Dominica Gov. host regional Journalist for this Years Mass…
Certainly it’s not fair to determine that ‘Carnival across the Caribbean should be measured on a scale to determine who is good better and best, but we really need to experience each Island’s Charm and presentation to appreciate their individual Culture. After been hosted by The Nature Island for this year’s Carnival celebrations it’s no wonder that competition with other Islands seem nowhere on their agenda when putting on their Carnival Celebrations for 2017, they call it Mass Dominique the original Mass… and that is what we saw. What also came alive during this year’s celebrations were the attitude and participation of their people and communities that were Genuine and admirable, and certainly we’ve see some things we all can learn from.
A Carnival anywhere will always look like what you expect, but a cultural experience In Dominica is one that left a lasting impression with a desire to want more. Let’s talk about what I won’t forget; It seems like they pull out all the stops to train their queen contestants in a well-rounded manner that lets you see how much went into getting them all ready for their stage performance.
The crowning of the queen saw the grace and splendor of handing off the crown to the new Queen and in parting, you sense the outgoing queen leaving that authority right there on the stage gracefully; maybe it was a moment of unawareness on her part as to how well she turned over the crown, but she was polished and full of charm when handling the transition.
The Calypsonians poured out their hearts telling their stories and their social commentaries using their presentations to communicate their messages to the audience … and when it was all finished they all were satisfied with the outcome and the decision of the Judges which didn’t seem to worry them at all in as much as the decision for the calypso show was unusual leaving a third place open since 2nd & 3rd were tied for second place. Outsiders and some of the audience felt that with nine judges presiding, a decision to break the tie before the announcement would have been part of the criteria to settle this matter. It didn’t seem to bother any of the ten finalists where they were placed but rather, their contribution were in line with their patriotism as Dominicans, playing mass in unison.
And then it was time for the street jump up in down town Roseau showing a type of character typical of the people of Dominica, not seen anywhere else in the Caribbean. They really knows how to party, come Sun or Rain. J’ouvert began early Monday morning followed by the Traditional Masquerade and T Shirt Bands jump up through the streets of Roseau. The following day Tuesday saw the grand Costume Parade everything turning out just as it was anticipated and described by both the Director of Tourism and the Tourism minister who both affirm to us that the concentration is geared heavily towards regional visitors to come and enjoy the attraction offered that is pure nature. The Tourism Minister says there is no interest for the moment to attract Mass tourism but they are satisfied that all who visit Dominica would be treated to a piece of Nature found nowhere else but where God created it right here in Dominica.
One will want to think the signature product to draw tourist to the Island would be the World Creole Music Festival that is staged in October each year, but right alongside it is Mass Dominique, Dominica’s Carnival in February and growing slowly to become just as popular, is Dominica’s Jazz’n Creole Fest slated for May 28th thru June 4th all coupled with a taste of Nature that every one is invited to experience.
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