Dominica students gathered to participate in the annual National Youth Rally, observed on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. The spirit of independence continues to increase as the celebrations brought together the schools from across the island for a grand display of discipline, talent and national pride.
Reportedly, the students took part in the traditional march past accompanied by spirited performances of song and dance, as all showcased the vibrant culture and energy of the youth of Dominica.
The National Youth Rally is organised by the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence. The event provided a platform to celebrate the achievements of young Dominicans in academics, sports and community life. The event also encouraged patriotism, teamwork and leadership among the students.
Government officials and other dignitaries delivered addressal, commended students for their hard work and reminded them of their important role in shaping Dominica’s future.
Parents and public were invited to attend and support the island’s youth as they proudly represented their schools and communities in 2025 National Youth Rally. With the island already in the spirit of independence, the National Youth Rally promised to be a meaningful and spirited celebration of youth, unity, and national pride.
Students from the northern part of the island were reminded that they hold the key to Dominica’s future, progress and development. This came during the annual Northern Independence Parade held on Thursday, October 23rd at Benjamin’s Park.
Featured speaker Monelle Alexis told the students that this year’s independence theme ‘47 years of progress and purpose’, served as a reminder of the promise made when Dominica first gained its independence.
She said that 47 years later, that promise belongs to the youth. They are the dream in which the ancestors dared to believe in. The youth are the continuation of the faith that was planted on that day in 1978. They are the symbol of faith that progress would come through what they built through and who they have become. And now, that purpose is of youth to carry forward.
Monelle Alexis reminded the students that progress doesn’t always come from big achievements but can be found in the small actions and decisions they make each day.
She said that sometimes their dreams change shape, but it’s not meaningful, because purpose can evolve time to time. When they think of progress, they often think big things, highways, hotels, technology but real progress happens quietly in the everyday choices of ordinary people. That’s the real progress, which is humble, consistent and real.
Alexis also encouraged the students to turn their struggles into motivation using every challenge as an opportunity to drive their own personal growth and progress.
According to her progress is not only about speed. It is about substance. It is about the willingness to rise after every storm and keep moving forward.
She stated that Nelson Mandela said, “It’s best to do not judge me, for my success; Judge me for how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
As progress isn’t the absence of struggle. It is the courage to grow through it. As part of the day’s celebrations, several residents from the district were recognized for their outstanding service.
The awardees were honoured for their valuable contributions to the community. Neville Wade was presented with the mayor’s award in recognition of his significant contribution to maritime development in Portsmouth. The Parliamentary Representative Award was presented to Eric Raymond and Ryan Raymond for their 12 years of dedicated service in the maritime industry.