Dominicans residing in the British Virgin Islands, who are unable to return home for the Independence celebrations, will not have a reason to fiddle their thumbs in despair.
That’s because, Chef at Island Sizzle in Baugher’s Bay, Tortola, Dominican, Gracie Sandy Eusebe, has single-handedly planned a weekend of activities, commencing today, Friday 28th October 2016, at her workplace, with a Taste of Dominica, to coincide with Joune Kweyol back home.
Eusebe first planned the event in 2014 and this year it is being held under the name: Friends of Dominica.
According to her, activities are to provide an avenue for those who, for one reason or the other, were unable to fly home for Independence.
She aims to create a Dominican atmosphere with the assistance of three DJ’s and a band with ties to the Nature Isle, pelting tune after tune to serenade patrons while they relish the various aspects of Dominican cuisine expertly prepared by her and at the same time, reconnect with old friends and making new ones.
“I did the first time in 2014 but I wasn’t there last year so I didn’t keep it, so I decided this year, let me do something,” she said. “Just a little something to make those that didn’t go home to feel the little Dominica vibes.”
Eusebe is also hoping that the old flames of the Dominica Association, that was once in full swing in the BVI, will be rekindled.
Activities
The action will speed into high gear from 12:00 noon on Friday with Dominican foods such as Pelau, Breadfruit and Cod fish, Souse, Calaloo, to name a few.
From 5 pm, the Island Sizzle will move into the partying mode with a happy hour together with musical entertainment by DJ Zero Tolerance, DJ Shawn, and Lexus.
On Saturday, 2 Smooth Band will grace the stage along with DJ Alie and DJ Zeco.
When the clock hits 5 am on Sunday, the official, “Wet Fete Dominican style” will “cool things down” and bring the curtains down on the weekend of activities.
Dominica celebrates its 38th Independence on 3rd November 2016 and after a one-year hiatus following the severe effect that Tropical Storm Erica on the island, the majority of the events marking the Independence celebrations that were scrapped, are now back in full effect with bells and whistles on such as the Creole In The Park and World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
Beginning tonight, Friday 28th until Sunday 30th, the WCMF will steal the limelight as patrons will be musically enthused with vivacious rhythms from a wide spectrum of musical genres from reggae, Soca, Afro-beat, Haitian Kompa, CadanceLypso and Zouk.
The main acts of this year’s festival comprise of Dominica’s Lady of Song Ophelia, Dominica’s song-bird Michele Henderson, Kreyol La, Dédé St. Prix, Haitian international superstar Wyclef Jean, T-Micky, African pop sensation Akon, Timaya, reggae star Popcaan, Morgan Heritage, Gentleman, Soca group Kes The Band, along with Dominican bands WCK, Triple Kay Global, Original Bouyon Pioneers, Extasy, Breve, Midnight Groovers and Bouyon King and Wet Fete Master AsaBanton.
Great Job!!!! Sandy has always had the ability to just really make things happen. BVI is blessed to have Sandy as a resident… Proud Friend!!!
good job sandy keep it up
Let,s support our own as Jamaican does.
Enjoy guys! We had a Dominican independence dinner this pass weekend in St.Croix. It was great. But no matter what I still wish I was home. Happy independence Dominica!