The sun was out in all its glory, the weather was the best ever experienced in almost the entire history of the LIME Creole in the Park as thousands converged at the scenic Botanic Gardens in Roseau Dominica for the tenth annual LIME Creole in the Park from October 22nd to 25th, 2012.
At the media launch of the event late September, LIME’s General Manager Jeffrey Baptiste promised patrons an event which would supersede all previous Creole in the Parks; and so it did! Dominicans from all walks of life, returnees, visitors; everyone who attended the four-day biggest daytime event in Dominica during the Independence celebrations, all agree on one thing ‘This was the best Creole in the Park ever..’.
Historically, Creole in the Park has always been marred by inclement weather. Last year, the first two days were severely rained-out, keeping many patrons away. The experience was entirely different this year as many prayed for the blessings of great weather and the prayers were answered. And what a show it was!
More than three hundred performers would grace the stage of the LIME Creole in the Park over the four day period. From the traditional culture including jing ping, drumming ensembles, steel pan, bélè, quadrille, to the creative dances of the Sankofa dancers and Waitukubuli Dance Theater Company. The newest bands on the music scene like Extacy, Kross Vibes and Ti-Orkest did not disappoint and many lauded the efforts of the Brothers of Destiny gospel presentation. Triple Kay would change the outcome of Monday bringing one of the largest crowds to the venue on day one of the event while WCK, Fanatik, Midnight Groovers, Swinging Stars and the stalwart bands all gave sterling representation of their individual musical renditions. The reggae fans were thoroughly entertained by Colton T & Caribbean Vibes, Sub Urban and Asher Thomas and his Aftermath band. And for the Calypso lovers, it was a Calypso finals in October with King Dice bringing the curtains down on a Calypso show to remember. Many will not soon forget that special moment when Triple Kays’ Benji, Nayee from WCK, Tallpree & Shortpree from the spice isle, joined the people’s champion – Benjai to bring a phenomenal end to Day three of Creole in the Park.
Day four would prove to be one of the biggest days ever in the history of the event. A view from the stage across the Botanic Gardens was unbelievable as thousands came to see the acts on the last day. Rohi came with all his energy and vigor taking patrons on a trip down memory lane. Cadance-lypso pioneer Gordon Henderson reminded all present that he was still a force to be reckoned with. Asa Bantan gave LIME a reason to celebrate representing the company’s brand to the maximum adorned in a ‘LIME Alone’ branded t-shirt and matching cap highlighting the lyrics of his recently released LIME anthem – he was simply amazing! By the time Mr. Vegas hit the stage, there was no room to turn and fans were given a show of a lifetime. Mr. Vegas would later post a message on LIME’s facebook page “Big Up Dominica..thanks for having me at LIME Creole in the Park…Bless”
The reviews of this year’s tenth annual LIME Creole in the Park has been nothing short of excellent and LIME’s general Manager Jeffrey Baptiste says the company delivered on its promise to give patrons an event which surpassed all expectations. Mr. Baptiste says the company is committed to continuing the LIME Creole in the Park, but he reminds the public that LIME cannot do it alone and that every Dominican should ensure that they make the wise choice when choosing a telecommunications provider.
This year LIME presented Creole Lifetime awards to the Karifuna Cultural Group and Gordon Henderson. Ferdina Frampton was presented with the Special CITP Employee recognition award while Shalom World of Craft received the longest serving vendor awards. The awards were part of the official opening ceremony attended by His Excellency Eliud Williams and Mrs. Williams, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Telecoms Ambrose George, Culture Minister Justina Charles, Mayor of Roseau Cecil Joseph, Parliamentary Representative for Roseau Norris Prevost and His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire who gave the benediction.
The company will also keep its commitment of donating the majority of the gate collections to the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division for the upkeep of the Botanic Gardens. A percentage will also be presented to the National Cultural Council towards cultural preservation.
LIME extends gratitude to the Government of Dominica, the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division, Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, the many Partners and supporters who made the tenth annual LIME Creole in the Park a resounding success.
A real blast thanks for a great party by all Dominicans and for keeping it safe. I cant wait for next year.
i think creole festival should do like lime text people and asked them which bands or groups they would like to see and do a selection base on what they got,then
they choose and will have a better line up.it was very bad to see we celebrate dominica 16th birthday and swingstars was not on the line up one of the olders servin band in dominica alot of patrons love their swingstars.
dominicans always have a negative comment give people their flowers while they alive.that was one of the best creole in the park with good weather after a long time.and lime give all our local bands,groups,and calypsoians the exposure although the fees went up the turn out was very good for all 4 days.keep up the good work lime
i think dat creole in the park must be heald every october and november to raise money
Beautifully written, its been a while since I have sat and read an entire report on DNO without getting annoyed with the grammar. Although there is room for improvement, well done.
I second that!
I agree with this commment.
The DFC staff need to be fired. Go to LIME and learn how to plan and execute an event.
A job well done….I must say.
Great job LIME…Great Job GATOR SOUNDS…Great Job DOMINICANS for keeping it clean and fight-free! Despite what people said on Q95 about Dominica not being safe…I enjoyed my stay in Dominica and felt very very safe. See you next year my beautiful country!
Asa Bantan and Freddie, Gordon, Fitzroy and friends were the highlights for many.
I think Nassio should be on every such festival. Big up!
is best they make you all handel the creole festival to see how it will go
I second that.Natalie Clark and her crew needs to give it up before we loose the creole fest.
The company will also keep its commitment of donating the majority of the gate collections to the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division for the upkeep of the Botanic Garden
what up keep?? they should give me the money instead
i personally can do a better job in making the park a place where Dominican and all who visit will want to stay,i would create a man made water fall with lights in put better benches plant more beautiful flowers relocate that ministry in the garden all this just to start.
They donate the revenue derived from Creole in the Park to forestry for the upkeep, meaning to take care of all the damages done to the gardens while the events were being held. For example to rejuvenate the lawn/plant new grass, since all the trampling from people walking and dancing, building of tents and stages have killed the grass which was already there.This alone costs a fortune.
Hey, That is not entirely true. This year LIME will be taking much of the revenue to offset their costs (that is why the fees were raised to 5 and 10 dollars). The Forestry Division will get the usual amount. As for the ignorant, ridiculous comment re management of the Gardens, I don’t think there needs to be any response since the comments are such totally silly. I wonder if that individual can even take care of his/her own backyard????
In your narrowmindedness , u must not forget that there are other problems associated with the upkeeping of the Gardens. The uncontrolled traffic through the Gardens, limited funding for maintenance, uncontrolled football on the lawns, inadequate security just to name a few.
I really enjoyed the frist one with perfect weather.
One company in the country that doesn’t play. LIME for living everyday! Screw lemons GET LIME!
It was great LIME.Keep up the good work!
I share the same sentiment!!