Festival and Events Manager at Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), Nathalie Walsh, believes that the upcoming Cadence Lypso Golden Jubilee and Gospel Festival will provide further tourism benefits and promotion of Dominica.
She made the disclosure while addressing the launching ceremony of Cadence Lypso 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee and Gospel Festival held recently.
According to her, Cadence Lypso forms part of Dominica’s history and culture that portrays what is uniquely Dominica’s and as such encourages persons to partake in the upcoming Festival.
“Discover Dominica Authority also recognizes that the Cadence Lypso Festival will provide tourism benefits such as, increased visitations and promotion of our beautiful destination, Dominica,” she said.
She continued, “Cadence Lypso demonstrates key strengths under the Ministry of Tourism pillars to include events and entertainment which will provide an avenue to promote Cadence music among locals, especially the younger generation.”
Walsh added, “We also recognize the important role that festivals play in generating economic activity for various sectors to include, the hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, and many other small to medium enterprises.”
She extended an invitation for persons to visit Dominica during the summer and join in the celebration of the Cadence Lypso and Gospel Festival, carded for August 4-7 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Forecourt.
Walsh thanked Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles for the commendable work he continues to do to promote Cadence music and Creole language in Dominica and by extension, the world.
“Discover Dominica Authority also joins in paying homage to the Cadence legends for their musical patrimony, Gordon Henderson and Exile One, Ophelia Marie, Michele Henderson and so many more who brought the name of the Nature Island globally,” she noted. “Let us continue to help in preserving Cadence as one of Dominica’s genres of music which has and continues to gain fame, not only locally, but regionally.”
Meantime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Lucien Blackmoore who represented Minister Gretta Roberts, said the Government of Dominica will continue to promote the Creole culture in schools and welcome new collaborations with Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles and the Creole HeartBeat on these and other similar initiatives.
He hopes the Cad3ence Lypso and Gospel Festival, “will serve as a source of inspiration to all.”
Is it wise to have this take place in the middle of the hurricane season? Just asking.
While I encourage visitors to spend time and money in our beautiful island I would object to our government putting tax payers’ money into a private venture like this, whether it be Waddix or anyone else. If these entrepreneurs believe this is a good business, let them invest their own money. After all it are they who stand to reap most benefits. This should not be government sponsored, where it is open to propaganda putting pressure and obligations on the organisers of such events.
Cadence lypso is just calypso. Ive tried to listen to it and it SERIOUSLY lacks the cadence aspect. This is just another calypso show half way through the year. nonsense if you ask me. But the old people seem to think its the best thing in the land. Same people going up for calypso competition is the same people in this show. And one would think they would be versatile but no, same thing. The musical accompaniment itself should set the pace, but still same old calypso musicals. Nathalie you self..