A Call to Reflection and Respect

“Upholding Dignity and Decency in Dominica’s Carnival: A Call to Reflection and Respect”

On the cusp of Dominica’s vibrant Carnival, Msgr. William John-Lewis, the Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Roseau, has issued a heartfelt plea. His message? A call for moderation, mindfulness, and the preservation of human and Christian dignity during the festivities.

In a statement released on February 12, 2024, Msgr. John-Lewis expressed concerns over the increasing immodesty in Carnival costumes, the explicit nature of some music, and instances of public indecency. He urged participants to reflect on the appropriateness of their attire, the lyrics of their songs, and their behavior during the celebrations.

A Clarion Call for Moderation

Msgr. John-Lewis’s appeal is not one of censure, but rather a reminder of the importance of upholding moral values and cultural heritage. “Let us promote the beauty and creativity of our Carnival,” he said, “while denouncing morally decadent aspects such as excessive alcohol consumption and skimpy costumes.”

His words echo a sentiment shared by many in Dominica, who view the Carnival as a time for unity, creativity, and the celebration of the island’s rich culture. For them, preserving the dignity and decency of the festivities is paramount.

Encouraging Reflection and Respect

Msgr. John-Lewis’s call to reflection extends beyond the Catholic community. He encourages all people of goodwill to participate in promoting a Carnival that respects the values of dignity, decency, and unity.

“Our Carnival should be a reflection of who we are as a people,” he said. “A people proud of our culture, respectful of ourselves and others, and committed to upholding the values that define us.”

Promoting the Beauty and Creativity of Carnival

Msgr. John-Lewis’s message is not a condemnation of the Carnival, but a call to celebrate its beauty and creativity in a manner that respects human and Christian dignity. He acknowledges the importance of the Carnival as a platform for self-expression and artistry, but emphasizes the need for this expression to be respectful and dignified.

In his words, “Let us use this opportunity to showcase the best of our culture, our creativity, and our commitment to upholding the values that make us who we are.”

As Dominica prepares to immerse itself in the color, music, and energy of the Carnival, Msgr. John-Lewis’s call for moderation and mindfulness serves as a timely reminder. It is a call to celebrate, yes, but to do so with respect, dignity, and a deep sense of pride in the island’s rich cultural heritage.

In this way, the Carnival can truly be a celebration of all that is beautiful and creative about Dominica and its people.

In the Spirit of Reflection and Respect: Upholding Dignity in Dominica’s Carnival

As the echoes of Msgr. John-Lewis’s call for moderation and mindfulness during Dominica’s Carnival reverberate, the island nation prepares to celebrate its rich cultural heritage with renewed respect and reflection.

His message, a reminder of the importance of upholding human and Christian dignity, encourages participants to reflect on the appropriateness of their attire, the lyrics of their songs, and their behavior during the festivities. It is a call to promote the beauty and creativity of the Carnival while denouncing morally decadent aspects.

In essence, Msgr. John-Lewis’s plea is not a deterrent to the celebration, but a call to celebrate in a manner that respects the values and cultural heritage of Dominica. As the island nation prepares to immerse itself in the vibrant energy of the Carnival, it does so with a renewed commitment to upholding dignity, decency, and unity.