Archive for October, 2009

A very promising young man on a noble mission, Alvin is intelligent, outstanding, people oriented and has the potential to exceed even his own visionary expectations. In his quest to promote forward-moving ideas, which can be utilized, as we work towards a more peaceful, educated and prosperous Dominica, he empowers himself by taking full advantage of all opportunities available to him.  He is very impressive and truly a “gleaming beacon of hope” in Dominica. Today, when many of us are aware of, and complain of the violence and crime which is threatening to destroy many of the young people on the Island, Alvin remains positive and upholds his moral values, by being an admirable example in the community and Dominica, as a whole. He encourages and actively participates in several organizations devoted to promoting non violence in schools and communities, for example. During my last visit to Dominica, I had a conversation with Alvin’s mother, and she said “he was always a very curious child who asked a lot of questions,” to which she smiled and acknowledge how proud she was of her son. Today, it is clear to see why Alvin has grown up to be a positive and ambitious young man who is still curious, but better able to articulate his curiosity in ways which are beneficial to himself as well as many others.

As a member of my small Classiqué staff, Alvin has been very helpful as well as inspirational in providing me with ideas and opportunities, which have been quite valuable to the entire staff.  He exudes the qualities of a good, strong and ambitious leader who is not afraid to tackle the most difficult issues and situations.  One of his most recognizable qualities is that of a dynamic speaker.  As such, he is often called upon to be the master of ceremony, to lead in prayer, give formal speeches or just to host simple affairs, all of which he masters passionately, confidently and very effectively.  Although noticeably small in stature, his ability to address very serious topics with a great sense of humor, while bringing credence to his message, often leaves his audience mesmerized by his stunning performance. 

A busy college student, Alvin also works part time in order to maintain his financial obligations. He is very active in the church and is the leader of several small groups in the community, as well as Island wide.  Alvin is continuously on the run, in spite of many difficult challenges, while he tries to fulfill his many obligations.   

TO BE CONTINUED………………….Alvin’s biography and excerpts from his most recent speech which was given at the Youth rally, in the Windsor Park, will be added later.

These are Summer 2009 pictures, taken at and around Classiqué.  Most buildings in the distance are accessible by walking or a few minutes driving; however, mountains are much further away and requires both driving and walking.

Most of these pictures were taken after four, consecutive days of rain and high winds; thus the wet pavement and few broken branches.  As you can see, Scott, Kerdale and Henrick, have just returned from the river with a bowl of fresh, cleaned fish, as well as a pail of spring water which was used for cooking and drinking. Thankfully, Jeffrey gutter is still intact and allows one to retrieve water, when the central water system has to be shut down, after a rainstorm or for necessary maintenance.

Standing on the deck picking grafted/julie mangoes was a whole lot of fun, especially when they were tree ripened and could be eaten at the same time.  Although the mangoes are not visible, there are quite a few of them hidden within the branches. This is actually considered the last crop of the season, which means “cherish every bite” and if we are lucky, the next season will produce a much larger and sweeter crop.

Children dancing on the stage were participants of our all day fair, which was held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.  Children five and under competed in the dance competition and one was chosen as the Summer princess, while the others received gifts for their efforts.  Children had an enjoyable time as they participated in art and craft, played games, danced to lively music and enjoyed all the edible goodies, which were provided by Classiqué.  Our next children’s party will be held during the Christmas holidays.

One of the most beautiful attraction in the village was, admiring school children who were neatly dressed in their blue and khaki uniform, accentuated by a blue and yellow necktie, as they walked by themselves or in groups, to, and from school. Like many kids, while my nephew, Jaheil allowed me to walk up to the gate with him, it was not cool to be seen holding hands – - at a comfortable distance, he would kiss me goodbye and scamper off to join his friends who were also on their way to school. Currently, due to structural repairs being made at the Weirs School, children are transported by busses, to the technical training center at the boxing plant, where classes are temporarily being held.  Fortunately, nutritious meals prepared at the facility at very little cost to parents, allow children to enjoy hot meals with their classmates, instead of bringing their lunches or having to return home at lunchtime.  The adventure of riding a bus to school is new to most of the children who must be ready much earlier in order to catch the first or second school bus; yet, Jaheil sounded very excited about the experience when he explained how the ladies were cooking food in some very large pots, which consisted of nice tasting chicken and rice, as well as fish and other locally grown produce. This process is expected to last throughout the Fall semester with the expectation of their return to the Weirs school, in January 2010. Meetings are held frequently in an effort to keep parents and guardians informed of the transitional process, as well as structural development of the Weirs school.  From all indications, the process is working smoothly, and most, if not all of the children, have adjusted to the temporary relocation of their classrooms.

As you can see in the pictures, vehicles are constantly moving up and down on the partially paved Over gutter road, but improvement is slow to come by.  Promises of rebuilding the road have been made, so hopefully changes will occur next year. Undoubtedly, rebuilding the Over gutter road will serve residents who are currently living there, but more importantly, it will be available to accommodate drivers who need accessibility to their destinations, when the main road is crowded or blocked.  

Once again, I enjoyed being in Dominica and look forward to returning very soon; unfortunately, I will not be a part of the 2009 Independence celebration but will keep abreast of the happenings through media, etc.   I hope that you will enjoy looking at the pictures. 

I have not published pictures of the August 2009 Wedding receptions, but would love to to post them soon; unfortunately, I have misplaced my memory card on which the pictures are stored.  It certainly would be nice if a family member or friend of each wedding party, who might have some of those beautiful pictures, would forward a few to the site so that the pictures can be published.  The pictures can also be sent to me by email, at classiquedominica@gmail.com. I look forward to receiving some pictures very soon.