Roseau, Dominica – February 15, 2008……As part of activities for Reunion Year, a panel discussion on Village Feasts and Cultural Renewal is carded for the community of Paix Bouche on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at the Primary School from 7pm.
The goal of the activity is to evaluate the state of village-based culture and community feast days with the aim of developing a strategy to revitalise those village feasts.
It is recognised that there is a need to focus on our cultural heritage and traditions, specifically cultural expressions in our cuisine, art and rituals, such as village feasts.
National economic development strategies hinges on the ability of local communities to harness their unique cultural heritage and create products and services that attracts people worldwide. Thus efforts to harness and develop our traditional knowledge, cultural expressions and local festivals into touristic products can significantly enhance the potential for optimal economic returns.
The panel discussion will feature a number of persons from across Dominica who have played and continue to play a significant role in the development and organisation of village feasts and other community-based activities. These include Mr. Willie Fevrier, Mrs. Theresa Royer, Mr. Julius Carbon, Mr. Raymond Lawrence and Mrs. Roslyn Paul.
Minister for Culture, Hon. Loreen Bannis-Roberts, Parliamentary Representative for the Paix Bouche constituency, Hon. Matthew Walter and Chairman of the Reunion Committee, Mr. Hubert Charles are expected to deliver remarks at the activity.
This is the second major activity of the year-long programme of activities being executed by the Reunion Committee as part of Reunion Year 2008 in observance of Dominica’s 30th anniversary of independence. The first major activity was Reunion Wivé on January 1, 2008. (Ends)
The event will be carried live on radio.
For more information, contact the Reunion Office, first floor, Financial Centre, Roseau on 440- 6079.
