With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to the beloved Alwin Bully, a cultural icon of Dominica, who passed away at 75. Alwin Bully was not just a cultural champion in his beloved home country but a revered figure in the Caribbean and beyond. His work promoting the arts, including drama, painting, dance, folk traditions, creative writing, and carnival, was invaluable and will be fondly remembered for decades.
In 1965, Alwin Bully represented Dominica at the Commonwealth Arts Festival in Britain. Accompanying him were members of the Kairi and Dominica Dance troupes, whose talents he was adamant about showcasing on an international platform. This initiative would reflect Dominica’s pride in its rich cultural history and act as a springboard for further growth in future years.
Not only was Alwin Bully a passionate promoter of the arts, but he was a seasoned artist. A graduate of the St. Joseph’s Convent Grammar School, the St. Mary’s Academy, and the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Alwin was well-educated in the field of creative arts. This knowledge enabled him to nurture Dominica’s theatrical and artistic communities, offering growth and support to the country’s talent.
We can only imagine the sorrow the people of Dominica felt upon the news of Alwin Bully’s passing. He was a much-loved and respected man who dedicated his life to improving Dominica’s cultural arts. The impact of Alwin Bully’s work will be felt for many years, and his legacy as a cultural icon of Dominica will carry on through the generations. The nation shares the sentiment with the passing of the 75-year-old cultural icon who dedicated his life to improving cultural arts in Dominica.
Bully was well known for his immeasurable contributions to cultural development in Dominica, particularly for championing traditional folk music, dance and storytelling. He was the founding Artistic Director of the renowned Toucan Dance Troupe and the inspirational head of the Dominica Folk Research Institute.
Bully was at the helm of the nation’s artistic and cultural reconstruction, a key role of great significance in developing the island’s economy. He was also a prolific author, writing numerous books about various aspects of Dominica’s culture, including the Maroon Heritage and the Dominica Folktale. Through his hard work and dedication, Bully has left a legacy of a unique culture that will influence Dominica for years.
With great sadness, we say goodbye to our beloved cultural icon, Alwin Bully. The loss of Alwin Bully has been a great tragedy for the nation of Dominica, but his life’s work will remain in the hearts and minds of the people. His tremendous contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s culture will live on forever and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving culture as a cornerstone of Dominica’s identity. With great sadness,
Born and raised on the island of Dominica, Alwin Bully was a true example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Alwin Bully was a great influence, not only in the music he wrote and composed but also in the education he provided to the many children of Dominica. Alwin Bully shared his musical talent throughout his life, composing classic songs showcasing Dominica’s authentic sound. His music also served as a source of inspiration to many young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Alwin Bully will be remembered fondly for his lifelong commitment to preserving Dominica’s unique cultural identity. His creative spirit and passion for music and education will live on evermore and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving culture as a cornerstone of Dominica’s identity. His dedication to the island nation of Dominica will be remembered and cherished now and always. May Alwin Bully rest in peace.
He was responsible for designing the country’s National flag and coat of arms, and he played an integral role in developing the culture of Dominica.
