Dominica observes 37 years of political independence

Celebrating independence, or any other event for that matter, after a major disaster is probably the hardest thing to do.

You want to celebrate but you also want to mourn.

So here is the dilemma that Dominica faced after Tropical Storm Erika dealt Dominica EC$1.2 billion blow on 27th August 2015, just two months before its 37th birthday. Should we celebrate or should we mourn? Should we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves up and get on with the task of national reconstruction?

The Government of Dominica apparently decided to take the middle ground; it cancelled the World Creole Music Festival, reduced the number of events in this year's celebration of independence but maintained the non-fete events.

As usual the Sun covered the events and commented on the controversies. Here is a list of the major articles, addresses and opinion pieces on Dominica's observance of 37 years of independence.

• Dominica is knocked down but not beaten: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addresses the nation on Dominica's 37th anniversary of independence

• Pearl's Cuisine: a serving of success!

• Kwéyòl in danger of lingering death

• "Let's dedicate all our efforts to working together as one united people" : Independence Message 2015 by Thomas Letang, General Secretary, Dominica Public Service Union

• "Rebuilding Dominica together": Independence Message from His Excellency Charles A. Savarin, DAH, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica on the occasion of the celebration of the 37th Anniversary of Independence – 2015

• Chubby— the evergreen 'groover'

• "Tropical Storm Erika: Her Truth and Her Challenge" : Bishop Malzaire's Independence Message

• "A new vision of hope" : 2015 independence message by Lennox Linton, Opposition Leader

• Dr. Etienne to receive Dominica Award of Honour

• Hamilton wins Erika art competition with "Discomforted."

• Expo in the Street: Marketing opportunity for mini businesses

• Post-Erika praise and worship

• Taking a swipe at History

• Post–"Erika" politics : Commentary by Rev. Dr. William W. Watty

• Post-Erika Dominica Relief Concert is abandoned and Independence celebrations activities 2015 have been trimmed

• Isaac challenges WCMF cancellation: World Creole Music Festival is world brand- can you cancel a world brand?

• Independence: What Independence?

• Happy 37th Anniversary, Dominica