The official launch of the 23rd World Creole Music Festival took place on Friday evening, July 28,  with the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Ministry of Tourism at the helm. The much-awaited festival of this year is expected to feature performances from renowned personalities such as the Cadence-Lypso Pioneer Legend, Gordon Henderson, and Dominica's Princess of Song, Michele Henderson.

Tourism Minister Denise Charles stated that the WCMF represents more than just an event but is rather a connection between the ancestral melodies of our past and the lively rhythms of the present. Charles also noted the success of the 22nd edition which saw 7,400 attendees, and claimed it was the highest number of patrons to have ever attended the WCMF. That number however may not stand up to scrutiny.

Charles asserts that the government's allocation of more than $7 million towards this year's festival is a clear indication of their conviction of the potency of culture and music. She further stated that this investment is a declaration of the significance placed on safeguarding, endorsing, and celebrating Dominica's Creole Heritage.

​Minister of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiative, Denise Charles.

During the Golden Drum Award ceremony on Friday, Minister of Culture, Gretta Roberts, emphasized the immense power of culture. She stated that culture plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a nation's people, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting unity in the society. Moreover, she highlighted that in times of difficulty, culture serves as a beacon of hope, offering solace and strength to people from all walks of life.

Roberts reiterated the government's dedication to upholding the arts, preserving cultural customs, and promoting a conducive atmosphere for the growth of culture.

Minister of Culture, Gretta Roberts.

​Incorporating youth into the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage is vital for ensuring its continuity and relevance in society. One effective way to achieve this is by starting at a young age and introducing children to the roots of their culture and heritage.
 
As the 2023 recipient of the Golden Drum Special Recognition Award, a Grand Bay Cultural Group member highlighted the importance of teaching young children about their cultural heritage, which lays the foundation for a deeper understanding & appreciation of their traditions.
 
By integrating cultural lessons and activities into the curriculum, young minds can begin to grasp the significance of their heritage and its connection to their identity. The member mentions the group's involvement in fostering cultural appreciation at the secondary school level, allowing the students to delve deeper into the various aspects of their traditions.
 
This active engagement not only ensures the survival of cultural traditions but also empowers young individuals to become cultural ambassadors, passing down their heritage to future generations with passion and enthusiasm.

Grand Bay Cultural Group member.

Justice Dr. Irving André points out the historical context of the policies and actions of Dominica’s first Edward Oliver LeBlanc, and emphasized that throughout his electoral campaigns, he never resorted to importing overseas voters to secure power. LeBlanc's commitment to serving the people and his willingness to step down when he chose to, demonstrates a stark contrast to the notion of holding power for 50 years as has been expressed by Mr Skerrit Dr. André explains.

In response to the suggestion that Edward Oliver LeBlanc engaged in similar electoral practices to current administrative actions, Justice André strongly rejects the comparison, asserting that LeBlanc's tenure was characterized by policies aimed at preserving the interests and welfare of Dominicans.
 
LeBlanc's dedication to public ownership of beaches, limiting foreign ownership of land, and prioritizing job opportunities for Dominican professionals contradicts any notion of using unethical means to maintain power. André deems such comparisons defamatory and highlights that the current situation deviates significantly from LeBlanc's principles and values.

Justice Dr. Irving André.

The Dominica Business Forum Inc. will host an All-Included Consultation on Thursday 3rd August 2023 from 9:00AM at the Truth and Grace Fellowship Global Church on Independence Street, Roseau, to craft the ‘People’s Draft Electoral & Campaign Finance Laws and Regulations’ for Dominica. This consultation will include all stakeholder organizations, & will produce a comprehensive report, as a follow-up to the collaboration among civil society organizations prior to the 2019 general elections.
 
DBF Inc. is the only civil society organization on record that engaged Sir
Dennis Byron in public consultation after he was recruited to review the electoral legislation of Dominica. DBF considers the preparation of the people’s draft legislation as the most significant development towards the achievement of the much-needed comprehensive electoral reform in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
 
DBF Inc. is concerned that any attempt to politicize the process of reviewing the draft electoral legislation presented by Sir Dennis Byron along political party lines will be disastrous to the citizens of the country and to the democratic principles of Dominica. The Dominica Business Forum Inc has a strong record of impartiality and genuine involvement in addressing the electoral reform process, given its ability to engage all sectors of society.
 
Electoral Reform Consultant Sir Dennis Byron and Attorney General Levi Peter have been invited to participate in this consultation, along with the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and Prominent legal professionals Mr. Julian Johnson and Justice Dr. Irving Andre, Repsall political parties and civil society organizations and other individuals.
 
The proceedings of the consultation will be live streamed on Radio, FaceBook and YouTube. The consultation will focus on:
 
1. An overview of the draft legislation presented by Sir Dennis Byron
2. Identification of flaws in the existing legislation
3. Recommendations proposed in the draft legislation.
4. Proposed amendments to the draft legislation.
5. Appointment of a working committee to revise the draft legislation.
6. Follow-up consultation
7. Presentation of the final draft laws and regulations to the Electoral Commission & the Attorney General for consideration, submission to the political directorate for tabling in the parliament for passage into Law.
 
The Dominica Business Forum Inc. is confident that after almost 45 years of political independence and the recent advocacy and demand for electoral reform, good sense will prevail, and the Commonwealth of Dominica will benefit from satisfactory electoral legislation which should be a model for the Commonwealth of Nations, anda pillar to Dominica’s democracy. A successful consultation is anticipated on August 3rd, 2023.
 

UWP President Lennox Linton supports electoral reform initiatives being undertaken by the people, to craft appropriate laws and regulations that will improve voting rules and ensure free & fair elections on a level playing field.  He laments the unnecessary expense incurred for the Dennis Bryon consultancy, which was financed by the people of Dominica.
 
He contends that Prime Minister Skerrit first proposed a far lesser charge for the consulting work, but in the end, it was the country's residents who footed the bill for the entire $650,000price tag. In exchange, Linton says however, the people now have specific insightful suggestions, and ideas for improving Dominica's voting rules. He laments that the investment of $650,000 in Sir Dennis Byron’s consultancy would have been much better spent on essential needs of the people.

​Linton stresses the significance of making specific adjustments to the draft legislation proposed by Sir Dennis Byron, for voter registration, and related rules. He says these laws must not be passed without necessary appropriate changes, that will guarantee free and fair elections.

Lennox Linton, president of the United Workers Party.

​In his closing remarks of the Put Pen to Paper (PPTP) summer camp, local bouyon artist Sheldon "Shelly" Alfred expressed his hope and anticipation for the future of the participants as creatives. He emphasized that while not everyone may pursue a career as an artist, they have all gained a solid understanding of the fundamentals of music, songwriting, videography, and production.
 
The goal of the program was to nurture complete musicians and provide knowledge about various aspects of the music industry, ensuring that participants can relate to and excel in different roles within the field, even if they venture into other creative professions.

Local Bouyon Artist, Sheldon "Shelly" Alfred.

​Grace Bruney, the Strategic Director of Innovate My World Organization, advocates for a technology-centered approach in Dominica's educational system, emphasizing the global shift towards a technological era. Bruney underscores the significance of technology as a fundamental component in Dominica's educational framework, particularly in light of the integration of technology across various industries.

​Bruney expressed her optimism that the students will be able to effectively assimilate all the knowledge that they have acquired from the camp into their educational journey upon the resumption of school in September.

‘Innovate My World’ Strategic Director, Grace Bruney.

Minister of State with Responsibility for Senior Citizens, Dr. Cassandra Williams, asserts that the DLP Administration is committed to the comprehensive growth of all Dominicans. The government remains steadfast in its efforts to aid its citizens in tackling issues of risk, vulnerability, exclusion, and poverty. Williams further stated that the administration continues to prioritize the engagement of the most susceptible individuals in programs designed to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

​She says that the government is steadfast in its resolve, and has enabled the seamless operation and efficacy of all its social safety net programs, and social protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable.

​Minister of State with Responsibility for Senior Citizens, Dr. Cassandra Williams.

​UWP President Lennox Linton concurs with Justice Dr. Irving Andre's articulation of the nation's sentiments gathered from civic organizations and groups. He acknowledges the numerous recommendations from observer missions, including the introduction of Voter ID cards for voting, and the need to clean up the voters register. These reforms have been under discussion since 2008,& the electoral commission has committed to implementing them for the benefit of the Dominican people.

Linton praises Dr. André's summary as excellent and emphasizes the need for consensus among Dominicans to address the proposed reforms. This collective agreement should involve political parties, civil society organizations, and intellectual and academic individuals, aiming for a common understanding and agreement for the benefit of all Dominicans.

UWP President Lennox Linton.