Mayor of Roseau Cecil Joseph is calling for a day set aside to recognize Dominica’s indigenous music, Cadence.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Creole in the Park on Monday afternoon, Joseph said Calypso has its mark in Trinidad and Reggae is recognized in Jamaica hence something should be done about Cadence on the island. “I am calling on the necessary authorities that we ensure sometime in the very near future that we place aside a day in the calender year to establish Cadence Day,” he said.
He is suggesting November 23, the day legendary Cadence musician Jeff Joe died.
Joseph also called for the establishment of institutions or areas after great Dominicans and for teaching the Creole language in the island’s schools. “I would also like to make mention that many times we speak of the greatness of our people but has not yet, some way or the other, establish institutions or establish areas after them,” he said.
He added, “And I am calling once again on the authorities that while we are in the celebration mood of creole festival in the park …. to at least assist us in the schools where Creole can be taught … now it is known as a language and I would really like to see Creole be taught in the schools.”
He called on business establishments such as hotels to name their rooms using Creole names and schools to name their houses after famous Dominican bands. “What that it would do for us Dominicans is to make us as individuals be proud of what is ours,” the mayor said.
Creole in the Park runs until Thursday and will feature artistes and bands such as Midnight Groovers, Fanatik, Breve, WCK, Asa Banton, Ti Orkest, Benjai, Mr. Vegas among others.
Jeff for his contribution to art form. But if a date has to be selected, it cannot be his birthday or date of death as he is not the creator of the genre. Gordon Henderson is the one. I would suggest a neutral date, as part of the independence/creole celebrations and he can be featured there together with all the other pioneers of the art form.
WOW! Cecil Joseph had not one but TWO good ideas? Or was those ideas his? Bet he stole them from someone because he could never think of that on his own. I will give him credit for recognzing them as good ideas.
Love those ideas!!!! I hope they actually materialize and they dont stay as talk because the reality is there is absolutely no money in it to be swiped. It’s just plain good ‘olefashion brain power and elbow grease so I won’t hold my breath for their fruition.
I can speak the creole to an extent but is half english half creole for me and i can’t write it to save myself i can’t read it and i am 100% Dominica
I fully agree that Creole MUST be part of the curiculum, but for how long will the lip service continue though. I have been speaking the language for my entire life, but only learnt to write it when i left the country. What a shame
Mr. Mayor why don’t you al discuss with the PM and the ministers conern before making statements just talking for talking sake.
What is wrong with all more holidays, n he gave the holiday for the Hurricane which was justified all you made noise.
Please check the facts and speecy before all you talk. Please. Everybody want to play “Smart and impiortant”
Good call Mayor, but a bit overdue, don’t you think? Our biggest problem with cultural affairs is that we HATE what we own. We’ve been pushing Calypso for so long, that, we’ve forgotten or worst yet, neglected our true musical creations (Kadence and Bouyon) Mr. Mayor, I hope this is genuine and not some self centered agenda. I will be watching for this to happen!
Boy if they were offering creole at Community High School a certain person may not have spent 10 years at the same High School. Another one would not have been kicked out of PSS at third form level. Oh oh these are the people fooling Dominicans
Mr Joseph has a point, even we in Antigua who has Dominican parentage speak more Patois than young people living in Dominica. Soon from now Antigua will be seeking to improve all its dialects in the schools system. What Dominicans take for granted is benifiting another island. Moun antigue ka aprendre palay kweyol aussi.
HA HA HA Mr.
Joaeph
You should have asked Hon Prevost to prepare your speech for you…He is so much ahead of you… By the way Roseau needs a hose up….WINE CECIL WINE!
I agree for d teaching of creole…doe let our second language die
Second language?? lol! For who?
Some highlevel officials don’tknow patois nor English Hahahhaahaah.
There is a new president.I ‘d love to know if he’s having a house party this yr for independence. Is the mayor invited?
Mr.NIck Liverpool please advise the new President on who ought to be left out from the invitION list if he wants to have drinks left over for his jump up day guests.Drinks disappeared from the last fete by the former President’s.
That speech was a total waste of time. My God was his worship the mayor prepared to deliver it. I am no fan of Mr. Prevost but his was far a better speech worth listening to.
Mr. Joseph prepare the event next time …. not just the good time in VIP
Lol. I think that should be the mayor should prepare for the event next time.
But on another note. Isn’t the mayor part of the “authorities” that he kept calling on?
You cannot be serious. The words out of the mouth and those pened by the hand relects what is in the heart.
who are U responding to?
This goes to show how backward a nation we are in 2012. when cadance is over 30 yrs.
Or as my buddies sitting here with me asked me to refraise. How far back we’ve gone or plummetted.
I read a novel some 30 yrs ago entitled( Colony Earth)The novel related how advance earth was 1000’s of yrs before. In retrospect I think I read about DA today.
We were more civilized,educated ( not studiated)
We had eduated ministers in Gov’t P.M’s who spoke good English, profound creole and a good command of French. Engaged in dialouge at election time debates etc.They were proud and able and not voleur.
Yes…Good call to action. Like my main man Sye said “cadence c’est kon un femme key doux” (excuse the spelling…lol)
Don’t let our music and language die. Teach the little ones so our culture can leave on. Gone are the days when our parents didn’t want us to talk patois! Not all the islands can boast of having two distinct languages, let alone Creole spoken there. We are one of them and we should be proud to speak our languages wherever we may go!
and the mayor she concentrate on taking out the stink in Roseau too. Hose the road, clean the drains
Good Suggestions by the Mayor, the way Forward as Brand indeed..
Nice ambience surely represents a true outdoor festival in terms of layout and scenery..
But they need to have Sound Reinforcement/Design Capabilities for Such locations…
Can’t use a Hi-Fi System for Live Show Bands will create a very muffled low ended sound Speakers,Amps and Gear have to be up to Live Sound Standards for outdoors venues.
That System isn’t geared for a event of that Calibre.
O Lord what next!
That sounds like a great idea your Honor..I do hope the auhtorities see how valuable it is , that Creole and cadence be taught in the schools. You have covered many aspects of why the tradition should continue.
Please, Mr. Joseph before you put your nose into culture and education CLEAN UP ROSEAU! That is your first priority.
Hahahahaha look jokes. After seeing him do the duckwalk at creole dwivay with chubby i overstand. Jokes for so.