AnnouncementRemembering Zion (continued)
The Dominican Diaspora.
Whether labelled a diaspora or simply nationals of Dominica resident abroad, today in many of the large North American and British centres, we exist in greater or lesser numbers, nationals of Dominica by birthright, sons and daughters of Dominica joined to our homeland in heart and mind, part of one people with one past and one destiny. Despite the colonial exploitation that subjugated us; the political bickering that would divide us; the cultural invasions that seek to overwhelm us; the natural disasters that confront us from time to time, we exist. Despite our size that makes self-sufficiency improbable; our economies so exposed to the whims of others; we exist. Whether as an isolated entity or as a part of the Caribbean Community, we have created a new and discernible identity in which we have defined ourselves as societies of merit and worth. Not an accidental creation, but a positive evolution of endurance and tolerance, of concern and mutual support.
"But how can we sing the Alpha song
In a strange land…."
And that is the song that we must sing in the strange lands where we now dwell. As we remember our homelands, we remember the little villages skirting the seashore, the small hamlets deep in the valley floor, the houses perched precariously on hilltop and ridge. We remember the festivals and festivities that marked the passage of the year; the crops and produce of a fertile land; the friendships formed at school and work, at sports and church; the cultural dances, music and the dress; the native dishes and beverages; the oral traditions handed down through the years.
As we have journeyed away from home and have planted new roots on distant shores, these memories remain and are revived in the telling as we meet together. They warm the heart on cold wintry nights and cool the spirits on hot summer days. They are revived with each call to home. They are refreshed with each new face from home. They are the moving forces in responding to a need from home. They cause alarm as disturbing policies and decisions or unfolding events in the homeland raise their head. They are nurtured and fed by visits to the homeland and by information disseminated to the nationals scattered abroad. As generations at home pass away and as new generations come into being in the lands of adoption, conflicting allegiances arise and the intensity of the memories and the fullness of the songs may well wane. Therefore, the nature of the relationship may well need to be re-assessed and redefined. That is the challenge of the modern Dominica diaspora.
It is easy to minimise the journey that we are on and the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. To do so would be to minimise all of our struggles and the legacy that connects us wherever we are. Whether we stay in the diaspora or return eventually "from exile," the issue is the same and affects us all equally. At the core is the question of defining ourselves positively by who we are, rather than others defining us by who we are not. Only then as individuals, communities and as a nation will we determine what place and space we wish to carve out for ourselves and what contribution we wish to make within a globalizing world. Then, in the various countries where we reside, we can better put into context the policies and practices being pursued, and assess whether or not they promote or frustrate the interests of the land from which we came.
It is a mutual undertaking. Dominica must seek to strengthen its contact and relationship with its nationals abroad, bearing in mind that with each succeeding generation, the nature of the relationship is likely to change and a new set of approaches may be required. Dominicans abroad must seize the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of how they can help and promote the welfare of their homeland which defines them as people of worth both at home and in their "hostlands".
The nature of that relationship will be unique as each one of us is unique. It may learn from the experience of others but must be styled to suit our own circumstances. We may conceive it as an exclusively Dominican creation, but it must be amenable to broadening and deepening to accommodate a Caribbean framework. It must recognise our past, respect our present and be the means of regaining our future. While addressing immediate concerns, it must map a course for our children. Never before have we been so challenged, but never has the opportunity been so great.
Let us all take up the challenge and seize the opportunity to help create new arrangements that work well and produce results. We are all invited to help solve the problems which confront nationals as they live in diaspora, or who occasionally visit home, or who decide to resettle in the land of their birth. We are called upon to renew our commitment to Dominica, and to consider how we can assist the work of growth and development of our island home.
Contribute your ideas on how that transition can be made beneficial and satisfactory for all concerned. Take the time and fill out a questionnaire or attend a discussion group in your area. Provide " the Committee" with the results of your discussion on suggestions and ideas for a strong and enduring relationship.
"For we are citizens
Of isles forlorn
Who have left life
That others there might live.
We've come in search of truths,
But to return,
To add our measure
To her sun-rich store.
Let none deny his efforts,
Here or there.
For where his heart lies,
There a patriot lives."
(Frank Watty, "Heart of a Patriot")
W.R.Franklin Watty (Chair),
Working Committee, Dominica Diaspora Policy Paper,
453 Anndale Road , Waterloo, ON., Canada, N2K 2E3