Independence fever hits Dominicans in Boston

Dominicans performing at the event. Photos by Elton Letang

Dominica was well represented at the 13th annual Caribbean/American Cultural exhibition held on September 23, 2011 at Unity Sports & Cultural Club, Boston, Massachusetts.

From the crowd’s overwhelming reaction to performances by Dominicans, and from the enthusiasm of the many Dominicans who attended the event, there was a clear indication that Independence fever has already started in Boston.

The event took place in Dorchester, the largest and most diverse of the Boson neighborhoods, boasting a multitude of spoken languages and cultural traditions. It was to celebrate the diversity and the richness of native countries and to strengthen the bonds of the neighborhood

Sixteen other countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Panama, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts/Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, and USA) came together to share the diversity and richness of their native country.

Each country also served samples of their mouth watering local foods and exotic drinks.

Thanks to our Dominica contacts at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), NY, who provided us with brochures which helped in showcasing our Nature Island, Dominica.

Our display of Dominican culture could not be matched as a group of five patriotic Dominicans displayed the colorful national wear with a narrative by Yolanda Mason Shillingford.

Featured in the fashion show were Whitney Henry in the “Free Slave” red & white outfit, Lisa White wearing a bright floral Wobe Dwiyet, Edmund Tavernier & Eurline Williams in traditional wear and Wilma Bellot Thomas replaced the traditional white petticoat and blouse with bright orange to depict a modern day look.

Members of the event planning committee representing Dominica were Lisa White and Wilma Bellot Thomas.

Dominicans in Boston are looking forward to celebrating their 33rd  Independence celebration, sponsored by the Dominica Independence Association, scheduled to take place on November 12, 2011 in Boston.

Dominica's booth
Traditional wear

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21 Comments

  1. Arctic Brother
    September 30, 2011

    My sister Lisa you guys did an awesome representation of Dominica’s Traditional Dressing. You are a true Dominican patriot always representing where ever you go. Keep doing what you doing we are always proud of you!

  2. Evadne Richards
    September 28, 2011

    Dominicans really have something valuable to offer the world, because there is no other culture I know of that expresses their heritage with so much style and confidence. I particularly like the stripped outfit with the hat to match. The lady carries herself with good old fashioned
    gamme.

  3. Marco
    September 28, 2011

    Why are they celebrating Independence on November 12th and not November 3rd like in Dominica?? Makes more sense to have it on the same date your fellow Dominicans celebrate. Diaspora too extra!!

    • D'can to the bone
      September 28, 2011

      We will be celebrating with a Thanksgiving Mass on November 6th in our National attire. Hope you will be praying with us.

  4. Dhillon
    September 27, 2011

    hehehe thats my dad

  5. mother
    September 27, 2011

    Congrats daughter Lisa, for your part in the planning and execution of this cultural event. You look wonderful in your national wear. The others also look great.The exhibition was also well organized. Continue to be a Dominican patriot. Keep the flag flying high! Love you!

    • Eurline Collins
      September 27, 2011

      i like your comment ms white love you Eurline.

  6. History
    September 26, 2011

    Great YOyo way you custoume sista.I joining all u for 3rd november.

  7. Baro
    September 26, 2011

    Big up to the man Eddie. Keep on representing Tete Morne.

  8. mouth of the south
    September 26, 2011

    the man in the bald head looking like sheridan gregoire lol

    • Justice and Truth
      September 26, 2011

      @ mouth of the south

      You make me laugh. :lol: I understand that Sheridan Gregoire is residing in Ontario. Are you in Ontario?
      A cousin of his who resided in Toronto and who was ill passed on last week. She was buried on Saturday.
      My heartfelt sympathy to all members of her family. May she rest in peace. Amen!

  9. Rockaway
    September 26, 2011

    Yes I Eddie TTTTTT….looking real good.. Am soo not surprised to see you here.Such a patriotic dominican…Continue making us proud here. Love ya

  10. lynzy
    September 26, 2011

    we all should be proud to be dominicans, i am, and always make it known when i travel. we have so much going for us. we are indeed blessed in so many ways.keep it up boston and all of you out there who represent us in such a beautiful fashion

  11. Justice and Truth
    September 26, 2011

    Wilma, you’re looking good and in the beautiful Wob Duyet.
    In the first picture her face was hidden and I thought that the photographer made an error, that her face was hidden behind the hands of Whitney Henry. It was the angle in which the picture was taken.
    This other picture, solo with her at the forefront gives us a better view.

  12. Cam
    September 26, 2011

    My man from the surburbs of Grand Bay( Tete Morne) as he says, looks very dapper—Yes the man himself Mr. Edmond Tavenier………

  13. Justice and Truth
    September 26, 2011

    Beautiful pictures! Beautiful Dominicans! Grand celebration. I certainly wished that I were present. Probably next time.

  14. Uncle Dildo
    September 26, 2011

    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! You guys remind me of a performance I saw in Houston, Texas a about two years ago. These Domericans could give our local folks a run for their money. The Dominica association there is really working hard to keep tthe culture alive in the Houston Diaspora. People like Maximea, Paula Abraham, Ava Stowe, Julie Bannis, Freckles etc are keeping the culture alive.

    Way to go Boston, keep up the good work.

  15. Reader
    September 26, 2011

    Great pics! Thanks so much for sharing with those of us who could not be there. It is always a pleasure to see our people showcase our rich talent and heritage. I looking forward to this year’s cultural event!

  16. Radical friend
    September 26, 2011

    Great to see Dominicans being patriotic abroad. Fly our flag high and make all Dominican’s proud. Great pics elton!

  17. Mr. Vigilant
    September 26, 2011

    Beautiful!…..WOW! Great to be a Dominican. You all in Boston are making me proud. I looked at these photos my feet went “clax” like I was ready to dance a “Heel and Toe”. Great job to you also Mr. Letang; you are really bringing Dominica to US, wherever we are around the world. Finally, great job DNO!

  18. Jaime Lewis
    September 26, 2011

    Congratulations! Although we are away from Dominica, Dominica remains forever imprinted in our hearts. We share our stories and our love for her wherever we are. 33 years of Independence, and moving forward.

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