(Photo by Manny Modeste)Churches in the Virgin Islands have been accused of surrendering their role in the territory’s Emancipation celebrations while continuing to criticise the standards displayed during the annual festivities. Talking Points co-host Damion Grange said churches should become directly involved in planning the celebrations if they wanted the events to reflect Christian standards. “The church has surrendered its participation in the emancipation celebration. The criticism came during a discussion with fellow hosts Elvin Grant and Violet Gaul about attire, conduct and the cultural content of the 2026 Emancipation Festival. He also noted that people who cared strongly about the celebrations could volunteer to serve on the Festival committee.