Portsmouth celebrates Market Day with a Difference

A scene from Market Day with a Difference in Portsmouth

Spectacular weather complimented a brief but compelling ceremony at Portsmouth on Saturday morning to kick off Market Day with a Difference in the second town.

The event formed part of Dominica’s 34th Independence Celebrations.

The event was held inside of the Portsmouth Market building and it started with a selection of songs played on the steel pan by Possie Culture Pan.

The ceremony also featured addresses by the town mayor, Cleave St. Jean, and the parliamentary representative, Ian Douglas.

Gifts were then presented to farmers and vendors in categories such as Best Dressed Vendor, Youngest Shopper, Best Decorated Stall and others.

However, the highlight of the ceremony was the sterling performances by the young cultural groups in attendance.

The newly-established St. John’s Academy performed their Flirtation Dance for which they won the national title.

The Paix Bouche Cultural Group children did a well-received performance of the Bele.

In addition, the Possie Pan Cultural Group children, did their hometown proud with a thrilling performance of the Mazouk.

Below are photos from the event.

All photos by Chad Ambo.

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16 Comments

  1. Disappointed
    October 23, 2012

    I applaud the cultural performances that I saw from all the groups, great!! But what happened to the produce, its not a performance festival or a show of cultural groups, I know many years ago when Market Day started it was to showcase our products, the farmers, and other producers of other items like jams, jellies, crafts, produce, the big pumpkins, the nice provisions, what happen to that. The organisers seem to be focussing on the cultural presentations only. Not enough is being done to showcase our agricultural produce on the north. I expected to see more of that. Just look at the pictures where are the items that were being showcased. ?????? I have been away for a few years but I don’t think its different now. Next time I hope it will be better. I brought a few friends to the market and to say the list I was very disappointed. I saw the same thing we saw at the Cabrits and no produce. “Market Day with a Difference” Where is the difference.

  2. Anonymous
    October 22, 2012

    Great Job Portsmouth! I visit Dominica often and I love the town of Portsmouth. To Mayor St. Jean and Mr. Douglas, keep working on Portsmouth’s beautification. The garbage is a big problem. Get the schools involved in clean up projects. Keep educating the people on keeping their town clean. Congrats!

  3. Domerican/Possie
    October 22, 2012

    Chad thanks for the pics as always. Great job. The kids definitely put a huge smile on my face.

  4. shermine
    October 22, 2012

    Con GRATS TO MY VILLAGE POSSI

    • Correction
      October 22, 2012

      Portsmouth is a town, thank you very much. Get it right!

      • thumbs down
        October 24, 2012

        Thumbs down X25

  5. Zicack
    October 22, 2012

    “However, the highlight of the ceremony was the sterling performances by the young cultural groups in attendance.”

    The Cultural Performances over shadow the farmers on their day? Go Figure.. We are Doomed

    • farmer's son
      October 22, 2012

      Zicack:
      Your point is well taken.
      Market day with a difference was intended to celebrate the variety and quality of produce grown by the farmers of this country. At the same time it was meant to give recognition to the people who market the produce.

      Unfortunately it has become an event highlighted by long and meaningless speeches by politicians of all stripes with the cultural events taking front and centre stage.How about the farmers?

      The time has come for us to take a hard look at what it is that we are celebrating, and giving a higher profile to farmers and market vendors.

  6. Giso
    October 22, 2012

    Congratulations to our beautiful sister for winning 1st prize. We are very proud of you. Thanks for representing WoodfordHill so elegantly. Once it is aboutculture we know you can do it. Kep up the good work and congratulations again. God bless you.

    • Maggie
      October 22, 2012

      Mr. Samuel and Juliette Abraham”s daughter is the most beautiful person there. Your face is shining with pride and your attire and and demeanor is aptly suited for such grand festivites. Ms. Anelta Abraham of Woodford Hill you make Simmit proud. Manda and Papa Body would be smiling from ear to ear to see you. Manda would you, :Gal you good for Landerry.” Go Tata. Congrats!!!!

  7. Just Asking
    October 21, 2012

    Great show, Posse. The photos are outstanding. Congrats to Ambo.

  8. October 21, 2012

    THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS.VERY NICE TO SEE THE YOUNG KIDS INVOLVE

  9. observer
    October 21, 2012

    Next time put away the knife before shaking hands. We were glad to see you though.. D said if he was in D/A he would be there.. what were you selling fig and christophene to serve with stewed back & neck? . Missing these delicacies. Good food people.

  10. Grand-sons
    October 21, 2012

    Congrats granny ,we see you receiving your gift for being one of the longest serving vendors in the market, very well organized event. Great cultural event, keep it up Dominica.Culture is part of your life.

  11. Deevon & Devon
    October 21, 2012

    Big hurray to Dominican culture. Great job in keeping the most beautiful cultural event / Country in the caribbean alive and well attended.. once again congrats.

  12. Deevon & Devon
    October 21, 2012

    Granny next time dress in your cultural outfit.. wonderful event. We are missing those good time,s… also you should put your knife away before the shaking of hand. What gift did you get?.

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