Dominica Island Blog: Sharing Every Dominican Moment with the World

Dominica Carnival 2008 Opening Parade

Written by Chris in Dominica Carnival 2 Comments →

Dominica Carnival 2008 festivities started with a grand opening parade through the streets of capital city-Roseau. The opening parade this year started from the Portersville Savannah, through the streets of Roseau, and ended on the Dame Eugenia Charles boulevard. The parade showcased the reigning calypso king - Derek st Rose and Carnival Queen - Leandra Lander, also Steel Pan music, Flag-wavers, MFR Band, Sensay and the old time traditional mass costumes.

Here are some scenes from Dominica’s Carnival (More Fete - Less Twaka!) 2008 opening parade. Enjoy!

Change Dominica To Dominique

Written by Chris in Dominica News 21 Comments →

How many times have Dominica been mistaken for the Dominican Republic? How many times have you read articles about the different Caribbean Islands, where Dominica is just completely overlooked? Over a zillion times I bet! Here is one of the suggestions by a frequent contributor to the Sun Newspaper.

I have suggested before that we make a simple change…A country’s name should be free and clear of any confusion with any other country on the surface of the Earth. Iran and Iraq are close but clearly distinguishable. The same would apply to “Dominique” and Dominican Republic…besides “Dominique” is already in common usage for a very long time and is reflective of the history and of our country. Why not make the change now? More, Dominica is Latin…Dominique is French. It is quite obvious that we considerably more French than Latin.

I personally think, it will be difficult to get accustom if Dominica name changes, but on the other hand it will greatly reduce all the mix-ups with the Dominican Republic. What do you think; would Dominica change its name to Dominique? Let’s hear opinions in the comments.

Creole In The Park Fever

Written by Chris in Creole In The Park No Comments →

Sweet Music of Jing Ping music blended with steelpan, cadence and bouyon music. Old friends were reunited and new friendships made. From stage performances, Creole Cuisine, and local Creole products…these are the sights, sound and smell of Cable and Wireless Creole in the Park. October 22nd - 25th 2007 at the Botanical Gardens - Dominica.

For the past four years, the crowds have become bigger and bigger, people from all around Dominica and the Caribbean come to be apart of this growing event. There is no doubt that Creole in the Park has become a great event which complements the World Creole Music Festival and if for some reason Cable and Wireless should stop hosting the event the entire independence celebration will just won’t be the same again. It’s just great an environment for any visitor or local can enjoy “An explosion of creole food, art and craft and creole culture.” This year’s event will have performances by may of the local bands like,Triple K International, Swingin Stars, First Serenade Band, Midnight Grover’s, Impromptu Band, and to close this year’s Creole in the Park will be Dominica’s very own reggae star Nasio Fontaine.

Creole in the Park – History

Cable & Wireless Creole in the Park is a concept which was born in 2003 from the need to satisfy the demand for a day event for local and visiting patrons during Dominica’s annual Independence season. It was also an idea for a fringe event to complement the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).

The first Cable & Wireless Creole in the Park would take place over a four-day period in the week leading up to the 7th WCMF and would be located in the Northern section of the historic Botanical Gardens bordering on Valley Road in the capital Roseau.

Creole in the Park – Venus

Located about 50 meters from the Roseau River, is the 40-acre Botanic Gardens of Dominica. This area of undulating land is the largest tract of semi-open space in the city of Roseau. With an elevation of about 66 ft above sea level, the historical Botanical Garden is the cradle of the Cable & Wireless Creole in The Park event. Conceived in 1889, this verdant landscape of 40 acres provides the perfect scenic backdrop for the sun-drenched days of creole activity.

Are You New To Creole in the Park?

If you’ve never been to Creole in the Park, then here are some information that maybe helpful. The event is usually held on the four days before the World Creole Festival Weekend, and starts at 12:00noon and goes on till 7:00pm each day. There is a small entrance fee of $1.00 proceeds of which are donated to the Forestry & Parks Division for upkeep and development of the Botanical Gardens; we have to help keep Dominica green.

Thanks to Cable and Wireless and the Discover Dominica Authority, Creole in the Park have the excitement and enthusiasm which have become one of the most colourful and popular cultural event in Dominica and the Caribbean. Hope to see you there.