Dominica celebrates National Flag Day, PM Roosevelt Skerrit extends greetings 

As part of the Independence Day celebration, the Commonwealth of Dominica celebrated National Flag Day on October 10, 2022. Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit extended warm wishes on occasion.

Dominica celebrates National Flag Day, PM Roosevelt Skerrit extends greetings 
Dominica celebrates National Flag Day, PM Roosevelt Skerrit extends greetings 

Roseau, Dominica: As part of the Independence Day celebration, the Commonwealth of Dominica celebrated National Flag Day on October 10, 2022. Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit extended warm wishes on occasion. 

He stated, “In celebration of our nationhood. Happy Flag Day to all nationals in Dominica and abroad.” 

The flag was legally established by Act No. 18 of 1978, The National Emblems of Dominica Act, signed by the Governor, Sir Louis Cools-Lartigue on October 31 1978, Gazetted November 1 1978, and effective on November 3 1978.

The colours of the flag and its motifs symbolize the island nation’s forest green background; its ten parishes bound in unity; its rich soil, pristine rivers and agricultural produce, as well as the linked culture and ethnicity of its people. At the centre is the National Bird, the Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis).

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also added that the students of the Christian Union Primary were privileged to celebrate Flag Day with the designer of the Dominican Flag, Alwin Bully. 

Further, Melissa Skerrit also took to social media and wished the nation on National Flag Day. She said that Monday, October 10, 2022, is FLAG Day in Dominica. The students of the Christian Union Primary were privileged to celebrate Flag Day with the designer of the Dominican Flag, Alwin Bully. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Bully was pleased to welcome the students on a day only possible through him.

While expressing pride, Melissa Skerrit asserted that to say that she is proud to be a Dominican is a major understatement. From the luscious green mountains, rushing cool waterfalls and rivers to the sparkling black sand beaches and deep wondrous underwater worlds. 

“Our food, our camaraderie, our down-to-earth people and personalities, our artistic talents, our passion for life and our no-nonsense approach to our ideals. Our home, our people, our culture, our country, “Melissa Skerrit added. 

Designer Alwin Bully, Dominican cultural activist, artist and playwright designed the flag in early 1978, in preparation for the gaining of independence from Britain later that year, while the Cabinet made certain small alterations to the original design based on the rules of the Court of Heraldry.

Alwin Bully was born in Roseau in 1948 and was educated at the Convent Preparatory School, the Dominica Grammar School, the St. Mary’s Academy and the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. He returned to his homeland to teach at his old Alma Mater, DGS, eventually serving as its headmaster. 

During this time, he was deeply involved in promoting all aspects of the arts in Dominica, including drama, painting, dance, folk traditions, creative writing and carnival. In 1965 he had represented Dominica at the Commonwealth Arts Festival in Britain along with members of the Kairi and Dominica Dance troupes. 

In 1978, with the encouragement of then Minister of Education Christian, he established the ‘cultural desk’ in the Ministry of Community Development, which later became the Division of Culture. In 1987 he left Dominica to work at the regional office of UNESCO in Jamaica, applying his creative skills to the wider Caribbean. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies.