Archive for February, 2010

We are finally experiencing the anticipated rehabilitation of roads from Roseau to the Melville Hall Airport, and from Roseau to Portsmouth. Fast and furious was the groundbreaking event, which took place today, with the immediate commencement of work on the Portsmouth road. According to (DNO), the work will be conducted by a Chinese team, but several Dominicans are expected to be employed. This $100 million project is a great economic boost for the island as a whole. The project is expected to last almost two years…. that will certainly be a good, steady period of employment for those Dominicans who have been employed, to assist with the Portsmouth project.

Development of the island is well on its way, and we look forward to the safe and continued efforts of those who are involved in the process, to see these many projects come to fruition. We are all anxious to see Dominica move up to standards with other developing islands, especially in the areas of safe and accessible roads, better paying jobs and increased economic growth. The standard of living has improved over the many years; therefore, news of continued development is very encouraging to those who are willing to remain on the island, or return to the island to live and participate in the forward movements of our nature island.

Better roads as well as additional roads are necessary, but emphasis must be placed on providing proper drainage, because the island is prone to a lot of heavy rainfalls and frequent landslides, as well as ocassional sea erosions, which are usually very destructive to the roads. The Chinese builders are professionals, who we trust, will not take shortcuts, but will create the best and most durable roads, suitable to our tropical climate and eminent storms. Ultimately, proper road maintenance by officials as well as travelers, will also be necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of the roads, after they have been constructed.

I am thankful that we are finally building better roads, which will lead to improvement in our traveling time, encourage more visitors to extend their stay on the island, increase business development, and create stronger economic growth, while our lovely, nature island continues to improve and become more globally recognized.

The artistic, impressive and memorable achievements of Lord Karessah (Greg), and Soul Puss (Dave), determinedly remind us, that the people of Marigot are very intelligent, talented and motivated. It is this relentless motivation which will triumphantly return, and keep Marigot, in its appropriate and cultural place on the map. Ultimately, our goal is to have a beauty contestant from the village of Marigot, compete in the Ms. Dominica competition, in Roseau, possibly for 2011 Carnival.

I am planning to work along with Cheryl Abraham and others, to facilitate the process. Auditions will begin in May. Parents will be notified of the selection process of boys and girls, who are serious and willing to participate in 2011 Carnival activities. Children will be selected for the following events: calypso show, princess show. They will also be invited to join in one of our costume bands for the Kiddies’ Carnival, on Carnival Sunday afternoon. It is very important to begin the selection process early, so that all contestants can be professionally trained, and ready to compete in the pageant shows.

A queen show and calypso show will also be considered, for Carnival 2011.

Hosting our own pageant and calypso shows in Marigot, will increase self esteem, create pride and joy in our village, while contestants showcase their talent, confidence, and intelligence as they compete to win and keep Marigot on the map.

We are determined to return beauty pageants and calypso shows to Marigot; however, we can only be successful with the cooperation of those who would also like to see the beauty and elegance of the village showcased, positively, culturally and internationally. If you and your friends would like to see the return of beauty pageants and calypso shows to the lovely village of Marigot, for the 2011 Carnival celebrations, please support the effort by encouraging others to join the “TEAM” by making an early and serious commitment to the cause, because, “Together Everyone Achieves More,” the results will be significantly greater — recognition undeniable — a big plus for Marigot.

Additional information will be posted as we work through the planning process.

Spectacular photographs of Carnival 2010, in Dominica. Photos compliments of Dominica News On Line (DNO). www.dominicanewsonline.com.

Once again, this is real proof that Marigot has an abundance of ambitious, great, and talented young people. Let us work to continue this phenomenon which has begun. We need to encourage and begin working with other talented young people who are willing to compete. In the past, Marigot people hosted their own princess show, queen show and a calypso show, which was well coordinated and very successful. We must work very hard to return these competitions to Marigot, not only for the beauty of the competitions, but also the revenue which will be gained, as a result of these competitions. Become a team player, because, “Together Everyone Achieves More.”

Once again, sincere commitment, financial obligations, and early preparations, for example, will be the key to hosting successful competitions in Marigot. Let us come together to begin working towards these goals. Just imagine how lovely it would have been to be able to parade our Marigot princess, queen and king of the village, while celebrating the successful win of our own Lord KARESSAH, the 2010 Calypso Monarch, for retaining the most coveted CROWN, and SOUL PUSS, for his third place win.

Let us happily celebrate the wonderful achievements of Karessah and Soul Puss, whose determination, diligence and hard work have showcased the unique talent of the village, while the news have sky-rocketed Marigot positively into the Headlines. May their collective and successful accomplishments empower us all, while their undeniably talented aspirations, inspire all those who dare to “DREAM BIG.”

May the carnival celebrations continue in a very safe and enjoyable manner, free from drugs, crime and violence…… this is a time to have fun, not to harm each other, so please don’t feel obligated to walk with your tools. Why would you want to have anything in your possession, which could prevent you from jumping up and enjoying yourselves?

Way to go, MARIGOTIANS, get on the road, unite, and celebrate your big win, in grand style!

Photographs compliments of DNO. www.dominicanewsonline.com.

Looking out of my window, trees covered in white, streets barely visible, while the river appears to have frozen in time; a very picturesque scenery just perfect for printing on Christmas postcards………..SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW………..

Most of us are familiar with the saying “if wishes were horses beggars would ride.” My wish at this time is to be on the island of Dominica, looking at the SUN, SUN, and more SUN, while enjoying the 2010 carnival festivities.

What can I do to turn my wishes into reality? I can have DREAMS, DREAMS and more DREAMS.

The melodious sounds of carnival keeps ringing in my ears. The lively reggae beat, the jumping sound of calypso music, and the unstoppable beat of Sugar Fire drums, combined to make the carnival a time of joyous celebration. A wonderful display of bright and festive colors, worn by natives, as well as visitors, add to the dazzling and picturesque beauty of the carnival festivities. Whether you wear an elaborate costume or your comfortable clothes, you can walk, dance, swing from side to side or jump up and down, while you follow the lively music and have a splendid time…….. caring little about what others might think of your actions……. while you jubilantly celebrate in the true spirit of love.

When we leave our worries behind, let our spirits roam free over land and sea, we will enjoy the simple treasures of life, and live life to the fullest degree — for some people, a lot of snow is a welcome and thrilling sight, but for others like myself, a lot of sun, especially at carnival time, could be an irresistible, stimulating, and enjoyable time.