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The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence will be hosting a Church Service in recognition of Commonwealth Day 2025. This year’s event will be celebrated on Monday, March 10, at the Roseau Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven (St Gerard’s Hall) commencing at 10:00am. The event is celebrated under the theme, ‘Together We Thrive’. During the celebrations, Her Excellency the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Mrs. Sylvanie Burton will deliver the Commonwealth Day Message from His Majesty, King Charles 111. As customary, the event will host several high level guests including members of Cabinet and Parliamentarians. The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence invites the media to provide coverage of this event.

The countdown has begun! The most anticipated celebration of Dominican music is here as we officially open nominations for the 2025 Dominica Music Awards . This prestigious event honors the exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions of artists, producers, and industry professionals who continue to elevate Dominica’s rich musical landscape. 25 Categories in 2025! In recognition of the diversity and vibrancy of our music industry, the 2025 Dominica Music Awards will feature 25 exciting award categories , including: Bouyon Artist of the Year Cadence-Lypso Artist of the Year Gospel Artist of the Year Soca Artist of the Year Calypso Artist of the Year Hip Hop Artist of the Year Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year Dancehall/Reggae Artist of the Year Kompa/Zouk Artist of the Year Album of the Year Collaboration of the Year Music Video of the Year Producer of the Year Songwriter of the Year Male Artist of the Year Female Artist of the Year Band of the Year Social Media Influencer of the Year DJ of the Year Musician of the Year Sound System of the Year Manager of the Year Photographer/Videographer of the Year Sponsor of the Year Event of the Year Nomination Details Open Date: March 6, 2025 Close Date: March 31, 2025, at midnight Eligibility: Music and content produced between February 13, 2024, and March 4, 2025 How to Nominate Nominations can be submitted via our official digital platform , designed to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Music lovers, industry professionals, and fans can submit their nominations by completing the online form, which will be available on our official website and social media pages. This is your chance to recognize and celebrate the incredible artists and industry professionals who have made a significant impact over the past year. Let’s come together to showcase the best of Dominican music!

The Dominica Electricity Company Ltd. (DOMLEC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to culture and community by sponsoring several key events during the 2025 Carnival Season. Through these sponsorships, DOMLEC is actively supporting the preservation and celebration of Dominica’s rich traditions and cultural heritage that come to fore during the Real Mas- Mas Domnik.   Support to pageantry The company has over the years lent its support to the Carnival Princess Show and Miss Teen Dominica pageants and has returned in 2025 to once more make financial contributions to the respective organisers.  The Rotaract Club of Roseau’s annual Carnival Princess Show, took place on Sunday 16th February, 2025 featuring five talented contestants from primary schools across the island.  DOMLEC extends congratulations to Dannica Newton of the Jones Beaupierre Primary School who emerged winner.   The 46th edition of the Miss Teen Dominica Pageant, organised by the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre led by former Chief Cultural Officer, Raymond Lawrence, showcased the talents of young women from various high schools on the island. This year, history was made with a representative from the Dominica Girl Guides Association, who won the crown on Sunday 23rd February. Congrats to Miss Gabrielle Esprit and kudos to the other participants for making the brave move to be on the pageantry stage and perform in front of a large audience. Pageantry helps young women to build confidence in public speaking, in finding social causes they are passionate about and in building their self- discipline. DOMLEC is proud to play a role in the success of these shows.   Keeping Calypso alive As part of its cultural sponsorship efforts, DOMLEC contributed to the annual Stardom Calypso Tent and made a financial contribution to the Dominica Calypso Association as well. Stardom Tent plays a significant role in the festive season as a platform for calypsonians preparing for the Grand Calypso Finals to fine tune their presentation. It is also an outlet for those who did not qualify to still showcase their songs.  The weekly event, held on Wednesdays, includes themed nights such as “Celebrity Night” and “Sponsor Night,” where notable personalities and representatives from sponsoring organisations take the stage, respectively. DOMLEC’s Public Relations Officer, Ayeola George, represented the company on Sponsor Night, performing in full lineman gear, including a hard hat, boots, and a reflective vest.   The Calypso season is an integral part of the Carnival experience, drawing large crowds for the Eliminations, Quarter-Finals, and Semi-Finals as fans cheer on their favorite calypsonians. DOMLEC is in full support of the continuity and development of the Calypso artform, expressed through this year’s contribution to the umbrella organisation. The highly anticipated Calypso Grand Finals will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025.   Other activities DOMLEC also made a financial contribution to the Rotary Club of Dominica, organisers of the highly anticipated ‘Souce and Punch’ event, set for Dimanche Gras (March 2) at Zaman Park in Mahaut. Proceeds from the annual fete will go towards community projects and the maintenance of the park.   Though not a fully carnival event, the Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Competition was once again supported by DOMLEC. This year the second round included robustly debated Carnival-related topics. DOMLEC is fully committed to supporting education initiatives that contribute to the development of our youth.   A Commitment to Culture and Progress DOMLEC’s General Manager, Dwayne Cenac, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s involvement in Carnival, an annual celebration that unites Dominicans from all walks of life. “I am quite happy that DOMLEC is making these contributions to the culture of Dominica. Carnival is a time of celebration, togetherness, and tradition. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Carnival,” Cenac said.   While DOMLEC has faced capacity challenges over the past two years, 2025 is set to be a year of progress, with the commissioning of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and new 4.8MW generation units at the Fond Cole power plant. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing reliability while continuing to support Dominica’s cultural landscape.   DOMLEC remains dedicated to being an integral part of the community, not only by powering the nation but also by fostering cultural and social growth. -end-

Dominica, is alive with artistic energy, cementing itself as a vibrant hub for creativity, cultural exploration, and visual storytelling. As 2025 unfolds, the island’s art scene is making an unforgettable impact, with exhibitions that showcase the depth, talent, and innovation of Dominica’s artistic community. The year began with the close of Echoes of Resilience on January 10th—one of the most powerful and engaging exhibitions presented by the Waitikubuli Artists Association. This was followed by the end of Fragments & Rust, a captivating joint exhibition by Carol Sorhaindo and Aaron Hamilton, which wrapped up at the Bwa Denn Gallery in Secret Bay, Picard, at the start of February. Their exploration of transformation, decay, and cultural memory left a lasting impact on audiences. On the heels of these successes came I Am Kalinago, a striking solo exhibition by Francilio Agar-Schofield, also at Bwa Denn. This poignant exploration of indigenous identity and cultural heritage continues to spark meaningful dialogue. Adding to this wave of creativity, celebrated artist Carla Armour launched her much-anticipated solo show this week at the Old Oven Gallery, housed within the historic Fort Young Hotel in the heart of Roseau. The exhibition features an immersive installation alongside her mixed-media works, inviting viewers on a reflective journey through heritage, tradition, and personal transformation. As Carnival weekend begins, the Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica launches Creolite 2.0 on Friday, February 28th. This collective exhibition brings together some of the island’s most influential and visionary artists: Aaron Hamilton, Carol Sorhaindo, Carla Armour, Marica Honychurch, Michael Lees, Pauline Marcelle, and Yae. Visitors can expect a captivating mix of paintings, textile hangings on cotton, canvas, and Hessian, alongside striking photography and innovative multimedia works. The exhibition highlights diverse materials and approaches, from oils and acrylics to dyes, felt, and interdisciplinary practices, underscoring the collaborative and experimental spirit of Dominica’s artistic community. Speaking on the explosive growth of Dominica’s creative scene, Michael Lees, President of the Waitikubuli Artists Association, shares his excitement: "It's a joy to see just how much is going on in the art world in Dominica right now. Over December to January, the Waitikubuli Artists Association had our 'Echoes of Resilience' group exhibition at Prevo Cinemall, featuring over 30 artists. In the past week alone, WAA artists Carla Armour and Francilio Agar-Schofield launched their solo exhibitions at Fort Young's Old Oven Gallery and Secret Bay's Bwa Denn Gallery—both incredible showcases of talent. Today, we celebrate the opening of Vetivert Contemporary Gallery’s new exhibition, 'Creolite 2.0' at Lacou Restaurant, and again, I’m proud to say that most of the artists showing work are members. Exhibition

Dominica is set to host the Caribbean’s most exhilarating and culturally immersive celebration—Mas Domnik 2025: The Real Mas! This two-day extravaganza, scheduled for March 3-4, 2025, offers unmatched energy, colorful parades, and an authentic fusion of traditional and contemporary cultural celebrations. Mas Domnik blends African, European, French, and Kalinago influences, offering visitors and locals a truly unique cultural experience that is safe, affordable, and inclusive. The celebrations begin on Monday, March 3, with J’ouvert, a lively street party from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Youth Mas takes center stage at 11:00 AM, showcasing young talent, followed by Traditional Mas, where cultural groups bring Dominica’s rich heritage to life. The excitement continues with T-Shirt Mas from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring high-energy street parties and music that keeps the vibe going strong. On Tuesday, March 4, the festivities resume at 10:00 AM with the Winners' Parade, where pageants and competition champions are honored in a lively display of creativity and achievement. The streets then transform into a spectacle of color and music as Contemporary Bands take over from 11:00 AM, leading into Last Lap—the grand finale of Mas Domnik 2025, which concludes at 10:00 PM. Revelers will follow the official carnival route, moving south on Independence Street, west on King George V Street, north on Bayfront, and east on Kennedy Avenue. For those looking to take a break from the revelry, the Chill Zones at the Roseau Promenade and the Windsor Park Sports Stadium - Carnival City provide a relaxing oasis with live DJ sets, a Carnival Journey photo booth, makeup refresh stations, restrooms, local food vendors, and sponsor activations. Open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, they offer the perfect escape while staying close to the action. Audiences worldwide can tune in live on social media via Vibean TV, Emonews and Dominica Festivals for real-time coverage of Mas Domnik 2025.Mas Domnik—it’s The Real Mas, where culture meets celebration. Don’t miss this exceptional, safe, affordable, inclusive, and unforgettable experience!

A Step Forward for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. In a significant milestone for agricultural education and sustainable farming practices in the eastern District, The Climate Classrooms Initiative in Partnership with BloomBox Dominica officially landed irrigation systems to the schools Environmental Club, and will play a key role in enhancing the school's agricultural program and the work of the Club. The installation of the system also serves as a model for other institutions looking to integrate practical agricultural skills into their curriculum. The project is a key component of the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean project spearheaded by the Climate Justice Movement. The handover ceremony, held at the Castle Bruce Secondary School grounds, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Project Lead for the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice project, the Principal of Castle Bruce Secondary School, and Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Ministry of Agriculture, and BloomBox Dominica. Ferdison Valmond, Project Lead for the Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean Project, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project, highlighting its transformative potential for students and the local community. "The introduction of this irrigation system will be a game changer for the Agricultural Programs at Castle Bruce Secondary School, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and adeeper understanding of sustainable farming techniques,” Valmond stated. Mr. Haradine Scotland, Principal of Castle Bruce Secondary School, emphasized that the new irrigation system would significantly enhance the agricultural science curriculum. He also expressed confidence that this would help students achieve better results in the upcoming CSEC Agricultural Science examinations. Hon. Octavia Alfred, Parliamentary Representative for Castle Bruce Constituency and Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, spoke on the importance of investing in agricultural education. The Minister expressed her delight to see collaborations like this that support agricultural initiatives, adding that the country must shift the narrative about the importance of agriculture in schools, and this is a step in the right direction. She also affirmed that the Ministry of Education continues to prioritize exposing students to agriculture and its significance in today’s world. Yannel Bruno, National Agriculture Education Coordinator says this visionary innovation funded by the Open Society and implemented by the Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC) Jamaica, BloomBox Dominica and Multiverse Games Inc is a testament for what we can achieve through collaboration at all levels and collective action. The successful installation and handover of the irrigation system are part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing climate change education and agricultural awareness across Dominica. This project is preparing the next generation of farmers and agricultural experts to address the challenges of the future. BloomBox Dominica and the Climate Classrooms Initiative extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, and participating schools for their support in making this initiative a success as well as Multiverse Games Inc for the support to the objectives of this project. About the Climate Classrooms Initiative The Climate Classrooms Initiative, developed and implemented by the Climate Justice Movement Dominica, focuses on empowering youth in the Kalinago Territory to understand and take action on climate change. Through hands-on experiences and practical projects, the initiative equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to advocate for climate justice and sustainability. The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation and implemented by Young People for Action on Climate Change.

The issues facing lecturers, staff, and students at Dominica State College remain unresolved despite industrial action taken in May 2021 and agreements reached to address them. The key concerns include: ● Salary Adjustments ● Graduate lecturers at the State College earn less than graduate teachers at secondary schools. ● There has been no salary adjustment to account for inflation or to show a differential between tertiary and secondary school educators. ● Working Conditions - The automobile and mechanical engineer facilities remain in shambles. ● The campus has multiple leaking roofs. ● Bathrooms are in poor and unsanitary condition. - There are no dedicated washrooms for lecturers and staff on the lower campus, forcing them to share facilities with students. This has led to privacy concerns, including unlocked doors and student intrusions. ● Appointments - The position of College President remains unfilled. The current Officer-in-Charge is now serving a third six-month term without a clearly defined role. A permanent appointment must be made, or the position should be opened for applications. ● Many lecturers have served for over 16 years without being formally appointed. Despite discussions with the board and negotiations with the unions which agreed-upon solutions, none of these solutions have been fully implemented. Deadlines have been missed and commitments remain unfulfilled. As Lecturers and people of higher education, this situation is unacceptable. The Staff feel abandoned, and students are suffering as a result. It is time for decisive action to ensure that these long-standing issues are finally addressed.

Dominica will celebrate Bouyon Day on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 , with Bouyon in de Streets , a free event happening from 6 PM to midnight on Hanover Street , near Banana Tree Bar & Grill .This high-energy celebration will showcase the best of Bouyon music, uniting fans and artists for an unforgettable night. Bouyon in de Streets will feature an all-star lineup of Bouyon icons, including Asa Bantan, Litle Boy, Quan, Reo, Freddy, Clint H, Najee, Likkle Man, Skinny Bantan, Rah, Delly, Kenny G, and TK International, alongside performances byUnstoppable Shax, and DJ Snow. These powerhouse performers will spotlight Dominica's vibrant music and Bouyon's growing influence on the global stage. Bouyon music, born in Dominica in the late 1980s, is a dynamic genre that combines traditional rhythms of Dominica like Jing Ping and Lapo Kabwit. As bouyon matured, it absorbed influences from contemporary styles such as Cadence-Lypso, Soca, and Zouk, creating its distinctive character. The WCK (Wackas, Cornell, and Keith) Band is credited with pioneering this unique sound, which has evolved over the years to incorporate electronic elements and become a defining force in Caribbean music. Bouyon's infectious rhythms and storytelling have captivated audiences globally, solidifying its place as a central part of Dominica's cultural identity. Bouyon in de Streets promises to be a captivating experience, celebrating the dynamic spirit of Bouyon music.

The Dominica Hospitals Authority announces the addition of two new members of staff to augment its human resource capacity.  Ms. Trisha Scotland was recently appointed as the new Quality Manager and Ms. CarollaBelle as the Accreditation Coordinator. These appointments come at a crucial time as we intensify our focus on improving the quality of care we deliver to our patients and working towards achieving international accreditation standards. Ms. Scotland bringsover a decade of experience in public health and health education from her role as Environmental Health Officer and Health Educator at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services.  During her tenure, Ms. Scotland supported the strategic focus of the Ministry in ensuring health standards and educating communities on public health best practices. Ms. Scotland holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, a Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In this new role, Ms. Scotland aims to implement a robust quality management system, ensuring the highest standards of performance and patient satisfaction. Ms. Scotland noted, “My goal is to foster a culture of continuous improvement while prioritizing our commitment to serving the community with integrity and excellence.” Among many other duties, the Quality Manager is responsible for receiving patients' complaints, investigating and bringing resolution to the determined problem where necessary, and elevating the overall patient experience. The new Accreditation Coordinator, Ms. Carolla Belle, holds a BSc and Master’s degree in Psychology and Measurement and Evaluation, respectively. Ms. Belle brings to the position 17 years of research and policy development in the education and health sectors in the USA and Germany. Ms. Belle has a deep appreciation for evidence-based practices and a keen eye for detail. Among her responsibilities, Ms. Belle is expected to evaluate existing standards, guide policy development and implementation, and administer evidence-based assessments while using the resulting data to inform best practices. The DHA community warmly welcomes Ms. Trisha Scotland and Ms. Carolla Belle and supports them as they work towards providing the exceptional care patients deserve.

The stage has been set, the arguments have been made, and after three days of intense intellectual battles, four schools have secured their places in the semi-finals of the 2025 Inter-Secondary School Debating Competition. Orion Academy, Dominica Grammar School (DGS), Portsmouth Secondary School (PSS), and Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS) are now one step closer to claiming the coveted championship title. This comes on the heels of a fiercely contested quarterfinal round last week, where students once again commanded the stage with their sharp debating skills. The competition kicked off on Wednesday, February 19, with defending champions Orion Academy facing off against Wesley High School (WHS) on the topic: “Beauty Pageants Are Outdated in a Modern Society Focused on Diversity and Inclusion.” The ladies of WHS passionately argued in favour of the motion, championing the need for representation beyond traditional beauty standards. Meanwhile, Orion Academy countered with well-structured points on the evolving nature of pageants and their continued relevance. In the end, Orion Academy’s Jazz Maxwell and Hafsah Francois emerged victorious, earning 636 points to WHS’s 520. While WHS did not advance, their debater Adore Defoe stole the spotlight, earning the title of Best Speaker for her compelling delivery and persuasive arguments. The next intellectual showdown took place on Thursday, February 20, where Dominica Grammar School (DGS) and St. Martin Secondary School (SMSS) debated whether: “The Government of Dominica Should Invest Heavily in Bouyon Music Now to Ensure Future Economic Benefits from the Genre.” Representing DGS, Rene Albert and Tzaddie Trocard passionately argued in favour of the motion, highlighting Bouyon’s potential to drive tourism and cultural identity. On the opposing side, SMSS questioned the practicality of such an investment. The judges were convinced by DGS’s case, awarding them a 636-515 victory. Trocard’s eloquence and poise earned him the Best Speaker award for this round. The final debate of the week, held on Friday, February 21, saw Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS) and Portsmouth Secondary School (PSS) go head-to-head over the motion: "During Festive Seasons in Dominica, There Should Be a 9 PM Curfew Imposed on Adolescents Below the Age of 18." Arguing in support of the curfew, PCSS, represented by Chenika Alexander and Myra Dover, laid out strong points on safety and responsibility. However, PSS, led by Maliah Ettienne and Roxanne Andre, delivered a compelling counterargument against restricting young people’s freedoms. The debate ended with PSS securing the win, 637-559. Ettienne’s commanding performance earned her the title of Best Speaker. While PCSS fell short, their spirited effort earned them a second chance—they will advance to the semi-finals as the school with the narrowest losing margin in this round. With the semi-finals set for March, the four remaining teams—Orion Academy, DGS, PSS, and PCSS—are gearing up for the next stage of competition. With a spot in the grand finals in April on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. This debating competition, revived just three years ago after a long hiatus, has become a beacon of intellectual growth for students across Dominica. Organized by Ms. Trudy Christian, Interim President of the Dominica State College (DSC), the event continues to thrive with the unwavering support of DSC’s Literary and Debating Society and this year’s headline sponsor, Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. Additional sponsors, including Lindo Mart, National Cooperative Credit Union, KFC, Fine Foods Inc., DOWASCO, DOMLEC, HHV Whitchurch & Co. Ltd., National Bank of Dominica, Insurance Company of the West Indies, Jay’s Bookstore, Republic Bank, and Moreau & Co. Ltd., have also played a crucial role in making this competition possible.

Three Caribbean powerhouses have joined forces to deliver an electrifying new track that blends love, heartbreak, and resilience. Dominican artists Coleridge “Mr. Ridge” Bell and Bouyon veteran Neijel “Nayee” Jno. Baptiste team up with St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ soca superstar Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle to release an unforgettable bouyon love anthem “Not Giving Up” that speaks to the heart of relationships—staying strong even when the going gets tough. The track’s unique fusion of old-school rock and roll melodies with the infectious energy of traditional and modern bouyon creates a dynamic and soul-stirring sound. Infused with passionate lyrics, pulsating rhythms, and an undeniable Caribbean groove, the song tells the story of love tested by hardships but refusing to break under pressure. “Music is a universal language, and this track reflects the highs and lows of love that so many can relate to,” says Mr. Ridge. “It’s about the fight to keep love alive, even when challenges arise.” With Nayee’s signature bouyon energy, Skinny Fabulous’ commanding presence, and Mr. Ridge’s soulful delivery, this collaboration brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to the regional music scene. The trio seamlessly bridges generational and cultural gaps, offering a song that resonates with die-hard bouyon fans and new listeners alike. Set to ignite airwaves and playlists across the Caribbean and beyond, the new single is poised to be a must-listen for lovers of bouyon, soca, and Caribbean fusion. Get ready to move, feel, and experience the rhythm of resilience! Submitted by: ACEM by Jael Inc

The Diocese of Roseau has launched a Faith Logo Competition to commemorate its 175 th anniversary as a diocese, which also falls during the Jubilee year 2025-2026. The competition is open to all young, creative individuals aged 12 to 35. Participants are asked to design a logo that embodies the theme "175 Years of Faith" and creatively incorporates the Church’s Universal Jubilee Year logo. The theme is “175 Years of Faith”. Designs should reflect the theme and include elements celebrating this milestone. The diocese is offering a cash Prize of Five Hundred EC dollars (EC$500) to the winning logo designer. Interested young people should scan the QR code on the attached flyer or the Diocese of Roseau website for the Official Rules & Guidelines. For any inquiries, please contact 767 316 2129.  The logo competition is among activities undertaken by the diocese of Roseau as part of the 2025 Jubilee year proclaimed by Pope Francis. The year is a sacred time of renewal reflection and Grace in the Catholic church. A Jubilee is celebrated every Twenty-five years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. The Jubilee of 2025 began on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door and will last until January 6, 2026. In the Diocese of Roseau, The Jubilee year 2025 was officially opened on December 29th 2024, at Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral Chapel by His Lordship Bishop Kendrick Forbes. The Jubilee year also coincides with the 175 Anniversary of the Diocese of Roseau and will therefore run from January 2025 to April 2026. Four Pilgrimage sites - Our Lady of La Salette in Point Michel, St. Francis Xavier in La Plaine, St. Peter’s church in Colihaut and the Salybia Roman Catholic church have already been opened to provide a sacred space where the faithful can pilgrimage for prayer, praise, adoration, reconciliation and to receive special graces and a plenary indulgence. There are other special activities to be rolled out during the Jubilee year, which is a special year of grace when the Catholic Church offers the faithful the chance to receive the plenary indulgence, meaning the forgiveness of sins for themselves or deceased relatives. As we celebrate Jubilee 25/26 everyone is invited to participate and are encouraged to give of their time , talent and treasure to the success of the various events planned for the period END