New Cultural Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Dominica, Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles recently expressed his sincere joy at receiving the appointment. He made the statement during an interview with State-Owned Radio DBS.
“I am elated and truly humbled by this appointment of cultural ambassadorship,” he said.
“I have dedicated my entire life to my beloved Dominica and this will further motivate me to continue to serve with distinction.”
He continued, “I am eternally grateful to the divine interventor for blessing me with life and the gifts of health, passion, commitment, dedication, and the unwavering patriotism for my beautiful country Dominica.”
According to Charles, this has been a sacrificial journey and expedition where one values contributing to country, over personal preferences, and priorities.
He extended his heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and the Government of Dominica, the enduring confidence pursued by Dr. Damien Dublin, The Waterfront and Allied Workers Union, his family, among others for their resolute support, and the honouring of the memory of the late MP for Grandbay, Edward Registe.
Charles revealed that the late Edward Registe was the first to mention and pursue this appointment before his passing.
“This new chapter I pledged to continue to be a shepherd for the Creole culture, arts, and entertainment in Dominica,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Charles said during his tenure as cultural ambassador he intends to initiate a closer relationship with the Francophonie partners to possibly initiate a federation of Creole cultures to include, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, Haiti, Louisiana, Seychelles, Mauritius and Dominica, “with the main purpose of this federation to share commonalities of ideas, the strengthening of our Creole bond, cultural exchanges, Creole language and development, educational opportunities.”
He mentioned also the intention to further use the Creole Heartbeat movement to assist the Cultural Division, the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC), Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), The Ministry of Tourism, and other cultural and tourism entities, “In the promotion of our beautiful country to provide some level of consultancy, to national celebration such as independence, The World Creole Music Festival, Jazz n’ Creole, Carnival, African Day Celebrations, DOMFESTA, Emancipation and other major national occasions and events to continue the thrust to push the Creole language, to work with KEK to enhance the Creole language policy to formalize the language in schools and in parliament.”
“Also to initiate Creole language workshops, to formalize and continue the Creole Heartbeat magazine and to initiate the Creole Cultural Television, the French sporting assistance and exchanges, a push for Heroes Day in Dominica,” Charles noted.
He added, “I have a special passion for the elderly, so to continue with the Council on Ageing in that respect. These are some of the initial ideas that I would love to implement during my tenure as Cultural Ambassador of Dominica.”
A recent announcement from the Government of Dominica highlights the selection of Mr. Charles as the Cultural Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Dominica. This designation acknowledges Mr. Charles’ significant role in advancing Dominica’s cultural arts and expressions and, according to an official statement, underscores the government’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s cultural legacy.
He has been a prominent advocate for preserving Cadence-lypso and other forms of Creole music since his early involvement with the Young Cultural Dramatists and as a Co-Founder of WadiCole.
His contributions include founding membership of the World Creole Music Festival and serving as chairman of the festival’s band selection committee. He has also held positions with the “Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK)” and the Board of Directors of the Alliance Française de la Dominique, currently presides over the Creole Heartbeat Movement, and hosts the long-standing Creole music program, Hit Parade Creole, on DBS Radio.
Among his many honors, Mr. Charles has received the esteemed Golden Drum Award and the Meritorious Service Award from the Government of Dominica. In 2023, he was recognized by the Folk Research Center in St. Lucia for his efforts in promoting and preserving the Kwéyòl language.
yes wadix Dominica love you and we are praying for you sir we still can’t pay you for what you are doing for us we will not never forget you thanks very much sir
Congratulations are in order.
I have one question however. What is being done to preserve the culture and language of those people in the north east, such as those in Wesley and Marigot, who do not speak Kwéyòl?
Congratulation brother. This is something that should have been done a few years now.