Minister of Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs, Catherine Daniel, has called on Dominicans to turn out in large numbers to celebrate the island’s 39th anniversary of Independence on Friday, November 3, despite a shortened program due to the passage of Hurricane Maria.
The celebrations are expected to begin at 8:55 am at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium under the theme, “Building a Bright Future Together.”
Speaking at the daily government press briefing on Tuesday, she said Dominica is not daunted by the ravages of Maria and Dominicans still believe in nation building.
“And so we cannot let 39 years of Independence pass us by because of our situation now,” she stated.
She pointed out that Dominicans are a resilient people and resilience can only be tested or manifested by actions taken.
“And so what better way to show our resilience than to come to this event to participate,” Daniel noted. “On this day let’s show the level of patriotism that we should have, let’s fly our flags. Those of you whose clothes have not been washed away by Maria, who still have our Wob Dwiyet or whatever cultural item you have to show your national pride on that day, please wear it. Come to the stadium with your flag. I invite all of you to be there. This is the way we can showcase how resilient we are.”
She said Dominicans should turn out in large numbers “to bring out the vibrancy to the country.”
“Let’s all of us come together at this time to show that we can build a brighter future together, build a brighter nation together,” Daniel stated.
She also appealed to citizens to use the occasion as a time of reflection.
“Now is the time that the forces of nature have beckoned us to come together, to work together in unity, in strength, in love, in peace and in gratitude to bring back our country to a level where we can all live together happily,” she noted.
The program will include an ecumenical service, a cultural expose, a military parade and guard of honor, an address to the nation by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit,
It is a shame to be having these conversations my people.Let us put politics aside and strive for a better Dominica.Yes everyone should be at the winsor pack to celebrate our country.No one is worshiping the Prime minister.He is the leader for now we all must respect that.God allowed it for such a time as this .Now is the time to build not to tear down.Let us not tear down with our mouths. What ever you say or do let your speech be seasoned with salt so some one can be uplifted. People are hurting and any thing negative said will continue to hurt and not build. If nothing good cannot be said then say nothing. God is watching and will reward according to our deeds. Let us ask God to come into our hearts and our minds. It is time to repent, God is talking in all different ways. Open our hearts and listen so something worse don’t overtakeus
Here we go again playing politics from overseas do you have any idea of the progress Dominica has made since the storm we are always quick to jump ad say PM this and that this is our country lets try to make a
good point a positive one not always negative we must move forward shake our selves off and get together for the better of our country
“And so we cannot let 39 years of Independence pass us by because of our situation now,” she stated
Thanks madam Daniel to confess that we are in a “situation now”. A s*ituation of the most corrupt government in Dominica since independence, a disgrace and corrupt Labour Government. E.O Leblanc must be turning in his grave. A disgrace the worse Prime Minister Dominica has ever seen.
Skerrit must Go…..
That’s the most dumb****** statement coming from one of our so called educated administrators. Madame Minister call it for what it is “Sewo” the tool used by this DLP administration to keep the flock of sheep following the (Punjab PhD) shepherd of doom and gloom. in the face of this estimated mass destruction to our country would it not make economic and morale sense to cancel the entire celebration except for church services and allow the people the decency to recover from the trauma which i’m sure will haunt them for years to come. Then again “we like it so” drown their sorrows in “SEWO”.
And how are these poor oeple to get to the Stadium Catherine, to pay homage to Skerrit? Will the government lay on buses and pay for sustenance so they can listen to his gospel and applaud your Lord and Master?
Tthis is a very cybical attempt by Skerrit to use this disaster to get votes and the adoration he craves. It stinks. Our people have more urgent priorities now. I hope that if they turn up they show him their bodo
What an ignorant Viewpoint !!!!
UK Dominican, PM Skerrit is not craving for attention. It must be that your eyes and mind are closed, and your ears are deaf; PM Skerrit has more attention than you can ever perceive; especially if you cannot see, hear, and accept.