When Cyrille James took to the road as a taxi driver over three decades ago, he never dreamt that one day he would be recognized by the state for his contribution to national development.
Known affectionately to some as “Fast Lalo,” he received the nation’s third highest honor, The Services Medal of Honor, on Indepedence morning for his contribution to transporation.
In 1980, 34 years ago, James became a bus driver and since then he has transported countless Dominicans, most notably on his Roseau to Loubiere route.
His record is impeccable.
“I am a good driver and everybody knows I am a good driver,” James told DNO after the ceremony, saying he never had an accident in all those years.
Actually, James said he came into the service just to see what it was like but after experiencing love from his many passengers, his career was sealed.
“When I came into the service I found the people had loved me,” he said. “So I decided to stay and that caused me to be here today.”
James is known for his generosity and he said it always warms his heart when he can give a passenger, who has no money, a free ride.
“If somebody has no money, I just forget it. I give them a free ride,” he said.
He stated he is humbled that the state took the time to recognize a bus driver like him, whose services might go unnoticed by the general population.
“I am happy they recognize you before you die,” he said. “I got an award today, and I feel very happy and humbled.”
Despite his busy schedule, “family time” is important to James and he never misses a meal at home.
“Yes man, my family is important to me,” he stated.
James said he looks forward to more time behind the wheel, doing what he loves and transporting his passengers safely.
“I think I can go on for another 15 years,” he said with a hearty laugh.
Not so true, think about that. For those who do not know you, I do, you come from Delice , Remember! Let’s leave this alone. Politics can cause wonder.
Cyril you deserve this award. Before I bought my car you would transport my daughter and I up Leopoldville in the bad road, you would say because I love you I’m driving my bus in that road,lol. I’m happy you are given your flowers while you are alive.
This is beautiful. Its the common ppl that make the economy what it is. Support n commend them always.
Congratulations! He´s the best taxi driver. Others can take an example from him.
congrats to Cyrille but the man by the name of small black from grandbay has been doing for much much longer and is still going strong.
Congrats to u Cyrille
SECO deserves a national award too
Congart mr.james
fact you are a strong labour supporter so stop the b s
National awards are recommended by people not political party
Do you really care? Care about what and whom and in what manner? What is your point? Whose business is it if I appear to support a political party, whichever I choose to support? It is my personal business, my right and my prerogative to do so.
What did you expect me to state to someone who received an award and who deserved it? I have as much reasons to comment as you do. Am I harassing and demeaning you? You use different names and when others do you criticize them. You are a jealous one who is out to make people’s life difficult. You have projected that you are not a nice person but a mean and miserable one. Why else would you make such an unbecoming statement?
Do you not support a political party? You dictator and oppressor, you stop your BS and political jargon and cease attacking people who comment on this Website. You are giving DNO a bad reputation.
If I owned this Website, your derogatory comment would never have made the time of day and night for it contributes nothing to this forum except hatred. DNO should prohibit such harassing comments.
Learn to be fair, just, non-judgmental and be kind. You are a miserable person who is bent on trying to make life miserable for others. You will not succeed. Let it frustrate you. Give people their dues as they deserve and allow them to exercise their God-given right. These are Christian virtues. It will benefit you and make you a happy, peaceful and pleasant person, able to generate them to all especially on this Website. You are in dire need of God’s blessing and graces. Beware of God’s punishment as you deserve.
nice
very well deserved
“I think I can go on for another 15 years,” he said with a hearty laugh”
Yes you can Cyrille! All you need to do is add “Let God’s Will be done in my Life “. He will surely do it for you as you have spoken the words. Congratulation to you!
On the other note thanks be to God for His work for the betterness of Dominica through people like Cyrille James–a bus driver– and the many works He has done through many other persons, groups, organizations etc, which we Dominicans have failed to notice and to show to God the gratitude which belongs to Him–not to any human being.
I will continue to say that up until 1974, when I left Dominica, there is no way we had such “luxury”– and yes; I call it luxury–to be able to decide “I want to be in the city at such and such a time, and there will be a bus to suite my schedule”
Back then, like it or not–living in Giraudel–I would have to be up from my bed by 6am in the morning if I wanted to catch –what we used to call the “passenger truck” by 8am; otherwise I would have to walk to Roseau–thanks to God Giraudel is only 5 miles away from Roseau and the walk was good exercise. The same situation was for returning home from Roseau.
Today, I go to Dominica and I have no worry about how I will get to Roseau at my personal schedule, there is a bus any time of the day, not only that, one of my family members with their own vehicle can take me to and from Roseau–especially that my knees are not too weak for the waling–Hehehehehehehe!.
There is so much more in Dominica that we the people need to be thankful for, instead of copying the futile and negative thoughts which we which hear and repeat–negativity and futility is bad for the development of our country as bad as it is for the mind of those who nurture it .
Toronto is one of the richest cities in the world, I have lived here for 40 years, but now I am sick of it, as I have noticed that there is no time for Love –the Life in Jesus Christ by which we should live, –among money and material things.
Everyone is too busy cheating, lying, and abusing the weak and disadvantage, through their quest to get richer than their counterparts, their own children do not know them; for they have no time for them–people of Dominica is that what you want when you ask for change? Well God forbid!
Well after 40 years among money and luxury–which I do not care a heck about– I have had enough of it and I am on my way to my Dominica where Love is waiting for me; peace and joy has to be my energy and money cannot buy that kind of food, you see!
Dominica may God continue to bless you, along with your people who maintain “reverend fear” towards Him
Dominicans, why don’t we try to see all the little blessings that God has bestowed to us, and to be grateful to Him, that is the only way you are going to see the bigger blessings–I continue to say it, that it is God who is in control–man has to pay attention to His command and to obey them, for without God in His Person, Jesus Christ, we can do nothing!
Well spoken, I am living in Toronto as well and will be following suit. Once my buildings are finished in DA.
Congrats Cyrille, you are an amazing guy and greatly deserve this honor. I was one of those kids you gave free rides to the library, Fortnay and Roseau numerous times and I would not be where I am today without the contributions of people like you.
Congratulations James on receiving a National Award. I love to hear stories of generosity. It is Christian-like.
Your satisfied passengers tell it all. What is also important, it is your generosity to them, those who cannot afford to pay. Yet, some may not have the money at that time but may reciprocate later when they can afford it.
Know that generosity with that cheerful spirit provides blessings from God, progress in your business and being a family man. God takes all these into consideration.
May you continue to practice your business successfully and without accidents.
God bless you!
I am not against James receiving the award, but his statement saying he never had an accident is false. I would like to remind him of the accident he had concerning the little 4.5 yr old girl from Eggleston she was hospitalized for almost 3 months at the pmh. The accident took place close to the junction by the Fatima church.she was on her way to school on that day.
Hmmmm
I am not against mr James getting the award for his contributin to The community but his statement is false when he say he never had an accident. I would like to remind hm of the accident involving the 4.5yr old girl from Eggleston she was on her to school that morning it happen close to the Fatima church. Just a reminder.
You did not inform us who was at fault. There are times drivers cannot help accidents if pedestrians are negligent when crossing or is the fault of another driver.
why are you bringing back the past may i ask?
if it was your child you would remember too. domcan346 thanks for letting us know. Congrats Mr. james. it is not a reason to not congratulate you or tell you you don’t deserve the award. just don’t lie/forget next time. in fact just leave out the statement next time.
If he said he NEVER had an accident then he needs to be reminded simple. How can he forget the child? All you too wicked in that country
Couldn’t happen to a better human being.Can’t think of much bus drivers with such personality ,generousity and never hard an accident.Lesson here people being nice always pays off someway or the other.
Congratulations, this is what I consider to be a well deserved ‘service medal of honor’. Your courtesy and unforgetable smile says a whole lot about you. May God/Jah continue to bless you abundantly.
Congrats Cyril, Well deserved.
Congrats Lalo. By the way, he started off with a car!
lol. i remember that car
Hey Cyril… we’re very proud of you. Well deserved!!!
Congratulations sir…..well done.
Congratulations sir! That’s truly great that your service and relevant contribution is being recognized because impeccable and safe transportation is indeed essential.
Congratulations Fast Lalo
Respect Mr. Cyrille, Nation Building!
so that’s what they p[ay to buy ghost
Congrats Cyril….u are the best! and pls remind the ppl you started with a car and bus/car taking in them times for those short distances ws unheard off! Tell them how you change to suit the times, lunch at 12…done at 6…an your turn around, ppl can always count on you to move off “right away” and now its “shot put” on the flat alone…well except for your fac customers and if you heading home!
You deserve your award Ras….THANK YOU!