Loud cheers resonated through the tranquil community of Loubiere on Thursday evening as residents opened the community’s 2014 Reunion with an ecumenical service and a spirited ceremony.
With two reunion songs penned by two of the residents themselves, “Loubierians” as they referred to themselves, danced and sang loudly as they reminisced on what made their community unique and extra special.
Speaking to the residents at Thursday’s opening ceremony, held at the Loubiere Resource Center, chairman of the Reunion Committee, Ronald Charles, said that there is more to Loubiere than what meets the eye.
“What we have going forward over the next ten days is the excitement of an otherwise sleeping community awakened to the reality that Loubiere has played and continue to play, perhaps second to none, a most important role in Dominica’s development,” he said.
According to him, the objectives of the reunion include reuniting ‘Loubierians’ locally and in the diaspora, to highlight the contribution of Loubiere to national development, to recognize those who contributed to Loubiere’s development, to instill a sense of pride and belonging in the community, to stimulate economic activity and to foster unity and understanding among residents.
He encouraged everyone to participate in the Reunion.
“The reunion is designed for you,” he stated. “There is more to Loubiere than what meets the eye. Loubiere has a proud history of national development, what therefore is your contribution to the development of Loubiere?”
Ambrose George, Member of Parliament for the Roseau South Constituency, which includes Loubriere, told the opening ceremony that a lot has happened in the community since he took up office 14 years ago.
“There is a lot to celebrate,” he noted. “When we look back and celebrate, we have to look back at our achievements and I must say as the Parliamentary Representative for the past 14 years, much has happened in the Loubiere area.”
George pointed to the Loubiere Resource Center, construction of sidewalks, development of Leopoldville community and the reconstruction of La Lay Coco Road as some of the areas of development in the community.
He noted that despite these improvements there is still much to be done in the community.
A Miss Loubiere Reunion pageant scheduled for July 25th, a hike along the Waitukubuli National trail, a heritage exhibition, football match, clash of the DJs are some of the activities slated for the 2014 Loubiere reunion.
The Reunion runs from July 24 to August 4.
Loubiere reunion is just a labour manifestation in disguise. What a pity.
Those so-called re-unions is just a waste of time, the usual rhetoric, division, and partisan politics. The people won’t see reality, they see what they want to see through a peep hole. I passed through the community on the week-end, there was no sign of anything taking place, what was the re-union about really? Talk? That’s it? Like one perspon said talk as usual and a waste of time. The Parl Rep as usual trying to sugar coat bitterness.
Dear disappointed. Perhaps you could use the time to evaluate yourself and ask what can I contribute during this time of motivating unity among the community. Stop sulking ok. There has been activities to promote the reunion- and it has been publicized via many communication channels as to the various activities and venues which will be held. The village was alive with activities from Thursday, and will be during this week and early into next week. Keep yourself informed, the facts are there. There are so many people who have worked hard towards the reunion activities and it can be really hurtful when all their hard work is brought down – just as you are doing. Either you join in and enjoy yourself – work in solidarity or the next best thing – keep quiet and out of sight if you cannot be positive.
And to all of you who criticize negatively – reunion activities are not about “sewo”, we have to look towards community building irregardless of our personal views, and allegiances and work by extension towards nation building. The reunion committee and village councilors work tirelessly towards involving the community in developmental activities, but we, the community have to do our part. We really do have to make a better effort. We all have to examine our attitudes. Be positive. Think outside the box. It is time to grow up. Ok. To the reunion committee – a big thank for an excellent job. Often what we do is “thankless” but remember many of us do appreciate the sacrifices you continue to make. Be encouraged from Father Hill’s sermon on Sunday.
what a total waste of a reunion.can you imagine that the organizers are neglecting persons and groups from the same area? what a shame.
Daggers. This is very untrue. If you do not want to be involved – just keep quiet. Slavery was the result of our ancestors bringing down and selling each other to slavery. August is the month when the anniversary of emancipation of slavery is celebrated. Do you want your emancipative rights to be stripped from you. No? Pause. Then take some quiet time to reflect on your attitude. The biggest problem with us as a people is our negativity and love of bringing our brothers and sisters down. I declare – the change – positive change comes within each one of us. So take some quiet time. And think. Ask yourself? What can I do to improve myself? My neighbor? My environment? My community? How can I start? Think about it.
Hopefully, these reunions should contribute to cooperation among the community, helping them to work closer together for the betterment of the community and residents and that crimes will be decreased or eliminated.
Pertaining to politics, there will always be divisions. Those who support different Parties should keep in mind, people are free to support whichever Party they so wish and they are free to agree or disagree, hopefully amicably.
There are some who get angry with others when they are aware they support a different Party They will also make derogatory comments. This is putting it mildly. They should learn to communicate and discuss their issues but comprehend that they will never be able to agree on certain issues. After all is said and done, they should smile and shake hands, so-to-speak.
Life is a two-way street. Some members of humanity have not yet conquered that part of human relationship. If only everyone would practice this, what a wonderful world it would be; a wonderful and peaceful D/ca with happy nationals who can get along with each other and live in harmony. It would be a great thing, also on this Website.
loubiere re union boring
Dear “Don’t know”. Didn’t you know of the listing of reunion activities before?. It was advertised all over – didn’t you know??? Did you volunteer to assist?
What have you contributed? Did you offer to help? You are not sure? You don’t know? Do you know how you sound off? You are not sure?
Dear “don’t know”. Permit me to share a verse of a song I learnt at school (Convent Prep) with you, with the Loubiere community, with Dominica and to remind me when I am tempted to sound like you do.
“If you can’t say something nice…. Shhhh. Say nothing. Take a bit of good advice…… Shhhhh… Say nothing. Think of something good to say, that’s the path follow. If you think it over twice, close your lips and swallow. When you think it over twice, and still can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all. Shhhhhhh”.
Whenever l hear politicians trying to insult people intelligence i must comment. Would imagine what mr. George is counting as development after fourteen (14) years in the loubiere community? Shame on you sir and your party. Moreover, have you assessed the impact that the develpment you spoke of has created on the life of the residence? Sir, how long? Not too long. Change soon come. I hope you all heard Angelo with the statement of defendant number five.
So proud of my community for its first ever reunion. The opening was fantastic. Congrats Loubiere!!!! Two weeks of activities, fun as well as educational. Welcome home to all my Loubierians!!!! It is so nice to see some faces I have not seen in sooo long. I pray for a successful and wonderful reunion.
Danna. I totally agree. Hats off to the various reunion committees. Their dedication and commitment are exemplary.
And it is so wonderful to see our people who returned home. People whom we grew up with, and knew the value of togetherness. Life is not perfect but seeing familiar faces brings back some really good memories. For this we should be thankful. As a community, we should remember that life is a journey – we are just passing through. We have lost some wonderful people over the years – who thought us that “less materially but more love and togetherness” is a gem beyond compare. Giving thanks – because there is still hope for us as a people.
All these reunions become catch a vote.
To Princess:
“If you can’t say something nice…. Shhhh. Say nothing. Take a bit of good advice…… Shhhhh… Say nothing. Think of something good to say, that’s the path follow. If you think it over twice, close your lips and swallow. When you think it over twice, and still can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all. Shhhhhhh”.
Anonymous how u gonna talk about re-uniting and no segregation but your name is anonymous,a joke dat man, skerrit dat send u.
Wrong move with politicians in the mix- this becomes too contaminated and makes it a political rally.
Part of the “much to be done” is to re-unite the community. Too much segregation of the community through partisan politics that suggest you are not considered for anything if you are perceived to be a non government supporter. Words are cheap; where is the evidence of the much that has been done in Loubiere?
I am in agreement with you.
I know better I am from loubiere..
This requires broadmindedness and consideration for others. Some may have to be taught how to get along with others despite their political preference. If they are practicing Christians, they should know this, for their good, the good of others and their community.
It is so simple how to get along with people especially if you do not reside with them. It could be done but some people, no matter what and especially where politics is concerned, make life difficult for others..
dno where is grandbay piece on their reunion,they are celebrating also.