OPEN LETTER TO THE HON. ROOSEVELT SKERRIT PRIME MINISTER, LEADER OF THE DLP AND MR. LENNOX LINTON ESQ POLITICAL LEADER OF THE UWP TEAM DOMINICA.
Paris
21st October 2014
Gentlemen,
This open letter may surprise you and others because contrary to conventional practice it is not addressed to you with critical intent. Paradoxically maybe, this once we have two recipients both opposed politically in the Dominican landscape.
The salient common denominator which oversteps all dissension is that, at some point in the not too distant future, it is very likely that one of you will be charged with the responsibility of leading the nation for the next five years. I am also aware that you have both made statements or implemented actions regarding the development of cultural industries in our country. Forgive me for expressing my utter dissatisfaction.
Despite the fact that I have been ruled out by some as a braggart whenever my CV or biography would come up, be that as it may, for those who do not know me, forgive me once again for mentioning that I have been involved in numerous projects that have had lasting and significant impacts particularly in the Music Industry: The founding and leadership of the international group Exile One, The creation and naming of Cadence-Lypso, the launching with her husband and manager of singing star Ophelia, the launching along with others that are ignored today of the World Creole Music Festival, the founding with two partners of WICE Q95 FM radio, to mention a few.
This said, and the fact that both political parties have bestowed on me numerous awards in this field, I humbly, from where I stand, take the liberty of making the following suggestions most of which in my opinion are overdue and if implemented will make music a major earner in the Dominican economy:
- Cultural Industries should be a part of a ministry that is not necessarily related to the ministry for culture despite the word “culture” because they are not one and the same. If it must be attached, it should be preferably to the ministry for Trade.
- It is obvious that the vast majority of the youth in Dominica, due to constant consumption of American TV among other factors, have lost or are quickly losing all musical identity. In addition to this, the older generation seems to have little faith in the market potential of what is genuinely Dominican. A swift effort must be made to clearly identify, from an intellectual, cultural and scientific standpoint, what is Dominican music within the context of marketing and export.
- Most of the people directly linked to promoting music in Dominica such as those who broadcast music on radio have sadly demonstrated little knowledge of the criteria for judging music. The well respected Calypso Association for example, has taken the calypso singers and the general public for a ride by crowning a king year after year by giving him up to 70 points over a hundred for the lyrics that were written by someone else, a matter which is of public knowledge. Let me hasten to say that this is by no means an attack on the Dice whom I consider an excellent talent who deserves his every victory; or any other singer who may have won under such circumstances. I have been publicly insulted for expressing this truism which may be difficult for some to grasp. My logic is based on the same that governs cases such as Grand Prix Formula One racing in which the driver wins for his driving skill and the car manufacturer for providing great mechanical craftsmanship.
- We already offer music classes on island and while this should be improved, most persons educated in the USA will agree that our teachers, radio DJs etc and students should take classes in “Music appreciation”. It hurts when some “professionals” refer to Creole music as “French music”.
- The State College should be the first in the Creole world to offer at least a certificate in “Creole Music Studies”. We have highly qualified academics and professionals who could set up a respectable syllabus including elective courses with credits.
- An inter-ministerial commission should ensure that all heads of department take advantage of having a Dominican as chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO), an expert in Intellectual Property, to share valuable information and upgrade the existing collective negative view on the question of copyright. Creativity should be encouraged and duly rewarded.
- The Dominica Broadcasting Corporation Act should be replaced by an Act to install a Dominica Broadcasting Authority that oversees all broadcasting on island. Such an authority could also have the power of imposing a fair percentage of local production on radio but particularly on TV and probably consider a minimal levy on owners of radio and TV sets aimed at assisting local production. If local production remains as it is currently Dominican expression will die.
- As we already know from the WCMF, the people of Martinique and Guadeloupe have been for many years now our faithful consumers of music. It must be noted that the largest population of these people reside in Paris, France. The setting up of three points of reference to be manned permanently and creatively should be of major consideration. These points will be the venue to showcase Dominican music and other products but also to screen Creole artists wishing to participate in our festivals. We need to take note that most of our locally popular artists of recent times have been unable to elicit the interest of non-Dominicans and travel most of the times only to entertain Dominicans abroad.
- The creation of a Music Industry Development Fund with competent Business and music industry professionals capable of determining the projects that reflect viability. Similar to farming, music professionals should have income tax incentives as well as total removal of all import taxes on all material such as musical instruments, recording and manufacturing equipment, books, at least for a given period of time in order to consolidate a sound foundation. Too many promising musicians are left on their own or are expected to be artists and entrepreneurs at the same time.
- Reconsider the WCMF to become an event that does not rely essentially on gate receipts to make a profit. The “three nights” concept is good but like most good things, it needs to grow. An industry dimension must be included featuring World Creole Music Awards of the highest standard for a worldwide television audience, workshops and music markets. Dominica urgently needs to seize the opportunity to position ourselves as the capital of World Creole Music.
- It would be remiss of me if I did not mention the NCCU for having staged three editions of an annual Cadence-Lypso competition. When this event was launched it was announced that the objective was first to revive or even “resuscitate” the genre and secondly to attract the now generation. I daresay that this objective was quickly attained because the cash prizes seem attractive, however the musical standard and attendance are already both on the decline. The NCCU, however is getting great PR (public relations) and endorsements from even those who do not benefit.
If the NCCU wants to make a viable contribution, the collective narrative of the country must begin by having an accurate definition of what Cadence-Lypso really is. If it is a form of almost primitive musical simplicity that is limited to some attention at independence celebrations, then the whole plan must be reconsidered.
Meanwhile Bouyon music is appealing as a follow-up to Cadence in many countries but this genre is sullied by a stigma of violence and explicit lyrics of the basest kind. An organized and well “orchestrated” strategy must be implemented urgently to ensure that BOUYON music is repackaged properly and marketed in a businesslike manner.
I am aware that some of the above points may seem vague to some and may require further explanation for those who are not directly involved in this line of business.
I humbly recommend referring to the following studies for more detailed information:
- National Export Council Secretariat: 2013 Report on Dominica’s Cultural Industries by Craig Stedman B.Sc. Economics, MBA. (Report on Baseline assessment of Dominica’s cultural industries)
- http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/copyright/en/performance/pdf/econ_contribution_cr_ecs.pdf
My only expectation is that you give “music a chance” because if it is done professionally Dominica will benefit in many different ways.
Yours sincerely,
Gordon HENDERSON
Greetings Sir Henderson, this is Pellam Jno Baptiste of Salisbury in the Commonwealth of Dominica. I wish to place on record my appreciation for your contribution to your land in the field of music from which I benefited. As a matter of fact music and Cricket transformed my life but music got me to travel to many parts of the world which I only read about in books. Music also got me to meet my dad for the first time since I left St Croix at age 4. I wish to support your recommendations. I am not interested in your political affiliation as it is your right to associate with any political party of your choice like any other Dominican. I grew up on a Cadence diet as my uncle, Ronnie Alexander, was the drummer for the Guadeloupe based Dominican Cadence Band,Mammoth. I developed my drumming skills by listening to Cadence Bands. I never had a drumset but friends would make drums from tins for me to play on. I never attended a music class. No one taught me hoe to play, well not exactly. All Cadence Bands taught me through their music. My musical mentor Graveny Vidal created Cadence compositions and taught me how to play to his compositions in Salisbury. I played Cadence music with the RAS in Canefield and after becoming a member of the WCK in 1996 I learnt to play their style of music Bouyon and then introduced Cadence to Bouyon when I created Grooves for WCK’s compositions and I started when we played live. I found that playing Cadence for the Bouyon tracks gave majority of the WCK compositions a better groove. I have been seeking to educate many young drummers on the Cadence Genre and many of them are not able to effectively play Cadence music. Most just hold a grove, sometimes the same grove for all Cadence compositions that they perform. I have heard many drummers play the Billomen Classic African Music which ever way they want, most times with a straight Cadence groove which changes the overall groove of that track. It needs a little listen and one will realize that I talk about. There are no off beats, no dynamics the rolls are the same everywhere etc. No work no creativity as was demonstrated by our great drummers like Sty, one of my mentors who I meet I Canada when I toured with WCK. I Got goose bumps when I met this guy and I gave up the drums to him and he played with WCK that night. At last I saw him lay live and I learnt. Today, a young musician gets to tour with a band and he is already a star, there is nothing you can teach him. I have been speaking to a few young bands about their musical identity and they seem not interested in what makes them unique, Cadence Music. Sadly, their managers have schooled them in believing that playing Montano’s music will take them to the heights of success that it took Montano. They are not being introduced or schooled or encouraged to create Cadence Music. Most recently a manager of a young band who I listen to play and who I offered a few Cadence singles, told me that his band is not a Cadence Band he wants the band to be an International Band. I did not understand and I still do not understand what that meant. I guess he is of the view that if his young band performs and create Cadence Music there is no chance for them to become International. I reminded him of Exile One and Grammacks, are International names.
I was saddened by that response. I shared all this to say, the first hurdle that we need to conquer is educating our youth on their culture in the school system. developing bands in our schools to have School band competing for a National Cadence Award which the wining school would receive during Independence. I have also written to the NCCU to consider having a Ti Cadence competition among our schools to get the youth involved in creating and performing Cadence music and ensuring that the top four automatically get into the Senior Cadence Competition. The future of Dominicas music are not interested in Cadence because they do not know of Cadence music and its role in their development or history. Unless that is taught we will never see the benefits even with all what you propose sir. However, I am of the view that you are qualified and have earned the right to speak on this topic and to submit your perspective and suggestions on the Genre you helped create and market and on the industry for which you are well
known and respected. There is a saying in patois,” Hayi Chien men Dit’w Dange’w blanc.” Thank you for the article I share your sentiments Sir.
I meant RSB Band / Roots Stems and Branches
??? Lenox Lenton cannot be addressed s Esquire. But you accept Roosevelt Skerrit being addresed as God. Shame the devil wo rshipers
Esquire in the British system refers to any Tom, Dick and Harry, so why not the leader of a political party.
On several fronts the input from OJ our former PM was revealing
The proactiveness is a rare trait among the Dominican blob writers .
The detail on the CREOLE FESTIVAL certainly requires inquiry as it has historical merit as our foremost international headline grabber !
The info on the abilities to bring so many years ago bands from the Caribbean like BIG YOUTH AND TABOU COMBO speaks volumes about these men as was indeed bringing Gramax to SUPER BOWL FLORIDA !
The fact of ownership of the most popular club of his generation GREEN LANTERN which was the focus for fledgling bands of the day and the pioneer of a local airline Dominical Airways which gave transportation to local bands etc and of which I HEARD HE REPEATED WITH Dominique AIRWAYS a few years ago as a cargo Airline which DEXIA failed to capitalize on is testimony to being inventive
Gordon too has been in this business continuously for over 40 decades proves resilience of the top draw .
WE bloggers seem unable to divorce politics from social commentary .. how sad we do not embrace our own allowing them to become Exiles
Gordon leading up to the calypso competition do you listen?Many of the calpsonians make major mistakes singing their songs.many artist have writers,so what is your point on Dice although you say he is talented,why dont you write an open letter to the Labour party leader Skerrit and ask him to stop sensoring Dice for singing his songs,this is total communism,speak out on that and also all the thousands of dollars they give to visiting artist and our local artist are left behind to beg,dominica has become a communist country under the leadership if Roosevelt Skerrit.
Read what the man said re Dice again…slowly and try to understand…he is not attacking Dice…if don’t understand, ask someone to explain…
The point about DICE is totally misrepresented. Gordon, did give DICE his credits. What is true,,whether you believe it or not, DICE is being used by others with their own perspective on politics in Dominica. Even with his most brilliant deliveries on stage, do you know how many other countries can recognize the DICE for his songs? Not because he cannot measure up (stage performance) with the best out there if given a real opportunity. The fact remains, what materials does she have to appeal to a regional, much more an international audience. You really think, the audience in Guadeloupe and or Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad etc. want to hear about what Pat thinks of the government of Dominica? that is the point we must consider. DICE too.
Well written article. Too often we think of immediate needs or wishes and not the strategic intent of this business. Indeed entertainment should be considered in the broader context of not just culture but education and the economy and sustainability. We need to have more serious engagement from a wide cross sectiion of stake holders. Undoubtedly Gordon as a pioneer and strategic thinker can add great value and real leaders should have the vision to appreciate the solid points in the article. The technocrats too must have the intestinal fortitude to take such a discussion to a much higher level and make it part of a serious workshop towards a report of solid recommendations that hopefully the government can sign up on. In terms of a policy. Of course the government can’t do everything but can certainly set an enabling environment. Let’s put politics aside and praise this article for very relevant points to ponder and hopefully something we can start a conversation around.
I read your article with great enthusiasm, but was disappointed in its substance, particularly when you mentioned creating a Creole Ministry in order to advance our music so it can become a viable economic engine in Dominica. Well, for starters, I personally can’t remember – and certainly never heard of – a Musical Department in government, or Music Czar in the North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, or for that matter anywhere else in the world, much less Dominica. What we need is proper training in all areas of music; professional playing, creation, production, and management.
First, we should begin teaching music in secondary school as part of the school curriculum, that way we will create more professional musicians who can dabble into any genre of music they choose. Second, it is not prudent for a musician to handle the business end when it comes to professional management. You are either a professional musician or a business/entrepreneur – Clive Davis is the man behind the business, Alicia Keys is the talent, nuff said.
We already have a fantastic Cultural Department/Division that did an excellent job under Raymond Lawrence and the rest of his staff, which continues to do a great job considering the resources that they have to put up with. What they need is more financial collateral, their own building and more staff, so events like our Independence activities, WCMF, CITP, NCCU cadence lypso competition will all fall under their jurisdiction.
You have to agree that our standard of music ability is mediocre at best. I listen to the recent WCMF performers, and for the life of me, I can’t seem to grasp why, when it’s a Dominican band performing, the quality of music deteriorates tremendously. Why is that? Another thing that gripes me is that our musicians (something they learnt for you) will start playing some great R&B theme song intro or classical music piece and then merge that sound into a cadence music that has absolutely nothing to do with the previous piece. Is that a way of saying to the listening audience ”Hey, guess what? I can play this fancy genre of music, but instead I am going to play Rosita” – which, by the way, is a very good composition on its own. What’s the point in all this showmanship?
I agree with you that the WCMF should not be solely dependent on entrance fees. I concur with all your suggestions and recommendations. It would be remiss of me not to mention or remind you how you got your band started through the sweat and personal sacrifice of your dearly departed friend Eddie Wilson – may his soul rest in peace.
That’s precisely his point. He got a good start from his friend Eddie so he want’s others to get the same type of start. Give the man the support he needs to move us to the next century. Thanks Gordon!
So you saw in the article that the man asks for a Creole Ministry?….It’s a long article, so read again slowly…
Seriously u r confusing. Trying to be balanced, yet so bias. It’s clear you’ve got some issues with the legend. Really what’s the point of dropping Eddie Wilson’s name at the end…how does it fit into all of this? Btw. I recommend you read over and get your points verified. All of them.
Start the teaching of music at primary school level. Kids are more responsive. Granted, it can be challenging. However there are too many distractions at secondary level. Start them early by the time they get to secondary level it’s plain sailing from there.
He has a point. The musicians are left to their own accords and any international exposure is only appealing to the diaspora. Their needs to be an infusion of quality and professionalism in music the industry in Dominica to be taken seriously outside our own local and diaspora consumption.
Just my two cents..
Gorden, has lost all credibility. He is nothing more than an political activist for Lennox. His legacy is quickly becoming one of a political activist. Hopefully, he will focus on his art and present himself as the cadance king he once was. Until then he will continue to look in from the outside. He behaves like someone who did not get what he wanted so like the thompsons and Claytons of dominica is pissed with the Skerrit and on a mission to put in the uwp so he can run things. Well, they have all failed and so will he. I say too little too late so he should stay where he is and campaign for the uwp. He has crossed the line and now a fultime political activist. Gorden has changed and we do not need another outside politician. Like his leader said to Steinburg Henry, come home and stop pretending to love your country. Until such time, he will remain a talking head on a French radio station.
He would have maintained his credibility if he had told you that Skerrit is a prophet…intelligent people are reading
Intelligent and honest discussion and engagement must be a crucial part of our development plan and Grdon you have been promoting that for a long tie. Nw we see a few people posting comment aimed at destroying the messenger simply because they cannot deal with the message. The idiot who s part of the bilking of our country resources ad part of the operation that seek to keep people poor , ignorant and dependent on a few made analogy of ball , bat and cricket ,well or does nt ave to think too deep to know who this idiot is. One day it will all come to an end and that includes sexual abuse of young women for the promise of government assistance.
The way I chose to contribute to Grdon’s suggestion is by lamenting the fact we are almost at the fail state status simply because too much tie and effort has gone into destroying truth and reality and creating fake pictures ,covering up lies , fabricating lies and pooling wool over the eye of the unsuspecting. The smoke and mirrors show one thing but in reality our country has been on its way to hell in an old asked.
The music industry is definitely not exempted from the alese and destruction created by the distortion artists operating as authority in Dominica. After 18 years of the WCMF our music production has not grown at all and Thereis nothing that I could add to what Gordon has already said. Anyone who understands music and the industry and prepared to have an honest discussion cannot disagree with Gordon. In fact we should neglect the politcal party connection and embrace Gordon’s ideas and suggestion- Gorn s proposing we ideas cause after all what we ave been doing for many years is obviously not working. Our artists still think that coming on stage , removing their shirts to show ff more fat tan muscles , singing dischordantly , crapy lyrics, terrible musicianship essentially mre noise than pleasurable listening and a bunch of guys on stage with microphones in their and basically being useless. Year after year we seen Tabou Combo, Kassav et and these bands have been places do we see from these bands guys on stage removing their shirts, running around sounding dischordant. N way we see professionalism and the magnificientbdelivery and performance.
So if we think that the square peg in round hole approach and political convenience is going to get us somewhere well just look around Loki who is heading our ministres of sports and culture. Yeh peope who have no understanding of te ubject atter. Look who thinks that he is the only one capable of angling our country finance system- an unaccomplished school teacher with no background in finance, economics , nt even accounting. The list goes on. But then why mst I say those things when I might just be ask to tae my ball and bat and go away while the distortionists tae their game to Langkawi and Borne.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
DLP has no time for jokers too focus taking dominica forward
For a local pioneer to sit and write such a long article , he should be given much credit. A lot of thought went into writing it and that is his advice, whether one agrees with it or not we should continue to push and promote our music. Unfortunately the youth are too young to remember and do not hear enough of it today just as the older generation is bombarded with the present music . We should find a way to strike a balance. Long live ‘Creole music’ .
Amen yo that
Gordon some day some thing will be name after you in Dominica. You are worthy.
Correction
http://yeah.paleo.ch
montreuxjazzfestival.com
Gordon Henderson has over 4 decades in the music business and has earned his rights to speak on the Dominica genre of music which has evolved over that time .
I recall being associated with the music evolution as the principal owner of the GREEN LANTERN CLUB where Bands of the day were show cased ..Home to SWINGING STARS — GAYLORDS POWER MOVEMENT BELLES COMBO DIAMONDS etc
As a manager of LIQUID ICE the band of Tony Valmont and associated with Gaylord power movement at the inception with HUGH PINARD and Alvin Knight and DENIS Joseph who brought the Band to international audiences . Seeking talented Dominicans we held shows at the cinema …
The bands of the day Mantra of my close associate Anison Rabess , Black Affairs, EXILE ONE, Gramax and Liquid Ice ventured out to the French Antilles
It is interesting that in ST Lucia this month as they sought their creole identity that BELLES combo was reincarnated as well as MIDNIGHT GROOVERS ..Dominica,s most popular band in st Lucia bring showcased there .
It is worth mentioning that my close family friend and now deceased JEFF JO was given his first trip with his entire band GRAMAX to Guadeloupe on my AIRLINE’ Dominica Airways’ which too transported Swinging stars on tour tour..Jeff was given a return ticket for the group to meet the immigration and customs requirements and the rest is history with THE DEBBS STUDIO in Guadeloupe which they all had to grapple with .
Later on GRAMAX was sent to perform all expenses paid by my Government through arrangements with the Florida Governor of the day ..performing to the largest audience by any band from Dominica.
Gordon was made MANAGER of DBS during my term in office and we successfully brought at BALA PARK in GRAND BAY -BIG YOUTH- to perform .
WE did the same with the Haitian band which first came and is now a regular feature at the Creole Festival -TABOU COMBO..
During my stint as a DIRECTOR OF THE NDC fo10 years under THE FREEDOM PARTY GOVERNMNT and CHAIRMAN UNDER THE UWP Government Gordon and I were involved with strategic ideas .
One of which gave birth to Q95 RADIO which was initiated when Gordon arranged for me to connect with and negotiate with his friend in Paris for a radio station which was in STORAGE that I connected with DENIS JOSEPH who had a license in that regard …the radio station equipment arrived and SHERIDAN GREGOIRE as GM of NDC became involved ..The process of control resulted in that all persons being set aside for the present ownership of Q95.
Indeed the birth of the CREOLE FESTIVAL HAVE SEVERAL FATHERS ,GOD FATHERS ,NENEN AMD COMPERE but the truth which cannot be denied is that the idea germinated during my Chairmanship of the NDC IN 1995 as the official rep of the DHTA of which I was a founder member and long serving PRO and director and began in 1996.
The intention then was coordinated by the then GM STANLEY GEORGES -now deceased- with the concept being then of a CADENCE FESTIVAL
A committee was appointed by the NDC to come up with ideas for the festival of which GORDON HENDERSON FREDDIE NICHOLAS ,DENIS JOSEPH etc were named and SOBERS ESPRIT as secretary
The committee struck down CADENCE in favour of CREOLE and the name WORLD I understand as CHAIRMAN was offered by Michael Fagan of the Bello Company who later came in the subcommittee .
\The thought was that cadence was too narrow and thus CREOLE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING
Toulon was the first appointment made to head the Festival but was in no way the initiator .
We do have a tendency in Dominica to create our own history DEVOID OF FACTS OR INFORMATION
.Gordon and others did report to the board their findings through the subcommittee which we sent to the CABINET OF THE UWP government for their endorsement and approval of the budget for the 1st festival ..WHICH THEY DID!
Among the members of that NDC board were Gabriel of coco cola , Athie Martin,Colin Bully ,Winston Warrington ,Sheridan Gregoire , Pascal and the present candidate of Castle Bruce -Baptiste .
Gordon did also assist me personally in having possibly the then 1st 45 record done by a Dominican calypsonian – Mighty Lily “LEAD THE WAY BROTHER OJ ” which was done with the BAND -SPARRROW TRUBODOURS IN TRINIDAD.
I am pleased that his fervor for the art form continues and wish him well in his pursuits .
OJ, You forgot me man. But no problems. I was one of the 4 persons with the others you mentioned who held the first meeting in the board room of the NDC in August of 1995 to discuss the Cadence Festival. I was also the person who suggested that we should call the event the “Creole Music Festival” in order to broaden its scope and make it less parochial. Some readers might remember that the very first festival was filmed by RFO, the French Government owned TV company. Gordon was the person who got them to agree to come to Dominica with some personnel traveling from as far as Tahiti – a venture which cost them more than EC$400,000.00.
We might also remember that WLIB from New York was a regular sponsor and partner of the festival in its early days. This again was the work of Gordon at some personal financial cost to himself. Gordon has earned every right to speak out on music matters in Dominica.
Very informative
I am a Dominican leaving in Switzerland and I would love to help the DA musicians in any way I can. there are so many opportunities for Dominican Artists. the Montreux Jazz Festival. the Paleo Festival etc. please let me know how can someone in Switzerland help to promote the Dominican Artists in Switzerland. We can already sign up DA Musicians for the above mentioned festivals for next year, depending on the genre of music as this is the criteria for the Paleo festival. . Every year the subject of music – Musicians are different. but I am sure there is an opportunity for Dominica. http://www.paleofestival.ch. http://www.montreuxjazzfestival.ch
Gordon your style of music is dead …cadence Lypso….nice to seat and think when u are not relevant no more…
The man has said over and over again that his music ruled…and times have changed, just like everything change is a must…
Thank you Mr. Henderson for you great contribution to our Dominican music. I am not sure why you addressed this letter to our Honourable Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt and the leader of the opposition party Mr. Lennox Linton. Are you suggesting that our government is not doing enough to promote our local music? I agree that the government should play their part but the musicians are the ones who should lead the charge of promoting their own music, that is if they are serious. We must be very careful that we do not let party politics creep into our art form as I suspect is beginning to happen. Once again Mr. Henderson thank you for your great contributions .
..and I suspect will be in moderation for a long time to come. As election approaches the same nonsense all over again pertinent comments stay in moderation indefinitely and some never see the light of day. Happy politicking!
waw. perfect
True words Mr Henderson.Dominica have talent but it needs marketing>And bringing in foreign bands paying them three times as much as the local acts is not marketing.Note:these bands we pay big money to come here,none of our bands get invited to their country.So how is that helping our economy again?So many good bands overseas with dominican origin,some of them been begging to perform in creole fest for years.We should promote our own,let us make ourselves marketable.
I see that some people complain and critizise when they are not involve money is an atraction to all. Sir stop being a hypocrite.
Even an open letter addressed to two men is interpreted as a threat to the supporters of one of them….Open letters open eyes: And see who is angry and why?
Gordon boy, if you feel you own the musical bat and ball in Dominica, take your bat and ball and go at your home. We, the young and the contented musicians of Dominica will fashion out own bat and ball, hone our own wickets and play the best musical matches EVER!! You got that?
Good luck…
Gordon who you fooling? Be above board and say what you mean; “Give UWP a chance.” And the answer is a straight NO!!!
MR. LENNOX LINTON ESQ ???
Do you Colonel Patrick John?
Is Lennox Linton a member of the British gentry? If not, when did did Lennox Linton become a lawyer?
Definition of Esquire – a form of address showing that someone is an attorney, usually written Albert Pettifog, Esquire, or simply Esq. Originally in England an Esquire was a rank above just “gentleman” and below “knight.” It became a title for barristers, sheriffs, and judges.
Are we now conferring titles like Colonel, Esq etc to camouflage Mr. Linton’s lack of education or accomplishments?
LOL that one burn you
Esquire (British English: /ɪˈskwaɪə/;[1] American English: /ˈɛsˌkwaɪr/, /ɛˈskwaɪr/ or /ɪˈskwaɪr/;[2] abbreviated Esq.)[3] is a courtesy title used in the United States largely for lawyers, and in the United Kingdom as a courtesy for any male, mostly in correspondence,
Wow we are so blinded by our ignorance!
And your point is what?
Wow an earful but I think you are on cue. Dominicans need to keep our culture alive and YES it will require all of us both young and old.
Brilliantly written, with much food for thought as well as collective action by all involved in music in Dominica.
Unfortunately Gordon Skerrit is scared t debate and even if you put the questions out in the open he does not answer question unless it is the pampered questions by Kurtis Mathew,Karmala , Kiesha etc.
Bravo Gordon someone had to step up very informative material music is a joke in Dominica look at the problems this year with WCMF. We have local bands at home and in the diaspora what do they to turn a blind eye. The members on the DFC committee don’t care about developing music or taking it to a higher standard, as you rightly said the should be a Ministry only for music with some one with your caliber at the head.
Strange!
Thats’ what was discuss when you all met in Paris?
I was following until a few paragraphs too long. Short amd sweet is much better. After a 150 paragraphs, it is no longer an open letter but a manifesto. In essence, Mr. Henderson wants music to become an integral part of the cultural market.
Smh
If he had said it as succinctly as you did, you would ask for solutions….just can’t satisfy some of you…
Well said Mr. Henderson.
Like most things in Dominica, our government and indeed future leaders need to consider what our comparable advantages culturally, as a people and indeed as a country are to fully maximise our true potential. We need objectives… Multiple objectives. Those for the short term, those for the not too distant future and the long term goals that will be sustained by the former.
Too much effort is spend trying to be like other countries in the region or internationally without considering really who we are as a people and a country. Our development goals should be based on us, on our potential and not on what our neighbours has or where they were at some point in the past.
Dominica is a gem. She is a child that must be shaped in such a way to afford the mistakes of our neighbours and grow together as a people without forgetting who we are. Enough political rhetoric and talk. Consider what Dominica really offers to its people, the Caribbean region and the world at large and let us as a people, at home and abroad, work to realise that dream – our dream. And not a reproduction of something that we have seen on the TV or on our travels. Dominica is unique and full of potential, let’s make it happen.
Our music and culture may resonate with others in the region but is definitely ours! Use it as others in the region have to portray who we are. Music is an ambassadorial tool that we must nurture and grow.
Let us stay true to our culture and music, be who we are and bring it home for Dominica.
When is the round table?
I have noticed for a very long time when Dominicans read anything in the news that would or likely to open a forum for gossip the comments are so abundant. But, any topic which creates a forum for positive conversation of great minds, we shy away from it.
Thank you Mr. Gordon Henderson. It is only sad that we may not re enter the realm of the music we enjoyed during the days of Exile one Gramacks and the other great bands Dominicans have enjoyed. The political leaders must reserve a chapter in the Dominican culture for creative music. We have taken our musicians for granted and for much too long. Thanks to all the musicians. (Big up to Nasio) Thank you to all the musicians for the love. Music is peace & love is strength.
Well said Gordon, couldn’t have said it better.
Of course you could not have said it better. This is writing at the highest levell, and it would be extremely difficult to replicate this.
Happy to read such unbiased and grammatically correct English! Alas, this is a very scarce commodity as evidenced by the comments on DNO, including addresses from our beloved politicians.
Panda you’ve hit the proverbial nail on the head I could never have articulated my thoughts is such an eloquaint manner.
I would like to ask Dominicans ‘What is our ethnicity?”
The answer is :We are Creole People
not African nor Amerindian or European but a mix of all of the above and that makes us Creole so Mr. Henderson is really talking about Misik a nous (Our Music)
So so many big words to say nothing!!!
Sorry if you don’t have a good vocabulary buddy! That’s exactly what Mr. Henderson is talking about, education!
Why is it that we are always looking to belong to some other ethnic group besides African? Do you know that there is only one race of people and that’s the African race? Africans were the first people who inhabited the earth. Africans traveled to all the continents before the Europeans came on the scene. Therefore all other ethnic groups descended from Africa. There is a brother called Ronoko Rashidi, who studies the indigenous people of all the continents and in his studies he has found out that Africans were the first people of all the continents. When some Africans left Africa and migrated to the Caucaus mountains they became de-melanated (melanin is what gives us our dark colour.) That’s why we should be proud of our dark skin. When someone is very dark we tend to say that that person is ugly but that is due to a lack of knowledge and ignorance. Caucasians want to be like us but the sun is against them. The darker one is the more melanin that’s present. Due to the thousands of years that the Caucasians spent in the ice they became depigmented because of a lack of sunshine.
Recommended readings: “The Iceman Inheritance (Prehistoric Sources of Western Man’s Racism, Sexism and Agression) by Michael Bradley, “Children of The Ice Age,” by Steven M. Stanley. “They Came Before Columbus,” by Ivan Van Sertima.
We must emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, according to our brother, Bob Marley. The question remains, are we willing to change? We have been ashamed of Africa because of what we have been taught and because of how the Europeans have portrayed Africa to us but they continue to reap the resources of Africa continuously.
It is high time that we come to our senses. WE ARE AFRICANS.
ONE LOVE
I hear you man, but some of us in DA are not ready for that kinda of tail… Trust me on that score
When I look around, we look and sound more like Jamaicans than Africans.