Mrs. Hilda Prosper, affectionately known as “Inda,” was honored as Cultural Elder during this year’s Heritage Day celebrations in La Plaine. Born on October 29, 1944, in Balizier, La Plaine, to parents Chasnet and Beldrina (Ma Topee) Eusebe, Mrs. Prosper grew up as the fifth of nine children, spending her days at the river and working on the family farm. It was here that her lifelong passion for agriculture and traditional farming was cultivated.
She attended the La Plaine Primary School, now known as the Jones Beaupierre Primary School. During her teenage years, she lived in Guadeloupe before returning to La Plaine, where she married Bethelmie Prosper on November 3, 1966. Together, they raised five children: Jeanette, Dave, Wendy, Liz, and Dailey.
As a devoted mother and wife, Mrs. Prosper made it her mission to provide for her family, which brought her great joy. Farming and caring for her family became the core of her life, with the traditional practice of “Koudmen” (a form of communal labor) helping her accomplish farming tasks.
Mrs. Prosper is known for her industrious and hardworking nature, believing that anything is possible once you set your mind to it. This determination led her to rise early and walk house to house in La Plaine to sell her produce, a practice she carried out with pride.
In addition to farming, Mrs. Prosper was an avid sportswoman, putting aside her farming tools on weekends to play rounders and cook for the Cavaliers Cricket Team. Her culinary skills were well-known, especially her famous Callaloo and Ton Ton meals.
Mrs. Prosper’s love for Dominica’s traditional culture, particularly the Bele dance, was passed down from her mother. She became the leader of the La Plaine Bele Group and Chantwell, leading her community in cultural competitions across the Southeast. She also supported her husband’s participation in the Kont Competition.
Active in her community, Mrs. Prosper was a member of the Social League, an active participant in the La Plaine Catholic Church, and a leader during Community Day of Service. Whether cooking, helping with clean-up efforts, or sharing her knowledge, she has been a constant and beloved presence in the life of La Plaine.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports & Community Development, along with the Cultural Division and Heritage Day Planning Committee, extend their heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Hilda “Inda” Prosper on being named Cultural Elder 2024. We wish her continued blessings and thank her for her enduring contributions to the community and culture of La Plaine.
