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| Volume No. 1 Issue No. 31 - Friday, November 15, 2002 |
Second Diaspora Symposium In Dominica
 by: Thomson Fontaine
Hundreds of Dominicans from overseas and others residing locally participated in the second Diaspora Symposium held at the Government Financial Center in Roseau.
The symposium focused on challenges facing the country and the role that the Diaspora could play in helping to surmount these difficulties. The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), and the Roosevelt Douglas Foundation (RDF) organized the symposium.
President of Dominica Vernon Shaw was in attendance along with several Members of Parliament including Frederick Baron, Health Minister Sabroache, Trade Minister Riviere and Soufriere MP Frederick Baron.
Also participating were Ian Blanchard local manager of Cable and Wireless, Lennox Linton, and Ophelia Marie among others. The Prime Minister of Dominica Pierre Charles officially opened the Symposium. Among the distinguished overseas guests were Baltimore lawyer Billy Murphy, who represents Bill Gates, Claude Bharnward of a French Geothermal company and Dennis Hermonstyne CEO of Convergent Technology Ltd.
During the week of the Symposium, noted Dominican Sociologist Dr. St. Jean, former Vice President of Plattsburg University Dr. Peters, and Athenia Benjamin made presentations to students in the North and South of the Island, focusing on higher education and crime reduction.
Roy Casey of Nu-Image Business based in New York teamed up with Fitz McLemon of the US National Minority Business Council for a business clinic targeted at small business owners in Dominica. The Dominica Sustainable Energy Corporation (DSEC) also used the occasion to formally launch the introduction of wind turbines and wind technology for generating electricity in Dominica.
Several Dominicans were awarded for their outstanding service to the Country. Parliamentarian Gertrude Roberts, a former Head Mistress and Educator was awarded for her outstanding contribution to the education of countless students in the rural areas of Dominica.
Vena Mc Dougal, a self- made businessperson was awarded for her achievements in business while Felix Henderson received the Culture Award for his continuing role in developing and promoting Creole speaking in Dominica.
In the area of Health, Nurse Deborah Bethel was recognized for her role in community nursing particularly in Aids awareness. Father Clement Jolly received the award for Community Service for his continuing attempts at educating and improving the local community.
Heskeith Alexander a former Agriculture Minister received the award for Agriculture for his longstanding involvement in developing the agriculture sector in Dominica.
Raglan Riviere received the award in Information Technology for his efforts at reaching the Diaspora through the Internet. Finally, the WCK band and Swinging Stars were recognized for their roles in the promotion of Dominica's music culture.
Organizers of the Symposium were pleased with the support received from the Dominican public and pledged their resolve to continue to work on keeping the Diaspora involved and connected with Dominicas development.
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