cultural events; however, this event, cannot be considered cultural or compatible with the Christian beliefs that our Territory strives to protect. We continue to see ourselves as the “Watchdog of our Nation and the conscience of our Community” and we remain fully committed to being proactive, transparent, united, and vocal in our stance on issues, actions, or behaviors that could compromise our core principles.
Let us strive to be remembered as people who stood firm in safeguarding our moral principles, leaving a legacy of integrity for the generations to come.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Members of the British Virgin Islands Christian Council (BVICC)”
Guavaberry Media will submit a full investigative report following the conclusion of the event.