Dominica Independence Day

Embassy Network | 23rd December 2018

Flag bearers, some of whom were affected by Hurricane Maria

A packed cathedral with dignitaries and diaspora celebrating together

Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland gives a reading

 

BBC broadcaster Gillian Joseph gives a reading

 

Dominica turns 40
The Minister for Education for Dominica, the Commonwealth Secretary General, High Commissioners and hundreds of Dominicans, dressed in colourful national dress, crowded into Westminster Cathedral to celebrate Dominica’s 40th Anniversary of Independence with the Acting High Commissioner for Dominica Janet Charles.

The small Caribbean Island is still recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria so the theme of the celebrations was “Building a resilient nation” – and included youngsters in the flag procession who were survivors of the hurricane.

Celebrant Fr John Jesus Moloney praised the islanders for their continued faith, which had brought them hope and resilience in the face of such destruction.

The High Commissioner paid special tribute to the Dominican community in the UK who rallied to support their homeland after the disaster and who continue to contribute towards Dominica’s rehabilitation and making it a climate resilient nation.

The mass, complete with joyous singing and a saxophone performance, followed by a big Caribbean party, brought a bit of Carnival to London on a chilly October day.

Above Image: The Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland, with the Acting High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica Janet Charles