The Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and a hub of youthful enthusiasm on Wednesday morning as students from schools around the North participated in the Northern Schools Independence Parade.
In attendance were various dignitaries including Portsmouth Parliamentary Representative Ian Douglas, Cottage Parliamentary Representative Reginald Austrie, Minister of Education Petter St. Jean and Mayor of Portsmouth Cleve St. Jean.
The featured speaker at the ceremony was Laurina Vidal Telemacque, a young lawyer from Portsmouth.
In her address, she beseeched the young persons in attendance to work hard to attain their goals. She also advised them to take time in earning career success, and should not attempt to take shortcuts.
The event also featured academic and sports certificates being handed out to outstanding students from the various schools in attendance.
At the end of the ceremony, each school did a march past, with Ian Douglas being the recipient of the ‘Eyes Right’ salute.
Below are photos from the event.
Photos by Chad Ambo.
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Wow, I am seating in my office her in Fort Worth Texas (Dallas metro area) and with tears forming in my eyes I reflect on my homeland. I remember the days when I was part of the youth parade; what love and pride we hard for our country. Today, that love and pride has grown to an unquenchable desire to see our country continue to produce people with Godliness and devotion to righteous living. Our heritage, culture and sense of independence must be celebrated and maintained as part of that pursuit. I love who I am as a Child of God, and Dominican who God has blessed to be a blessing. Let me say special thanks to Chad for the excellent photos that allow folks like me to connect with what’s happening back home. I must tell you seeing teacher Marlie marching along the students took me way back. We must do a better job at recognizing our educators and leaders for their consistent efforts in training and molding our young people –to that end I say special thanks to Teacher Marlie and the many others like him out there including younger teachers like Mr. Dyer and Mr Pierre (my former classmate). I am proud to be DOMINICAN from ROLLO ST. ZICACK PORTSMOUTH
THUMBS UP TO MY LOVING COUSIN CEASARINA PAUL.GREETING FROM UR FAMILY IN THE U.S.A
wow.I’d love to take part in the marching and when you finish there was always some juicy and bun waiting for you. I remember the good ole days. I’ll always love you Dominica. Happy Independence Day when it arrives
Well uniformed ! Is one thing i can say ..The mothers of Dominica take care of their children.
It’s amazing to see John-Paul still very active with the scout troop.
Looking at the Photos made me proud to be a Dominican
There is nothing more heart warming than to see school children participation in national day parade. I remember, always looking forward to that day in my time
this pictures look so beautiful with the school children. so many school, are all this different school, but not in the portmouth area. The kids look so beautiful. Parent good job, I have a question. Why this old zinks on the side of the road line out. is there a construction sight there. why it wasn’t remove for that special once a year event for your Island. this picture are all over the world. I knew benjamin park. it a beautiful area. Please next event avoid the media taking pictures of this unwanted sight. PLEASE BIG UP DOMINICA, ISLAND WITH PRIDE.
These photos appear to have been taken near the construction site at the Portsmouth Roman Catholic Church. Construction is on the way and so they must protect the are especially being so close to the St. John’s school.
Really lovely pics> Hats off to Chad again!!! Keep the stories and photos from the north coming bro!!!
Just looking at the pictures made me PROUD of all the youngster they were wonderfull and I love them all tears ran down my cheeks looking at them I want them to know that they made DOMINICA proud and dear GOD please look down on them guild and protect them in the world we live in I pray in Jesus name.
Wow..memories from yesteryears..but man I can remember the days when my teacher said EYES right, right turn….booboo..I did not know my left from right…pinch ears boy and no Juicy for me and some…hahaha..
Thanks for this article and the extensive photo gallery, DNO. It brings back fond memories of my school rallies during my PSS days.
Congrats Mr. Ambo, keep up the good work.
Are u an employer of DNO? just asking. That is very interesting
Yes I am
It is not employer but employee…
Beautiful , well presented
the children looks well uniformed but i must say that i am dissatisfied with the camera men….im sure a better location could have been selected instead of the red broken down fence they choose to compliment the photo….stuppeesss….
Its obvious the photographer has no control over where the parade route is. All he can do is take the best pictures as the event is happening. Long story short, you doh have a point my friend!
I love what i saw that brings back memories and i see my son following my foot step
OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU WHATS IS THAT IN MY BRITISH VOICE
I can understand that the second town of Dominica: PORTSMOUTH and the Prime Minister did not dere take time out to be there. What happen we are not worth his presence? or did they forget to invite him?
No matter whatthe case is at least by respect for the people he should have been there.
No excuses are big enough except sickness or death!!!