On Sunday, May 5, music enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world gathered in the picturesque Cabrits National Park located in Portsmouth to experience the highly-anticipated Jazz ‘n Creole event. The event showcased an impressive lineup of talented performers, including the renowned “violin queen” Mapy, the sensational reggae artist Alaine, and the local music sensation Michele Henderson, who was joined by Li-Li Octave and the Swinging Stars Band, among other well-known musicians.
The event was a perfect blend of jazz and Creole music, creating a captivating atmosphere that left the audience spellbound.
“I think that it has been a good Jazz,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said while speaking to State-Owned Radio DBS. “From my perspective, it’s not only on the day of the Jazz, but the many fringe events which took place in Portsmouth and the vibe that we created in Portsmouth…”
He continued, “There were several local establishments who had fringe events and from all reports, they were all very well patronized and that’s what we have been trying to create where the town of Portsmouth would take ownership of the Jazz and position themselves to take better advantage of the many benefits direct and indirect which Jazz [provides].”
In fact, the Prime Minister said there were more engagements by local business people in Portsmouth this year.
“We look forward to building on this year, but I think this year has been a year where we have seen more engagements by the local business people in the town of Portsmouth,” he stated. “I am very happy for that. It is an opportunity for us to socialize and to interact and to make our contribution from our various advantage points.”
Mr. Skerrit added, “I think we need to expand it and I saw what the Ministry of Tourism did and I want to commend them for that…to place on the official calendar of events, those fringe events and help promote them, and market them.”
Furthermore, he believes that one of the things that his government needs to work on is local accommodation, “ensuring that people are at better positions to take advantage of it.”
He said the event is being developed into, “the Jazz ‘n Creole Festival which we envisaged.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said in terms of accommodation, most available in the north were fully booked.
“So, that’s a positive sign,” she stated. “That tells you the amount of economic activity in the north on the weekend.”
As Minister of Tourism, Charles-Pemberton said she was excited and impressed.
However, she stated that there are still a few lessons to be learned, “but we now have to decide where we are going to take Jazz ’n Creole, because it has huge potential.”
“We do not want to compete with our sister islands, but I think we have a good vibe going for us in Dominica,” she noted.
The event was celebrated under the theme: “Creole Fusion” which Charles-Pemberton said everyone stuck to.
“Jazz is about fashion, music, fun, culture and you can see by the patrons that everyone stuck to the theme,” she said. “Everybody made an effort to wear an aspect of our madras cloth or our Creole fabric and I am really impressed about that.”
She commended the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC), the various sponsors, and the media houses who did a fantastic job promoting Jazz ‘n Creole 2024.
Charles-Pemberton also commended the Mayor of Portsmouth and her team.
“Because this year you can say that the people of Portsmouth were ready to receive the influx of visitors,” she stated. “They had Jazz ‘n Karaoke, they had Jazz and Art in Paradise which was spectacular and was well received by patrons who said they cannot wait for the repeat of this event next year.”
The Breakfast Village was also established this year and got a special mention from the minister.
“Because you know last year many people complained that they couldn’t get food and so they went beyond and they established a ‘Breakfast Village’ which…was well appreciated by patrons,” she noted.
this doesn’t come close to St Lucia Jazz Festival……….sorry
that’s de honest truth
no matter how much we talk talk…….St Lucians know de difference.
we need to see de views of de patrons not de officials
de officials always selling
how much did de public buy into it
be honest nuh
yes indeed. I think it was a very good vibes. but I the ticket at the gate was way too high. but I must say , it was good.
Orwellian.
The Prime Minister’s phrase, “I think that it has been a good Jazz” at least separates the contents of the Jazz ‘n Creole from the genre of jazz in its accepted form.
I know this comment will not be published but I want DNO to know that its news site is collapsing.
DNO seems like it has been instructed not to issue any comments that is not favourable to the apex predator and his regime of opportunistic parasites.
DNO will publish articles and comments about Roosevelt meeting with the Chinese official; how successful the Jazz & Creole Festival was; its obsession with the buggery laws; and multiple articles of Satan personified with the broadest smile.
Poor people bawling for the recent hike in water rate – no comment; continued monthly $64K payment for Roosevelt lavished lifestyle – no comment; no meaningful electoral reform – no comment; monumental brain drain no comment, etc.
DNO is part of the problem as it gives wings to Roosevelt’s lies.
This comment will never see daylight. Just want to let DNO know we know its intention.