Patrons have been told to enjoy a peaceful and drug free independence season as the eighth annual Creole in the Park (CITP) celebrations opened today.
Mayor of Roseau His Lordship Cecil Joseph, Minister of Culture Justina Charles and Minister for Ports Rayburn Blackmoore all echoed a call for persons to resist violence and drug use during the festivities. They also called on citizens to keep the home of the CITP – the Botanic Gardens – clean.
Charles commended LIME for its role in keeping culture alive in Dominica. She asked the youth to place emphasis on mature and responsible behaviour and to think before they act to avoid negative behaviour.
Blackmoore, who spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, told patrons that the event is not simply to “dance and wine” but is an avenue that will add value to the national economy.
He also said that music which is unique to Dominica such a cadence and Creole music should be preserved.
@Night: As the name implies the cloth madras comes from that part of India so named. Since India was part of the British Empire and the industries of Africa were ravaged it was much easier to use the madras cloth than the African cloth.
On another note the word creole has nothing to do with Africa. the word creole comes from the word creolo which was used to refer to europeans, particularly Portuguese who lived in the tropics. The word was loosely then used to refer to the mixture of all the culture that was part of the whole slavery and colonization episode.
I think we should change the name of the creole day to creole and heritage day. This will allow those who dont celebrate creole day to participate.
@Anonymous, @Monti @Night
Yeh man! Massa bought these pretty pretty cloth for us..we were soo happy for that….that is why we still use it up to today…..In those days that was all we had… so we made everthing with it.. we made head tie.. we made table cloth we made curtain…we made clothes..we still do the same today.. thank you Massa for that part of our heritage….
@Anonymous: Hahaha, i was just goign to comment on that…………. Hahah so they be
@Night:
Please do some research, Not everything related to Dominica’s culture came from Africa. The jenga worlclothes were dull and depressing. Bright and colourful madras was imported from India for the slaves and the the newly freed to make these wonderful creole outfits which are now the envy of the rest of the Caribbean. Mazouk and many of our dances came from EUROPE, no less. We are neither all nor are all of us solely of African descent. Our very wise foreparents took the BEST of all influences through the past 2 or 3 centuries and have created this phenominal Dominican cultural permutation which is as rich as it is diverse. I acknowledge and deeply respect my African heritage; but accept that not every tradition that I hold precious, including my religion, is rooted in African origins.
And Africa absorbs our aspects of caribbean culture too, eh.
A lady told me she heard Erica Woy oy oy. in a Taxi right in Arusha in Tanzania. So there!!!
@monti
This is why I found it interesting to research where the different aspects of our culture came from.
Just research the thing and you will see how interesting it is.
I believe we in DA have the best culture in the world….and yes we are continuously embracing aspects of other cultures…( WCMF)… however I hope we get to make other adjustment in the future…
.
Hon Prevost
How come Cecil looking straight ahead when he giving Hon Previst the pen?
@Night: Dont be ignorant, our culture is not limited to our african heritage. We are a mix ppl influenced by the Europeans as well and given this global environment we live in we are influenced by many more areas. Stupes – over time ppl incorporate and develop traits or lifestyle thats uinque to them.
There looking well dead yesterday.
Awww, it`s at times like these I really miss my home Dominica. Long live Dominica!!! There`s no other place like you on this earth…
HAVE ANYONE RESEARCHED WHEN AND WHY MADRAS BECAME A PART OF OUR HERITAGE?
HAVE ANYONE EVER SEEN MADRAS BEING USED IN AFRICA AT ANYTIME (PAST OR PRESENT)?
……..THIS IS ONE AREA IN OUR CULTURE I LONG TO SEE CORRECTED…….
See how The Hon. Prevost and his Parls are having fun.. and the outside people are having fights with each other for these guys! How amazing.
Hope it doesn’t rain!!!!! Hated walking through the muddy park. But Dammit I still went!
Hope it does rain!!!!! Hated walking through the muddy park. But Dammit I still went! :D
wow! cecil is in season again.still have a lot of stray dogs around town.whats wrong wid him.
has he lost direction?
hello,mr prevost knows that he is from african decent. dude sang going back too my roots and nasio
said iman wanna go home,home.true roots man.
we need true patriots but we surely dont need traitors and back stabbers in creole dress.
I listened to part of the function on the radio while at work this afternoon. Excellent choices for the Life Time Awards.. Aunty Pearl.. that’s your life.
I expect LIME to have something extra special for the 10th CITP intwo years time. How time flies
Glad to see His Excellency the President (Ag.) in national/creole wear.
i wish i could make it, i miss DA
@STEVE NEWBURY: hey my boy you can always come back home. do like me . plan to have your own busniess. am sure you will make it.
Yes Hon. Prevost! Nice national costume.
I LOVE DOMINCA AND MISSED IT SO VERY MUCH.
WOW! I WISH I WAS INDOMINICA NOW ,BUT IM WORKING NEXT YEAR FOR SURE STEVE USA.