Salisbury Reunion 2011 a success, organizers say

The Salisbury Reunion opened with a spectacular bang on Saturday July 23rd with a surprise firework show lighting up the sky above Salisbury. The Opening Ceremony was held at the Salisbury Reunion Village at 4 pm and was attended by several dignitaries, representatives of the Reunion sponsors, and hundreds of Salisburians both locally and living abroad. Later that evening Salisbury hosted a Gospel concert with performances by Salisbury artists and Sons of Zion.

Miss Salisbury Reunion 2011 Pageant was held on Sunday evening at the Salisbury Reunion Village. Hosted by Ophelia Marie and Murphy “Sye” Jno-Jules, the event showed Dominica how talented the 5 beautiful contestants from Salisbury are. Shanell Dangelban was crowned Miss Salisbury Reunion 2011 after she wowed the crowd with a passionate talent about the problems facing children. Salisbury is proud of all the wonderful contestants: Roanne Jno-Baptiste (1st Runner up), Kishelle Codrington (2nd Runner up), Delrine Larocque and Marketha Louis.

The Reunion’s educational activities began on Monday with a Summer School program for children hosted at the Salisbury Primary School. Many children attended and spent their week engaging in hands-on, educational activities led by teachers and college students. On Monday evening a History Night focusing on the history and culture of Salisbury and Dominica was a huge success with over 100 people in attendance. The panel -Franklyn Georges, Ellingsworth Edd Edwards, Cuthbert Vidal, and Daryl Phillip captivated the audience with their fascinating information about the community and nation.

Two Overseas Residents Symposiums conducted on July 26th, and August 2nd afforded the opportunity for the returnees to dialogue about and participate in the development of their community. The first week of activities ended with a three day local business expo, where several entrepreneurs from the community were able to display their products.

All aspects of the musical spectrum rang clear throughout the weekend, including Calypso, Bouyon with WCK and others, and on Sunday, Cadence night, which included legendary musicians from Salisbury such as Derrick Peters of Mammout and Linford John.

A Grand Health Fair on Wednesday brought to the community members and visitors free consultations with medical personnel. Over 100 participants were able to have their cholesterol, blood sugar and pressure checked, visual acuity and Body Mass Index measured, and counseled on how to live more healthy lives.

The Reunion festivities continued with a talent night on Thursday the 4th at the reunion village, a Closing Dinner, Awards and Donation Ceremony on Friday 5th. During the awards ceremony, local music legend Linford John was awarded for his contribution to Music in the community, Mr. Eusfield John was received the Sports award for his prowess in cricket, Mrs. Euta Jones was honoured for her work in Education, Mrs Nita Edwards was awarded for her Community Involvement, Mrs. Geraldine Royer cooped the award in Health, Mrs. Rosema “Daydame” Frederick received the cultural icon award and for their contribution to agriculture, Ms Sylvia Vidal, Karam Harry, Cuthbert Vidal and Gerald Ambo were all recognized with awards.

The Oldie Goldie Night which took place on Saturday 6th July was one of the most successful events which took place during the reunion. Patrons who attended dressed in their best 60’s, 70’s and 80’s outfits grooved to the treasured and loved beats of that era.  Although the competition was tight, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Williams cooped the award for best dressed couple.

The Salisbury reunion, ended on Sunday 7th August with a street party, block-o style. The 16 day event was organized and orchestrated by the Salisbury Reunion Committee, a subsidiary of the Salisbury Enhancement Committee, with the support of numerous villagers based here and abroad, along with sponsorship of several sponsors.

The Salisbury Reunion and Enhancement Committees wishes to express its sincere gratitude to its sponsors, including the Royal Bank of Canada, National Development Foundation of Dominica, B & C Bakery, Al Motors, Macoucherie Estates, West Coast Cooperative Credit Union, West Central Restaurant, Cornerstone, Sign Man, Fine Foods Inc., Island Car Rental, LIME Dominica, RDR, All Saints University, Reginald John Construction, Heineken, Jolly’s Pharmacy, Express D’Isle, Lericon Printers, Carib, The Glam, Sunset Bay Hotel, J Astaphans and Co. Ltd., Kubuli, Domlec, Bulls Eye Pharmacy, Scotia Bank, Dominica Festivals Commission, Prevost and Williams Law Firm, Kairi FM, Q 95, Krazy Tees, Marpin TV, and the Government of Dominica.

Without the generous support of our cooperate community, our returnees, and our villagers, the reunion would not have been the massive success that it was. After 16 days of intense, fun-filled and energetic acitivities, every participant has the right to say, “I survived Salisbury Reunion”.