Too many Carnivals in Dominica Cuffy says

Cuffy believes there are too many Carnivals competing with Roseau

Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) Consultant, Val Cuffy has pointed out that there are too many Carnivals being staged in Dominica.

He was speaking at a press conference held at the DFC office on Wednesday.

Cuffy said the main Carnival is celebrated in the City of Roseau and people should support that event.

“There are a lot of Carnivals in Dominica, there are too many Carnivals, we need to focus that Dominica has one main Carnival attraction which is the main Carnival in the City of Roseau, like there is Nottinghill Carnival, like there is Labour Day, that we have to recognize that this is the Carnival where we all have to come together and make it as big as possible,” Cuffy stated.

He went on to explain what he meant.

“When I say too many Carnivals is that, the Carnivals are behaving like we have to compete with Roseau, Roseau has to compete with other Carnivals,” he explained. “We have to support the Carnivals. St Joseph has its unique Carnival, Grandbay has a unique culture to the Carnival in terms of the traditional masquerade, but we have to work as one unit.”

According to him, the main Carnival is Roseau, in the City, “just like if Portsmouth was the City, the Portsmouth Carnival that’s where we would have to go to it.”

“We are saying that if we are going to engage you in participating and to work with us that you need to recognize that the main Carnival is Roseau and you should give it that support,” he said.

Cuffy noted that once Carnival has been launched in Roseau, there should be no other launches right after it.

“Once Roseau has launched, once the main Carnival has happened, there should be no other discussion as to another launch happening right after the launch of Dominica’s Carnival in Roseau because all the media who came into Dominica, and you saw them they came in to be part of Dominica’s Carnival here, in the City which is the main attraction,” he stated.

He went on to say that the other Carnivals are operating almost like there’s a competition with Roseau.

“There is no competition,” he stated. “Roseau is the capital, it’s the central focus…so we are asking you to come and join us there.”

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129 Comments

  1. UDOHREADYET
    March 12, 2017

    I like Jouvert & Carnival Monday in Roseau but Tuesday… I’m up country!

  2. March 12, 2017

    We doh like the idea of playing Maas under custody
    Give me my freedom, give me liberty wen carnival come.
    Well said by Calypsoian from bioche many moons ago.
    Roseau now want the countrycv bookies. Hell no!!!!!!!!

  3. Saddened
    March 12, 2017

    I think he would serve us better addressing the obesity we see on display among Dominica’s women, and share his weight loss success. Just an observation.

  4. Dellie
    March 10, 2017

    Too many experts/consultants in Dominica. We need to work together to build the carnival. I think we need to start early and get groups to register early. Market our product as the real mass – start early. This year to many had too many experts, who think they can do things better and so confusion kicked in.

    I heard that Queen Show started since August, so why bands and groups cannot register early and start the process. What are the marketing experts doing.

    Confusion all over, Mass Jamborie in swimwear I though it was an education pageant, Princess show and Junior Monarch ending so late, Ms. Teen maintained their formatt, I heard from the grape vine, everything of Queen Show was changed a few days before the show, but the committee maintained their professionalism and did the show and the ladies performed, decor and performers left to desired. calypso tied results Why do we always want to think we can do things better and make it worst ever, school have t-shirts bands,…

  5. Charlene
    March 10, 2017

    I agree that there are too many carnivals taking place on the same day. Instead of all the openings each of these villages should have carnival at different dates so when it’s mahaut carnival everybody goes to mahaut, then we all go to Portsmouth carnival etc . Then we conclude with Roseau carnival so everyone come to Roseau. This way the villages get more people to participate and support bringing more revenue to them

  6. Chester
    March 10, 2017

    Wo wo wo DID I READ THIS RIGHT? …“There are a lot of Carnivals in Dominica, there are too many Carnivals, bla bla bla. This guy is on something!

  7. PISTOH
    March 10, 2017

    So wait>>>val are not aware that roseau is overcrowded when the carnival celebrations are going on? futhermore for more people to come in town for carnival is not an option…. So what about the kalinago people? Is it not their culture to host their own carnival? Val.. Ure gettin too old for this…

  8. The Darkness
    March 10, 2017

    I understand what your trying to say… however Roseau is a place lots of people don’t like to be.

    Are you suggesting to forego other peoples’ idea of a good time for Dominica’s goal? Dominica’s goal can suck it if that’s the case.

    Carnival is meant for “free-up” and not just making money. It’s a time of year where stress gets relieved and not just our pockets.

    Young Bull is young no more… Your ideology is out-dated and needs some new research into old basic knowledge and definition.

    While it is understandable D/ca low on funds (CBI), we still have to acknowledge and respect peoples way of doing things. (CULTURE)

    Starting to wonder who is worse leadership between the geezers (Reds, blues, greens) trying to rule us over or the (orange) monkey leading the US of A(holes).

  9. Toto
    March 10, 2017

    Big business wants to hijack carnival, now politicians join the bandwagon too. Leave it alone.
    Why not have a carnival church, that would be great fun.

  10. One of the Darkies
    March 10, 2017

    Playing traditional mass is our culture… culture is what makes us who we are. Carnival in Roseau with the costumes etc should be supported and encouraged but it also needs to be well organized. That said, we grew up with all little villages having their own carnival for their local people as well as the tourists who do not wish to stay within the city limits but rather do some sightseeing. There are also locals who choose to sightsee the different carnivals in the various communities on those two days. To say there are too many carnivals is nonsense. Whoever wants to go to Roseau can go, who can afford to buy costume, let them buy, but to tell me that if I can’t afford to come to Roseau during the two days of carnival, I cannot play mas in my own village and sing my lavwey about the happenings in my community then WALK HOME not pay ride to go home, Val must be loosing his mind. Promote carnival but without dictating where carnival should be and how many we should have.

  11. gwada
    March 10, 2017

    this country is becoming a copy cat rather than a modern thing as far as we know no vilage do not compete with roseau the people an friends wil come from overseas come to celebrate with family an friends bring along friends in there vilage that make it unique is how the people feel about ther comunity an am of one who will not come dominica just to go roseau or any orther vilage purpusly beside dominica orher country celebrate at the same moment carnival people come from far not for the capital but for the orinality of there identity but as of traditions we are free to enjoy each comunity regadeles money or not dominica is a free country stop trying to control de people

    • Amarossa
      March 10, 2017

      hmph!

      You should have typed your comment in French instead. Not one comma, not one full stop. Smh.

  12. Love this Country
    March 10, 2017

    Val Cuffy you are so visionless but continue to get opportunities. So the country set up I guess.

  13. just saying
    March 10, 2017

    within 2 to two and a half hours and the second round another 2 to two and a half hours. If your band is not in the parade for that period of time automatic disqualification from the competition. think this will encourage bands to come out early and we can have a great and SINGLE parade.

  14. just saying
    March 10, 2017

    mr cuffy with all due respect i dont think that there are too many carnivals. too many OPENINGS is what there are too many of.everywhere wants to have an opening.for example why does mahaut have to have an opening? mahaut is practically in roseau!!!!
    mr cuffy your focus should be on making the carnival in roseau irresistible and inviting so that people will feel the need to attend. FIX THE PARADE… i left my home to look at the parade and all i saw was piece here and piece there.i think if you have a starting time all registered bands should be there and the parade should flow as one body and not many individual pieces. most bands make two rounds round roseau before they retire for lunch right?why is it that some bands are there bang on time and go through an entire round and that\’s when other bands join in? SOLUTION: set a specific timeframe for judging. for example: there should be a judging booth somewhere close to the beginning of the parade and the first round judging…

  15. Clergy Man
    March 10, 2017

    Whaat? Have you smelled the gutters in Roseau during carnival? Nuff said.
    Val is grasping for straws on his bloated ‘consultant’ salary, oh what a consultant. Ha ha ha ….one carnival like New York and Notinghill? How about multi faceted like Trinidad?

  16. Carnival Lover
    March 10, 2017

    Dominicans let us think like Dominicans not as insular members of villages. Mr. Cuffy is a bold person who is not afraid to speak the truth. Clearly we need to nationalize our carnival. We are wasting resources to have all these little village activities. I strongly support Mr. Cuffy view that we need to centralize our carnival. Decentralization is clearly hurting Dominica’s carnival product.

    I am suggesting to the authorities that they should come up with legislation to make Carnival Monday a national event where all the costume bands and traditional bands from all over Dominica come to Roseau. On Carnival Tuesday the villages could then have their village festival.

    This many launching of carnivals in all the villages is counterproductive. The DFC should work with villages to come up with a creative village carnival activity instead of these competitive launching.

    • Dominican
      March 10, 2017

      Haahahaha you must be dreaming in carnival heaven :mrgreen:

  17. Blessed
    March 10, 2017

    All shall eat and be merry. Not everyone can afford to come down to Roseau for carnival. The older persons in the villages who would like be to partake in carnival but some reason cannot come to the city, u are telling them to look at it on TV. So people in the country side should not make money out of carnival, only Roseau people. That sounds selfish tho.

    I ban carnival from my life and I wish others would do the same.

    • Amarossa
      March 10, 2017

      You ban carnival from your life so why are you even commenting on this news? You don’t have a horse in this race, so go away.

  18. Let The Truth Be Told - Original
    March 10, 2017

    This may be a good idea to have all Dominicans play Mas in Roseau. I do not think this will be feasible. Those who do not reside in Roseau and the vicinity may have difficulty traveling to Roseau and wearing costumes and back to their villages.
    Portsmouth, the second town usually has its own. Will they want to go to Roseau?
    There are still some who will travel to Roseau which is where the main Carnival action is.
    I do think you should leave it as it is. Let them have their Carnival in their prospective villages if they so wish. Do not force it on them to go to Roseau. They are comfortable in their villages, near to their homes.
    It should not be a competition. Why worry about that?
    In Ontario, there are different Carnivals in different areas but not on the same day as Caribana.
    I suppose D/ca is too small to introduce that Carnival should be held at different times. Simply leave them alone to enjoy their Carnival if they wish to hold it in their villages.

  19. Leak Freak
    March 9, 2017

    Wait for it…….

    Wait for it…

    ONE CARNIVAL POLICY!! Either you support it our we don’t support you!!

  20. CONSCIOUS
    March 9, 2017

    Did the committee think tat people are too broke to cometo roseau for carnival. Whatis the bus fare from thr rural area to Roseau? What about safety? How long does someone have to travel? How much does an individual nees for two days canival in Roseau? Does the lack of partiipation reflects the financial of the minimum wage worker in the island?
    We may look at it in another prospective people have decided to use the little money they have wisely. Issomething wrog with that. Thiese are the questions the DFC should be asking.

  21. Ideal
    March 9, 2017

    Val Cuffy you must be joking. First you all have to clean up that city you all call Roseau. As long as I can remember the villages had their own carnival and that’s how it will remain. Why would one want to leave their beautiful village like Grandbay, St Joe, Wesley or Marigot or anywhere else to come to Roseau? There is always some form of violence. We are happy as is.

  22. Awa
    March 9, 2017

    Now you feel what small communities feel when all their feasts became dormant from lack of support. Traditionally, every village has always held its carnival. Roseau decided to commercialize carnival with all the imported feather costumes. That is their choice. I do not see why you want to dictate to people where they should jump up. Not everyone wants to be on the road during carnival with drunk drivers, Not everyone wants to be around fighting and stabbing. No everyone can afford $1,000 carnival costumes. So please stop trying to take away people’s freedom of choice. Instead, stop investing so much of people’s money into two days of jump up. We have bridges to build!!

  23. March 9, 2017

    What is the aim then ? Calypso show, all them tents and all queen show raking in so much for the city . How much more can they wont. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Travelling security and much more is to be considered for a move like this. Dominica calypso show is a giant most well attened by many. I cant see what else . Just put things in place to juice up you all town carnival and leave poor people enjoy their norms.

  24. anonymous
    March 9, 2017

    Val Cuffy has demonstrated over the years that he is not creative enough to manage or further the development of Dominica’s festivals. his job should be to bring about creative ideas and or solutions to the problems, not cry about them. Dominica’s carnival has become like every other islands carnival just feathers and swim suits. the originality of carnival has faded away under these peoples watch and it seems to be declining even more. these organisations needs to be restructured with more creative minds…

  25. STRAIGHT TALK
    March 9, 2017

    It is an indication that carnival in Roseau is not attractive and interesting to many people. Tell the DFC and all the other entities that are responsible for Roseau carnival that they must be innovative and creative. I will tell Val right now that Roseau carnival is too boring for Grand Bay people. Real mass is in Grand Bay. Ever one is invited to experience Grand Bay j’ouvert next year.

  26. Dellie
    March 9, 2017

    Why we want to take away the country carnival Years now the people have their carnival Why we like to fix things that are not broken. Roseau need to get more groups to register and have more groups on the streets. Live the country people alone please.

    We need to consult with people before taking decisions. DFC and DDA stop trying to fic things that are not broken. Improve on what you have and move on.

    By the way when is postmortem after lent I hope. I have plenty to say about how we treat people (volunteers) who have been working hard and are being criticised because they are good at what they do. Other people just want to come and make a mess of things and we just sit there are take it.

    Our carnival is unique do mess with anything Thanks.

  27. Dan is de man in de Van
    March 9, 2017

    My suggestion

    Allow all villages to celebrate their carnival. And then the set date for the main carnival 2 day should be respected by all and all should make an effort to participate in the main city carnival. No biggy.

    • Anonymous
      March 10, 2017

      What you mean, allow villages to celebrate their carnival! We need no permission and even the pope himself could not stop it. Carnival is carnival, leave it alone.

  28. March 9, 2017

    there two carnival on the same day in the uk nottinghill and leeds and both big carnival LEEDS is 50 years this August you should to leeds and see we run tiny ” dj daddy jeff uk “

  29. Debs
    March 9, 2017

    Well to solve the problem and to make things easy, just ban carnival totally!!!!

    • Amarossa
      March 10, 2017

      And on what I would let go my stress??

      Wheel and come again.

  30. Rosie
    March 9, 2017

    Val should stick to his pharmacy and leave this consultant thing alone. What nonsense is he talking? Whereas they should be thinking of decentralizing carnival in order that All the Pagans enjoy themselves in their little niche, Val wants to bring everyone to Roseau. according to Trump (sick) guy, no vision, SAD!
    Blinded by big city foolishness. Labour Day!

  31. Kali
    March 9, 2017

    I have to respectfully disagree with this idea of “competing carnivals”. For the villages to be competing against and taking away from each other or Roseau, they would have to be offering identical things, which is simply not the case. Anyone who has participated in carnival in Grandbay knows that it is completely different from carnival in Portsmouth, which in turn is different from St. Joseph, etc.

    I think that what we should be advocating for is in fact the opposite – we should be putting resources and support towards highlighting the diversity among the different carnivals and marketing them as such. For example, for a real sensay experience, here is St. Joseph’s carnival; for jing ping and lapeau kabwit, head to Grandbay, etc. We should encourage each village to own and promote what is unique to their carnival, and the sum total of that is what will improve “carnival” in Dominica overall.

  32. dominican always
    March 9, 2017

    mr cuffy has a point to an extent but the idea that there are too many villages having their own carnival is not the problem what is needed is a more structured carnival organisation for example the monday morning parade should include the colihaut grand bay and sen joseph groups one the parade is finished these people can then go back to their communities and continue to play mass so on monday we have a major parade that showcases the best dominica has to offer

    • gwada
      March 10, 2017

      this is being done already as far as i know for the roseau carnival openin an the people complain of not being well organise and are invited late :( :-? :-P its dificult for some people to congratulate you on how you carry things well whiout there full surport but they stil try to make you fill the have your strings atache somewhere

  33. tinish
    March 9, 2017

    nonsense. carnival is our history. and i remember well growing up as a child, all villages having their own carnival. i remember well that there were no naked ladies behind a huge speaker. lets bring back carnival to what is was.
    val talking about making money. if we all do it like before he is making less money for the committee.
    stop the greed and focus on culture. the real culture
    thank you

  34. dominican always
    March 9, 2017

    this is my opinion carnival needs to be pushed by one week that way visitors from north america europe and the other islands can participate in our carnival we would not be competing with the other islands but we can sell our carnival under the banner of enhancing the caribbean flavor
    visitors to trinidad could then stop over on their way back the french are one of our biggest supporters and that would give us a chance to support then and have then participate in our carnival our bands and calypsonians would be sell our carnival and earn money
    and please don\’t mention lent and we are a god fearing nation because we are not the christians go on camps during carnival so all those who are God fearing should do likewise those of us who want to play mass will play mass

  35. RamG
    March 9, 2017

    It appears that your brain has decreased in size too, to come up with that kind of scenario. That cannot and will not/never/ever work. Loonnngggg Runnnnn…..Do the long Run. Go figure

  36. March 9, 2017

    The Roseau carnival committee cannot even organize a descent carnival parade with proper group flow and now Val wants more people and more troupes to make a longer parade.Fix the problem that happened this year and come back with these recommendations next year.

  37. Dominican Passports 4 Free
    March 9, 2017

    Finally somebody figured it out… Dominica is so tiny, and we have all these other little spots having their own carnival? 8-O Only place besides Roseau that should have Carnival is Portsmouth since it’s all the way on the other end of the Island.

    • Dominican Passports 4 Free
      March 9, 2017

      Again it’s not just the city of “Roseau” and Roseau people, It’s Dominica’s capitol, in other words your capitol, and you’re always welcome to YOUR city. Folks talking about staying in their community as if they living In different states, we’re a tiny Island just a stone throw away from each other jeez… Already DLP make half the population leave the Island what little is left must come together #UNITY :oops:

      • Me
        March 10, 2017

        Go and have your carnival in your capitol. We will continue to have ours in our capital.

    • Stupes
      March 10, 2017

      Best you just stop typing chupz

  38. Lady
    March 9, 2017

    Where you going to put people? In de gutta?

    • Me
      March 11, 2017

      Don’t worry yourself. Roseau is one big gutter already.

  39. CIA Agent
    March 9, 2017

    Like Christmas, Carnival was a pagan ritual absorbed by the Christian church into its religious traditions.
    Due to the erosion of separation between Church and State, they have now become commercial ventures.

    Unless the Church steps in (which it won’t), individual village Carnival celebrations will soon be a thing of the past.

    Debate, anyone?

  40. Ikarmola
    March 9, 2017

    In St.Vincent we have the rural carnivals then the large central Carnival, maybe a similar model can be followed, it’s a build up to the central Carnival and so it’s mutually beneficial to all parties.

    • Dominican
      March 9, 2017

      That your vinci unique style, we want our own unique style not a copycat

  41. Berries
    March 9, 2017

    I understand what Val is saying to a certain extent…. however why cannot something be arranged where instead of all the “opening of these community carnivals” be the community’s main carnival and then you have the main traditional carnival in the city…e.g would it not be cheaper for St. Jo village council if St. Jo “opening of Carnival” be their main carnival celebration and then every body focus on the City Carnival the two days before lent and everybody can do the jouvert as accustom in their own communtities.. I see that happening….. anyway that is my opinion.

    • Dominican
      March 9, 2017

      The city cannot take everybody

  42. March 9, 2017

    The costume parades are already only in the capital, please Mr. Cuff let us enjoy our culture in our area if we wish too. Everything cannot be only in the capital.

    We all come to watch the parade and also join a costume band but when this is done we want to go home and enjoy our own jump up in our own area. Roseau cannot hold everybody. Too many people in the bands for some of us. Thanks much.

  43. Kharie
    March 9, 2017

    Well I’ve read all of the comments on here…and here is what I believe is a workable solution:

    The larger communities such as Grandbay, Portsmouth, Colihaut etc can each take a weekend for ‘jouvay and jump-up’ starting from the opening of Carnival. And to that extent, DFC could probably consider opening carnival season much earlier.

    So, let’s say Weekend #1 it would be a ‘jouvay and a weekend of dancing, parading etc. Weekend #2 it would be Grandbay and so on…it would give these communities a chance to display their cultural customs and be innovative and creative.

    In that way, it would give visitors from overseas an incentive to come for longer periods, spend more money in the country because they would be liming and partying…think of the ripple benefits such as vehicle rentals, shops, even farmer’s could hold farmer’s market in designated spots where people could buy their fresh fruits and vegetables. I’ve notice the run-up to carnival has become so dread and…

  44. shay
    March 9, 2017

    No leave it as it is Mr. Cuffy. Some people rather the small activity in the village. Not everybody want to come Roseau in those big crowds.

  45. Unknown
    March 9, 2017

    Boy Crap you talking Val, since I know myself every village in Dominica always had in own carnival. Even if we were to agree with you, how would you accommodate everybody in terms of parking. On a normal business day Roseau barely have space for the people who work there. Think before you speak bro.

  46. Lex
    March 9, 2017

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  47. Lex
    March 9, 2017

    take that possie people….Val just sent all you a message….wait for DFC support to make all you carnival better still…. there enough corporate entities in the possie area for us to have a proper carnival…… don’t help all you self and wait on DFC still….hoping you all got the message

  48. March 9, 2017

    I Val you guys need to put more effort into Roseau Carnival. Train the grouos. If you want more sensay, make sensay groups and get ppl from grandbay to train them; more black devils, make a group and get ppl from san sauver to train them. Behind Triple Kay had 1,000,000,000 people so lack of revelers is no excuse. If you want a better carnival, stop sitting in that office and waiting for groups to come to you, go to them. And get some costume builders from trini to help eradicate that dullness that parades on Tuesday. To improve Roseau Carnival you need to improve each aspect of the Carnival. Cutting off village Carnivals will not do it.

  49. WK
    March 9, 2017

    Well said Val!
    Carnival is Roseau feast, it has always been that way from the very beginning. Dominicans don’t like structure so obviously they will disagree with what Val has stated. All the villages and towns have their traditional mass but there is no need for them to compete with Roseau. The outlying towns and villages can showcase their traditional mass during the times when they host their village feast.

    • Dominican
      March 9, 2017

      Roseau feast? Tell the bishop give Roseau a feast instead you talk that high level of cow poop in public. Carnival is the country’s feast go find Roseau a feast tan. Rubbish talk

  50. Frank Talker
    March 9, 2017

    Here’s my personal advice to Valentine Cuffy of Bull’s Eye fame. You are not an employee of DFC, rather you are a Consultant. Your remit is to provide advice and guidance to the entity. You should not engage the public directly. This is consultancy 101! If you have some revolutionary suggestions, give them to DFC, and let DFC float those suggestions to the public. You seem to be making a mess between consultancy and employment. You do not approach the public on any matter, unless you are seeking to obtain the public’s view on something. So, my food friend, take a second read of your remit with DFC. Do not be a charlatan consutant. We expect those kinds of comments from Colin Piper, not you.

  51. Mary Black
    March 9, 2017

    Valerie Cuffy
    So you want to stop Grand Bay and St Joe from having their carnival this could never happy.

  52. Frank Talker
    March 9, 2017

    Interesting view expressed by Val, but he may just be stepping outside the perimeter of the DFC. Our understanding of the DFC is to upgrade the quality and marketability of the several festivals in Dominica to the extent those festivals can be products for increasing internal and external visitors, while creating income opportunities for the communities. DFC is not in the business of deciding which festival should be discontinued, or which should be abandoned, or which should be conjoined. Assuming that each festival, or part of a festival, is a reflection of some aspect of our lives, DC is out-of place to buy into the comment expressed by Cuffy. How dare you, Val, tell a parishioner in Dublanc that he has to come to Roseau to take part in the annual parade in honour of Bacchus? He has a shrine in Dublanc, and he is cognizant that DFC is not interested in the religion of Bacchus, but only in the economic spin-offs.
    DFC should remain in the business of marketing our festivals.

  53. I vex we
    March 9, 2017

    Everything is Roseau then? I doh c with Val. U even want to tell people where to enjoy their carnival. All year round we Roseau for everything. A drivers license is Roseau, a birth certificate is Roseau, a passport is Roseau . Even socail security card is Roseau. so we doh tired go Roseau then.what else all you want in Roseau? Roseau always think they are Dominica. Portsmouth is the second town , so they are entitled to their own carnival. Tell val wheel and come again tan. with that pawol sort he talking there. I vex tan.

    • Dominican Passports 4 Free
      March 9, 2017

      You sounding like a spoiled brat smfh :roll:

  54. Concerned
    March 9, 2017

    So long people in the country areas have their tradition celebrating their way, you want to come now and say that they have to give it up. Val find some way to make carnival more appealing and you will get as much people you want in Roseau.

  55. Farmilar stranger
    March 9, 2017

    Val ! Are you serious? I totally disagree with you .and just so you know we will continue to support our small communities during this time ..i find you very stubborn. .

    • lightbulb
      March 9, 2017

      But that is exactly what he is saying.
      That the unique carnival experiences should be expanded and developed appropriately.
      The question is how.

  56. Music Producer
    March 9, 2017

    Very bad idea, Val. That move would discourage Dominicans from traveling to D/ca come carnival. Get your head out of the hole, man!

  57. washay pwell
    March 9, 2017

    Val I’m not sure if I agree with you on this one.. Do you realize that Roseau carnival is boring compared to the village carnivals?? Ever sit and thought of why people rather stay in their villages??? What i would like to suggest is that every ten years, example next year, you can have everyone come to town for jouvert. For example, each village come and represent itself at the jouvert celebrations just because its a big celebration. After that, everyone go back to their villages to enjoy themselves. Furthermore, don’t you think the lil shop keepers and bar owners want to make a lil money too?? of course they do!! Its not for one set!!

  58. I Love My Country Carnival
    March 9, 2017

    Sorry Val, not with you on this one. In my entire 34 years of age I have only been to Roseau carnival only four times. I don’t like the crowds and prefer to join my community band for many reasons. First off the DFC doesn’t hold no calypso or other big events in any of the country areas. Bear in mind that a lot of country people come down to the town to support, but what about the business owners of the other communities? I think DFC needs to revisit this, in fact I foresee more communities doing bigger things next year and would support it rather than go town. It’s time for some greedy organizers of those calypso tents to stand down as well and give priority to move the tents to other communities, but then it’s a suggestion. I say give support to other communities’ not just Roseau, which of the diaspora people come down and want to even stay Roseau? Come on, where do all the traditional costumes and such come from? Oh I see. I will then again see invitations from sensay, band…

  59. calypso
    March 9, 2017

    Totally agree! This is one of the ways we can improve the flow of bands and make Dominica carnival great.

  60. Just Passing Through
    March 9, 2017

    Nottinghill, Labour Day and Caribana should never be compared to Dominica Carnival. These events were initiated by Caribbean Nationals to showcase the cultures of the various Caribbean countries and not the other way around. I am shocked that the DFC would use that as something to emulate.

    Maybe Val should instead say every year the Carnival Shows will be showcased in different communities. But Carnival is Carnival; from since we were children and our parents and their parents before them celebrated carnival two days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Carnival has a special meaning to Dominicans wherever the live.

    Everyone cannot come to Roseau. Everyone does not want to come to Roseau. The other communities economics needs also have to be met not only those who live in Roseau. Do not spoil D Carnival Val.

    Choose 1 community as Carnival City each year and everyone will know where the main Tourist Attraction will be no confusion.

  61. Vive
    March 9, 2017

    Nonsense,seems like the excess fat u removed was carrying your senses. No wonder only some villages got funded for carnival.

  62. Reasoning
    March 9, 2017

    Truely,carnival is really a fruit of the devil! There’s always some controversy and division,the devil is divisive and so are his works!!!

    • March 9, 2017

      A lot of works of the devil in unexpected places too. Deal with that first ?

    • THE NANNY
      March 9, 2017

      Tee way boh daw la

  63. Da
    March 9, 2017

    Val behave your self we the possie like to play our mass trouble free we would like and enjoy our mass by our self

  64. Tell it like it is
    March 9, 2017

    I totally disagree with Mr Cuffy on that one. I think the DFC is doing a very poor job in managing the events. In an organization where you have more captains that crew, you will always find these problems. DFC needs to be reorganized and a clear policy framework be drawn up for its proper administration. When you have people without the necessary administrative or managerial skills running such an organization, what do you expect to happen? Starting from the very top, a total revamping is needed. So don`t blame the different communities that are used to hosting their carnival. Be creative, be innovative….. stop sitting on your lazy butts and do the job you are being paid to do.

  65. jihan
    March 9, 2017

    Val.I can never see myself jumping up in ROSEAU with the hoodlums,I will stay in my wonderful peaceful village,try to stop my village jump up and you will see.Roseau smell way too much and where is the space for all these people,Well if you want we can Jump up in Bull house.

  66. Dominica reveler
    March 9, 2017

    Is not the first time he pushing the agenda. One world order. One year he wanted to prevent people from leaving creole fest and coming back in without paying another entry fee. What they need to focus on is how make people come back in the country to work and live so we have more people who can contribute to csrnival. The idea of twisting people arm to come to roseau for carnival is a dangerous trend of thought that must be abolished like those before.

  67. zandoli
    March 9, 2017

    Instead of telling people they should not have carnivals outside of Roseau, why don’t you flip the coil and make Roseau carnival so good that people would not dream of going anywhere else but Roseau.

    Another thing, if you had only one parade, where would you put all these people?

  68. March 9, 2017

    Rubbish!!! Get rid of the violence and over crowdedness in Roseau Carnival. Provide transportation for people who want to come down for jouvert morning up to 10pm. Did you think of the reasons why there is Carnival in other villages? What are you implying? That only people with access to Roseau carnival should participate?? This statement is utter rubbish Val!! Utter rubbish! Do you guys have a problem with funding the Carnivals in other villages, and want to pump that money solely into Roseau Carnival? Because this is a baseless statement! If so, did you consider the other costs that would incur if these Carnivals were cut off?? Smh.

  69. Jack
    March 9, 2017

    Am not a carnival lover but why every thing in roseau that look more like country than a town. Is peaple l8ke val that is killing iur beloved country

    • Tom Brown
      March 9, 2017

      Because all the other villages have there feast. And carnival is that of Roseau

  70. Jean gwabay
    March 9, 2017

    Val come out dere. Time to retire. Think of the amount of community businesses that banking on carnival to make a little extra change that are going to suffer, think of the elderly who stand in their windows enjoying the various community bands that are goin to be left lonely because they cannot travel to town, think of the congestion and increase in violence that’s going to happen, think of the amount of police officers that have to be mobilized to ensure peace in the city. Val you really think that makes any sense for the country? Village councils, local businesses, community oriented diaspora will suffer, it won’t work well Val.

  71. Dominican
    March 9, 2017

    If it was not DNO I would tell Val marsh. The notion you have about the main attraction Is Roseau is only in your head. Do what you want in Roseau but the other communities will have their carnival and there is nothing you can do to stop it. We will beat on milk tin hold your money

  72. March 9, 2017

    it’s true. I agree with Bull on that one. Portsmouth, Marigot, Grandbay, Colihaut, St Joe want to compete with Roseau when we should all come to the capital and celebrate our mas together.

    • country
      March 9, 2017

      you must be from Roseau to say that.

    • Farmilar stranger
      March 9, 2017

      I throwing my mouth i not saying that.

    • Stop Being Bitter
      March 9, 2017

      Brian “Portsmouth, Marigot, Grandbay, Colihaut, St Joe want to compete with Roseau”???? that is so not true. I am 40+ and grew up knowing that these villages always play their own Mas. It was never and will never be about competition.. and I rather stay in my own village and enjoy my favorite part of Carnival “Jouvert”. Not everybody can travel back and forth to Roseau during the carnival season, so please cut the crap.

    • Anonymous
      March 9, 2017

      And who is paying you to open your mouth, chupes man. This is still a free country and government can not buy carnival, thank God.

    • RamG
      March 9, 2017

      You got extra space somewhere we don’t know about. Where all you putting us? stuppessss.

  73. pastor Bull
    March 9, 2017

    Dominica is NOT Roseau alone Val. Y should you want carnival to be Roseau alone? I guess all Pharmacies should be in Roseau alone to right? It’s alright to move all you business to where the money is but when it’s time to celebrate we should close down everywhere and move to Roseau. right? Pasto Bull u really talking BULL talk

  74. March 9, 2017

    And these days everything is a tie… Next year is a reunion year, ensure that Roseau carnival is top and there are no others to tie with it.

  75. Negre Bod LaMer
    March 9, 2017

    Of a Truth Dat!!

  76. March 9, 2017

    I’ve been saying! Having carnival in all those other villages is working against us and what we’re trying to portray. These days people don’t even bother going to town because there’s carnival right in front their doors in Colihaut and Grandbay, etc. In the old days, it was exciting for us to go down Roseau on those two specific days to run mas in the city.

    • Tell it like it is
      March 9, 2017

      @Carlton Dumas… sorry my friend but this is nonsense talk. It has always been like that from time eternal. Each community having its own carnival…. what is done in Roseau is ROSEAU… If you want to sell your Roseau carnival then be creative and find ways to do so but you can`t ask the communities to give up their carnivals for Roseau…. Never!!!!

      • Carnival chile
        March 9, 2017

        A suggestion:

        All the other townships and villages should continue with their carnival celebrations; compete and then the winners from each category move on to culminate everything and join with the Roseau carnival as the greatest Dominican carnival event ever. Extend major participation to each of these townships/territories/villages to bring the best of the best to participate in each category in Roseau; however, the two days of carnival ‘jump up’ should be retained for the people in their various municipalities.

    • Farmilar stranger
      March 9, 2017

      Well since roseau always turn to a war zone at least 1 person must end up dead or injured peple dont want to come to roseau and beside is not every body that can afford it so… live us in our own little thing eh if is pa we have to beat cest bon

    • Me and Me alone
      March 9, 2017

      If I can remember well enough I neither my family was not looking forward to going to Roseau for carnival . I grew up in Bagatelle /Fond.St Jean/ Pointe Caribe /Fab area and as a little girl i remember being afraid of the sensay. So it means we had our own carnival so everyone was not looking forward to going toRoseau. I believe that Val you should not try taking away history. Leave and let people celebrate their carnival/ history and culture in their own right. Village carnival is a beautiful thing it helps bring the people of the community together and that’s what you all preaching all the time community togetherness. Val and company the motto is All Shall Eat. So let all eat during carnival.

  77. Dominican
    March 9, 2017

    Val if you are trying to turn carnival in just one commercial enterprise it is going to fail, I can tell you that now. You can not force people to give up their local little carnival, after all carnival belongs to the people and is supposed io be a spontaneous event. Next thing you want is to have an exclusivity on carnival? No Val, I’d rather not make money and enjoy my carnival. Let it be

  78. Old Mass
    March 9, 2017

    Is not everyone who wants to listen and dance to tripple kay’s nursery rhymes. Old mass and lapo kabrit still have their people.

    • Tjebe Fort
      March 9, 2017

      Amen and amen again. That is exactly why i did not show my face in Roseau this time because by all means it was a tatty affair, no class at all my boy.

  79. televangelists are false prophets
    March 9, 2017

    i totally agree. one opening one closing.

  80. Roger
    March 9, 2017

    There is no competition,” he stated. “Roseau is the capital, it’s the central focus…so we are asking you to come and join us there.” Man you not making any sense… people have a constitutional rights ..freedom of association ..freedom of expression. ..u want to now tell people bout roseau is the capital and too much canival is staged in Dominica? That is people rights to assemble on emancipation day and express themselves where ever they feel like on that piece of land. You not addressing the problems that will occur if every one converge in roseau on canival day??? U want 50000 peoplet to come down in roseau on canival opening? ??? A Lil 500 police that plantation have u want to talk bout roseau is the main focus.. the different canival around the country is a good way to keep some criminals and too much People from the town on canival day… nonsense u talking garson

  81. john brown
    March 9, 2017

    Cuffy, as a consultant, first get the facts, “on why there are so many competing communities during carnival,” and then enlighten us on what cause so many events to be happening at the same time? You need to know the history behind the decentralization of carnival. Roseau, use to be the hub for carnival! However, there were unpleasant incidences surrounding various communities that cause carnival to be held in it current form. Not having the knowledge of your history, and making statement like this is a very sad thing.

  82. Come from St. Joe
    March 9, 2017

    While the focus should be on Roseau parades, we have a difference of opinion. Since you mentioned St. Joe, We begin making our sen say right after canaval. That’s our tradition which we intend to hold on too. We live overseas and every year, we look forward to meeting our friends and family. Perfect sense would be to entice us to leave our comfort zone. Not criticizing us, but rather have a dialogue in which we could enhance our activities as one.

    • Tom Brown
      March 9, 2017

      Cuffy was not criticizing. He was just making a point and its true what he is saying. Everything someone saying have to be issue. St. Joe can come down carnival monday and show Roseau what sensay is all about.

      • Me
        March 9, 2017

        Why, when they are quite happy in st. Joe?

  83. Real recognize Real
    March 9, 2017

    Good thing he doh put Colihaut in his sh*#
    When I’m in my village i can do wat i want, cook by friends, when i drunk my friends will carry me home, sit on d side of d road etc…
    In my 30+ yrs on earth i never went to the city on a Mon or Tue and i don’t think i will strat now.
    Who want to go town go town but i staying n njoy it with friends and family in my yard.
    I will stay n boost my village economy instead.

  84. Nous Meme
    March 9, 2017

    I agree with Mr. Cuffy.

    I have returned to carnival in Dominica for the past few years because I was impressed by the consistency of carnival bands on the streets of Roseau _ the tourist hub for carnival in Dominica. I noticed huge gaps between the bands and a fewer revellers in Roseau. This was disappointing. The talents and culture of the “mini carnivals” in various villages are not visible to anyone but those in that village. I believe that talent should be exposed to the world with their unique village banners in Roseau for ALL to see and appreciate.

    Those watching the carnival around the globe commented on the gaps and fewer crowds in Roseau. This makes “Dominica” carnival less inviting and appealing.

    Roseau and Portsmouth should remain the carnival hubs to encourage the tourists and other visitors to return and invest their money.

    Overall, my guest visiting Dominica for the first time loved the carnival and was extremely impressed by the mountains and fresh…

    • Tell it like it is
      March 9, 2017

      @Nous Meme… that is because of poor planning and organizing. We don`t invest in anything yet we want excellent results. It is time that the organizers of events in Dominica plus up their sucks and work to attain success.. That said, can the DFC tell us why the lady from St Lucia resigned affter just a month or two as the head of the DFC? If you guys are serious, please tell us the truth.

    • Farmilar stranger
      March 9, 2017

      No way nothing doing

    • March 9, 2017

      Well if DFC wants more of the village aspects if carnival in roseau, they should train their own roseau groups in that regard! There’s nothing wrong in getting a few people from the various villages to train some groups from Roseau. By the way Roseau Carnival is advertised as Dominica’s Carnival, hence the other village cmCarnivals don’t even compete with Roseau in terms of foreign revenue! In Dominica we have that mentality of down pressing eachother to make one look good! For decades there has been village and city carnival and that is how we know it! When it was good, they coexisted, when it is bad they are still there. The real question is the variable. What is DFC doing wrong? Or the organizers of the City Carnival. If there is a problem that is how you fix it. Change the variables not the constants!

    • marie-claire R Skerrit
      March 9, 2017

      Please dow come back Nous Meme. You’re not wanted.. Mash..

    • Dominican
      March 9, 2017

      If you want a commercial show stay in the U.S.A. and go to Broadway. In Dominica we like to do our own thing and don’t really care whether visitors like it or not. They are welcome to join in when once year we can really let our hair down….or even wear a wig, whatever the case may be.

  85. NYer
    March 9, 2017

    What is he talking about? Only a small fraction of people in the US celebrate the Labor Day street parade. So we met in the Parkway and do our thing. Who cares about the way England celebrates its carnival? All is see is Caribbean people coming out and celebrating our culture just like in NY. In Dominica, from way before you Mr. Val Cuffy was born, carnival has been celebrated throughout the island. Today you want folks to focus on Roseau only? Padna why are you sounding like those Jews who are busy trying to kill Labour Day parade in NY? Behave boy. A bacchanalist like me? I want to go wherever I want and run mass whenever I want in my sweet Dominica. Whappen to Mr nah boy?
    I blue vex

  86. Truth
    March 9, 2017

    Val, while you are someone I respect as far as promotion of the country’s culture, I believe that statement is pure bull. Carnival in Dominica has always been celebrated in other communities, apart from Roseau for donkey years. In fact, places like Portsmouth and Grandbay for example are used to having very well-organized carnival celebrations (although this has deteriorated in recent times). What about the many folks who are unable to make the trip to Roseau? Should they simply stay home and enjoy the ‘spectacle’ of a carnival in the city? What about the many tourists who visit places like Portsmouth such as the yachties and Ross students? Should they travel all the way to Roseau at 4am just to form part of a jouvert band? This is just ridiculous and makes no sense to me. I expect such talk from people such as Colin, but not from you Val.

    • Dominican Passports 4 Free
      March 9, 2017

      Unable to make what trip? You talking as if is a plane tickets people taking to come Roseau… If you cannot pay 2 dollars bus and come down town with clean clothes posay, and social with your friends you have bigger things to worry about than standing up by the road and watch people pass… And I glad you notice that the carnivals in those villages start to dwindle as well, it’s because people living bro, which is also putting a strain on Dominica’s main carnival district, the capital. :-?

  87. ikNoWs
    March 9, 2017

    ok simple solution, cut off the Roseau carnival.

  88. LifeandDeath
    March 9, 2017

    I think Val needs to be clearer on what he wants to say..is he saying that the traditional village carnivals should be no more?
    Or is he asking for different days to be designated to the Villages for Carnival? I mean, not every Dominican can come into Roseau for Carnival..Many children and older folks like to line the streets of their villages and watch their Carnival pass..
    Also, the favorable economic impact that the village carnivals create for the local shops will be no more, if all that currency is moved solely into Roseau..
    Val is from Roseau, so it may be difficult for him to see things from a village perspective..

  89. NoBouyon
    March 9, 2017

    Get rid of that bouyon music being played on the streets during carnival and the people from the out districts will consider coming on board.
    Carnival is calypso and not Bouyon!

    • televangelists are false prophets
      March 9, 2017

      i prefer carnival to be bouyon whole year round than calypso. Everyday. And even that is a nonsense statement. Because if not for calypso, it dont have carnival? ignorance nonsense.

    • Dominican Passports 4 Free
      March 9, 2017

      Bouyon all the way, Calpyso ain’t ours bud, bouyon is.

  90. marie-claire R Skerrit
    March 9, 2017

    it’s time for new blood in dominica because these old heads are killing carnival to the core. Look at Trinidad they have multiple carnivals and they are doing just right. If you all one to make Roseau carnival the central focus for tourist, then to that but don’t try and tell the other communities that the traditions should be broke. Please note everyone in other communities that do have carnival to cater to their people needs can afford those expensive costumes etc. Val and these folks need to step away and let new people come on board to bring dominica back to where is used to be culturally.

  91. Nadine
    March 9, 2017

    Make sense

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