The reason for the season

(A reflection on celebrating our Independence)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

The older a nation gets, the more generations are added, the more faded the true significance of its Independence Day becomes. To be fair, this can be largely attributed to the fact that those who fought to break the chains of dependency from colonial masters are no longer with us and the conditions under which independence was gained no longer exist. 

These two factors, combined with a new generation of people who didn’t have the same fight for freedom, leads some citizens to view the Independence Day, and season by extension, quite differently than the previous generations.

Dominica’s culture and heritage burst to life during the month of October in a lead up to 3^rd November, the day of poignant remembrance as the country severed colonial ties with Britain. For most, the peak of the independence season is the hype surrounding the World Creole Music Festival.

Nonetheless, the culture lives on and youth are made fully aware of the meaning of November 3^rd.The Cultural Division is staunch and relentless in ensuring the various competitions and activities are held, showcasing Dominica’s ancestral, African roots, through song, dance, and music. Other events display the mixed creole heritage through dress and food.

The Nature Isle boasts many emblems of nationhood which serve as reminders of the independent state of the country. The emblems also help to develop a sense of pride among Dominicans for the land on which they live. These emblems include, but are not limited to; the flag (designed by the late cultural icon, Dr. Alwin Bully), the national bird, the national anthem, national flower and national dish.

Above all Gen Y, it is truly important for us to hold dear the meaning of our independence as a nation, because it serves as a reminder that we still have a nation to build. Dominica, as an independent state, is still considered very young- only forty-five years old in 2023. This means the country has a long way to go and citizens must put hearts and hands together to move the nation forward.

Citizens of an independent country have rights, duties and the power to elect their leaders. Attaining independence is national integrity and is paramount in order for a country to develop.

According to the moving words of the Dominican national anthem, as sons and daughters, we must, ‘toil with hearts and hand and voices, we must prosper sound the call’. In which everyone rejoices, “all for each and each for all”.’

Happy 45^th Independence anniversary everyone!

Written by: Andrea Louis for Generation Y Dominica