The 2010 Independence celebrations officially opened last night.
Cultural officials, cabinet ministers, performers and culture fanatics all gathered at the Old Mill Cultural Center to witness the ‘historic’ event.
With this year’s theme being “Creating Opportunities, Empowering Communities,” last night’s show has paved the way for even more spectacular illustrations of Dominica’s culture within the upcoming weeks, all with the aim of celebrating the country’s 32nd anniversary of Independence.
Chief Cultural Officer Raymond Lawrence gave the opening remarks at the function, gladly welcoming the season and urging local organisers to schedule their activities in a way not to compete with Independence events.
Minister for Culture Youth and Sports Justina Charles told the ceremony that Dominicans must take full responsibility for shaping the future of their country. She spoke against violence and urged persons to find peaceful ways in addressing their conflict.
Minister for Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs Gloria Shillingford encouraged Dominicans to strive for even greater economic independence adding that, while the country may partly rely on foreign assistance, it must be realized that Dominica is responsible for its own success.
Minister for Telecommunications Ambrose George, who spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said that the Independence season is a time for soul searching.
Before declaring the 2010 Independence celebrations officially opened, he urged citizens to get involved in the planned activities. He wished Dominicans a happy, sober and reflective independence.
Performances at the event came from calypsonians to Jing Ping bands, all well received by the audience.
Here are some pictures for those of you who missed last nigt’s showing.
[nggallery id=38]
A lot of things is happening and i samantha yankey miss wob don’t know anything untill after. every day i walk on the streets someone has to tell he why wasn’t i there at this or that event. all i can say is that i was not invited. even though i feel discourage i still keep my head high and carry myself with dignity. to who ever this suits what ever u do don’t affect me but ur selfs and dominica on a whole.
out of all the guest speaker. gloris shillingford was the one i least ecpected not to call miss wob name.can u imagine they both from the north east.tell me where do we go from here, if our very our discourage us.papa alas dominica going from bad to worst.
Keepin it simple.i remember talking to u thanks alot for have my back on this situation.it is most greatly appriciated.
HAPPY THANKS alot for the advised.i am the 2009 winner and it can’t be taken away,however i am honored to step up and let dominicans know that when ever we are in independence season that the queen of culture should be on the front line.remember its a rein for only one season in a year.this situation to me is just a stepping stone forward to what i want to achieve in life. my next challenge would be taking on the carnival queen compititon.to the contestant this year, let no man put asunder to what u feel is best for u.keep ur head high no matter who wins.this may be a one Challenge for u but Greater ones in the near future.i am willing to walk with dignity and pride even though the higher ones don’t see my title as an accomplishment.all is well with the grace and mercy of god….miss wob 2009 Samantha Yankey.
I think we should stop being hypocirtes. Dominica is no longer independent. We are dependent now on 3 countries more than ever (China, Morroco and Venezuela) so why should we continue to celebrate independence day.
@keeping it simple stupid: Ms.Wob 2009 take heart keep your head high no one can take your title away from u but that do not mean u shouldnt speak out whenever u see unjustice because sometimes that is the only way the wrongs can be put right it’s never good to let things slide, MARIGOT and it’s people will always be the envy of others and thats been around since befor u came along, just continue to make DOMINICA and especailly your village of M’got proud,take the bull by the horn and make them stop and take a deep breath as u move on stage with class and dignity show your stuff girl I will be listening
ITS A SHAME TO KNOW THAT DOMINICANS ARE TO BIAS AND DISRESPECTFUL.ITS OUR CULTURE AND WE SHOULD BIG UP THE MISS WOB BETTER THAN THAT.
i am sorry to say but the cultural division is too bias.u cannot tell me u have a wob dweyit winner and all you stress mo on the queen.i have never seen the wob winner in any activities this is rather disrespectful is it because she is from the vill of marigot or is it because she is from the north east.if it was me i would go on air and tell them my mind. imagine i spoke with miss wob and u no wat my answer from her was and i quote i am happy to be the 2009 wob winner but my rein was rather boring. i did not feel that they appriciated me as much as the former winners however i take no hatred on the division but hope to see that every other winner appriciated more.she also said that the opening was great but it was disrespectful to have the 2008 winner on the program intead of me the 2009 winner.i am ready to give up my title to who ever deserve the title.she also said that mr raymond and the others should step up and put the wob winner in every activities the can.the next activity she will be attending is the night of the show.so tell me is not bias they bias.
All the previous comments were good comments and I didnt see a “thank you”, but someone making an observation you will comment on it doe… toneh
Anonymous
one day can u say something good. i can imagine how your childhood was BITTER u need counseling, go talk to a priest, pastor or even a doctor alright love u and take care.
Why does the gurl Cindy Laroque have a stomach exposed like that? The gurls need to know that it is not a fashion competition but its an event to show off our talent and culture.
YES WE ON AGAIN CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE … AND OUR GOVERNMENT HELPING TO CLAMP DOWN ON ANOTHER’S QUEST FOR INDEPENDENCE …
YOU KNOW … THE ONE CHINA POLICY …… WE SUCKING UP TO CHINA ……………SHAMEEEEE!
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Simply Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sa petit bitien que ca feye amie Dominique!
beautiful, simply beautiful….I love this!…know your culture, know where you came from, know who you are, know where you’re going
Very nice lovely thats our culture keep it up.
Nice,! Nice! NICE! I am already getting goose bumps and i have not even landed yet. Just unfortunate we cannot have it so all the time. No drama, no row,row and very few comments on D.N.O. Now we know so lets all go to our beloved country and spend that money and help our economy.
LOOKING GOOD!!!!
Looks like it is going to be a very wonderful independence. Very nice pics.
Now that is good new. I love Independence. Lovely Pics. I am sorry I cant make it this time around but hopefully if all goes well next year I will plan my holiday to be there.
All the best positive Dominicans