Government donates $15,000 to the 5th edition of the Waraka Annual Sewinal Festival in Atkinson

​Government has donated $15,000 towards the 5th Waraka Annual Sewinal Festival in Atkinson, under the theme “Strengthening Culture & Togetherness through Christmas Cheers.” The festival takes place this Saturday 17th December 2016. The donation was presented to the Chairman of the Atkinson Village Council, Leeroy Williams, by the Minister for Kalinago Affairs, Casius Darroux, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs, on Wednesday.
 
Darroux argues that Atkinson has been making great strides in developing and presenting the Christmas Sewinal Festival over the years, and he is convinced that it can become a big national event. There are two components to the festival; the Sewinal concert which will begin from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and will feature the traditional Sewinal bands, and related performing groups and individuals.
 
After the Sewinal concert, there will be a street party featuring the Swinging Stars, Extasy Band, DJ’s and Club DVD Sounds. This concert continues until daybreak, in keeping with the Sewinal tradition. He appealed to the community to ensure that the less fortunate and the vulnerable are cared for, that while they celebrate.
 
Darroux added that government of Dominica and the Kalinago Affairs Ministry have always played their part in ensuring that, “we empower our local communities, and paid attention to the activities that are happening throughout the country.”
 
Meanwhile, Atkinson Village Council Chairman Leeroy Williams said this year’s program is a packed and is family-oriented. He extended an invitation to patrons across Dominica, “to support the activities, as we pursue the development and preservation of our Sewinal Culture in the area”. He thanked all of the sponsors who came on board to support the festival, saying, “Without the sponsors, the festival is almost impossible”.