Dominica’s own Dr Alwin Bully has been conferred a LIME Creole in the Park Creole Lifetime Award for his many contributions to culture and the arts in his native Dominica and the rest of the Caribbean.
Bully’s many achievements include the design of Dominica’s flag, being chosen as the first head of the division of culture upon Dominica’s independence, numerous contributions to carnival in Dominica, twenty years as UNESCO Cultural Advisor to the Caribbean and artistic director of a number of theatre companies across the Caribbean, as well as appearances in a number of films and theatre productions.
He has won varied accolades for his work in all areas of culture and arts in a number of Caribbean countries including an honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies.
“I think it is appropriate, first, to acknowledge members on the platform and to acknowledge the support I’ve received from so many thousands of people here in Dominica, my homeland, and throughout the Caribbean. The work I have done has been a labour of love and I think the center of any patriotism has to reside in the culture of the country. Our love for culture as a Dominicans has made us what we are. We’d like to acknowledge our ancestors for the role they played and in particular I’d like to receive this award in the name of my parents, who [created in me] a sense of purpose, nationality and a sense of identity. I’d like to thank LIME for this particular gesture and this prestigious award,” Bully remarked as he gave an acceptance speech.
Also awarded was the Giraudel Jing-Ping Band for sixty years of contributions to culture having been the first Jing-Ping band to record that music for commercial and documentation purposes and pioneering the exportation of our traditional music with tours to parts of the Caribbean, Europe and North America.
LIME employee Pinard Joseph was also awarded for outstanding commitment and professionalism in assisting with the setting up of Creole in the Park, described as Handy-man in Chief.
The awards were given at the official opening of Creole in the Park yesterday evening.
The nicest thing about this news is that Giraudel is the basis background of both the Jimp Ping group and Mr. Alwin Bully, including myself.
Mr Alwin’s parents were from Giraudel and they both were best friends of my grandmother, who is the mother of two of the men who plays the Jimp Ping musical instruments–one of those men, my uncle Cyril, is in the picture above, the other one is the according player, is my aunt’s husband.
It makes me proud to read about my village in the news so often, and for beautiful reason’s except one–relating to the murder of my sister’s step son–again, about my people.
Mr Bully, congratulations to you! You deserve all the honors and the merits you receive.
But special thanks to you, for I am sure you played a part in influencing my uncles and their friends, who are responsible for us having a Jim Ping band in Giraudel.
To my uncles, Cyril and Tony, aunt’s husband Joseph–the accordion player, and friend Felix, way to go boys!
Keep the Jim Ping Band of Giraudel on the move, as you guys remain in the harmony of God’s Love. You could not have done it without Him.
Wow.. congrats… i used to hear of Alwin Bully back in small school. Still pulling, still looking for Dominica’s best. Well appreciated.
Congratulations to Alwin. You do deserve the award.
I have also read about some of Alwin’s achievements in the past. He is extremely talented and dedicated to all his undertakings.
Also, to Anita for supporting him and encouragement him, I must state this, as the saying, “Behind every successful man there is a good and loyal woman.” In this case, you, his wife.
Anita, I bet you do not know who is writing this. It is your cousin. We have not seen for some years but hopefully in the near future.
God bless both Alwin and Anita and of course your family. Regards to Louvain.
Alwin, please also give my regards to Colin and Toni. I will not divulge at this time who I am. Let all of you (them) guess for now.
Pertaining to the Jing-Ping, I love the Jing-Ping music. Which Dominican does not love it and love to dance to this music? It brings back some fond memories of DA. We do reminisce about it as well when we recall the words of the Jing-Ping. Some years ago a friend brought a Jing-Ping audio tape for me. Since then I have made copies of it and gave to a few favorite people.
Was it Shakespeare who said, “If music be the food of love play on?” Indeed!
Fellow Dominicans those of you who have a good heart towards everyone in general without exception, also towards those who comment on this Website, always keep up the good, loving and caring spirit and of our music and culture. Music is soothing to the soul and sets us at peace.
God bless!
Congratulations Alwyn, Anita and family.
A nephew of a band member in Houston saying coodos to the band.
don’t want to forget the Giraudel Jimp- Ping Band for their contribution in maintaining our Jimg Ping music; ihope some body can come forward and sponser them; to make a commemorative cd.they are the Grand parents of bouyan music; congrats Giraudel Jimg Pimg Band;wishing you many more playing days.
Dr Bully, your sense of patriotism MESMERIZES me ! Though your contribution is not limited to Dominica, I thank God that he made you Dominican.
Congratulations to the Giraudel Jing Ping band for your many tireless years of soothing and fantastic music.
Dr Bully congratulations are in order likewise and thank you for your years of dedicated service to your homeland no matter how far the oceans you travelled were, you managed to keep Dominica alive in thought, words and deeds.
Thank you lime for recognising them, and thank you for recognising your very own employee who over the years have given so much of his time and energy to ensure we have a great Creole in the Park.
Congrats my brother, that a true dominican. we love you
Congrats Pinard…you have always been a hard worker. Keep up the good work.
Congrats, Doc, on your recent double achievement, from a former member of PAT (the People’s Action Theatre).
Congrats Dr. Bully! it was always a plus working with you and around you, through you, a number of people was able to sustain their sanity and productivity during a period when Dominica was going through a challenging time in it’s history,and most of us can look back on that period, and say, that experience did shape our personality and make us who we are today;Ican go on and on. But i want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart; and my wife’s bottom too;also i want to give some credit to your wife Anita: who stuck with you thick and thin; and like the saying goes;Behind every successful man there is a good woman; Good Luck to you and your family; and may GOD BLESS YOU.I know most past P A T members will agree.