Dominica’s most vibrant and patriotic season of celebrations has officially commenced with the opening of independence 2023 on September 30.
Dominica achieved full independence on November 3, 1978 and will recognize its 45th anniversary of independence under the theme, “Anou Selebwe” meaning “Let Us Celebrate.”
- Advertisement -
Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports And Community Development, Hon. Gretta Roberts highlights the significance of this year’s theme.
“This year’s independence theme is simple in expression but significant in meaning. It is a reminder that even in what may seem to be the most difficult times the indomitable Dominican spirit is always guaranteed to take us through. As a government we have faced a succession of challenges both natural and manmade yet we forge ahead fully cognizant of our sworn responsibility to secure a brighter more hopeful future for our Dominican people. Our determination to not only survive but flourish and prosper and our strength and courage as a people are why we celebrate,” Minister Roberts stated.
Minister Roberts says independence celebrations offer Dominica an opportunity for nation building, addressing socio-economic issues and follows the Prime Minister’s call for a national reset.
“Our celebrations over the next month offer us the ideal opportunity to reflect on how we can join hearts, hands and minds to continue building our nation. As we reflect it is important to ask ourselves what contributions we can make individually and collectively to confront the issues plaguing our development. This is how we heed the Prime Minister’s call for a reset; this reset will require solidarity and collective work to drive our country forward,” the Culture Minster noted.
Parliamentary Representative of the Mahaut Constituency Hon. Cassani Laville warmly welcomed the public and spoke deeply of the contributions of Mahaut to Dominica. He says citizens have a collective responsibility for nation building.
“Friends, we in Mahaut welcome you to this place and to this unique celebration because as a community we help to reshape the nations thrust towards a new paradigm of enterprise, of cultural rebirth and greater awareness of the possibilities of building a more prosperous nation and a country of greater quality and opportunities for its people. That this is work still in progress that this is still our collective responsibility and desire to achieve as we strive to work together to build further on the foundation laid out for us over those 45 years.,” Hon. Laville stated.
Hon. Laville recalled the rich contributions of his constituency in shaping culture in Dominica.
“I am reminding you, that it is Mahaut who produced the legendary Wells Combo, who played their part in revolutionizing
Dominica’s music and entertainment land-scape for well over three decades; that they were one of the greatest proponents of Dominica’s Cadence Lypso Music touring extensively to other Caribbean islands, Canada and the USA and still to this day receiving ode play not just here but across the creole speaking world. But this is the home of Opharell
Benjamin and the legion of Champion Folk Loris where Bele, Quadrille, Conch Shell Blowing and just about any folk form this great men and women some unknown outside of these crafts but masters of their own craft,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Cultural Officer, Mr. Earlson Matthew has called for the active participation of citizens in cultural preservation.
“What we ask for in turn is that everyone plays their part. Sometimes our nature is such that we want to see the traditions stay alive until we are called upon to participate. We are all green and environmentally conscious until it’s time to clean up after ourselves. We all advocates for eating local produce until it is time to plant. So as we remain wary of developing a reputation of all talk and no action let us continue to encourage those who do accept their social, environmental and most importantly cultural responsibilities whether through physical, emotional, moral or financial support,” Mr. Matthew stated.
Mr. Matthew has advised individuals to be tolerant with the next generation and provide guidance to those who follow in their footsteps.
The Dominica 2023 Independence Calendar promises a diverse range of activities which caters to everyone.
Journee Panyen (basket day) October 6;
History week October 9 October 13
October 13; Journe Chap Pay
October 14; Market Day With A Difference Portsmouth Market 8 am
National Emblems Week October 16- 20
October 19, National Madam Wob Dwiyet Pageant, Old Mill Cultural Centre 8 pm
Flag Day October 16
Had Kweyol Friday Afro Hair Day October 20
Festival Dwive October 20
National Heritage Day October 22
National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant October 25
WCMF 2023 October 27-29
National Youth Rally November 2
Independence Day November 3
Every Friday during independence season individuals are encouraged to wear their creole wear.
