ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee has announced enhanced security measures for tonight’s LaVida Cottay Festiville following a serious incident at the Carrot Bay festivities on Thursday.

The Committee said the safety of patrons, vendors, performers, volunteers and committee members remains its “top priority” as officials move to strengthen security at tonight’s event.

According to the Committee, an emergency meeting was held with the Acting Commissioner of Police, security officials and committee representatives following Thursday’s incident. Several additional security measures have now been put into effect for the LaVida Cottay Festiville and surrounding areas.

The measures include:

• Additional security cameras installed throughout the Festival Village and at strategic locations around Road Town.
• All festival access gates closed to unauthorised vehicles, with no vehicle entry permitted without an authorised festival pass.
• Mandatory security searches of all vehicles entering the Festival Village.
• Increased deployment of police officers and security personnel, including intensified active patrols throughout the event area.

The Committee said the measures are intended to strengthen public safety and provide a secure environment for those attending the festivities.

The announcement comes after Thursday’s events in Carrot Bay were disrupted by a reported shooting outside the festival area, prompting serious concern among residents and attendees about security at public events.

The Committee thanked the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, security partners, volunteers and members of the public for their cooperation.

It is also urging patrons attending tonight’s festivities to arrive early, cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police officer or security official.

The latest announcement represents a significant tightening of security arrangements as the Festival and Fairs Committee seeks to reassure the public following Thursday’s incident.

The Committee has not provided further details on the nature of the incident or whether any arrests have been made in connection with it.

The Festival and Fairs Committee is responsible for the preparation, conduct and management of annual festivals and other entertainment activities in the Virgin Islands. Government documents describe the Committee’s mandate as including the development and promotion of festivals and other cultural activities across the Territory