Various church denominations on island have come together under one umbrella to host a gospel festival which will raise funds for schools affected by Tropical Storm Erika.
The Unity Praise Festival will take place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on November 28.
Dominica’s Lady of Song, Ophelia Marie, Michelle Henderson, T’Orkest, Elijah Benoit, among others will headline the event. Regional artistes such as Richardson “Mr Fearless” Stanisclavs of Grenada, Joel Prince “JPrince” of Trinidad and Sherwin Gardner and the Ignite Band of Antigua, will also perform.
Member of Unity Praise Committee, Natalie Joseph, said at a press conference held at the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) office on Wednesday that the festival was organized to support schools affected by Tropical Storm Erika.
“Apart from primarily praising and worshiping God, we have decided to have the proceeds of that be directed to the schools that have been affected after Erika,” Joseph said. “We have come to know that there are a few schools that are currently totally out of commission and the students have been placed in other institutions to assist in that situation. We figured that is a worthy enough cause to direct the proceeds.”
According to her the committee has been working closely with the Ministry of Education, “so that at the end of the activity we can identify the schools most in need that we can give those funds to.”
She revealed five schools have been selected vend in the food court during the event.
Meantime another committee member of Unity Praise, Charlene White- Christian, warned that vending is closed to the general public in the stadium.
“Seeing that it is going to be that school that will be vending at the concert, vending is closed to the public in the stadium,” she stated.
White-Christian also sent a plea to school principals to encouraged as many students as possible to attend the concert, “because the more persons who attend the more funds that will be collected to assist our schools.”
She believes it is a good venture because students will get into the habit of praise and worship and they also get a chance to experience what it is when persons come together for a cause.
At least 22 local persons from various denominations will participate in the event with performance by Nicole Christian, dance groups, drama groups, and steel pan.
Tickets for the event cost $20 for adults and $10 for children and will be available next week at the DFC office in Roseau and CLC Bookstore.
The festival is scheduled to begin from 4:00 pm and will end at midnight.
@I4dat….. Dominica’s Lady of Song, Ophelia Marie, Michelle Henderson, T’Orkest, Elijah Benoit, among others will ”
headline 
” the event. Regional artistes such as Richardson “Mr Fearless” Stanisclavs of Grenada, Joel Prince “JPrince” of Trinidad and Sherwin Gardner and the Ignite Band of Antigua, will also perform. smh
the gospel artists are there just because they say is praise and worship but they have not been headlined. I think the others headlined just to make people secular persons come to the show.
It is a good cause but it is too mixed up.
I like to know why is T’Orkest, Elijah benoit, Michele Henderson Ophelia Marie are the headline of the concert, what happen to our gospel artist they cud not headline the show,,, ? I kno the if the secular band were hostin this show gospel bands and artist wud NEVER headline their show , it time we take our rightful place as Christian meanin [born again water baptize], in this world .
]
Very good effort. However, ending at Midnight with students???????? 9:00pm is more satisfactory. It is not the length of time, but the content and quality.
the gospel artists are there just because they say is praise and worship but they have not been headlined. I think the others headlined just to make people secular persons come to the show.
It is a good cause but it is too mixed up.
I agree…..these ppl have other things on their minds…saying one thing and doing otherwise. are you sure the effort is for school children.
Are the external artists gospel?
Its Sad that its called Unity Praise “Gospel” Concert, when non of our “local” gospel artist were mentioned except one in this article,very sad that not even in ads i hear there songs, and they will be ministering at the same concert which is advertising and i know they have sounds cause i have just type there names and found their songs,truthfully i go to concerts not only if there is a foreign artist but all the time and 80% of concerts that happen in Dominica don’t usually have a foreign artist i just think we need to arise and shine light where its needed and help our Dominica born gospel artist spread their wings… just my two cents.
@disappointing…
As you may very well appreciate, all of the Gospel Artists on Dominica cannot be on the line up. Additionally, persons who are on are those who have not only come forward but have showed unwavering interest in MINISTRY! This is about Ministering in song and praising God and not about a showcase. We are going to be praising God and worshipping Him in song, drama and dance and will do just that on 28 November 2015.
No need to spread hate or negative vibes. This is not for us, this is for the Lord. So if you didn’t see someone on there that you would like, maybe next time. But please, this is not the time to spread your negative two cents.
@ Disappointing
Some of the local Ministers are as follows:
Janae Jackson, God Sent, Brotherz of Destiny, Sernel Florent, Quahal Yahweh Youth Choir, Hilltop Singers, Sanctified, Divine Echo, Dance Groups and Drama Groups from various group
God is pleased when Christians come together to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. And He is pleased when people do something practical to help others, especially to assist those who have been hurt and disadvantaged.
This looks like an amazing evening of godly entertainment that can be enjoyed by all who love the name of Jesus. A lot of work is involved in the putting together this presentation and offering it to the public. This will not go unnoticed. by our Father in heaven!
If I was on the island I I would love to attend if the way was open for me to go.
God bless all you good people!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
The organizers of this event must be very careful with what they are doing.
This message by Bishop Iona Locke – Praise Ye The Lord is very timely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL9a7eYDiTI