The Government of Dominica will bestow an official funeral to Cultural Icon, Dr. Alwin Bully who passed away on Friday.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit during a press briefing on Monday.
“We recognize him as a national hero who made an invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of our arts and culture,” Skerrit said. “To honour his proud legacy the government of Dominica will bestow an official funeral, recognizing his contribution to our country.”
He continued, “And this was offered to his wife and she has graciously accepted.”
The Prime Minister said all flags will be flown at half-staff for two days.
“That is the day immediately preceding his burial and the day of his burial,” he stated.
He described the late Dr. Alwin Bully as an exemplary citizen, a kind and gentle soul who demonstrated profound love and commitment for Dominica, its people, and culture.
“Through his work as a cultural administrator both in Dominica and in the region he helped engender a deep appreciation for our customs and traditions,” The Prime Minister noted. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The late Dr. Alwin Bully was the designer of Dominica’s national flag and was bestowed the Sisserou Award of Honor, the island’s second-highest honor, for his work.
Dr. Bully was also a famed playwright, director, graphic artist, set designer, poet and short story writer, carnival designer, and composer.
Some of his many awards and recognition include:
-National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2007 Cacique Award for Regional Theatre
-Induction into Jamaica’s Culture for Development Hall of Fame
-The University of Technology’s (in Jamaica) 2006 Arts Award
-The LIME Creole Lifetime Award for contribution to arts and culture in Dominica and the region
-University of the West Indies (UWI) Alumni Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution to culture in Dominica and the Caribbean
– A degree of Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa from UWI for his contribution to Caribbean society in the field of culture and arts.
Man, you are simply impossible. You really think a state funeral is such an honour. Is not Skerrit that pays for it out of his own pocket but he gets credited with being such a caring and good guy. Not for the dead person you know, because that person cannot comment or say anything but the family have to be grateful to the the state = Skerrit. Would you want that Mr. chief kaka, I think DS. could well be the English abbreviation for our patois equivalent, not so?
Yes ds,did you notice the usual failed UWP political as hole call Dr.Alwin Bully doctor with an honorary doctorate? Dr.Roosevelt Skerrit has an honorary doctor just like Dr.Alwin Bully and the jealous,crooks and traitors refuse to refere to Skerrit as doctor.
I hope these politicians respect protocol, and show up for the official funeral. Dr Bully did allot more for Dominica, and deserve a good send off from a greatful nation, he gave us a flag, that truly capture our country, as it really is. Thank you sir. May the good Angels welcome you into paradise .
Hmmm, what if his family says politely “Thank you but no, we can take care of this ourselves”. Which they would be entitled to do. It would be more dignified and legacy and save the family the awkwardness of having to express gratitude to the state. Alvin’s legacy supersedes all that.
How very generous of the dictator.
An official funeral? Why not a State funeral? Is State funerals only for serving politicians? If so then we must change that law! A lot more derservingly great Dominicans than some of these self-enriching politicians!
grants? Sounds like someone had to ask or apply for it. Maybe its the wording that’s getting to me. Again its not what you say but how you say it. Maybe something like, The Government of Dominica will honor Dr. Alwin Bully with a state funeral.” or “Dr. Bully will be laid to rest with an official state funeral”
Make it sound decent.
Don’t be another as.hole, your …. That is all I have to say to you. Rest assured you will not be GRANTED one.