Heritage Day 2016 was held in the community of Mahaut on Sunday, October 23rd.
The day began with an ecumenical service at the Teza Grounds and was officiated by Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire.
The service was followed by an exhibition which featured aspects of the history and culture of the community.
A cultural gala brought the curtains down on the event.
The Hon Parliamentary Representative for the Mahaut Constituency, Rayburn Blackmoore, expressed delight at the hard work the team put into organizing such a great event.
“I must say that I am delighted to be here today, for such a very historic and wonderful experience. Events such as these bring out the brightest and most wonderful version in us as community and as a nation. I want again in a particular way to commend the efforts of those of you who took time off your busy schedule to be part of the planning and organizing process to make this event such a wonderful one,” Hon Blackmoore noted.
The Hon Minister for Culture, Justina Charles, also addressed the ceremony.
“It is important that we understand our past so that we can develop a greater appreciation for the strides that we have made. We should use this as a benchmark to direct our path. Let us share those experiences with the younger generation.”
Among the highlights of this year’s celebration was the sashing of the Cultural Elder, Phillipa Christopher.
She was presented with a plaque by His Excellency the President of Dominica Charles Savarin.
Christopher contributed to her community by` participating in a Mahaut Wob Dwiyet competition, making head pieces and applying starch to petticoats used for the national wear and organizing koudmen within the community and neighbouring villages.
She is 94.
Special appearances were made by this year’s national Wob Dwiyet pageant contestants.
Heritage Day was established by the Konmite Pou Etid Kweyol (KEK) and the Division of Culture.
