KEK celebrates 30 years

The Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) observes its 30th anniversary on June 1st 2011. It was thirty years ago to the day that a group of cultural enthusiasts gathered at the invitation of the Cultural Division then headed by Alwyn Bully, Chief Cultural Officer, to discuss the formation of a body to promote and develop the Kwéyòl Language.

Initially known as the Standing Committee for Creole Studies, the Kwéyòl name, Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) was adopted as its official name.

To mark the 30th Anniversary, KEK is holding various activities throughout this year. These include
•    the Kwéyòl Spelling Bee and the launching of two new publications in May
•    a special Kwéyòl mass in June
•    a creole food fair in August
•    special media features and programmes
•    a feature lecture,  exhibition and a cultural evening in October.

During the past thirty years, KEK has achieved the following:
•    The establishment of Jounen Kwéyòl in 1981 which later became International Creole Day and celebrated on October 28th each year in various continents across the world especially in Francophone countries.
•    The establishment of Heritage Day and Simenn Kwéyòl (Creole Week) which today marks the highpoint of Dominica’s Creole celebrations.
•    Research and documentation of oral traditions such as stories, tim tim proverbs and expressions.
•    The development of a number of Kwéyòl publications including a Kwéyòl Dictionary, a book of proverbs, ’Pawol Ka Di’, a book of riddles ‘Tim Tim Glo Doubout’ among others.
•    Introduction and promotion of the standard Kwéyòl orthography(writing system) in  Dominica.
•    Kwéyòl Spelling Bee for Primary Schools.
•    Promotion of various aspects of the Kwéyòl language and culture in the media.
•    The development of a more positive attitude to the Kwéyòl Language and culture in the general population.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, KEK wishes to pay special tribute to the late Marcel ‘Djamala’ Fontaine and the late Anita James as well as all other members past and present for their contribution to the development of the Kwéyòl language and culture in Dominica. KEK also expresses gratitude to the Government of Dominica, the Cultural Division, the private sector, various schools and the general public for making Kwéyòl Day so special in terms of office decor, cuisine, ambience, assemblies and special events.

KEK also thanks various individuals, restaurants and hotels for promoting local Creole cuisine; the many tailors, seamstresses, boutiques and stores for the development and promotion of Creole wear; the musicians and bands for continuing to promote Creole music and the local print and electronic media for Creole features, programming and coverage of cultural events.

Of special note is the development of the World Creole Music Festival which cements Dominica as the hub of Creole music and culture in the Caribbean.

Among the difficulties and challenges KEK faces and intends to address in the years ahead are the introduction of Kwéyòl language arts in schools, the decline in speaking Kwéyòl particularly among young people and the greater adoption of the Kwéyòl writing system.