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Culture Minister, Hon. Justina Charles says the responsibility lies with every single individual to do their part to ensure that Dominica’s Carnival remains the safest Carnival in the Caribbean.

The Minister made a strong plea for a violence- free Carnival 2013 when she addressed the official media launch of Carnival 2013 celebrations on Monday.

“As we seek therefore to promote and market our Carnival there can be no place for violence anti-social behavior and criminal behavior. As a people we have to be vigilant and send a strong message to those who engage in criminal and anti-social behavior. As we launch the Real Mas 2013 I urge everyone to get involved and to play their part in making this year’s carnival another successful and enjoyable one.”

The Minister in highlighting the cultural benefits of Dominica’s carnival encouraged Dominicans to work to promote Dominica’s unique carnival at an international level as there are many economic benefits to be derived.

“Of course times are changing, culture is dynamic and so too is our Carnival. Carnival is now a major cultural tourism product. A great deal of effort is being made to promote and market our Carnival to the wider world and to attract visitors to our shores. We should all work towards improving the quality and standard of our carnival product.”

The Minister notes that the quality and high levels of organization in both city and rural carnival is encouraging as it greatly impacts on the economy and the tourism sector.

“The Real Mas is our attempt to remain true to the cultural tradition the element that makes our carnival unique while at the same time marketing these and other newer features and elements as a tourism attraction in order to maximize economic benefits from carnival.”

The Minister used to the opportunity to invite nationals living overseas to come home for the Real Mas festivities.

“I also encourage Dominicans overseas to join us.  You continue to play an important role in promoting our carnival. We always look forward to your presence.”

This year’s calendar of events include the Opening Parade 2013 carded for January 19^th, the Calypso Semi finals on January 26, The Junior Calypso Monarch on January 31, the Teenage Pageant on February 03^rd, Stardom King of the tent on February 06^th at the Sisserou Hotel and Showdown Mas Camp Champ of the tent at the Harlem Plaza in Newtown on February 08^th.

This year’s Carnival queen show will be held on February 08^th while the Calypso finals is set for Saturday February 09 at the Carnival City. Carnival Monday and Tuesday celebrations will be held on February 11 and 12 respectively with the close of the season on February 13 with Tiway Vaval in the Dublanc- Kalinago Territory.