Toronto celebrated Dominica’s forty sixth Independence Anniversary on Saturday, November 2nd, with a spirited flag-raising ceremony at Metropolis Corridor, honoring the resilience and achievements of the island nation. The occasion, attended by over 100 nationals and friends, featured members of the diplomatic group, native officers like MPP Jill Andrew, and varied dignitaries and group leaders. The celebration underscored each pleasure in Dominica’s latest progress and an ongoing dedication to local weather motion.
Following the flag-raising, attendees loved a reception stuffed with Dominican tradition, hosted by Jewo Catering, which offered conventional Dominican delights. The occasion’s leisure included poetry by Nadine Williams, vocals by singer Dianne James, drumming from Reggie Ambrose, and dance from cultural performer Rooselyn St. Jean. Amongst different notable individuals have been creator Sharon Musgrave and spiritual leaders Bishop Thomas Parilon and Apostle Lovelace St. John, including additional depth to this system.
Dominica’s Commerce and Funding Commissioner, Frances Delsol, organized the occasion, supported by the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Affiliation, Security Consciousness for Emergencies – Dominica (SAFE-D), and the Dominica Convent Excessive College Alumni of Ontario. In her remarks, Ms. Delsol reminded attendees of Dominica’s journey, referencing the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which devastated 90% of the island’s infrastructure in 2017. She famous that preliminary estimates projected 20 years for full restoration from the USD $1.3 billion in damages—an evaluation Dominica has courageously defied.
“Six years in the past, we stood right here at Metropolis Corridor to boost our flag, a proud second given Hurricane Maria had devastated our island 12 months earlier,” Delsol mirrored. “At the moment, we stand in awe of Dominica’s resilience… now we have proven the world what we are able to accomplish.”
She highlighted Dominica’s improvement initiatives, together with the development of a global airport, a geothermal undertaking aimed toward lowering electrical energy prices, and new resorts to help the rising vacationer inflow. Ongoing initiatives just like the Roseau cruise port, Portsmouth marina, and Roseau’s transformation into a contemporary Caribbean metropolis have been celebrated as symbols of Dominica’s progress.
Delsol additionally recommended Dominicans in Canada for his or her continued help and urged them to take part within the local weather change dialogue, as Caribbean nations are disproportionately affected by this international problem regardless of being among the many smallest contributors.
The ceremony closed with a tribute to latest milestones, together with the appointment of Dominica’s first feminine President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, of Kalinago descent, and 2024 Olympic Gold medalist Thea Lafond-Gadson. In closing, Delsol inspired unity, saying, “Allow us to be part of arms in contributing to Dominica’s progress and success… Dominica belongs to us all—our land, our reward.”
