Roseau, Dominica- May 23, 2024: The Government of Dominica announces the appointment of Mr. Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles as a Cultural Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The appointment recognises Mr. Charles’ outstanding contributions to the promotion of Dominica’s cultural art forms and expressions and underscores the Government’s commitment to the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
As Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Charles will assist the Government in the development of a Creole Language Policy for Dominica and provide consultancy services on the organisation of national festivals and events including Independence Celebrations, the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Carnival, DOMFESTA and Emancipation Day Observance. The new Ambassador will also assist in the promotion of Dominica’s festivals in the French West Indies and encourage cultural and sporting exchanges with these territories.
Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles has championed the preservation of Cadence-lypso and other forms of Creole music since his early days as a member of the Young Cultural Dramatists and Co-Founder of WadiCole.
He is a founding member of the World Creole Music Festival and served as chairman of the festival’s band selection committee. He also served on the “Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) and the Board of Directors of the Alliance Française de la Dominique, is the President of the Creole Heartbeat Movement and the host of the long-running creole music programme, Hit Parade Creole, on DBS Radio.
Among many accolades for his tireless advocacy, Mr. Charles is the recipient of the prestigious Golden Drum Award and the Meritorious Service Award from the Government of Dominica. In 2023 he was honoured by the Folk Research Center in St. Lucia for promotion and preservation of the Kwéyòl language.
The Government of Dominica honours Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles for his efforts to ensure Dominica’s culture remains vibrant, dynamic, and well-preserved for future generations and looks forward to his continued contributions as Dominica’s newest Cultural Ambassador.
