The Government of Dominica has invested over $8 million towards this year’s independence celebrations, and the public is being encouraged to participate in the independence activities as Dominica celebrates 45 years of independence this year. This was according to Tourism Minister Denise Charles who was addressing the opening ceremony of the 2nd annual Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2023 held at the Botanic Gardens on Tuesday.
The four-day event which was cut short to three days this year due to inclement weather over the weekend, forms part of the activities for the 2023 independence season. It will take place from October 24-26, between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The event replaces the annual Creole in The Park (CITP), a precursor event leading to the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
“It’s in these shared moments of celebration that we find our true spirit as a nation. And speaking of celebration, the World Creole Music Festival is not just a musical extravaganza, but a testament to Dominica’s rich cultural tapestry,” she said. “This festival showcases the best of music. It’s an embodiment of our island’s spirit and a reminder of the rhythm that beats in the heart of every Dominican.”
She continued, “A special thank you to our headline sponsors, specifically the government of Dominica for making the investment of over $8 million, ensuring that we have a wonderful week of celebration done with excellence and love.”
Charles added, “Let’s celebrate, let’s buy local.”
She encourages everyone to unite and to put aside their differences.
“As we gather to celebrate independence and the richness of our heritage, let’s also remember the strength that comes from unity,” she encouraged. “This is a time to set aside our differences, even if just for a moment, and rejoice in all [that] makes us uniquely Dominican.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State with responsibility for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Daren Pinard urged small business owners to continue to believe in themselves and their businesses.
“Make it your priority, give it more than you take from it and I can assure you that in the future it will give you everything,” he urged. “We have created an environment designed for fun, entertainment, comradery, and pride for country.”
He cautioned all to look out for each other and act responsibly while having fun this independence season. This year, over 60 micro and small businesses will be provided with booths to showcase and sell their products inclusive of argo-processors, food vendors, arts and crafts, and florists. In addition, the following will be aspects of Ti Vilaj Kweyol- cultural performances both on stage and on the ground, local bands and DJs, Creole fashion, agriculture food display, food courts with bars and local foods, and children’s playground.
Primary and secondary school children under the age of 12 years wearing their uniforms will be allowed to enter the event free of charge. Those who are not in uniform along with the rest of the general public will pay $10 at the gate.
The theme for Ti Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2023 is the same as last year’s theme: “Tout Biten Domnik”.
from where i stand i believe its 8 million jamaican dollars
the 8 million could go to better use else where. oh yes, there are other sectors that need that 8 million dollar contribution and will make better use of that money. what a waste.
2 thirds of that is to pay what they had owe vendors & suppliers etc from last year. Because no way i seeing where the 8 million is. Not in Ti Village Kweyol. Maybe in cost to get international artists, but i not seeing it on the ground.
By 2023 this whole fiasco should be upgraded to an organized showcase where bands & artists pay to participate. With the exception of the headliner per the night, all acts would have loved to pay to be seen and promoted. I would pay both to see and be seen. However, that’s above the heads of these folks, just look up ‘South By Southwest’, many became major acts but started by paying to participate, saves you at least $5 million by your standard of spending.
8 million dollars my as..
And government cannot pay its bills. Spare me lady.
Wicked soul you are the Minister for Tourism; Carnival falls under your portfolio. What happen to the prizes people won?
that’s if this woman knows what she is saying .just repeating from idiots
so, we have in excess of 8 million for a celebration, but don’t have 5 million to build a solar power plant to ease up on the constant loadshedding? ebeh well, our priorities are well in check.
Frrancisco for you I quote you:-
” It’s customary and expected, all of you blood-suckers look forward to is the beating of the drums (my insertion – with drumsticks), and gyrating in the streets to be seen.
Where are the jobs?
Same old BS coming from the same old idiots,just a different day.Same old,same old.If the PEOPLE were not better off under Labour than under UWP,the same way the PEOPLE kicked out UWP,they would have done the same to Labour.So keep on doing what you do best talk,spread fake news and post foolishness,the PEOPLE don’t care about.Under Skerrit thousands of people who were living and renting 2×4 houses are now living in $400,000 houses and apartments FREE.That is our money,that is CBI money.Who vex go to hell.TRAITORS.
And some of those same people cannot afford to put food on their table. What a ting eh? Next time I am called to assist in that regard, I will call you.
In my Tasha P voice “there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Remember you always pay the price”
@Lin clown
Dominicans living at home have always been kicking out this Skerrit party. It’s lazy heads like you that are bribed for US$100.00 to come ans spoil the show.
Imagine this! A country that has collected billions of dollars on behalf of its people but the thousands of resident citizens have been reduced to dependency and beggary.
Can those stenographers who pretend to be journalists be consistent in demanding a specific date when Roosevelt and wife will exit the $64K taxpayers’ monthly rental citadel. This money along with the 8 million dollars for this year’s sewo could have been used to assist in poverty alleviation, economic development, needed equipment at the health facilities, and other necessities.
Dominica is like a shipwrecked vessel languishing on a stony reef being battered by high surf, strong currents and swirling winds.
why don’t you pay the NEP workers all the money that is owed with that money. i wonder if she buys her weave local to.
That’s not good but when a government has killed the private sector, what else you expect? Now a days government finances everything on island because they truly killed everything we had. So they finance every village feast, Kalinago feast, funeral, they finance shops and now most pastors don’t even have to preach on tithing and offering because government financing those greedy pastors too. But I hope when they call on him to answer questions all you don’t say I don’t know him.
Wig-head you come back again talking and spewing more nonsensical garbage, and lies?
So, what if government Roosevelt Skerrit spend one dime, or a hundred million dollars on some party: that’s what it is right? It’s customary and expected, all of you blood-suckers look forward to is the beating of the drums, and gyrating in the streets to be seen.
Where are the jobs?
When its all over the attendees go home with nothing in their kitchen to cook and eat; they remain hungry until another dance brawl!
You feed on the crumbs that Roosevelt spread for you all on the ground for you the yard fouls to grovel and pick on!
That’s how the majority of you labor clown survive; while the master …. sits in his more than million dollar rent per year he collects while sitting between two fire place in more than 90 degrees heat outside/inside of the house. Only Satan the devil can withstand such heat!
Hahahahahaahahahahahahahah!
Well, the devil is a known thief and a liar eh!
Frrancisco for you I quote you:-
” It’s customary and expected, all of you blood-suckers look forward to is the beating of the drums (my insertion – with drumsticks), and gyrating in the streets to be seen.
Where are the jobs?
These are very sober and trying times in Dominica more than ever before since the dawn of Independence some forty drive years ago. Forty five (45) years of anything is a milestone.
Unfortunately, at this point in time, Dominicans have nothing to celebrate. What is there to smile about? is it the long, daily electricity outages and the frequent water disruptions? Is it the out of reach cost of living for most residents? Is it the disconnection of the utilities services that have become unaffordable for hundreds of domestic households? Is it the escalating murders, robberies and cases of child sexual molestation? Is the entrenched poverty where many families have to forego even one meal per day?
The Roosevelt’s experiment as the head of government has brought only agony, poverty and misery to Dominica. It has imperiled the lives of the masses.
All the Traditional events for Independence is hardly getting finance from this Government. Are you giving The Cultural Division enough money to fund events. No!!!
Maybe you all should just do the 3 nights of pulsating music alone because it Seems it’s allu own. SMH.
Still no word from Skerrit. Where is our CBI money? Instead, like the old Romans, he gives the masses games, sewo and bread. Dominicans, don’t allow this man to continue. He has cheated all you not out of millions but out of billions. Look at all your country.
Surely, the celebration of independence should be initiated by the people. It should not need sponsoring to the tune of $8 million.