Celebrating our independence with a sense of national pride and patriotism

Amidst the fun, dance, music and other display of our rich cultural heritage, I wanted to pause for a moment in silence focusing, as it were, on something informative but inspiring, reflective and patriotic.

Having browsed through the wide range of books on my shelf, I began an aimless search of the internet without any realistic expectation of finding what would satisfy my interest.

In my directionless search, I stumbled upon a link to a speech delivered in the parliament of Dominica by His Excellency Sir Clarence Seignoret, G.C.B., O.B.E, (Former) President of the Commonwealth of Dominica (deceased). The speech was delivered on Monday, 16 June 1986 at the1st meeting, 2nd session of the 3rd parliament under the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution Order, 1978.

I had read this speech before but this time it meant something special as we debate the legitimacy of our presidency and whether or not we even need a president. There was no need to continue searching. I had found what I was unconsciously searching for.

This speech by Sir Seignoret is the most memorable, patriotic presidential speech that I have ever heard delivered by a legitimate president of the Commonwealth of Dominica to parliament. It was not about an abstract concept or whether or not we should join the CCJ. It was about pride of country.

His Excellency, Sir Seignoret captured the essence of what it means to be Dominican. He took full advantage of the opportunity to remind us of the reason why we still have a need to keep and respect the institution of the presidency.

Sir Seignoret, may his departed soul rest in peace, symbolized the pride that we ought to have in the presidency and by his own conduct and utterances; he demonstrated why we should ensure that anyone who is fortunate to be elected to serve in that office must be legitimately elected in accordance with the Constitution of Dominica.

President Seignoret ensured that the office of president was duly insulated from the day-to-day partisan politics and that his office functioned above the political “deyba” that this esteemed office has regretfully been exposed to with such frequency over the last few years under the Labour Party administration. President Seignoret, like President Crispin Anselm Sorhaindo, OBE (deceased) was well respected and deservedly loved by all the people of Dominica, irrespective of their partisan political leanings.

As I read the speech again and again, I thought how apt it would be for every educational institution on Island, particularly our elementary schools to print, frame and display a copy as a rich source of national pride and patriotism.

In that speech, Sir Seignoret recognized that as a young democratic developing state, we are exposed to global influences, which is having a significant impact on who we are and becoming as a people. He used the opportunity to remind us,

“…”We are growing”. Increasingly our people are being exposed to the modern world; many dignitaries, delegations, entrepreneurs and others constantly visit our shores and we must “know what we are about”. One important area in which we must develop a greater degree of maturity is in the field of our National Emblems and National Symbols.”

Sir Seignoret shared with the nation his genuine love for country, its traditions, culture and laws. He served his people free of politics, ill-will and favour to any particular group or segment of society. At every opportunity, he reminded us of the true meaning of our national emblems and what distinguishes us a people. He proudly proclaimed,

“At this point in time, our National Emblems, provided for by Statute include: The Coat of Arms, The National Flag, and The National Flower. It is possible that we may wish to follow the practice in certain countries and add to these, a National Anthem. Already, the Sisserou parrot, scientifically known as amazona imperialis, and popularly referred to as “The Pride of Dominica”, is widely regarded as the Dominica National Bird. Similarly, our National Song: “Isle of Beauty” used before Independence, has been officially accepted as the Dominica National Anthem.”

President Seignoret admonished us to continue the critical assessment of the image of Dominica that we give to the outside world. I supposed that includes what we say over the airwaves, the internet, the lyrics of our songs, the utterances of our political leaders and public officials, our relations with international friends and partners, which include our choice of countries with whom we associate and establish diplomatic relations among other image-shaping factors. He patriotically challenged us to ponder;

“What sort of front are we presenting? This is the important question we, as citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica, must continually ask ourselves. This image [ought not to] be like a brooding statue of a deity, but something very full of life; pulsating with the vigour of achievement and dynamic with growth.

President Seignoret encouraged us to pursuit our national economic development interests with a strong sense of unity and peace. He took time to explain that we must “strive to reject all that come in the way of development, and everything that cause unnecessary tensions [for] strife in any shape or form wastes our vital human resources, our identity and our knowledge.”

In his wisdom and vision, Sir Seignoret reminded us of the old adage, “divided we fall; united we stand” by appealing to us to face our challenges collectively as a people of a young nation. He saw this as the only way we can usher in a period of economic and social development and in which “all Dominicans will be able to live in peace, honour, dignity and unity.”

He encouraged us to recognize that any man or woman who injures the fabric of unity or weakens it in our Dominican society does great harm to the entire country and does not serve his/her cause in our society.

Sir Seignoret promoted the enhancement of the role, importance, prestige and visibility of public service. He repeatedly demonstrated at every opportunity that without good governance, an efficient, competent, professional, responsive and highly dedicated public service, our sustainable development and livelihood in this small Island developing state remain in jeopardy.

Therefore fellow Dominicans, as we celebrate our 34th year of nationhood, let us reflect on who we are as a people, where we have been, where we are going and where we want to go as small Island developing state.

This year, we are recognizing the outstanding service of fifteen Dominicans who have made a tremendous contribution to the development of this beautiful Island by bestowing various national honours and awards, including the Dominica Award of Honour, the Sisserou Award of Honour, Meritorious Service Award, the Services Medal of Honour and the Long Service Medal.

In the same spirit of recognition, I focus on the Sir Seignoret as a legitimately elected president, who served the country with pride, professionalism, humility, respect and love for country. I consider His Excellency Sir Clarence Seignoret, G.C.B., O.B.E, as the most humble, patriotic and nationalistic president in the history of the Commonwealth of Dominica. He gave meaning to the expression “All for Each and Each for All”

Happy 34th independence celebrations to all! May the Almighty continue to guide and bless us in this blessed Island paradise –Dominica.

The full text of Sir Seignoret’s address can be found on the following webpage: president’s speech

With pride and love for country