The Dominican Diaspora continues to promote the Nature Island
The vibrant and exciting Dominica Diaspora continues to support and promote our culture in around the globe, and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is pleased to have supported some of these activities and groups who hosted events in their respective communities this summer. The DDA seeks to work closer with the diaspora niche in all established communities to increase visitation among family members or friends who will participate in economic activity within the sector. Dominicans living abroad are in a unique position to build tourism through Culture and Heritage and actively champion that cause through collaboration with the DDA.
During the months of July and August the following Dominica events took place in our source markets:
July 14, 2018 Toronto, Canada – Dominica Arts and Culture Exposé (DACE) held its second-annual Taste of Dominica and the Caribbean Festival. The event took place at Mel Lastman Square in North York, Toronto, which featured a variety of Caribbean staple dishes, entertainment and Dominica’s vibrant and unique culture. Representatives of Discover Dominica Authority’s office in Canada, LMA Communications Inc., was on hand to promote Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2018. They also provided information about the ReDiscover Dominica Campaign, which promoted discounts on hotels and offered spending vouchers. In addition, DDA sponsored a giveaway to someone in attendance related to the upcoming World Creole Music Festival.
July 21st 2018 New York, USA – Destination Dominica Inc. in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Sates at New York hosted Dominica Day on 21st July this year. The event took place at the Carnasie Park in Brooklyn, from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm. The event primarily brought Dominicans and friends of Dominica together to indulge in our food, music, culture, sports and games. The highlight of the day activity was a planned cricket game between Dominica and a Sri Lankan cricket club. A promotional booth was available at the event for dissemination destination information.
August 18th 2018 Virginia, USA – The Know Your Culture group participated in Virginia Carnival – Caribfest 2018 – a large gathering of Caribbean people at a cultural festival in Virginia. This year, in light of the devastating effect of the hurricane on Dominica, the organizers offered Know Your Culture a free booth as well as an opportunity to make a presentation on stage about the status of Dominica’s recovery. Ms. Judith Ann Rolle, from the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Dominica presented the Dominica update.
Other Upcoming Events
October 13th, 2018, Toronto Canada – The Trade & Investment Commission for the Commonwealth of Dominica in Canada, in collaboration with CDOA and CODAH (Hamilton Branch) will host the “Dominica Rising Benefit Gala” to promote and celebrate the island’s 40th Anniversary of Independence on 13 October at Markham Convention Centre, in Toronto. Dominica’s culture has always been a major focal point at such event. Dominica’s Prime Minister Honorable, Roosevelt Skerrit will be the keynote speaker and will provide insights into the island’s rebuilding post Hurricane Maria’s devastation, and its quest to be the first climate resilient country in the world. It is anticipated that the Gala will attract an audience of about 600 guests. A prize giveaway of hotel accommodation in Dominica will be offered to a lucky attendee at this event.
October 29th 2018, London, UK – DDA source market representative Brighter Group is working with the Office of the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica in London in securing celebrities with Dominica Heritage to participate in a cocktail event. The attending Dominicans will be asked to bring along a non-national friend with them to the event.
November 5th 2018, London, UK – Each year the Dean of Westminster Abbey invites Dominica’s representatives and fellow nationals to Evensong in observance of Independence Day when prayers are offered for our nation, its leaders and people.
Scores of Dominicans living abroad have been participating in numerous other events, activities and carnivals within their municipalities, representing Dominica with pride showing their patriotism and love for country in different outfits of the national wear and the country’s flag. Photos of these have been widely shared on social media.
