Cultural icon, Dr Alwin Bully has died.
Reports indicate he died on Friday afternoon.
He 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.
What a great loss for not only Dominica, but the Caribbean region
I happen to have worked with him at the Kingston Unesco Office for a number of years.
Alwin was, is and will always be a cultural icon, as he breathe, ate and slept culture. His contribution to culture is timeless and legendary. In addition, he was a true professional and gentleman, with a sharp sense of humor, and positive outlook. He will be sadly missed.
Test in peace Alwin. You played a memorable “innings” to use a phrase from one of the sporting activity you truly loved and was passionate about!
Look at the time in which they chose to give this man the plaque? Just before he passed. I would say thanks, but no thanks. Too late.
He received the award in MAY 2021 and he died last week. Nearly two years later. Whats your point?
I was in primary school when the name Alwin Bully became one of the symbols of my then fledgling nationalism. Dominica was not yet independent and I was being taught about the proposed National Flag and its designer.
And watching(on DBS TV) that flag eventually rise to the top of the flagstaff on that November midnight in 1978; coupled with the poetic commentary of Mr. Dennis Joseph; extracted from me a goosebump emotion my young self had never yet consciously experienced…PATRIOTISM!
Now this super son of the soil has many other great accomplishments that we can go on and on about. But our National Flag gives true credence to the phrase “LIVE FOREVER!” He certainly will.
Just wondering though, is our highest national award (The Dominica Award of Honor) limited to inividuals who serve at a certain level of office? Because outside of that it would be a mind boggling travesty that Mr. Bully was never a recipient.
Well done good and faithful servant – RIP+
Alwin, you will be missed. RIP.
Very Sad. Dominica owes Alwin a debt of gratitude for his contribution to our cultural landscape over several decades. Unfortunately his twilight years were plagued by illness, but this did not deter him from his work. Thank you Alwin. Rest in peace.
RIP….Mr. Bully. He was my literature teacher at DGS.
Ohhh.you will be missed.
Thank you for all the great deeds and contributions with your creative talents.
God bless your soul!
Deepest condolences to his wife and children and families and Dominica.
Rest well Mr. Bully. God called you home to rest. Sad indeed.
Very sad to hear that. May he rest in power.
Alwin was indeed a cultural force to be reckoned with. Not least of his achievements was Dominica’s Literary Festival.
My condolences to Anita and family.
Dr.Alwin Bully was truly a great man.May his soul rest in peace.