DARDA Celebrates Dominica’s 34th Independence

DARDA members

On Sunday, November 11th 2012 Dominica-American Relief & Development Association (DARDA) hosted its annual National Day Cultural Extravaganza at Eastwood Manor – Bronx, NY in celebration of Dominica’s 34th Anniversary of Independence.

Despite the devastation to the east coast by Hurricane Sandy and the recent Nor’easter, local Dominicans and friends came out in record numbers donning their National Dress and displaying their patriotic spirit.

DARDA’s keynote speaker for the event was His Excellency Vince Henderson, Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations.  Also present was Justina Henderson, DEONJ Madame of Madames Wob Dwiyet Northeast.

Guests were treated to traditional dances such as the Quadrille, Flirtation, Mazook and Bele performed by “Know Your Culture Dance Co.” (a New Jersey based group under the supervision of Sabeniah George Mingo).  As in prior years, the crowd was also entertained by MC Ronald Deschamps.  The evening ended with dancing to good tunes provided by DJ Ron-B of “A Fu Awe Sounds International Entertainment”.

The funds generated from the event will be donated to various worthy causes throughout Dominica.  Donations were made by the guests to two of the DARDA’s ongoing initiatives; Toy Drive and School Supply Drive.

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12 Comments

  1. bee
    November 14, 2012

    It was a wonderful afternoon what I find that was strange Dominican was singing the National Anthems
    from the leaflet. That’s ashame.

  2. November 14, 2012

    I do not see what is the controversy about the National Anthem or the picture in the article. There is no mention in the article which stated that the members of DARDA is singing the national Anthem. The national anthem is always being sang before the function begins. One cannot say from the picture what is going on unless one who was there and states what was going on at the time. Some of us just like to comment for commenting sake. We Dominicans like to criticize.

  3. "O" STRESS"
    November 13, 2012

    Great job representing D/ca, next year you all are under consideration for an award during our 35th year of independence. this year was a blast I am still suffering from a hang over. Great job by all. Now lets start planning for next year, my suggesting is first in the line up is Cassav, Tabo Combo,karimi, Chubby, but to perform much earlier than they did this year, come on people lets have yor suggestions on next year line up.

    • PUSSINA
      November 14, 2012

      AMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM……….Boringggggggggggg

  4. PUSSINA
    November 13, 2012

    Correction papa u a sal vem we…papa..i was there..so even if u all were singing the national anthem whats the problem with that..

  5. DARDA Member
    November 13, 2012

    The DARDA members were in fact singing the national anthems of Dominica and the USA while they were at the podium .

  6. HELLO
    November 13, 2012

    Great job to all the members of Darada ( Cecilia) we had so much fun. I must admit the Know Your Culture dancers was outstanding, I felt like I was home for a while. Keep up the good work. See you next year BRING THE JING PING BAND.

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2012

      Thanks, I will bring back the jing ping band next year if possible.

  7. Correction
    November 13, 2012

    DNO they were not singing the National anthem at that time. I was there. SO under the picture simply put “Darda members”

    Admin: Thanks for the information. We will take your word for it and make the change but that’s the caption that was sent to us with the press release.

    • time wasted
      November 13, 2012

      DNO you have time to waste. Some people are down right ridiculous and do not know when to leave well alone. I was there too! They were singing the National Anthem. Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendor!!! How can you tell what they were singing by looking at a picture!

    • Anonymous
      November 13, 2012

      The only time the members were at the podium was to sing the National Anthems. We do that at the start of every function.

    • Patriotic B
      November 14, 2012

      So instead DNO contact DARDA to confirm you going by the word of someone else? Is this the type of journalism we aspire to? Hear say?

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