Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull attended the Government House press briefing on Monday, where he provided residents with more details regarding the upcoming UberSoca cruise stop later this Thursday.

The UberSoca ship will dock at the Frederiksted pier at 7 am on October 24. Two events have been planned to welcome passengers on that day – a J'Ouvert, and an after-party on the beach, Mr. Turnbull said.

“We have an expectation of about 2,500 people that will be on island on the Norwegian Jade,” Mr. Turnbull said. “The “J'Ouvert will be starting promptly at 9 a.m. and going until about 12 p.m., 1 p.m.” Revelers will parade in a two-mile loop from Fort Frederik, and end at Frederiksted beach for the after-party, which Mr. Turnbull said will feature “water, paint, powder and foam.”

Presented by the V.I. Department of Tourism in conjunction with UberSoca, the J'Ouvert will have a zombie theme, Mr. Turnbull disclosed. “If you have the availability to come out, come out and enjoy this,” he encouraged, noting that this is UberSoca's 10-year anniversary.

Traffic in Frederiksted will be affected on J'Ouvert day, with King Street, Strand Street, and a portion of Fisher Street and Veterans Drive closing to accommodate the parade. Motorists are asked to carefully observe the signs that will be placed to direct traffic accordingly, as vehicles obstructing the activities will be towed at the owner's expense. VIPD officers will also be deployed to ensure that motorists are guided away from the route.

Food vendors are encouraged to join the festivities, with Mr. Turnbull directing those interested in vending along the parade route to contact VIPD Officer Benjamin on 340 643 1351.