标签： Dominica

Dominica’s legendary local music scene is set to celebrate one of its most influential acts this October, as community organizers prepare a benefit concert to support former members of the iconic band Belles Combo. Scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM on October 3 at Zaman Park in Belfast, Mahaut, the Belles Combo Benefit Concert has been organized by the volunteer group Friends of Belles Combo, with a dual mission: to honor the decades of cultural contributions the band made to the island, and to raise critical financial support for four former group members – three musicians and one road crew member.

The story of Belles Combo stretches back more than 60 years, rooted in the 1960s when the ensemble first formed under the name the Embers to meet growing demand for live local entertainment. Drawing its early membership from young people across the Mahaut and Massacre communities, the group rebranded to Belles Combo under the leadership of the multi-talented Michael “Mike” Moreau, quickly building a reputation for its versatility across a wide range of musical genres. What began as a local act soon grew into a cultural ambassador for Dominica, bringing the island’s distinctive Creole music to audiences far beyond its shores: over its 30-plus year run, the band toured extensively across the Caribbean, and made stops in Canada, the United States, and Colombia, carrying the pride of the Mahaut community and Dominican culture to international audiences.

During its active decades, Belles Combo cemented its legacy in recorded music as well, releasing three full-length LPs and multiple hit singles. Decades after the band’s active run, many of its recordings still receive regular airplay across Dominica and the French West Indies, a testament to the enduring popularity of its work. For generations of Dominican listeners, the band’s music was more than entertainment – it was a unifying force that fostered deep community pride across the island’s towns and villages.

This upcoming benefit concert will bring together a dynamic lineup that honors Belles Combo’s cross-generational impact, blending performances from veteran Dominican acts and rising contemporary artists. Confirmed performers include the First Serenade Band featuring Senator Joey and Gerry Lloyd, White Fayrie, Janet Azouz, Derek Peter, Colton T, the Swinging Stars, Linford John of Bill-O-Men fame, Julien “Caribbean Cowboy” Riviere, Midnight Groovers, the Belles Combo Tribute Band, and local DJ Rio.

All proceeds from the event – including ticket sales, on-site donations, individual contributions, and other event revenue – will be directed to the four intended beneficiaries. Organizers plan to present the raised funds at a dedicated follow-up event after the concert concludes. For fans unable to attend the concert, including members of the Dominican diaspora, an exclusive contribution account has been set up in partnership with the Mahaut/Jimmit/Tarreau Village Council to accept additional donations. Donations can be sent via MoBanking to NBD Account No. 100035234, using ID No. 5553727, and the account will remain open for contributions through November 23, 2026.

Tickets for the event are priced at $30 for general admission and $150 for VIP access, and are available for purchase at multiple locations across Dominica: J&M Enterprises on Campbell Road, Convenience Plus, Majic Mart, the Mahaut/Jimmit/Tarreau Village Council in Mahaut, and Bull’s Eye Pharmacy in Goodwill. Organizers are urging all music lovers across Dominica and visitors to the island to join in the celebration, turning out to recognize Belles Combo’s decades of cultural contribution and support the former members who brought joy and pride to generations of fans. Anyone seeking additional information about the concert can reach organizer Sobers Esprit at 767-245-0431 or [email protected].

The Commonwealth of Dominica is preparing to mark 48 years of sovereign nationhood with an expansive, multi-week series of cultural, civic, and national events under the unifying theme “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future”, running from mid-September through early November 2026. The full event schedule was officially announced by Honourable Greta Roberts, Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, during a press conference held this Wednesday, where she framed the annual independence observance as more than a celebration — it is a moment for national reflection, cultural celebration, and collective forward planning.

In her remarks to reporters, Roberts emphasized that the 2026 theme was crafted to encapsulate the full arc of Dominica’s national story. “The theme captures the full story of our nation. It calls us to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this point, to preserve the legacy entrusted to us and to work together to create a stronger future for the generations who will follow,” Roberts said.

Celebrations will kick off with two National Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving on September 19 and 20, a faith-focused opening that invites churches and religious organizations across the island to frame their worship services around prayers for the nation’s peace, unity, and long-term prosperity. “Let us begin this season by giving thanks to God for His continued blessings upon Dominica and by praying for peace, unity, protection, wisdom and prosperity for our nation,” the Minister urged attendees and citizens.

The formal opening of official celebrations follows shortly after: the Official Opening Ceremony will be hosted at the State House Conference Centre on September 25, with a public Opening Walk-Through Parade taking place the next day at the iconic Dominica Botanic Gardens. The entire month of October has been designated Patriotism and Heritage Month, a dedicated period packed with cultural activities centered on elevating Dominican Creole identity and national history. Highlights of the month include Had Kweyol Fridays, cultural observances Jounen Panyen and Jounen Chapo Pay, National Emblems Week, Flag Day, a national juried Independence Art Exhibition, History Week, the popular street festival Creole in the Street, and “Market Day with a Difference” that centers local artisans and producers.

Community-led celebration is a core pillar of the 2026 schedule, with every district across the island hosting its own local cultural festivals open to residents and visitors. National Heritage Day will be hosted this year by the village of Paix Bouche on October 18. From October 19 to 22, the immersive Ti Vilaj Kweyol festival will transform the Dominica Botanic Gardens into a living showcase of Dominican heritage, featuring traditional cuisine, folk music, handcrafted goods, Creole language activities, and time-honored cultural practices.

Two of the most anticipated cultural events on the calendar are the National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant, scheduled for October 21 at the Massacre Indoor Facility, and the National Madam Wob Dwiyet Pageant, set for October 28 at the same venue, both celebrating the iconic traditional Dominican garment Wob Dwiyet and cultural heritage. The globally recognized World Creole Music Festival will return for its annual run from October 23 to 25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, drawing regional and international artists to showcase Creole musical talent. Young Dominicans will take center stage at the National Youth Rally on October 29, highlighting the next generation’s role in shaping the nation’s future.

The final week of October will bring Jounen Kweyol (National Creole Day) and the National Dress Parade on October 30, followed by a Cultural Extravaganza and the annual Eat Fish Day on October 31, which celebrates Dominica’s rich coastal fishing heritage. The celebrations will wrap up in early November with the National Cultural Gala held at the Botanic Gardens on November 1, the formal National Day Observance Ceremony on November 3, and a closing National Day of Community Service on November 4 that grounds the independence anniversary in collective action. This year’s community service day will combine neighborhood beautification projects with targeted small-scale infrastructure improvements across communities island-wide.

Minister Roberts extended an open invitation to all Dominicans, whether residing on the island or living abroad, to join in the celebrations. She encouraged participation through simple, meaningful acts: displaying the national flag, wearing traditional and cultural clothing, attending local events, and intentionally supporting Dominican creatives, small-scale farmers, street vendors, fashion designers, local musicians, and small independent businesses. Closing her remarks, Roberts reaffirmed the core meaning of the anniversary: “Independence is a time to celebrate who we are, remember those whose sacrifices brought us this far, and recommit ourselves to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Dominica,” she said.

A new two-day showcase of Indigenous Kalinago creativity is set to open its doors in downtown Roseau next week, giving local artists and craft producers a high-traffic platform to connect directly with consumers and celebrate Dominica’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Scheduled to run September 17–18, 2026, the Kalinago Expo is a centerpiece event for this year’s Kalinago Week, organized through a collaborative partnership between Prevo Cinemall, the Kalinago Council, and independent arts vendors and creators from the Kalinago Territory. The popular commercial hub is donating all event space—including its dedicated exposition hall, central courtyard, and adjacent sidewalk areas—at no cost to the Kalinago community, removing a key financial barrier for small producers to participate in the public celebration.

For Prevo Cinemall, hosting the expo aligns with a decades-long institutional mission to uplift and promote Dominican cultural heritage, a commitment rooted in the property’s own unique history. The modern mall is built within the carefully preserved and repurposed structure of the historic Carib Cinema, originally constructed in the 1950s before its transformation into a mixed-use commercial center. Today, the space houses a diverse range of local businesses: retail outlets, casual eateries, professional offices, meeting and conference facilities, and the aforementioned exposition hall. Situated at the intersection of Kennedy Avenue and Old Street, Prevo Cinemall sits at the core of Roseau’s bustling central business district, placing the expo within easy reach of thousands of daily visitors and local residents.

Prevo Cinemall General Manager Vanessa Prevost emphasized that cultural stewardship has been embedded in the property’s founding mission from day one. This is not the first time the mall has partnered with local creative communities to showcase Dominican art: in 2024 and 2025, the venue collaborated with the Waitukubuli Artist Association to host pop-up art exhibitions during major annual events including the World Creole Music Festival, national Independence celebrations, and the Christmas holiday season.

This year’s Kalinago Week event marks an important step in expanding access to Indigenous cultural celebrations for urban audiences. By bringing a selection of Kalinago Week activities to central Roseau, the partnership opens up the experience to groups that may face barriers to traveling to the Kalinago Territory, including primary, secondary, and Dominican State College students. In addition to the display and sale of authentic arts, crafts, food, and locally made souvenirs, the two-day expo will also feature live traditional Kalinago cultural performances for attendees to enjoy.

Prevost is calling on all Dominicans to support the event in a tangible way that sustains Indigenous cultural production. She noted that preserving Dominica’s unique cultural identity—an eclectic fusion of Kalinago, European, and African heritage—requires more than just verbal appreciation; it demands active economic support for the creators who keep traditional practices alive. “To keep Dominica’s culture alive, we need to put our money where our mouth is,” Prevost said. “The same way we pay for World Creole Music Festival, is the same way we must buy authentic locally made arts and crafts, for ourselves, our family and our friends.”

She also praised the Kalinago Council and broader Kalinago community for choosing to extend their celebrations into the capital, and expressed hope that the Prevo Cinemall Kalinago Week Expo will grow into a permanent annual fixture on Dominica’s cultural calendar.