Our province is proud to be home to a dynamic Dominican community

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Madame Wob Dwiyet Cultural Showcase presents, “A Flourishing Nation of Flamboyant and Bwa Kwaib” on Sunday, September 29^th, 2024, at the St. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough. It features the best that the small island of Dominica offers by highlighting its: cultural fashion, music, history and rich traditions.

Lorraine Delsol is the cofounder of the MWDC (Madame Wob Dwiyet Canada), which is a cultural group whose mission is the promotion of the culture of Dominica not just in Canada but internationally as well. There is much documentation about Lorraine who

has worn many hats over the years as a: model, fashion designer and talent agent. She was born in Grand Bay, Dominica and came from a family of four sisters and two brothers. Her strict father ensured that his children developed strong work ethics, and a disciplined lifestyle with a focus on academic excellence.

Lorraine possesses a natural gift of sewing and excels at designing clothes for family members and others. She was featured twice in the Ebony Fashion Show as the sole Caribbean designer.

The promotional booklet describes the purpose of MWDC. It was launched to raise Dominica’s cultural profile and is committed to working diligently to integrate Dominica’s unique, and fabulous culture to the multicultural landscape of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The cultural extravaganza featured seven contestants of Dominican descent/origin. They were evaluated based on the promotion of their individual Island village, or town, display of the Madame Wob Dwiyet traditional: dress, cultural attire, traditional dance, and poise. Furthermore, they showcase their grace, beauty and elegance of this cultural Icon-the Wob Dwiyet.

There were three Jeune Madams candidates.

• Allida Aubrey
• Isalina Delsol
• Nyasjah Evelyn Joseph Bhagwandin

There were four Madam candidates.

• Audrica Aubrey
• Ingrid Riviere
• Ingrid Harper
• Cavelle Anthea Etienne

There were many references to the fact that Dominica celebrated its 46^th year of Independence. Ontario Premier, Doug Ford notes, “This evening was a vibrant celebration of Dominica’s rich heritage, and a showcase for the pride with which Dominicans regard their national costume and rich Creole culture. Our province is proud to be home to a dynamic Dominican community that has strengthened the ties between our jurisdictions, enriched our culture and helped energize our economy.”

In a message from Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto states, “This event showcasing Dominica’s vibrant culture and its national dress, the Wob Dwiyet, is a wonderful way to celebrate the 46^th anniversary of Dominica’s Independence Day. I wish you all an enjoyable time as you gather with the community to celebrate this special occasion.”

Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP of Toronto-St. Paul’s writes, “I am honoured to extend my heartfelt greetings to the attendees of the 2024 Madame Wob Dwiyet Cultural Show. I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to our tenacious community leaders Glenora Parker, Lorraine Delsol, Vanessa Dupie, and the entire team at Madame Wob Dwiyet Canada Inc. for 13 years of continued success! You have shown your love for our community from day one and have served as outstanding tireless ambassadors”.

Michael Thompson, City of Toronto Councilor notes, “It is my pleasure to salute your efforts to showcase Dominica to Canadians in Toronto.” He notes further, “By introducing the Jeune Madams to the regular segments of the Madame Wob show, you are guaranteed to add colour, fashion, drama and pizzaz to the event, already regarded by many as a premiere Dominican cultural event in North America.”

The hosts for the cultural showcase were:

• Paula Letang Loblack (host of “All about the Funk;” which airs on (www.metradio.ca)

• Kamil Andre (singer and performer)
• Akua Delfish (Co-founder and Program Director for DLYFE Dance Company and Co-founder of GoLEFT Creatives Inc).

There were five judges of the show.

• Tyria Benjamin (2024 Madame Wob Dwiyet Canada winner)
• Andria Lewis Alexander (President of the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association (CDOA)

• Yvette J (Founder and CEO of Wise Women & Wealth Community Network Inc).
• Fallon Cleopatra Tijuana Lawrence (Fashion Designer and founder of Tall Perspective)

• Deborah Gage (poet and artist)

The show opened with an exciting and inspiring performance by Creative Connection. It was followed by a performance by the 2023 Ti Madams. There was the introduction of the four Madame Wob and three Jeune Wob candidates 2023 in their spectacular and beautifully created designs by Lorraine Delsol. There were three enlightening and motivational poems read by: Deborah Gage, Lorraine Dorival and Jennifer Titre.

Lorraine presented the cultural award to Kanika Ambrose. She is a: playwright, librettist, and screenwriter. She graduated from the Canadian Film Centre’s Bell Media Prime Time TV program in 2023 where she received training as a screenwriter. The highlight of the evening was the parade by the Madame Wob Dwiyet and Jeune Madams accompanied by several members of the audience to the theme song “Belle”.