RDF Symposium #1, New York - Oct. 2001
In the words of RDF Executive Director, Athenia Henry, "…participation here today is a testimony of your commitment to be part of the engine of change to make a substantive and sustained contribution towards the economic and social development of Dominica". View the resulting ten-point Declaration of Principles in process of implementation, and the First Symposium Papers
RDF Symposium #2, Roseau - Nov. 2002
The theme of the Symposium was 'Dominican Diaspora in the Development Process'. Partnerships were sought between Dominicans at home and abroad in education, aviation, light industry, trade, shipping, youth leadership, crime prevention, health care, banking etc. Some partnerships were fashioned (DSEC, Student groups, Cadets, Police-Crime prevention). However, it is a work in process.
The following Awards were presented:
Friendshp Medal to Willliam Murphy, (Counsel to Bill Gates-Microsoft), Mohammed Ali, and Dr. Claude McKook - (Guadeloupe Health Assistance Program). Orders of Merit to Raglan Riviere - (Web Design and Diaspora Development), Deborah Bethel - (AIDS Education); Heskeith Alexander - (Agriculture Enterprise); and Felix Henderson - (Preservation of our French Creole tradition). Tributes to Swinging Stars and WCK - (Excellence in Music).
A 1.5 Kwh Turbine was erected by DAAS Affiliate DSEC at Delices Estate of agriculturist Thomas Etienne as a research project.
Student participation and presentations on development and a nationwide Student Focus Group Survey was conducted led by noted Dominican criminologist Dr. Peter St. Jean
Ohio Clinic of Dr. Sam Christian
February 2002 - $3,000 in medical supplies donated to the Carib Territory Clinic run by RDF Order of Merit holder, Sylvie Warrington, who was honored by the RDF-DAAS Symposium in Dec. 2001, courtesy of Dr. Christian. Sam also donated two days of medical expertise at the Princess Margaret Hospital where he treated several patients.
Sustainable Energy Corporation (DSEC)
July 2002 - Law Firm of Gabriel J. Christian & Associates, LLC loans $7,500 to DSEC to purchase the first 1.5 Bergey's of Oklahoma wind turbine, as part of DSEC sustainable energy drive. Turbine erected during RDF/DAAS Symposium II in November 2002, at Delices Estate of Thomas Etienne as a demonstration project in support of sustainable energy development on Dominica.
Dominica Cadet Corps
1. April 2002 - Donation to Education Ministry and the Commandant of the Dominica Cadet Corp of anti-drug, anti-gang, sex education literature and course completion badges and certificates, in coordination with the RDF and Prince Georges County, Maryland Police Major Roberto Hylton.
2. November 2003 - Joint RDF-DAAS donation of $1,000 in medical tent, medical kits and collapsible stretcher for medical emergency response team of the Dominica Cadet Corp; Expense borne by the law firm of Gabriel J. Christian & Associates.
3. Donations to the Cadets including band equipment (24 person marching band) and uniform wear for 200 kids, courtesy of Alick Lawrence's Law Firm.
Dominica State College
April 2002 - $150,000 in office equipment, school supplies, copiers, band saw etc. to the Dominica State College, Petite Savanne and Bagatelle Schools by RDF Member Roy Casey during the April 2002 RDF-DAAS Team visit in preparation for Symposium II held in November 2002.