|
|
Volume No. 1 Issue No. 37 - Saturday February 15, 2003 |
I Bear Witness by Shirley Allan
Fifteen years ago Michelle Genton, a member of the French Technical Assistance Team to Dominica was having a ball living and working in Dominica. Everyone on the team thought that being in Dominica was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. It was like being in paradise to them.
They all went back to France with a piece of Dominica; some even took wives. They returned home with memories that will live with them forever. Many of them expressed alarm that Dominicans according to their assessment did not appreciate their country and did not enjoy what nature and history had so generously endowed this island with. Michelle once said to me.
�Dominica is the most beautiful country, it is a pity it is inhabited by Dominicans� Regrettably, I did not challenge this statement, which lead to suggest that I had concurred by my silence.
Looking back to this day, I now realize that it was one of the most offensive statements that anyone could make about Dominicans. Today I would hasten to challenge anyone who would suggest such a thing. For this is what I have come to learn about Dominica and Dominicans.
Dominica wears a crown on her head (Mourne Diablotin). Illuminating ten precious stones, each representing a Parish aglow with gems. At the heart of Dominica, a table is laid for a feast. The menu board reads; Pride, Faith, Hope, Commitment, Patriotism, Passion, Vision, Determination, wisdom, collective knowledge and Skills, and Compassion.
One great delicious, filling potluck! Every Dominican is welcome to the feast, there is a seat waiting at the table for everyone who wishes to partake. Come with Love and Unity.
During the weekend of 01/31/03, The Rosie Douglas Foundation (RDF) brought the heart of Dominica along with the feast to Maryland USA.
I bear witness. Proud, committed Dominicans from every part of Dominica, living in every part of the USA and even Canada traveled thousands of miles to be part of developing the concept of Team Dominica.
�Together Everyone Achieves More� I witnessed the collective power of Dominica folks. The desire to work together, to make sacrifices for a country they love and a people they care about.
I felt a feeling incomparable to anything that I had felt in over six years of being in America. This gathering epitomized the saying �Home is where the heart is.� I felt even prouder to be a Dominican. This movement is great!
It is exciting, it is inspiring, it is empowering! It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something noble, something that ensures prosperity and unity among our people.
It is a mechanism that keeps our culture alive. It is a vehicle to prepare the next generation to take up the mantle when that time arrives. Yes together we do better!
Inside the cold, old wars of the Bishop Claggette Retreat House an idea took life. Everyone among the twenty in attendance endorsed and contributed tremendously and most importantly, pledged to bring this idea to fruition.
This undoubtedly is a great achievement, not only for the RDF, but for every Dominican in the Diaspora, as well as those living at home.
After two days of productive work, agreements, disagreement, discussion, resolution of issues and plotting the path to Team Dominica�s success, illuminating the great Team Dominica vision, celebrating our heritage with folklore and climaxing with a treat of fish broth, some local calypso and some jing ping practice at Mona�s.
We parted physically, but united in spirit and determination to ensure that no matter what happens along this journey, we are moving forward!
There is a seat waiting at the table. Come ye forward sons and daughters of Dominica! To Michelle and, or any others who have the audacity to suggest that Dominicans do not appreciate, love and take pride in their country, I would have to say. How dare you?
|
| |
|
|