TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, (CMC) – The British Virgin Islands government has announced plans to introduce lunchtime entertainment in the park as a cultural initiative this year.

Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith recently announced the initiative, expressing a vision for a more vibrant and engaging community space.

This programme is expected to enhance the midday experience for residents and visitors by offering live performances during lunch hours.

“One of the things I am definitely going to be working on for next year is… to have entertainment during lunchtime in the park,” Hodge-Smith said. The goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals to get out of the office during your lunch hour and have entertainment… and just relax.”

He said the concept draws inspiration from other successful programmes.

“It’s not an original idea of mine. I saw it somewhere, but I thought it would be something nice for people,” she noted. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalise Road Town and enhance the quality of life in the BVI. Plans include creating more pedestrian-friendly walkways, improving visitor amenities, and developing green spaces. Hodge-Smith emphasised the importance of community involvement.

“We want to get the private sector and even the community… to be a part of this change,” she said.

In the meantime, Hodge-Smith indicated that additional projects are already in motion to transform the area into a more vibrant and welcoming space. One key project includes the long-awaited boardwalk extending from the Pier Park to the Queen Elizabeth Park.

“The boardwalk that has been talked about for many, many years… that’s going to get started very soon,” she said. Another initiative involves constructing a walkway between First Caribbean Bank and Vanterpool’s Pharmacy, creating a new area for vendors and relaxing spaces for the public.

“We’re going to create that space where a few vendors can come, get them off of the main street… and make it an entertainment kind of thing in the evening,” Hodge-Smith said.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel… these are projects that have been sitting on the shelves,” she said.

Hodge-Smith also reflected on the importance of celebrating the BVI’s cultural traditions, emphasising the need to revive community spirit.

Initiatives such as bringing back Fungi music in schools, supporting steel pan programmes, and promoting local food and art are also on the agenda for 2025.