Sixty (60) micro and small businesses will be given the opportunity to showcase their skills, talent, and products at the second edition of ‘Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2023′. The four-day event which forms part of the activities for the 2023 independence season will be held on October 23-26 at the Botanic Gardens from 12 pm to 7 pm.
Officially launched on Wednesday, the event replaces the annual Creole in The Park (CITP), a precursor event leading to the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
“This year, 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, children’s playground,” Permanent Secretary and Chairperson of the Technical Committee in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Gloria Joseph said while addressing the launching ceremony.
According to her, the event will culminate with one local major artist daily.
Joseph went on to explain that the objective of this event is to create a lively venue for showcasing Dominica’s cultural traditions, art, fashion, dance, music, food and beverages, products, and agriculture and to provide a space for residents and visitors to recreate and mingle during the day.
She said equally it is to seek to promote small business, entrepreneurship, quality, sustainability, and taste to patrons.
Joseph mentioned further that the independence season attracts a number of visitors to the island and this is an excellent opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy the various aspects of this event.
Minister of State with responsibility for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Daren Pinard said there will be a specific sub-theme for every day.
“On day one of the event the organizers intend to create an awareness of Dominica’s rich and diverse culture and traditions, creating a storyline of Dominica,” he revealed. “It will highlight the oral traditions; such as poetry, storytelling, folk music, cultural dances, and the national wear.”
He continued, “Day two will be dubbed the Youth Explosion Day,” he said. “This day will be dedicated to the schools, the youth cultural groups, the drama clubs, traditional toys and games, and live performances from local bands.”
Pinard said day three’s sub-theme will be focused on fashion and arts, while on day four there will be “Mas in the Kweyol Village.”
“This will be centered around traditional music and dance. We have the Ole Mas traditions, traditional costumes and there will also be a calypso segment,” Pinard explained.
Additionally, he indicated that the 2024 Carnival bands will be given an opportunity to showcase their costumes and present patrons with the opportunity to register.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, with specific responsibility for Development of Community Agro Enterprises, Lakeyia Joseph said this year the emphasis will be placed on coconuts, as the Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl presents the “Coconut House”, displaying all things coconut.
“Last year we had a Cocoa House at Ti Vilaj and it was certainly the center of attraction of the village and this year we will have the Coconut House,” she revealed.
Joseph explained that coconuts will be presented in their purest form, that is coconut water, freshly cut on-site or bottled and chilled, providing a healthy and natural refreshment.
“This year we aim not only to showcase the ecstatic beauty of our coconut crop, but also to educate and inspire,” she noted.
Furthermore, Joseph called on all to acknowledge and appreciate the valuable contributions of small businesses in Dominica.
“These businesses are the embodiment of self-resilience and they empower our communities, providing livelihood and fostering a sense of pride and ownership,” she stated. “Let us celebrate, not only the coconut versatility but also the indomitable spirit of our people.”
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 an amount of $10 at the gate.
The Dominican public is being encouraged to participate in the independence activities as Dominica celebrates 45 years of independence this year.
The theme for Ti Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2023 is the same as last year’s theme: “Tout Biten Domnik”.
Will the government be giving free tickets? Asking for a friend
Why would I go and listen to this. In one way or another it will be a propaganda session for the under pressure CM. Look at the table, three Sides gender up Skerrit worshippers! NO THANKS.
And what is it you all do for local artisans for the rest of the year? Zip. Not even stalls in the Old Market.
$10.00 at the gate, you all must take into consideration is not everybody that will b able to contribute 10 bucks, a mother will be more inclined to say ok look a 5 bucks to enter than 10 dollars everyday, whilst you all want to make money and that i can understand you will more likely to get more people at the 5 bucks price.