Mas Domnik 2017 starts this Saturday with a grand parade in the streets of Capital City Roseau

Opening Parade in 2016 Photo: Dominica News Online

​Mas Domnik 2017 officially starts this Saturday, 4th February 2017, with a grand parade in the streets of Capital City Roseau. The parade is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm from Victoria Street, outside of the Public Library, and will end at Eddie Andre Festival City in Pottersville, where the official opening ceremony will be held.
 
Police Superintendent Richmond Valentine told a Mas Domnik press conference on Wednesday 1st February 2017, “The parade will move north along Victoria Street, unto the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard; then turn right unto King George V Street; left onto Great George Street; left onto Kennedy Avenue, and the right onto Hanover Street. The parade will then cross the Chinese Friendship Bridge, and onto the E O LeBlanc Highway; and will end on the Pottersville Savannah”.
 
Whereas the parade commences at 3pm, Deputy Chairperson of the Road Parade Committee, Charlene White Christian, asks parading groups to assemble at the starting point from 1pm. She said “The parade is going to be rather long, this year, and we only have a three-hour window, from3 pm to 6 pm, so we do not want to start late, and we want to ensure that there are no gaps in the parade. So we are seeking the cooperation of all registered groups and individuals”. She asked latecomers to fit in where they are asked to fit in, to minimize any disorder.
 
White advised that the Serenade band and a sound system will be used in the parade. She added, “We also have a group from Guadeloupe with fifty members strong. We are asking our onlookers to please respect the parade as it goes along, especially where we have the young people, because we will have a few school bands as well as the stilt walkers in the parade. Onlookers are asked to stay out the parade and remain on the sidewalks, so as to ensure a smooth flow, and avoid any accidents”. She further noted that they will be working closely with the Police, road parade marshals and runners, to ensure a smooth parade.