Culture Minister Gretta Roberts has said after 45 years as an independent state, Dominica’s culture stands proud, and strong, and is still embraced by the public.
Her comments came while addressing the annual Cultural Gala celebrations held at the Botanic Gardens on the weekend.
A number of groups from around the island participated in the event.
“It is indeed heartwarming to note that after 45 years as an independent state, our culture stands proud, strong, and still very much embraced and appreciated by the Dominican public,” she said. “Our love for our country’s tradition and heritage certainly calls for celebration and it falls right into our theme for this year’s independence, Anou Selebwe.”
Roberts continued, “We stand together in response to this call to celebrate, a call that resonates through the hills and valleys of our nation which speaks to the unity of our people, our unbending spirit, and our deep faith in the Almighty who continues to guide our path.”
According to Roberts, as minister for culture, she is filled with pride and enthusiasm, not only today but for all that she has witnessed since the launch of Dominica’s independence celebrations.
Furthermore, she said Dominicans really came together and demonstrated a deep passion and love for their country and have shown that “we are a nation of abundant talent, skillful citizens and boundless potential.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award of the Cultural Division for 2023 was awarded to Rosette Bertrand of the Flamboyant Group from Dublanc
For her contribution to Dominica’s culture, Mrs. Bertrand was awarded the Special Recognition Award in 2009 and the Golden Drum Award in 2020 by the National Cultural Council and the Cultural Division.
The Patriotic Dancers of Grandbay also received an award for their contribution to culture, and The Young Artist Award went to Omar Jno. Baptiste.
Culture, in its true form, has nothing to do with government organised events, but it has everything to do with Dominicans, collectively and individually.
The “Take Our Survey” sadly indicates how we are missing the point.
All these ministers on DNO spewing falsehoods that all their ministries are doing miraculously well. From Roosevelt to the last senator are crowing loudly about the picturesque performance of the government.
Looking around the country, the very conspicuous stark poverty that is seen and the harrowing cries of the people, these ministers’ words and the reality on the ground are polar distances apart.
Poverty, hunger, dispossession, desperation, homelessness and hopelessness are all close companions of 99% of the citizens’ everyday lives.Dominica is on a ruinous path.