The National Youth Rally took place on Friday at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium as part of the island’s independence celebration.
Schools from all over the island took part in the event.
Below are photos taken from the rally.
Note that more photos will be added later.
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Why would a parent depive a child of their moment for political reasons. The student who got the overall top award was the only one who did not come to receive his award’ shame on those who steal their children’s moment, that child worked too hard. Must the ministry now have a special blue ceremony for the child.
I have always LOVED Independence Celebrations and would never ever entertain the thought of boycotting it,no matter my political affiliations.With that said, over the years Principal have begged and begged Education Officials to allow other students be part of the National Youth Rally,to no avail.They were continuously told that it was a normal school day,since only a small portion of the school partook in the marching.This year “unpatriotic” citizens called for boycott of youth rally and suddenly,every school on its entity is called upon to be part of the festivities.Please politicians,let us not use or seek to use the children of this nation in your political agenda.
I totally agree with your statement. I do believe that all schools should be present to support their schoolmate and be part of the Rally
Beautiful Photos,the kids all look so happy to be there keep up the good work with the Brownies,brings back memories of TEACHER ROSE.
Great that so many schools participated.
UH uh….why can’t those disgruntled UWP people stop for once nah? Since in the time of Miss Charles those people fighting like they living in a zoo. If they were good, they would be in power. They only made one term in office and ‘poof’ they were gone because they were incompetent and here they are still fighting. Cry and fight still…mama going bring you borbor of milk to drink
What the Issiah Thomas Secondary School did in their ‘march-past’ was, in my view, WRONG..! (Romans 14.11 & Isaiah 45.23). I don’t care if they dug up Dame Eugenia Charles or any other, present (or future) Prime Minister, it is your BIBLICAL OBLIGATION to kneel and bow your head ONLY before your God; NOT MAN..! Amen, to all who take issue but, “… as it is written, so shall it be done..”
Was once a leader of my class troup. I remember the excitement that I had dreaming and practicing the moment went i said to my troup; “Eyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees Right!!!!! Eyeeeeeeeeees Front”…..Best moment ever. Can’t imagine why would someone try to take that moment away from me as a youth……
One Love Dominicans!!!!!
Do you all remember when Charles Savrin and Skerrit was part of the youth rally boycot in the late 90’s? So for all you hypocrite and blind laborites who follow Skerrit, you know what the bible says? When the blind followeth the blind they both shall fall in the ditch. Because you all know that Skerrit is a blind leader.
as a student attendin school I must say the youth rally dis year was great the amount of ppl who turned out for the event was quite massive #HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DOMINICANS
so my comments are not posted.did i say anything to prevent my comments from being posted. sorry wont enter your site anymore.MAYBE I SHOULD TRY DA VIBES.THANKS…THAT’S DOMINICA FOR YOU
too much politics, DA will never be better you all people hate too much
Where are the pics of the school that did the display? if it was a School in town it would have been highlighted. Good job Castle Bruce Secondary.
I love my country. Such positive vibes. God bless our young people!
I would like to give a BIG thumbs up to the St.Thomas ROTC at the youth rally. We are proud of you. JOB WELL DONE
Independent – not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself.
Dominica is not independent!
Isn’t it SAD that the sight of Dominica’s beautiful youth in great numbers, having a great time and exhibiting true Patriotism is causing Lennox Linton and UWP officials serious Disappointment?
Well well youth rally this year was very impressive. The young people looked so smart and dashing in their school uniforms. Very good for you all.
Lennox just started where Edison left off, anti this anti that negative this boycott that, if he is so smart as he claim to be, cant he see it hasn’t brought home the bacon. How can you want to lead a Country and your first order of business is to ask the youth to be unpatriotic to the very Country you wish to lead, so sow seeds of division and bitterness, this is not against the DLP its against the Country of our birth Dominica. I wish to congratulate the many intel person who demonstrated wisdom and good sense prevailed, because good will always over power evil, the message was loud and clear and the job well done. Lennox Edison and the UWP just have too much negative energy, it just cant be for the good of the Country. I love Dominica and God bless
Great Rally! I loved to see all the schools.
Some of us adults, the youths of yesteryear did not have such an opportunity. We should envy you. Of course, some of us did not have an Independence Day.
Dominican youths have much to look forward to. There is a lot occurring to encourage you and spur you on to also become excellent nationals.
Be diligent in your studies. Someday a few of you will enter politics and to be elected a prime minister. Make the most of school and this studious opportunity. Do not waste time. We caring adults wish you the best.
God bless you as you grow up, study and make the most of the opportunity that you want to be and in your future endeavours.
Today was a good day for Dominica put politics aside we all should be proud.
Skerrit had use dictatorial tactics to get that kind of turn out so that is BS. why didn’t let things take its course and see if the turn out would have been the same.
Magi
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA ON A SUCCESSFUL YOUTH RALLY: Apologies to thethose who stood up for the Constitution of Dominica.
Beyond any doubt, today’s youth rally was a huge success for the organizers and the government of Dominica. The rally was well attended, whether people were bused, trucked or forced to attend. Clearly, the UWP failed to persuade the majority of the importance of the boycott or the majority was prepared to attach greater importance to the success of the youth rally than to the patriotic call for respect of our constitution.
The DLP administration has once again won, while Dominica suffers. Those who were against the boycott won but perhaps even the UWP won to the extent that it has raised the consciousness of the nation on the need to respect our constitution. However, overall Dominica continues to cry in pain as she suffers. She is experiencing a slow death of democracy, prosperity and respect among other states as the letter and spirit of her constitution –the basis of her independence from Britain is rapidly being eroded in purpose, meaning and value.
The conduct of the DLP Administration is reminiscent of the Communist Party of the former Soviet Union, East Germany, North Korea, Cuba and China during the cold war era. When the freedom of the people is threatened, suppressed and/or controlled by the state apparatus, people are moved to action based on the fear, coercion, inducement, by the directive of the state. Success, therefore, is assessed based on the size of crowds and number of participants like the size of the weak North Korean and Chinese armies on parade.
In all of this, the UWP must be proud as a party that is firmly rooted in respect for our laws and our constitution. Today serves as a lesson that when standing for principle one will not always be popular. Even Peter denied Jesus and succumbed to the fear of dealing with the authorities, when he was required to stand up for his master on principle.
This movement for truth, righteous and justice requires strength of character to stand up steadfastly in the face of adversity. It demands the type of courage that the leader and members of the UWP have demonstrated even when their own supporters vehemently disagree with their position.
It is for that reason that the UWP is a bigger winner today for standing up for the Constitution of Dominica, which the DLP leadership has repeatedly disrespected and which, regretfully, seems no longer to be jealously and respectfully guarded by our courts. The UWP has stood up for what is right and it has successfully sent the signal that we shall not simply stand by and allow the DLP to continue its disrespect of our Constitution.
But there is no intention to take away the joy of success of today’s rally. Congratulations to the organizers, the youth who participated and the government, albeit we remain convinced that the best outcome would have been a successful boycott.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
Fellow Dominicans, we have seen the wonderful performance today by our children, our youth. They have made us very proud. I stayed at home and saw everything on T.V. We are a very patriotic people and turn out exceptionally in our creole wear at this time of year. Let us not make this political and let’s just commend everyone responsible for making this national rally the success that it was.
I agree with Anne Derass, it was a bad call, the UWP dont’t think. They have not got the pulse of the people, this was always going to fail, making them look stupid.
Now I do believe that the Labour Party should get its house in order, it has lost its way and appear to becoming a dictatorship which will be bad for the island. However the UWP while developing are still making fundamental mistakes.
I want to say to the youths, that they put on a great display today. The rally was great. In my home we have many different opinions when it comes to politics. But this is for our nation and the kids. Why would someone that says he wants to be the next prime minister ask to divide a nation. Lennox is a very bad bad man to state so. Shame on you .. Shame.. Shame.. Dominicans are smart persons, u will never be Pm.. Ha ha
Is it Lennox you dont like or you just prefere to brake the Laws of the land and hope that you will get aweay with it I’m hear to tell you you will never get away with.Lennox and family can move out but you cannot all you have is DA so why wouldnt you want your Island to be above the law . Good luck to you and your family.
thats right
NO wonder you will remain anonymous, you fail to see or look a the bigger picture. A Prime Minister named Skerrit says “No law, c=no constitution….etc” to the nation in gangster like attitude and you are telling me to have my young child gather in the midst of this man and Savarin. These two dishonourable men are no role models for the youth, they are dishonest, untrustworthy and disappointing. Our country`s young ones need role models to guide them and not political gangsters to corrupt their minds. Lennox Linton has demonstrated to date that he is fair, cares for our nations development, has protected us and informed us of the thievery that goes on in this government….the bin bobol was orchestrated out of the Prime Ministers office ably supported by many senior counsels…friends, party hackers and disloyal people.
The youth parade suppose to be one where our youth are able to see promises of growth for Dominica and demonstration of dignity by our country’s leaders respecting the constitution, in church we say the bible.
A big show, a charade only covers up the crime temporarily but once we walk out of the stadium we walk back into River Street ,Kennedy Avenue, Goodwill Road, Hillsborough Street where the reality of government and states corruption can be felt.
We must stop it and get rid of this corrupt government.
We have to save our young ones, they are innocent.
Come Ye forward sons and daughters….do the right..be firm ..be fair..
Are you serious? Your comment deserves a big laugh. For sure if you want to see who have done bad things, take a little look at your PM. That;s who you should use the word bad to describe. So let’s put Skerrit and Linton side by side and start counting the bad things they have done and post the result here.
Haaaaaaa glory take that workers all you to foolish thing befor all you talk
Eat your heart out Lennox and the rest of the blue naysayers! This massive turn out is testimony that the NATION was against your ridiculous idea of a boycott! Let this be a lesson to you to think before you speak!
Congratulations to all the top performers in Education, Sports, Music etc who were awarded at the Youth Rally. Well done to all those who participated in the parade; you put on a great show!
You all are too stupid, I am a worker and my children were there along with a lot of other workers children because first and foremost we are DOminicans. You think is only Labour children that were there? No.
think before you talk massive turn out cause principals were call last minute for students who were not matching to show up smh jah.
Smart well dressed,proud Dominicans.brought back old memories.
well i started boycotting all national parade since that government came into office.
Great, the stadium was filled to over-flowing today
Note what you missed to this day. What did you gain by that?
Its obvious you are bitter and your boycott is not against the DLP but against your own country, this is so senseless and foolish, poor you.
good so continue to boycott cause u will be doing it for many more years to come
Who cares about your that. first to begin you’re not a Dominican, you’e just a waste of precious time.
what the government has to do with you not going. see how foolish you are. You go you dont guess what you always remain at Zero this is who you are absolutely nothing.
My friend don’t you get it. What’s your point? you people just won’t stop at anything. God bless Dominica and please lord bless the haters even more.
Sorry, turn out
Are you blind, deaf and jealous?
I have been to the last 4 youth rallies. This one, by far, had the most attendance!
oh Please, whether there was school or not, If the parents wanted to keep their children home, they would. Skerrit could never force parents to send their children to the rally. Accept the fact that the boycott call was a bad move .
if u just came that is how it used to be many many years ago, when I went to Roseau boys school, it was a no school day,,,,we go to d botanical gardens did our drilling and dat was eat our freshments lol and home…..no school on dat day,,,so whats your point….I guess no school so kids could just stay home den ? there are over 40000 school kids in dominica I guess they were all there fool yourself blue hater aka “rain or shine”…allu blunder asking for boycott and look people….wait for sunday and more people…when the original wck labour rally with kkk den what alllu will say …….labour
Labour is the new freedom shame
God blest Dominica with a beautiful, sunny day and weather for the National Youth Rally. Praise and thanks be to Him!
Let me applaud Vielle-case primary in my view was the best this year and also include , st martin primary , goodwill primary among few in primary schools who were exceptional . Also thumbs up to Goodwill secondary who I believe was best this year and include , grammar , convent and Dominica state college . I believe in other dressed groups the path-finders did well and include the energetic brownies and girl-guides , the mahaut third scout troop among few . Thanks to Bahamas cadet-corpe and as usual our own . Anyone saw the cubs and the troop playing their own instruments that was a breath taking performance . The young ones born before the old dies . However to conctructively criticize I think the organizers on ground must be tactful in ensuring the schools be not so mixed up . Overall good program but apart from school turn out I find the adult population was poorer . Let’s not mess our independence up with the politics , Happy Independence to all .
it was a working day. where you expect to see the adults
Rhere are many more adults not working than working. So what’s your point.
There were years with high turnouts of adults and that includes last year and previous years .
The schools were organised by the districts.
Are you aware that Vieille Case school was one of the schools who did a display,when they were not supposed to? Certain schools were chosen as has become part of the programme for the past few years.We must learn to follow rules.Wait your turn,when you are chosen
why was Vieille Case the best because they knelt?
No not because they knelt in primary schools they had the drill right and in order and were smart not to stay close to other groups , so you had a perfect view of their march .
I am still trying to figure out who forced who to do what. My son attends DGS and I made a conscious decision to make him stay home today, however neither him nor I received any notice that he MUST be at the parade today. Was this notice sent to a particular school?
Liar
If you were interested, you should have made it your parental point of duty to enquire from DGS prior to the Rally.
You stated you made a conscious decision to make him stay home. Then why now are you asking this question?
I’m so sorry for you doing something against your son’s own will. Poor boy and shame on his dad’s part
My yute dem.
It would appear that the walls of unpopularity are begin to cover Skeritt. In days gone by the majority of youths would come from Roseau and the environ. Today, every village was present at the Windsor Park Stadium. A number of the students commented that it was their first time in the Capital City and at the Stadium. It will be interesting to see whether Skeritt will bring to the Stadium during the Police Parade all the police from every police station in Dominica.
Further to my comments, The Minister of Education reported today that their were fifty one Elementary Schools represented at the youth rally. Wow.
What are you talking about? It’s been many years since every school on the island has been represented.
which land you live in? all elementary schools are represented YEARLY. get a grip.
u are very much senceless hw can evey police come to the stadium u think u mk sence.Just agree that the move to call for a boycott was not a good move.
I love the youth rally and have always been a proud supporter.Party affiliations will never prevent me from attending one.With that said,over the years Principals have always been asking for schools to be closed on that day, to allow other students be a part of the activities,this year was no exception.Yet, they were denied when it was brought up to Educational Officials at meetings held prior to the youth rally being organized.Now it was seem to me that as soon as “unpatriotic” people called for a boycott of Independence activities,the decision was suddenly revoked and school were closed to allow all students to be a part of rally.I do hope that every year onwards,our student s will be afforded the opportunity to be part of Independence Youth Rally.Politicians, let us not try to use or use innocent children in our political mileage.
really dumb dumb
Rain or Shine…you are talking nonsense..you sound just like UWP.
Rain or shine you just can’t believe the amount of people that true out. In all you face.
All these banners have such inspirational words. Very positive vibes.
I certainly think Skerrit cancelled school in favor of going to the park spitefully! Why else? People have been saying long before this year that there should be no school so that children can go to the rally……
There was never school on that day. Check your history
Every year we are asked to take students to the stadium from school. Tell me how much real teaching can go on with so many children missing? You must ask the schools how many children turn up on that day, even if they know they will be taken to the stadium. Oh but they don’t show up at school but they are at the stadium even before we get there. No man can stop Youth Rally.
Is something wrong with you rain and shine. School is always closed for the youth rally. Are you from Afghanistan. We must stop putting politics in everything because all parties have the schools that day off. I feel sorry for you, you have no case here.
they have no education not even a high school diploma
It never had school on that day, so shut your mouth
That’s not true at all because I have always been saying why should there be sessions at school on that day. The only reason why govt rushed to write to the schools to have all students attend is
because of the proposed boycott by Lennox. Say what you all want but Lennox really working that government.
No law no constitution…its OK…he there already…African culture…African politics…
For all those who were saying that the UWP should not include school children in the protest action. You realize what Skerrit just did? He canceled school today and forced the children and teachers to come to the stadium. If that’s not using children to promote his own political agenda, what is? A day that the children could stay in school and learn something. How low can this Skerrit go?
Exactly! Pretty darn low it seems. That’s one vote he just lost.
Please have a seat! The people action spoke by the massive crows who was there. You were not missed.
Which people action spoke? The students from the various schools filled the stadium and inspite of how the PM disrespects the constitution, majority of us parents desire to have our children obey authority thus the reason for this huge turnout.
You need to see a psychiatrist!! Enough said!
@Rain or Shine: I agree with you totally. He was fearful of the impact the boycott could possibly have and so he took the high handed approach, to force children who were supposed to be in school to the stadium; to shamefully keep his dwindling popularity some life support. The reality is that the inevitable end and in the not too distant future, of this one man grandstanding cannot be stopped even if he tries with all his might. They questioned the message that the opposition trying to protect our constitution, was sending to the children with a boycott but I ask in return what message are they sending to the very children, when they use political might to force these children to the stadium, when they would have otherwise been at school learning?
what boycott? each school send an amount of children the rest stay home or go to watch if they want nobody force nobody admit the boycott was boycotted liars
Supposed to be in school? So if they are supposed to be in school who is the Youth Rally for? Politics is blinding you all stop that nonsense. You apparently never experienced the thrill of drilling for your school and hearing you school applaud as you march past. Alas what are we coming to. Politics killing our NATIONAL PRIDE!
Please have a seat hater. I want to know will you all excuse be on Sunday. Cuz for sure the stadium will be too small for the massive crowd of people. And when the PM is ready to leave and he waves the crowds of people. Lennox will get Che Feb because is that he cannot stand. Wait your turn Lennox. LOL
That’s ridiculous. Every year since I know myself, there is no school on youth rally day.
my friend well maybe is one set of school… cause all in country side there is school… just some are chosen to march… so maybe town had that policy because of the close proximity of the schools to the youth rally
false statement check your facts
sooo all of a sudden youth rally becomes a problem… jus saying…
the pm did a great job today so u feel away don’t comment.smh he canceled school because he wanted students to come and support their school thank you.
I participated in the Youth Rally in the 1990s. In those days, there was no school on that day, so this is not a “newly just come” rule. What’s the problem? The children did a really good job today. I think the boycott of the Rally was a bad move.
so what would be a youth rally,if the children remained in school,rain or shine,you have a very big problem mentally.
i know right
This is not forcing them. It is their day to be present at the Rally. All parents should also have encouraged them to attend.
My friend you just don’t get it. What’s your point? you people just won’t stop at anything. God bless Dominica and please lord bless the haters even more.
FORCED! I am a teacher. You know when I felt forced when I had to sit at CXC workshops on Youth Rally Day and hear the pulsating drums and squeals of excitement and I could not be there. Teachers who were at the stadium wanted to be there. Those who did not, stayed home. There was no “big stick” or threat hanging over our heads. Get your facts straight. We teachers who were at the stadium chose to model patriotism to our students. Remember they look to us for direction and our choice to be at the stadium was pointing them in the right way. Country above party and man and his misguided thinkings.
How could UWP dream of boycotting such an event that most young people look forward to.
I’m totally against the election of Charles Savarin as President of Dominica and for that I’ll absent myself from any activity the gentleman is invited to, or I will arrive after him.
This is the extent to which I object to this president.
But UWP, you guys must be able to feel the pulse of the nation, a call for boycott of the youth rally was ill-advised and has cost you some political points.
In politics you never embark on a mission that you know that you cannot win. Fortunately, Skerrit and the Labour Party are so wounded by the UWP Job and Growth Conference, with the quality of the deliberations and the fact that the private sector participated en mass, Skerrit cannot take advantage of the boycott nonsense.
My advise to UWP, STOP that boycott and prepare for governance of this country.
Skerrit has lost his way and the time has come when he should be sent to sit in opposition. 15 YEARS is more than enough for any government.
I am a Labourite BTW
i guess u leave up to ur last namee DERASS SMH U JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE PEOPLE THAT CAUSING CONFUSION.. WTH IS ALLU PROBLEM?? IS LIKE ALLU WORSHIPING SAVERIN NA.. AWA WI , God doesnt like the people who causes confusion.. first time in my life i see an opposition causing all that problem..
This is only your opinion which does not represent every national.
My friend you just don’t get it. What’s your point? you people just won’t stop at anything. God bless Dominica and please lord bless the haters even more.
You were never a labourite. I know one when they speak, Why? I’ve been one all my life. that’s just another stunt that just won’t work.
Take that Mr. Linton! That’s our version of the boycott.
I could not even find space for my children to sit. Place well parked!!!!
@Public-Servant: With all the red, yellow, orange and white colored empty seats I see in the pics, you could not find a sit? You are really a blind follower.
Sorry for you, you should have been there. Get a true picture not a misleading one. There were people sitting on the steps and standing on the balcony and below the seats. Even the players’ pavilion had students. The picture you saw or chose to focus on reflects seats of the students who had gone to march. When you want to comment do so based on the real thing not on what someone else in their bias posted or made you see. If you were there you would not make such a nonsensical comment. The Youth represented as they do every year.
That was before the sun left the stadium.thanks to Linton that was the first time I attended the rally in seven years and I had a blast so continue with your boycott u may burn one too many bridges.