Who celebrated in 2014

Charlo is back as Kalinago chief

Charles Williams, the former Carib Chief who dished Disney and proposed a ban on inter-marriage in the Territory, was back at the helm of the Carib Council as the Chief of the Kalinago.

In an election on July 7, 2014 Williams beat two former chiefs and a newcomer to become the new Carib Chief.

"I really did not want to get back in that race but people called me across the Carib Territory. When I realised that there was something serious on the ground, I discussed it at home and we finally decided to give it a go," Williams told DBS radio after the election. "From across the territory there was a strong urge for me to get back on the council".

China and Dominica: Ten Years of Cooperation

Dominica and China celebrated ten years of what they say is a fruitful relationship, which has been of tremendous benefit to Dominica the younger, smaller, poorer partner.

Since the two established diplomatic relations on March 23, 2004, the two countries have enjoyed a meaningful partnership promoting mutual cooperation, culture and peace, a release from the Dominica ministry of foreign affairs stated.

"It is therefore with much satisfaction that Government begins celebrations with the Embassy of the Peoples' Republic of China to mark the first decade of Diplomatic relations," the release stated. "A year of joint activities is planned to commemorate the first decade of Dominica–China diplomatic relations throughout 2014."

Donyelle Riviere tops Grade Six National Assessment

In the education sector, several students celebrated outstanding achievements in 2014. For instance, Donyelle Riviere of the St. Martin Primary School topped the results of the 2014 Grade Six National Assessment Examinations announced by the Ministry of Education.

Responding to the announcement, Donyelle said her success was due to hard work and perseverance.

"I remember staying up past midnight studying and going to bed whatever time in the night going over notes, practicing, really trying hard," she told DBS news.

Fellow student Janae Rabess placed second; Aleisha Roberts of the Convent Prep, third; Ludovic Robinson of the Roosevelt Douglas Primary School, fourth; and Kelsey Anthony of the St. Martin Primary was in fifth place, Chief Education Officer Melina Fontaine revealed at a press conference.

Meanwhile, Al Parillon of the St. Mary's Academy (SMA) obtained 11 grade ones and 2 grade twos; he is Dominica's top performer in this year's Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams.

Treading behind him were Kaele Benjamin, Tiffany Johnson and Tojya Vital of the Convent High School (CHS) all obtaining 10 grade ones. In addition, Lou-Ann Lawrence of Castle Bruce Secondary, she received 9 grade ones and 3 grade twos; Munnirh Marie of Convent High School obtained 9 grade ones and 2 grade twos and Devon Brewster of Portsmouth Secondary School obtaining 9 grade ones and 2 grade twos.

Dr Paul receives Sisserou Award

Former permanent Secretary and President of the Commonwealth of Dominica nominee, Jenifer Wallace- Lafond and medical doctor Hendricks Paul were among the top awardees honoured at the 2014 national awards ceremony held at the Windsor Park Sports stadium on Monday November 3.

Among the other nominees were veteran newspaper reporter Morris Cyrille (who received the Services Medal of Honour); football administrator Don Leogal; costume designer Danley Guye and Valancia Webb, received the Meritorious Service Award for her contribution to youth development.

Dr Gerald Grell, one of Dominica's most respected medical doctors was recognized by the Ross University School of Medicine for his sterling contribution to that institution.

Dr. Gerald Grell, MBBS, MD, FACP, MB. BS (Lond - UCWI), MD (Lond), FACP, FRCP, DTM&H, JP, SAH, FRCP - Dean for Clinical, Academic & Community Affairs of the Ross University School of Medicine, took another award to add to his already big collection.

Others who celebrated in 2014

Illingworth Edwards described his new assignment as the General Manager of the National Bank of Dominica as "a welcomed opportunity. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the Bank once again. I look forward to re-acquainting myself to NBD and working closely with the staff to build partnerships with our customers and grow our Bank."

Augustine keeps NCCU president post

Michael Augustine, a school teacher at the Dominica Grammar School, was re-elected by members of the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) board of directors to lead that organization for another year. Augustine replaced Dexter Ducreay in 2012/2013 and was retained to that top post for the 2014/15 period.

No Kidding!

"Change is a phenomenon Comes with the rising sun The fundamental principle It's only truth that always remains the same."

These are some of the words of one of Dice's songs, "Time for Change", which propelled him to win the Calypso King crown.

Well, to tell you the truth, Dice has been making a mockery of his own words; he has apparently become a permanent fixture at the top of the Calypso ladder in Dominica. There's hasn't been a change for many years. He won the Calypso King crown for the seventh time in 2014.

Meanwhile, twenty-year-old school teacher Francine Baron of Grand Bay stole the spotlight at the Carnival Queen Show by capturing the Miss Photogenic, Best Talent, Best in Costume and Swimwear and Best in Question and Answer awards on her way to winning the prestigious Miss Dominica pageant.

In the Junior Monarch section of the Calypso competition, Lemar "Irish Kid" Irish became Dominica's Junior Monarch 2014.

He started at nine and every year since then he has been a thorn in the flesh of the more seasoned campaigners. Now13, Lemar 'Irish Kid' Irish, of the St. John's Academy in Portsmouth has finally achieved his dream.

Wuksuk and Omnee shared the Road March prize of EC$2000, the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) announced.

WukSuk's hit for the 2014 carnival season was "My Tomato Burst" and Omnee's was "Murderer".

"This year is one of those years where you don't have a song dominating the road-march," said Davidson "Observer" Victor, the DCA public relations officer. "In other years, for example when we had Daddy Chess with "Forward We Go" or when we had "Burn Burn Burn"- these songs dominated everywhere-everywhere you pass around these songs dominated."

Miss Wob 2014 likes lights, camera, action!

Merlyjah Benjamin, 20, of Grand Bay was crowned Miss Wob Dwiyet 2014. Competing at the Old Mill Cultural Centre before a large crowd, Benjamin won the award for Best Creole Spectacular Wear made up of coconut fiber, flour bags and calabash.

First Runner Up was Jeanell David of Massacre who won the award for Best Performing Talent. Desra Cuffy of LaPlaine, was the Second Runner Up; she also won the award for Best Wob.