The Roosevelt Douglas Primary School, the only primary level educational institution on island named after a former Prime Minister, and international statesman, will, on Friday, October 14th, 2016 celebrate “Roosevelt Douglas Day” in grand style at the school grounds.
This commemorative occasion is organized by the school biennially and aims to highlight the outstanding contributions made to the town of Portsmouth, the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Caribbean region at large, by the late Honorable Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas under the theme “Rosie’s Legacy Lives On.”
A number of Rosie themed memorabilia and artifacts will be on display, as well as the launching of a music album by one of Rosie’s long time friends. The highlight of this event will be a dramatic presentation on the life of Rosie by a few individuals who followed him closely.
The state of the art, first-rate learning institution officially opened its doors as the Roosevelt Douglas Primary School on April 22nd, 2009 after the original school (Portsmouth Government School) was extensively damaged by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on November 21st, 2004. The new, impressive structure was a gift from the Regional Council of Martinique. A well-deserved gift to the people and town of Portsmouth one would say, as
Rosie had been advocating for stronger ties with the French islands years before.
This year marks 16 years since Rosie passed on, having held the office of Prime Minister for a mere eight months. Irrespective of that short lived stint as our country’s leader, Douglas left an indelible mark on Dominica’s political landscape stemming from his years as an activist in the 1970’s right throughout his ascendancy to the leadership of the Dominica Labour Party in 2000.
The Honorable Roosevelt Skerritt, Minister for Education Honorable Petter St. Jean, Parliamentary Representative for the town of Portsmouth Honorable Ian Douglas and parliamentary representatives from neighboring communities, Chief Education Officer Melena Fontaine are among those expected to be in attendance to mark this auspicious occasion.
Current principal of RDPS, Teddy Wallace, says that “this event serves as a reminder of the sterling contribution rendered by Hon. Rosie Douglas to the town of Portsmouth and Dominica by extension.”
It is indeed a most fitting way for staff, students, parents and residents of Portsmouth collectively shout “Viva Rosie, Viva!”
Do not forget to clean his grave
Who are you to say that? Your name sounds familiar.
He has family in D/ca. He is buried in Hampstead, on the family property.
R.B, his father, brother Michael and sister Margaret-Rose Douglas-Armour are buried there. They will take care of them.
Margaret-Rose called Git was a very nice person. I was so sorry she passed on in N.Y. She was buried in Dominica on the family property.
May their souls rest in peace. Amen!
Don’t worry. When Euphamie Douglas-McIntyre – Tingale sister visits, she will see to it that the graves are taken care of. However, I am certain they are well taken care of.
I forgot to mention Mrs. R.B. Douglas, wife and mother is also buried there. She was a nice lady. May her soul rest in peace. Amen!
The Douglas’, those whom I know very well, I can say are nice people.
Rosie was a dynamic person, an excellent speaker and an advocate for the rights of people especially the poor, the downtrodden. These are only a few of his attributes.
I think he would have given his shirt to help others. So sad he passed on suddenly. Gone too soon.
However, rest in peace, Rosie. You will always be remembered. Your legacy will definitely live on until the end of time/the world. God bless your soul!
Isiah Thomas was a states man, W.S Stevens was a states man piere Charles also talk is cheap.
Soon Skerrit will change the name to “Roosevelt Douglas Primary” to Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit Elementary,
Skerrit will soon change the name of the school from ““Roosevelt Douglas Primary” to “Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit Elementary” because he wants to destroy the legacy of Rossie. Is a good thing Rosie was not married like Pierro because if he were, Skerro would have her to betray Rosie legacy like he had Justina to betray Pierro’s legacy
Rosie’s legacy can never be destroyed by Skerrit, it was Rosie who put Skerrit on the political platform!!!
You mean to tell me even this, a tribe to a fallen leader put on by PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN allu have to politicize in such a nasty way? Nah man that’s not right at all.
Your Primary School was named after a politician so there is politics in that?
What a wonder tribute to the greatest leader Dominica has ever known!