GIRAUDEL EGGLESTON FLOWER SHOW CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The annual Giraudel Eggleston Flower Show and Market Fair celebrated its golden jubilee as citizens from around the country turned out to mark the show’s fiftieth anniversary which was held under the theme ‘50 Years and Still Blooming’.
The event is organized and hosted every year by the Giraudel Eggleston Flower Growers Group since its inception in 1973.
The festival was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Hon. Melissa Skerrit, Member of Parliament for the Roseau South Constituency, Hon. Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, Minister For Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles among other Members of Parliament.
Member of the Giraudel Eggleston Flower Growers Group, Mrs. Augustina Ambrose Popo says the flower show will continue to thrive as long as there is a mix of tradition from the older members and modern ideas from the youth.
“At fifty, the flower show is just beginning. Some things and indeed some people are going to wear out, fall out or even spread apart. However, the combination of youthfulness and community spirit blended with the knowledge, experience and wisdom of the older generation, all well, for the further growth and development of the institution that we refer to as the most beautiful show in Dominica,” she stated.
Member of Parliament for the Roseau South Constituency, Hon. Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite says the new generation must show an interest if the event is to be sustained.
“We must continue to plough in the vineyard, to ensure that this proud tradition is sustained. The three major pillars of this grand event include; the flower show, market fair and cultural heritage. It has to be expanded to in cooperate new elements to systematically reset into the modern era but at the same time ensuring that its originality, integrity and credibility are maintained,” Hon. Hypolite stated.
Hon. Lockhart Hypolite commended the organizers for their efforts over the years in producing the show.
“The traditional elements must be preserved for they are the core attributes. I have no doubt that these traditions shall continue and will develop. I do believe that we must seek to maximize the returns of our investments. Along with this Dominica labor party administration, you the people have invested a great deal and worked very hard. I must commend you on your tremendous efforts” the MP added.
Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles says the flower show is a tribute of what Dominica has to offer as a tourism destination.
“Their mantra, ‘Fifty Years Still Blooming’ paints a vivid picture of our shared Dominica journey. It’s not just about a pretty bloom it’s also a memory of resilience woven in our nation’s story. The good people in Giraudel and Eggleston have knack for blending nature and culture. They’ve used this unique mix to spark growth in their communities that goes far beyond cash in the pocket. It’s about enriching the life we share, people, environment, community. They’ve harnessed the power of their traditions and by doing so have brought out the best of their potential. Take this beautiful flower show, this is not just a tourist product, it’s a tribute to the richness and diversity of what we Dominicans have to offer,” Minister Charles stated.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit says this show is an example of what can occur when community members work together.
“This is truly a heartwarming event, which speaks to the importance of community and of people coming together to make a meaningful contribution to development at the local level. The Giraudel Eggleston Flower Show and Market Fair is a shining example of the good that can be done when community leaders take initiative and pursue commons goals and interests for the good of all. So from the outset I wish to commend all of you who have committed your time and effort to recapturing the magic of the Giraudel Eggleston Flower Show,” PM Skerrit stated.
The Prime Minister added that the collaboration between the Parliamentary Representative and the Flowers Growers Group should be replicated around the island to drive community based initiatives.
“Now in its fiftieth year the flower show is a representation of your rich history and holds cultural significance not only for this area but on a national scale. I am impressed that you have built on this proud legacy and re launched this event in grand style. I am gratified that there are still those among you who remembered the value of the flower show to your twin communities and worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. I must also give high praise to your representative Mrs. Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite for pushing for this important event and seeing it to fruition. This is a demonstration of the kind of collaboration that needs to happen with elected representatives across Dominica to drive community based initiatives,” PM Skerrit further added.
The Flower Show and Market Fair opened on Saturday, May 27th and closed on Tuesday, May 30th.