Dominica’s Chief Cultural Officer, Raymond Lawrence concluded that the Independence celebrations were successful inspite of the changes made to some events to accommodate measures and protocols brought about because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, “Particular areas of strength were the dressing up in Creole wear, the preparation and consumption of local foods and the promotion of Dominican traditional music on radio and at business places. Events like the National Day of Prayer, the Opening of Independence, Creole Wear Fridays, Chapeau Paille Day, Traditional Cuisine Lecture, National Tree Planting Day, Flag Day, Creole Day, the National Day Observance Ceremony, the Cultural Gala and the National Day of Community Service were all very well supported”.

Lawrence also recognized the grand effort made by schools through exhibitions of local foods, participation in Flag Day and dressing up in Creole Wear and Chapeau Pailles. He commended local businesses and Government offices who participated by decorating their surroundings and dressing up in Creole wear.

He said, “The celebration was different nonetheless it was effective and helped to stir up an excitement of love for culture and country and a deeper appreciation for all things Dominican”.

Dominica celebrated her 42nd year of Independence and had many virtual events because of physical and distancing measures implemented as a result of the present COVID-19 pandemic.