Creole Heritage Month – Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl – continued on Sunday, October 25, 2015, with Jounen Kwéyòl festivities.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “avansé épi kiliti nou, ka konèt éwitaj nou” or “Forward with our culture, knowing our heritage.”
Celebrations went beyond the official host communities – Boguis, Canaries, Ti Rocher (Micoud) and Laborie – with a proliferation of colour and music starting on Vendredi Kwéyòl in schools, offices and public areas from Gros Islet to Castries to Vieux Fort and everywhere in between.
Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has commended the organizers and Saint Lucians on the whole for their conduct over the past few weeks, and the past few days in particular, in remembrance of those who crafted the nation’s development over the years.
Said Dr. Anthony,”Jounen Kwéyòl has taken on a life of its own; the school children, popular musicians, the media, the business houses, all embrace our national identity, all promote a sense of self, and a sense of pride, that is integral to who we are as a people. It is such a joy to see the little ones and adults alike adopting our national wear, singing traditional songs, using the language and learning to make our typical dishes.
“It should go without saying that the Folk Research Centre and Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries deserve voluminous praise for the part they have played in elevating our culture. But it is even more rewarding to see ordinary citizens taking ownership and making this a truly island-wide festival, in much the same way as the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, or Saint Lucia Carnival.
“This was also our first Jounen Kwéyòl without two of the giants of Saint Lucian culture, Sir Dunstan St. Omer and Frank Norville, and it was fitting that in the midst of the merrymaking, time was taken to recognize both men and their contributions.”
The Folk Research Centre is hosting a Creole Art and Craft Exhibition at its Morne Pleasant headquarters during the course of this week. On Wednesday, October 28, Saint Lucia will join Dominica, Martinique and the rest of the world for Jounen Kwéyòl Entennasyonnal (International Creole Day). The month of activities culminates in a “Manjé, dansé ek chanté an Kwéyòl” show on October 31 at the National Cultural Centre.
Read more at stluicanewsonline.com
