Roseau, Dominica – December 28, 2007……… A flotilla of canoes depicting the first inhabitants of Dominica, the Kalinago, will leave the southern tip of Dominica and travel to the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth at just before 5 am on Tuesday, January 1, 2008. w will hand a Reunion torch to Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit to signal the start of Reunion Wivé- a grand and spectacular extravaganza to launch the commencement of activities to mark Dominica’s 30th year as an Independent Nation.
The Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard in the Capital City of Roseau will be the venue for Reunion Wivé (Reunion has arrived). It will include Prayer and Praise, Cultural and Artistic Performances, and musical interludes. Reunion Wivé is intended to create an impressive and memorable opening to the Reunion 2008 celebrations by fostering a sense of occasion while introducing the major events on the year-long events in a safe and secure environment.
Addresses are expected from Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and Chairman of the Reunion 2008 Planning Committee, Mr. Hubert Charles. Members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Members of the various religious denominations, representatives from political parties and village councils, as well as large numbers of Dominicans, are expected to converge on one of the Capital City’s landmarks for Reunion Wivé- an activity described by Culture Minister, Hon. Loreen Bannis-Roberts, as an “all-inclusive event” intended to rally all Dominicans to come together on the 30th Anniversary of Dominica’s Independence on a mission of renaissance.
Although the official ceremony is expected to finish at just after 6.30 am, the Coordinator of Reunion Wivé, Mr. Alwyn Bully, told a news conference yesterday that the Boulevard will remain alive with music and fun throughout New Year’s Day, evoking a sense of nostalgia and an intense pride among Dominicans.
Several other activities and events are being planned throughout 2008 to commemorate Dominica’s 30th year as an independent nation. Every month from January- December 2008, various themes have been chosen.
The all-day spectacle is expected to be carried life by all Radio Stations. Live to a stream of the activity on the internet will allow thousands of Dominicans resident overseas to feel part of an event expected to rival that momentous day on November 3rd, 1978, when Dominica joined the world community of nations as an independent country.
In 2006, the Cabinet of Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit decided to declare 2008 as Reunion Year.
The theme for Reunion Year 2008 is ‘ Celebrating the journey together.
For more information on Reunion 2008, log on to http://www.dominicareunion/ 2008.dm. The Reunion Office is located on the first floor, Financial Centre, Kennedy Avenue, Roseau. The phone number during office hours is 440-6079 and the fax number 440-6078
