Dominica is observing the 36th anniversary of its political independence from Britain with the traditional military parade, honour of nationals and a message from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit that the anniversary provides the opportunity to highlight and showcase the many attributes that define “our character as Dominicans.”
“It is an occasion to recapture and project our folklore, our song, dance, music, dress cuisine and many of the other traditions that make us unique. But it is also a time to pause, to reflect on the progress we have made, to assess where we are, where we want to get to and determine how we can get there, remaining united, peaceful and strong,” Skerrit said in his Independence message to the nation.
The celebration is being held under the theme “Our Nation, Our Responsibility” and Prime Minister Skerrit said it also provides for citizens to question whether or not “we have been faithful in discharging our responsibilities to ourselves, our families, our communities and to our country.”
Skerrit said as leader of the country while his administration had laid the groundwork for creating opportunities for the socio-economic development of Dominica, “we will not rest, for there is still a lot to be accomplished.”
“One of the characteristics of a truly independent nation, is to be found in the recognition it gives to citizens who have blazed a trail of excellence and who have made profound sacrifice in service to the country and to the global community,” he said.
He said in addition to the traditional presentation of meritorious awards, the independence celebration is being punctuated with two flagship events honouring three Dominicans.
Skerrit said the renaming of the Melville Hall airport to the Douglas-Charles airport, and the naming of the highway from Pond Casse to the Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool highway, “not only adds one more chapter to the Dominica story, but also represents the writing of Dominican history from a local perspective.”
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