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Notes on DAAS Meeting with Diaspora Representative

Notes of meeting held on Tuesday September 05, 2006 between the President of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences Inc [DAAS], Dr. Clayton Shillingford and Ms Mandra Fagan - appointed by the Honourable Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica as the representative/coordinator of Diaspora Affairs

In attendance – Mr. Thomas Dorsett accompanying the DAAS President to record notes of the meeting. Mr Dorsett is a key member of the DAAS local chapter.

The meeting scheduled for 11.00 a.m. was formally called to order at 11.05 a.m.

On completion of introductory and welcome formalities – Dr. Shillingford requested Ms Fagan to explain the role of her office and more specifically to define her job description.

Noted: Ms Fagan reports directly to the Honourable Prime Minister.

Ms Fagan stated that the Prime Minister had not yet defined a job description for the post. Ms Fagan however continued by stating she was told that Dr. Shillingford as the DAAS President would provide information on the function of the DAAS in particular to representation and purpose.

Dr. Shillingford explained the functions and general purpose of the DAAS as relates to general support to the Commonwealth of Dominica and more specifically coordinating support in case of emergencies or disasters. He cited the latest case of the fire at the Government Central Medical Stores where the DAAS was able to secure two container loads of medical supplies as replacement.

Dr. Shillingford stated that there needed to be more coordination and higher spirit of understanding between the DAAS and Government. He cited as an example, the lack of coordination, as that said container of medical supplies, with the need to keep some of those supplies refrigerated but remained at the port for over three weeks before it could be cleared locally despite best efforts of the DAAS representatives. He ended by noting that a thank you note from the Government in regard to the receipt of the medical supplies had been sent to only one of the donors, AmeriCares (by Ambassador Gregoire and not by the Ministry)) and without copy to DAAS.

The Dominica/Diaspora Draft Policy document
Dr. Shillingford said this policy document was presented to Government but an acknowledgement of receipt or action had not yet been received by the DAAS. This policy document he concluded was the key on the way forward for general cooperation and understanding between the Diaspora and the Government. He therefore requested urgent implementation of this policy document. Noted letter dated June – 28 – 2004 from the Hon. Prime Minister requesting presentation of said Draft Policy document.

Dr Shillingford noted that the appointment of Ms Fagan was a step in the right direction and we would commit to work with her to move things forward.

Outstanding or unresolved issues needing urgent attention

    Dr. Shillingford noted the following:

• Books at Customs from Willard De Fillips to be cleared – Ms Fagan informed that the Customs Import/Export Tariff SRO 33 2005 section 15 on page 460 should be applied to clear those books. Other charitable items are to be dealt with in the same fashion since DAAS was a registered charitable organization in Dominica
• Waiver of transfer fee – requested – re land willed to the DAAS by De Filipps
• Issuance of Passport to Dominica citizens and their children in the Diaspora – Processing and procedural issues to be dealt with. Noted – the need for Government to inform nationals through its established Consulates about the process for obtaining the new CARICOM/Dominica passports.
• Ministers meeting with nationals in the Diaspora on the basis of political constituency – This is to be discouraged as it causes division and lack of recognition of established Diaspora representative organizations such as the DAAS, CDOA (Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Assoc, Toronto), DARDA, New York, DUKA (Dominica United Kingdom Association, London), DONA (Dominica Overseas Nationals Assoc, UK ) etc which may exist in a particular city, state or country.
• Implementation/Acknowledgement of Policy documents/papers – The DAAS through its various sub-committees would present policy positions or proposals to the Dominica Government on issues or concerns but would not receive acknowledgements – specific reference made to Banana Resuscitation Proposal presented to each of the Windward Is Governments by Dr. Clayton Shillingford and Dr. Eddie Edmunds of St. Lucia as representatives of the DAAS..
• DAAS offer of Assistance/Cooperation – open offer of assistance/cooperation proposed by the DAAS as relates to - a) Tourism – b) Marketing/Trade-shows and Representation
• Minister of Overseas Nationals – The DAAS and Diaspora organizations around the world wanted clarification about the function and purpose of Ministry of Overseas Nationals.

Policy on Grant Proposals
Noted the need to establish policy proposals as relates to:-

• Education
• Scholarships [overseas offerings through community efforts]
• Donation from overseas corporations [e.g. Maytag]

Communication
Ms Fagan in recognizing the importance of maintaining positive communication between the DAAS and Government undertook to provide her official email address to the DAAS President. The DAAS President undertook to send official communication to Ms Fagan about DAAS initiatives on receipt of the new email address. Arrangement was made to meet with Ms Fagan again to follow up and to assess progress.

In conclusion, Dr. Shillingford noted the following matters to be ratified or acted on with some urgency:-

1. DAAS Policy – The Government to respond on draft policy presented or to establish a date for ratifying final document.
2. Ambassador Crispin Gregoire – Government to confirm whether Mr. Gregoire received communication in regard to his appointment as the Diaspora representative or coordinator in the USA.
3. Cultural Groups and overseas performances – Representation and participation of performing artists or cultural groups representing Dominica to be better organized through Diaspora organizations such as DUKA so that the necessary machinery is in place for better representation of Dominica in taking advantage of marketing and promotional opportunities that would benefit Dominica.
4. Formal DAAS recognition – Noted the New York City Council recognized the DAAS and DARDA with a signed pledge/certification of cooperation. Further noted likely synergies that would exist as a result. This was done in the context of Caribbean –American Heritage Month.
5. Diaspora Conference 2007 – Noted the importance of such a conference. Informed that this conference could be held in Dominica around Independence next year.
6. Implementation/Recognition Agricultural Project – Presented by Doctors Clayton Shillingford and Eddie Edmunds.
7. Tourism Marketing Strategy – to be defined for involvement of the DAAS and Dominican Diaspora organizations
8. Health Assistance Project – A needs assessment to be established for presentation to the DAAS for solicitation of support
9. Returning Dominica Nationals – concerns raised over issue of local health care.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 12.35 p.m.

Thomas Dorsett,
Recording Secretary – for the Dominica Chapter of the DAAS
Dr Clayton A. Shillingford,
Agri-business Consultant
President, Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences(www.da-academy.org)