Leader of the Purple Dragon Academy, Sensei Shannah Robin, who has been providing service for the youth of Dominica in the field of martial arts over the years, was one of the nine Dominicans to receive the Services Medal of Honour Award during the Parade of Unformed Groups on Independence Day.
Robin told Dominica News Online that the award has been a great achievement not only for him, but for the positive young people out there.
“First of all receiving this award, I don’t want to receive it on my behalf only,” he said. “I want to receive it on behalf of all the positive young people out there who believe that there is no hope, who believe there is no possibility of success for them.”
He also thanked God and the people who nominated him for the award.
“I want to say thank you to the most high and to the people who nominated me and thank you to Dominicans by extension. I feel very good, thank you,” he said.
He said discipline makes all things possible.
“Once they (young people) stay steadfast and discipline anything is possible and martial arts is no exception,” he noted. “Over 16 years I have been putting in my service single handedly and doing my best to help the young people of this country, take them overseas and have been doing very well and you know the young people of this country have been growing from strength to strength in Purple Dragon and I am sure some of the other positive groups around us as well too.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Glovello Toussaint was among six to receive the Meritorious Service Award, the nation’s third highest award.
He received that award for long service in Surveying.
He told DNO that it feels good to be recognized.
“Through it all I want to send a message to all Dominicans. There are a lot of Dominicans that needs to be recognized also and I am hoping in time that they will get their turn,” he said.
Toussaint’s message to all those employed in private practice is, “whatever you do, do it with integrity and do your best.”
“Don’t compromise integrity, especially professionalism, because if you do it eventually, I mean it can pay dividend both for you and the country,” he stated.
“Anthony Glovello Toussaint was”
Glovello, if you are one of the same I remember; I am happy that you are still here breathing oxygen. I remember you way back in 1960/1961, when you spent some time in Wesley doing some Crown Land survey; I was a just a kid then, but I remember you.
If I am correct you are from St. Joseph.
For what it’s worth, an award in recognition for your service which dates back to the colonial days, is appropriate, I only wish you did not have to shake hands with a so called president, the man who instigated a forty days, and forty nights riot in the country.
During that civil war caused by Saverin people died, killed during the violence, it would be nice if the awards extended to the nationals of our country, could be handed out by someone with clean hands, the hand of the man you shake is dirty with the blood of the victims of the war he caused the blood of the victims are still fresh in the palms of his hands.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
“He received that award for long service in Surveying.”
Okay, you Toussiant are the same guy: I did not read the full text before I wrote my first submission, however, reading it back the quote above confirms that I truly know you! Remember I left for Antigua, just about the time you all were completing your assignment in the Village of Wesley, If remember Dorian Smith from Wesley trained with you, and I think Pasqual, the guy with the flat nose who wore glasses; Dorian Died about three or four years ago.
I am the little boy they called “Son” in the Village nice to know that you are alive, you were in your twenty’s when I met you, how very interesting!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Silver fox n Bolo from La fonchette used to beat Sensei and his poloquette disciples all de time… bcuz Silver Fox used to eat yampain, dashein and fig and Sensei like to eat mango gili and drink cane juice! UDOHREADYT
Congratulations Sensei. You truly deserve this award. Thank you for your persistence and positive attitude. A true role model. Stay blessed and humble always.
Yes indeed … Sensie is a walking book ..from nothing to a national hero ….he is a true role model for the kids of this Land … Keep up the good work sensie …we love you
GREAT SENSEI. This is just testament to your hard work, perseverance and love for people and country. AS ONE OF YOUR PURPLE DRAGON STUDENTS I AM MOST PROUD OF YOU.
I am certain that Professor Don Jacobs would be full of joy and rejoice for such an achievement. Dominica must support your hard work to making here a better place for our youth and teaching them to persist and succeed.
Your life alone is a motivational speech. Keep on that road.
Osh Sensei .