The 2010 Independence celebrations have officially been launched.
Under the theme “Creating Opportunities, Empowering Communities” a number of activities, which include the first ever National Art Coconut and Craft Exhibition, and Creole Food Fest and Fashion Show, will take place between September 25 and November 4 as the country celebrates its 32ndyear of independence.
At a media launch for the festivities held at the Government Information Service (GIS) building this morning, Chief Cultural Officer Raymond Lawrence called on persons to be aware that independence is more than just the upcoming activities.
“We must remember that independence is even more than the activities themselves. Independence is about nation building so whatever we feel we can do towards helping to build our country and not destroy it then we should try to do that. Whichever section of the society we are in, whatever jobs we hold, I think we can all make a contribution towards building Dominica as a nation,” Lawrence stated.
“We need to tell ourselves that we want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” he urged.
Minister of Culture Justina Charles, who addressed the media launch, assured the government’s commitment to the independence celebrations. She highlighted some of what she believes the country has achieved since it gained independence 32 years ago.
“After we got political independence our country has reached a stage where we can take decisions or influence the decisions that are taken to look at affairs of the persons within the country. It’s no longer influenced by British as was happening before,” Charles said.
“In addition to just political independence we have been able to take a lot of decisions in terms of our whole economy and what direction we want to take… Our foreign policy has allowed us to develop that relationship with partners that can assist us,” she said.
Meanwhile Minister for Community Development Gloria Shillingford, who also addressed the media launch, supported Charles’ sentiments.
“We have grown, we have matured. For one thing we are able to look after our own affairs… 32 years now, we have grown in education. To be able even in rough times to sail this country through austerity measures and bring it back at least on steady feet. We have been able to have a lot of self development…. In the farming industry I know some persons can probably can take me up for it but we have been able to hold on our own there,” Shillingford said.
She noted that this year’s theme was relevant “in view of government’s thrust to create opportunities which will empower individuals and by extension communities to develop themselves and in the long run to contribute towards national development”.
Shillingford encouraged Dominicans to celebrate independence with a deep spirit of togetherness.
Independence activities will kick off on September 25 with an official opening xeremony at the Old Mill Cultural Centre from 5 p.m.
This year, a National Coconut Art Exhibition which will feature eats, drinks and craft made from coconut, will take place on October 11, also at the Old Mill Cultural Center.
A Creole Food and Fashion show – another new edition to the celebrations – is carded for October 22 at the St Gerald’s Hall in Roseau.
Creole in the Park will run from October 25- 28, 2010 at the Botanic Gardens. Heritage Day will be held at Grand Bay on October 24 while the National Wob Dwiyet Pageant will fall on the night of October 28.
Flag Day, Creole Day and the National Youth Rally are scheduled for October 22, 2010.
The World Creole Music Festival will run from October 29-31 while National Day of Community Service will take place on November 4.
they slaves dressed all in white also in the early sixties thats how they dressed so just over it and give some constructive critic
its not childish at all. when i look at the photo, thats the first think i say. indeed in the launch of independence celebration.and the outfet speaks for it self.
@BWA DIABE: I second that.
I COMEND YOU JUSTINA ON YOUR PRESENTATION AT THE PRESS LAUNCH YOURE GETTING THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME URE STILL MY FAVOURITE MINISTER
Common Justina this is the Time you should be in your culttural presence during the media launch.
Take a look @ Gloria Shillingford & Dedicated Raymond Lawrence.This is not a medical confrence.Anyway I like your highlightments on Independent progress on Dominica.Good to see we are keeping our rich cuture Alive. An Anonymious Grandbay Man living overseas.
@ZERO: Ron and Eddison are power hungry indeed and the whole of Dominica can see, that is what is cripling the country, they should know their place and tell the country, let us work together to build Dominica.
It is not easy to lead Dominicans, it’s a difficult task, we need to pray fro our leaders to give them strength and intellect to lead us. All of us have wonderful ideas and all are refuted just confusing the poor people.
@Anonymous: well it seems that everyone has childishly criticise the lady for not wearing a national outfit, how childish can you all get? The foolishness of Dominicans , I dont care what you all say about me, I find you guys are too childish.
@GrandBay: Is this stupidity from the community of Grand bay or just one idiot. The lady is representing the country not Grand bay.
@Really?: Good try but you will not know whom I am. You think you know about all the Chinese students business but you dont. A lot more is happening outside of your Beijing area that you don’t know about including whom i sent the items to. I expected you to respond madam know it all.
@Honest Grand Bayrian: To be honest, no one is the true leader not even UWP , DLP or DFP . All parties are incapable of running Dominica it’s best that the country return dependent on a foreign power because we in Dominica don’t even know what we want right now. I leave you all in all you rey rey and continue to live as a peaceful citizen serving my god and hoping that my people one day will soon come to find out that POLITICS IS THE RELIGION THAT WILL CRIPPLE THIS COUNTRY.
@Independent Thinker: I dont care what you think but you are just as a RAT for the UWP. You have no respect for those , demons have you like that. you are just like a fowl that has an eye on iether side , be straight for once and not queer.
U all need to organise the Cultural gala: To often the folks whp perform at the gala are so sos casual and lacking energy- its like well well why worry the money is in our pockets. U all should sign contracts with the finalists. I once decided to go and see what the gala was like and trust me – that was just boring and disorganise. When folks pay their money folks expect top quality. Why not do it so sos top class that a dvd can be made and sold to assist the struggling economy.
@GrandBay…You ought to be ashamed of yourself as a Dominican in 2010,to insinuate that Ron or Eddison are power hungry men,because you are just regugicating the waste and rubbish spoken by people of your ilk..The power hungry men are our leaders,and they will kill to inexorably clutch on to power.What happen,are you living in space,,These leaders are part of a gang of pocket ministers,who care absolutely nothing about the country.They have led us into an abyss,that will take divine intervention to cure..Shame on you,but maybe it’s not your fault,because you either care less,or you are not assigning value to a good character..
However you ignorance cannot go unnoticed,to write about how sweetly your representative will be dressed on independence day..what does that have to do with good leadership,the upholding of values like good character,honesty,integrity etc..You must have been one of the labour bigots who echoed that he/she will vote for Skerrit because he has dimples..Other than the dimples he has many other things..Can he account for them? One day he WILL…This is a cockeyed country with no leadership,and we are being led by people whose cupidity for material possession is unparelleled in the history of governance in Dominica…
@Karkabeff: At which school??? Because I am in China and I am not aware of any wob dwiyet coming up from you for anybody. Please stop lying to try to make yourself look good!
@GrandBay: You are surely confused. You just said, ‘Please don’t bring politics in this, not realizing that political Independence is about politics, about good governance. Politics is about everyday living. Corruption in Govt. could create havoc and make a country poor like hell, like Haiti before the earthquake, So why not talk about that as well. You also mentioned that you are sick and fed up with Dominicans who continue to encourage Eddison and Ron in their foolishness to divide your country. You just engaged in pure partisan politics. Confused like a trapped rat. You are enraged about persons expressing their political views against inefficient politicians and Govt. That is the bottom line. Let all ideas contend. Vex as you vex, Independence is not only about dancing belaire, jing-ping, wearing Wob dwiyet or singing kweyol songs. It is plenty more than that.
@Independent Thinker: Please don’t bring politics in this. I am sick and fed up with Dominicans who continue to encourage Eddison and Ron in their foolishness to divide my country.
I don’t have a problem with power hungry men from the UWP, they were there before and they failed us MISERABLY, it’s time for us to move on.
I am not even commenting on the way my minister is dressed, you will see her in her wob on independence day. If they told you all to wear it everyday, would you?
It’s time for us to be positive thinkers and stop degrading our country like that, remember that the world is reading about us. The only thing I can say is that, DOMINICANS MOUTH WILL BE THE DOWNFALL OF THE ISLAND, not the governments.
WE MUST LEARN TO SAY GOOD THINGS AND KEEP OUR TRAPS SHUT WHEN WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY.
@contribute: I admire you positive behaviour
the island is so divided…independance times just confirms its more!!
things arent right in the country dont we see we will eventually crash land….check to see if you have enough fuel…or maybe their is too much water in the base…as we a rocking and cracks are showing up!….maybe the feds will come in with some airlift help!!
independance!!……………….think dominicans should just walk the streets of Roseau with white flags…..as mark of we need freedom!!
@GrandBay: Have you already forgotten one of DLP’s advisers crying, ‘Where were they when Pierre Charles needed them, when he needed that helping hand?’ Those are the same guys still in the DLP Govt. now enriching themselves at the expense of the poor people of Grand Bay and Dominica. Who is among them today, those same persons who did not give him the helping hand? The adviser’s own words. All Dominicans know the kind of pressures Pierro went through from his own colleagues. It was a living hell. Who portrayed Pierro as a donkey braying. It was graphic on a certain radio station. The culprit was unrelenting. In whose company is that culprit in now? Pierro never thought of getting rich by controversial means while in public office or engaging in corrupt practices. He was an honest leader. But Grand Bayrian who is that true leader you are talking about. True leaders do not condone corrupt practices or be in the company of those who do not give a helping hand to their friends, especially when he needs it. In whose fold is that person you portray in your blog today as your true leader? Think again. Be reminded of the persons in that true leader’s company now? We have to remember who we giving praise and for what.
Apparently, we as a people have not yet recognized the fact that we are an independent country/people. we continue to leave on others like parasite… we will remain hungry if the ministers of government do not empty their pockets for us… what a shame… we voted a government to create opportunities, to manage, to stabilize and to create a good social environment to lesson the srtress of life.. apparently, some of us Dominicans live to be fed by those we VOTE, WHAT A SHAME!
congrats dominica i hope the miss wob willl be invited to all other activities befor the 2010 mis wob. mr raymond and the others work together will build dominica. glad to know the mis wob is from marigot hope this year the north east take it again.
the lauching of this year activities theme is incredible and the commuinity leaders are right about thier independence theme.because to be trully independent as a country is about making great and powerful decisions about our individual personal lives. independence is not so much about an individual decision but about a common good, that as individuals in a collective body, we all strive to advanced a cause that can enrich a generation that has not yet even born.
let us think soleyly on the good habits that can be replicated, and that is true independence
Is the Minister for Gender Affairs Minister for Culture? See how she made the effort to look like the occasion. While Justina who is from the Cultural Capital is tying to impress with her well dressed out of character outfit. Come on Justina, even if your heart is not in it,please make an effort to play the role properly, after all you are the minister for culture eh. Hope you realize that the time is at hand for you to wear all the different creole wear. Like Aunt Lorlor now in St.Thomas. Take a leaf from her book.
@Anonymous: Why should you all criticize everything? In time to come, you will see Justina in her National Costume. Right now de woman talking business. If GrandBay people don’t have a problem about it, why should you?
Ma Charles next time please dress for the occasion. Put something befitting the subject at hand. I know Pierro would have at least worn his creole tie. After all, you are from the cultural epicenter of Dominica.
While we celebrating our independence don’t for those students we have struggling in foreign on “partial scholarships” and literally abandoned. They should be remembered because they all wear our national costume and get together the best they can to showcase our country. The result, the potential of more tourism to our shores. I just sent a wob-dwiyet and three tete-casse for my family in China so they can showcase at their schools. Anyway, happy independence to all and lets keep it crime free.
THE PIPELINE CHOKE, THE NEXT LEVEL REMAINS A DREAM!
i will not miss this for nothing havent celebrate independence in over ten years
Frankly, those two female Ministers have lost their independence. Unquestionably and blindly they are being controlled by the men in the DLP GOVT. and seem to support all the wrongdoings that their boss are alleged to be engaged in. After 32 years of attaining Political Independence, persons in public office are involved in controversial land deals, get rich quickly with lots of assets obtained through dubious means, involved in Rubbish Bin bobol and more, more, more …………. too long for this blog. Those involved are yet to refute those allegations and statements of fact, but their female counterparts are yet to condone such irresponsible behaviour by their male politicians. Dominicans know they are supporting their Party and Govt. in those wrongdoings, since silent on those issues properly investigated is consent. Our women in ‘POWER’ have forgotten the long years of struggles honest women with integrity have gone through and now must free themselves up from those macho men looking to enrich themselves while in office. But as the saying goes.’Money talk and money make the devil dance’
Charles said that the country’s decisions are no longer influenced by British as was happening before. But today our decisions are controlled by other powers, same way. Dominicans know who those foreign countries who control our decisions. BIRD Island is ours, who controls that rock now? Dominica not ready for Coffee plant, but it was thrown on us, no questions asked. Who controls business in Roseau when our local businesses are closing?
What impact has all those activities had over all those years of Independence celebrations. Agriculture, manufacturing decline significantly. Moral values, love and respect for each other, honesty, truthfulness, hard work to earn a living have all gone down the drain. Crime, violence, migration, dishonesty, cheating, drugs on the rise. No accountability, no transparency. A few getting richer, while the majority getting poorer. We need to stop and think again about that development thing and where we want to go as a nation. Those usual speeches have not taken us anywhere over all those years. We have refused to use and develop our natural resources in a way to make money for our own development. The country has become more dependent on foreign countries for almost everything. Imagine. after 32 years of Independence, an agricultural country like Dominica importing carrots, cabbages from Miami. We are more insecure as far as our food production is concerned. So where are we going.
Dominicans need to be positive , we just complain too much. Justina , Grandbay will back you up 100 PERCENT. You are a true leader.
well said
Dominicans have to learn to commend people for being positive, everything is just a reproach and no respect for authority happens in this country. Where is the Dominica that the Caribbean knew about where people were always ready to help and work no matter what.
Is Dominica getting lazy like Antiguan people, who don’t care about community spirit when we have community day of service? We stay on a side and blame the government waiting on meeyet and if we don’t get it , then the government bad.
Dominicans need to wake up and smell the bush tea
We need to dress properly as ministers of goverment set the example for the youth how can they appreciate the culture maybe Justina, or Gloria dont have one please have one made I mean a wobe represent when we read the news on line a sence should take over.
Our decisions are not being influenced by the English but now by other men so what is the big difference.
Today I can say we are not in the position to say that we are independent. We are being lead by countries that actually think they own us.
“creating opportunities. empowering communities??????????? TELL ME HOW AND WHERE?? YOU HAVE TO WALK LIKE DOGS BEHIND MINISTERS FOR THEM TO KEEP THEIR PROMISES TO YOU…..is that empowering?????????? NOT FORGETTING, AFTER YOU CALL THEM ONCE, DON’T CALL AGAIN,,,,BECAUSE AFTER THEY SAVE YOUR NUMBER THEY DON’T ANSWER YOUR CALLS………NO RESPECT FOR WE THE VOTERS,,,,,,COME O NLABOUR COMRADS WE STAIN OUR FINGERS TO PUT YOU THERE……..GIVE US OUR SLICE OF THE CAKE,,,,,,,,THEN WE WILL SING YOUR PRAISES
Sounds good! Happy independence Dominica (soon). I wish all dominicans everything good at this time. Good address Justina Charles. But why is it our people just don’t have the common sense to dress appropriately to suit the occasion. Talk of culture, independence, Dominica, but nothing to represent the traditional costume Justina. Not even a little piece of madras. Come on! If you cannot do it and you are leading the way, the why should anyone else bother.