Dominica held its inaugural Coffee Month in September 2024 under the riveting theme, “No Forest, No River, No Coffee, No Life!” This innovative initiative, conceptualized by Father Cuffy and spearheaded by Mr. Serge L’Homme, who generously provided the venue, Ruins Rock Café, showcased a series of events commemorating coffee culture. The celebration spanned three days, from September 27th to 29th, 2024, bringing together coffee lovers, enthusiasts, industry leaders, and educators across Dominica. This initiative not only reignited enthusiasm for Dominica’s coffee industry but also marked a renewed commitment to restoring its former prominence.

September 27th, 2024 was dedicated to the students with the theme of “Know Your Coffee”. Hosted by Mr. Serge L’Homme, Father Cuffy, and Mr. Witnel Louis, the students of the St. Mary’s Academy were immensely educated on the history of coffee. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, whose engagement reflected a genuine interest in learning more about their country’s coffee heritage. Moreover, this particular event not only aimed at educating our youth about coffee’s journey and its history, but it also celebrated an incredible man, honoring his immense contributions to our beloved island Dominica — Mr. Witnel Louis. Mr. Witnel Louis, a visionary whose passion for agriculture has shaped the very heart of our coffee industry, has given us all something to be proud of. Through his dedication, Mr. Louis, Dominica has gained recognition for producing some of the finest, most flavorful coffee in the Caribbean.

On September 28th, a live media day was dedicated to the theme “Captivating Journey Through the History of Coffee: Old School vs. New School Coffee.” The event, held from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and recorded by Vibes Radio, featured insightful discussions exploring the evolution of coffee culture. Esteemed baristas and coffee historians shared their perspectives on traditional brewing methods versus contemporary innovations. The audience engaged enthusiastically, reflecting the growing interest in coffee’s rich heritage and modern trends. The session aimed to bridge the gap between the nostalgic charm of old-school coffee and the exciting possibilities of new-school approaches, offering a comprehensive view of coffee’s dynamic journey.

Finally, September 29th, the main event, was International Coffee Day celebrated with a family-style brunch and live performance. This special event allowed participating personnels to indulge in a vibrant and inviting family style brunch that included a variety of beverage options, such as coffee of course, cocoa tea, bush tea, and juice. Persons also savored this deletable meal while enjoying a captivating live performance. Additionally, individuals who bought an International Coffee Day ticket prior to the event and attended the event, had the opportunity to win a nightly World Creole Music Festival ticket as well as a free rum punch manufactured by Mr. L’Homme himself.