Hail our Heroes

Heroes there are many but our young seem to know them not. Not anymore.

DACE̒, the Dominica Arts & Culture Exposé Inc., a group of Dominicans based in Canada, are about to ensure that Dominican heroes, 12 of them, are etched in our collective memories forever.

"There's a huge historical gap in Dominica, we don't have inspirational heroes for our young generation," said Mitchel Paul, DACE̒'s Vice President who works as a classical music composer in Canada.

"We want to put the light on you to shine, to get Dominicans anywhere in the world to know about you as an individual and your contributions to Dominica and its development," added DACE's president Dr. Avonelle Pinard- Bruney, a doctor of alternative medicine.

The DACE̒ Recognition Awards, have been named after Dominican icons in these various fields, and will be bestowed on their namesakes in the first award ceremony.

The following persons will be honored at a gala event on November 14, 2015 in Dominica to be held either at the State House or the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

Former Chief Cultural Officer Raymond Lawrence will be the first recipient of The Raymond Lawrence Award for Dance and Choreography.

Historian Dr. Lennox Honychurch will receive The Dr. Honychurch Award for History and Art.

Playwright and Theatre director Dr. Alwin Bully will receive The Dr. Alwin Bully Award for Theatre and Costume Design.

The Mabel Alice "Cissie" Cauderion Award for Folk Music will be given to Jean Lawrence for Lifetime Achievement.

Judge Irving Andre will receive The Justice Irving Andre Award for Law & Letters. Swinging Stars band founder Norman Letang is to receive The Norman Letang Award for Music.

Journalist Dr. Jeff Charles will receive the Dr. Jeff Charles Award for Broadcasting and Media.

Amah Harris will received The Amah Harris award for Social Justice Theatre.

Dorothy Leevy will receive The Dorothy Leevy Award for Education.

Sports icon George Carrington will receive The George "Birds" Carrington Award for Sports.

"We are not giving these people awards," said Dr. Pinard- Bruney. "We are creating awards in their names."

And that honour has had a profound impact on the heroes themselves.

"These honorees were so humbled by the gesture many of them cried," said Dr. Bruney-Pinard. They were very, very sentimental about it."

As part of its outreach programme, next year DACE̒ plans to present recognition awards to persons who have excelled in their respective fields.

"For instance, someone who's into theatre excelling will get the Dr. Alwin Bully Theatre Award," said Paul.

In addition to giving Dominican heroes a front seat in the consciousness of the youth, DACE̒ also intends to provide scholarships to deserving students and provide other education activities.

Asked what's in it for them Paul said: "It's a joy in knowing that we are giving back to our community,"

"I love this island and I will do anything, of course within reason, to help the young generation," Dr. Bruney-Pinard answered.