Fort Young Hotel steps in to host Council on Ageing Christmas fundraiser

The Fort Young Hotel will host the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) fundraising Christmas dinner at the Palisades Restaurant on Friday 22nd December 2023, following uncertainty faced by organisers upon the tragic and unexpected loss of Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand the proprietors of Coulibri Ridge Resort- the show’s original venue.

In light of the heartbreaking circumstances, organisers were forced to rethink whether to proceed. A decision was made to continue the show at the new venue- the Palisades Restaurant of the newly upgraded Fort Young Hotel, under the theme- Bouyon Jazz Christmas and featuring Carlyn XP- Dominica’s Bouyon Queen.

President of the DCOA, Nigel Lawrence, expressed his gratitude towards Fort Young Hotel for their generous offer. “Due to the devastating news, we were truly unsure if it would go on.  It’s a relief to know that the show will now take place at Fort Young, and I encourage everyone to attend or tune in to the live stream to support our cause.”

This highly-anticipated performance will be Carlyn XP’s first since an extended absence from the stage and fans can expect a solid set of originals and holiday favourites including selections from her album An XPlicious Christmas. Carlyn XP has built a legion of fans over the years and especially through her Musical Therapy online jam sessions with husband Cornell Phillip during the COVID-19 pandemic. She used the opportunity to raise awareness on mental issues and to also raise funds for charity.  She is therefore humbled to play a role in this holiday fundraising event for the DCOA.

“This is a worthy cause. The elderly are truly close to my heart- as a musician and as someone who worked in healthcare as a nurse; so I am really honoured that the DCOA thought of me to pull off this momentous event,” says Carlyn.

She expects full support from her fans across the globe, who will be watching the event via live stream.  “My Bouyon Army will be checking in on Friday the 22nd and we will do all we can to help DCOA reach its goal. It’s going to be a great musical reunion and I can’t think of a better time than Christmas weekend to have it.”

No stranger to the Fort Young Hotel, she last performed there at Michele Henderson’s The Jazz in Me concert, which together with her Bouyon Jazz Festival were grouped under the Nature Island Jazz XPrience.

Events and Retail Manager Delwin James is pleased to collaborate with the DCOA. “We are excited about hosting the DCOA event. Our team has put together a wonderful menu that will ensure a memorable dining experience.  Beyond fundraising, this occasion provides patrons with an opportunity to share in the love, joy, and peace of Christmas.”

The Fort Young Hotel’s involvement in hosting this fundraiser coincides with the recent $18 million re-imagination and expansion of the hotel including the newly built 60-room Fort Collection along with other upgraded spaces to include the Marquis Bar and Lounge and Old Oven Museum Café underlining their commitment to enhancing guest experiences while supporting local initiatives.

The DCOA, has for the past 31 years championed the rights and well-being of Dominica’s elderly population. Their endeavors include organising events such as the National Month of the Elderly (each September), advocating for elder-friendly policies, and facilitating specialised services for older individuals, including financial planning workshops and health fairs.

The organisation is still seeking sponsors to cover upfront costs for Bouyon Jazz Christmas fundraising concert.

Individuals interested in sponsoring or contributing to the event are encouraged to contact the DCOA at (767) 613-8551 or via email at [email protected].  For updates on the show visit the Dominica Council on Ageing Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DCOAINC.