New activities added to Independence Celebrations programme

Lawrence said new activities are added to the programme
Lawrence said new activities are added to the programme

A ‘National Emblems Week’ and ‘Shop Dominica’ are two new activities being added to the calender of events for this year’s 38th Independence Celebrations.

This information was revealed by Chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee, Raymond Lawrence during the official media launch of Independence Celebrations 2016 held at the Government Information Service (GIS) office in Bath Estate on Wednesday.

Following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, which devastated sections of the island last year, the committee was unable to host all activities planned, however this year a packed calendar of activities is being presented for the island’s Independence celebrations.

“In the past we have had Flag Day, which was specific to the flag,” Lawrence explained. “We still have Flag Day, Flag Day now forms part of a larger observation, so we are calling it National Emblems Week which will take in the National Anthem, the National Flower, the National Bird. So that is one new activity that we are having this year.”

Lawrence noted that schools, media houses, as well as community organizations, are being encouraged to, “choose, to maybe highlight an emblem every day, at the school for instance, at the school, at the assembly.”

“The media houses might feature the flag one morning, another morning the bird and ask that people call in to ask questions, whatever and however you want to observe it,” he stated.

He went on to say that for the first time ‘Shop Dominica! Experience the Promotion, an activity organized by the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) will be added to the Independence Programme for the first time.

“I personally think it is a wonderful idea, you get those things at bargain pricing or at lower prices than normal,” Lawrence stated. “It is a wonderful way to encourage shopping, I think it is good for both for the people who are buying and selling, so it’s a win-win kind of situation.”

He mentioned also for the first time this year the official opening celebrations for Independence will be held at Layou on Saturday 24th September, in collaboration with the Titiwi Festival.

“This year we thought why not target with the Titiwi Festival at Layou which has incidentally this year is the 9th Titiwi Festival…as they are starting on the Saturday we will just open the Independence one time and of course the Titiwi Festival will continue on the Saturday and the main day for the Titiwi Festival is Sunday 25th September,” Lawrence explained.

Independence Celebrations 2016 is being celebrated under the theme: “Strengthening our Commitment to Nation Building”.

The celebrations will run from September 17th to November 4th.

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7 Comments

  1. Freelance
    September 15, 2016

    Big up father Cuffy for your persistent for the recognition of our river’s something we take for granted. Layout river, Indian river and the Laplaine river should be highlighted given the human impacts that t g tea ten those rivers. God Bless!!

    • Freelance
      September 15, 2016

      Threatens those rivers (missing word).

    • Franklyn Cuffy
      September 15, 2016

      Thank you freelance for your words of encouragement.
      I am indeed inspired by a number of resources, firstly, Mr. Mark Angelo of B.C. Canada, who work for 25 years in his backyard protecting his Community River, before his work was recognize by the United Nations and designation World Rivers’ Day in 2005. Then there was that Elderly Lady in Layou, who during the First Titiwi Fest told me that she never thought this “Miracle”, would ever happen in her lifetime. Then there is Pope Francis, who in his Encyclical Laudato si’ – On care for common Home – taking care of the Earth is our responsibility.
      Today, the Water Resource Agency of Trinidad & Tobago is spearheading the inauguration of World Rivers’ Day, with overwhelming participation… with official launching card for September, 20, 2016
      Let us pray for each other that we will act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before our God (Micah 6:8)

  2. September 14, 2016

    Great idea, Forward thinking is always Welcome. He is the Best!!! ### we all in that!!!

  3. Freelance
    September 14, 2016

    Well done Ray. But you not tired you deserve the highest award for your continued dedication, commitment, creativity, loyalty and extra ordinary patriotism unsurpassed. Hats off Ray even in retirement you are still giving and sacrificing your all. I honour you with a Honarary Doctorate Sir. From now on you will be referred to as Doctor Raymond Larewnce.

  4. Franklyn Cuffy
    September 14, 2016

    It gives me great joy to learn that this Year’s Independence Celebration is being launched in Layou at the annual Titiwi Festival. Let us not forget that it was given birth as part World Rivers Day, hosted by WEF. Let us included the Rivers and give “World Rivers’ Day the significance it deserves.

    On another note Trinidad & Tobago will be observing their First World Rivers Day and 14 Communities having activities on September, 25. This will be preceded by Water Education Training Programme, on Sunday, 18 September for all participants

    • Tjebe fort
      September 15, 2016

      Obviously the pig breeder from La Plaine has not heard of World Rivers day father Cuffy. Some of us continue to live in ignorance despite the education they boasting about. Shame, shame, shame.

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