The first annual United Nations World Water Day Festival and Conference will be held on the grounds of the University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix campus on March 21 and 22.

The first day of the event will feature a "Let's Talk Water!" conference centering on water conservation and protection and creating public education campaigns. The keynote speaker is William E. Marks, author of Water Voices from Around the World and The Holy Order of Water.

The second day of the event will consist of an outdoor festival. Headlining the musical entertainment for the festival will be David Carradine and The Cosmic Rescue Team. An accomplished musician, Carradine is best known for his role in the 1970s television series, "Kung Fu" and as Bill in the "Kill Bill" movies. Highlighting the festival will be winners of the "Let's Talk Water!" student poetry, essay and art contests.

"Let's Talk Water!" is presented by the World Waterway Institute in conjunction with the V.I. Water Resources and Research Institute at the University of the Virgin Islands and the V.I. Marine Advisory Service.

The conference will provide a forum to share information and stimulate creative awareness campaigns useful for government agencies, nongovernment organizations, schools, businesses and individuals. The World Water Day Festival and conference is the first event in the Caribbean to recognize World Water Day.

The international observance of Wold Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 U.N. Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

For further information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor or contributor, e-mail Lydia Harris at LetsTalkWaterVI@gmail.com or call 642-1133.