Child Abuse Fair

check out this promotional video (above) and flyer (below) for Child Abuse Fair, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Roseau, Dominica Welfare Division, the National Youth Council of Dominica, Cariman Dominica, to be held on August 30th 2014 from 9:00am to 4:00pm on the Roseau Bayfront:

Youth and Mental Health discussion - the testimony

The Roseau Valley and Roseau North District Council hosted a Youth and Mental Health discussion in recognition of International Youth Day 2014 under the team "Youth and Mental Health" - Mental Health Matters on Tuesday August 12 at the Roseau Youth Centre.

This testimony is being published with the agreement of the individual, however all identifiable information has been removed to protect the individual's identity. 

The intent is that people who read it, will appreciate the story and will also play their part with regards to raising awareness... whether it includes seeking help for themselves or others, or empathizing with someone suffering from a mental health disorder. 

The Testimony - 

Good evening everyone:

My name is ------------ from the community of -------.  I would first like to apologize for my absence today, however I feel it is more than important to share my story. Today's topic mental health is one that is very dear to me and has affected my life in every single way possible. Many people are of the view that you have to be walking naked on the road to be a “paro” to suffer from a mental disorder, or dance and sing on the highway or even sitting in a rocking back and forth mumbling to yourself. Well that's not true. I have graduated high school with eight (8) CXC subjects comprising of 6 twos and 2 ones. I graduated college last year October with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology; I'm the ----------- of the --------- soon to resign because I got a scholarship to study, amongst many other things. Now not many people will picture me or look at me and say that I am suffering from a mental illness.

At the tender age of 19, I, ---------- was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Every day since the day I was diagnosed, I have been on constant medication. It was so bad that I had to take sick leave from the job that I had only spent three (3) weeks in. I couldn't sit still, I didn't want to speak to anyone, I spent hours upon hours crying for no reason. It was so bad that when I was around people with whom I had to speak to my throat muscles would tighten up causing me to get breathless and cutting me off in mid speech.

A few months before things got worse, my mom told me to go seek professional help. However, I felt embarrassed and ashamed to tell people that I needed to be medicated to seem and act like a “normal” person. When I finally decided to go I was in such a bad state that I couldn't stop shaking and couldn't swallow or speak. Because of my misconceptions of having a mental disorder, it took my first dosage of medication three (3) weeks to start working, and after I had to go back for a stronger dosage and sleeping pills just to sleep and relax my muscles.

Many people know me to be slim; but when I reached my peak of the disorder I was thin. Under my eyes were black and sunken, my face was pale and thin, all my clothes were loose-fitting and falling down. That disorder took everything from me. And, it still continues to do so. I'm writing this and actually crying because who would have thought that a young, successful woman like me would be going through this. But mental disorders do not discriminate. Do not be fooled into thinking that age is the main factor or sex. My mental disorder stemmed from excessive stress and traumas while I was a young child. A lot of young people suffer from stress which is one of the main causes of anxiety.

But I am here to offer you encouragement. Even though you are going through this it’s not the end of the world. With prayer and medication I got better and so can you. So if you know someone who is suffering from a mental Illness it's not their fault or something they, well I mean WE should be chastised for. With that being said, I hope that everyone will take a piece of my story and ponder on it, because it can happen to anyone. If you have any questions feel free to contact the relevant authorities. Once again thank you for the opportunity to share my story, although I couldn’t go into greater detail.

International Youth Day "Youth and Mental Health" Presentation

The Roseau Valley and Roseau North District Youth Council will be hosting a discussion on "Youth and Mental Health" in recognition of International Youth Day 2014. The activity will be hosted at the Roseau Youth Centre on next Tuesday (August 12) from 5:00pm.

Two officers from the Acute Psychiatric Unit will be on hand to lead the discussions and also have an Question and Answer Session. The presentation will include:

What is mental health
How do I look after my mental health
What to do in case of an emergency/mental health attack

and other related issues.

See You There!

Fire! Did somebody say FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Delroy Nesta Williams

Late yesterday afternoon, I got a call inviting me to a “lecture” just as I was about to take a nap. It was at 7:30 at the Dominica State College (DSC). My friend said something about “fire” so I figured it would be interesting to attend. I dragged myself up and after taking a quick shower, opened my eyes and made my way up to Stockfarm.

I was early, a big shocker since I had picked up the habit of strolling in late, not fashionably though, to these types of activities. My friend had said lecture and fire but what she should have said was a Holy Ghost awakening.

God Sent warming up the crowd

I was greeted by the sounds of God Sent as I made my way to my chair; that was after wandering around the grounds of the Dominica State College and taking in the view of Roseau. God Sent performed a few of my favourite songs, Heaven to me, Pressing On and of course, I Know Who I Am by Sinach, which happens to be a crowd favourite and literal anthem for Christians on the island.

What I met at the DSC was a melting pot of Caribbean and American youth, all gathered to praise the Lord. There were young people there from Dominica (obviously), the United States of America, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica and a lone representative from the Turks and Caicos Islands who did more than just represent her country, she roared into action when she was called upon by lead singer of God Sent - Carlvin Deravaliere.

The night featured a personal testimony by Emanuel “Manny” Onhome, who spoke of his African upbringing and his encounter with an American missionary, that brought him to the United States through a basketball scholarship. He excelled academically and in his personal business while in the US, eventually getting married and raising a family. It wasn’t until his alcoholic father died though, that he had an awakening and after the Lord put a few angels in his path to guide him, that he founded Samaritan’s Feet.

Since inception Samaritan’s Feet has distributed shoes to more than 4.5 million people, including Dominicans (the festival participants had done a distribution drive across Dominica that very day). Basically, his story involved a full circle experience that started from receiving a pair of sneakers from the missionary to now providing shoes to millions, complimented by his message of hope and betterment in the Lord.

Fully Ignited crowd reacts to God Sent

As Manny said at end his testimony, “sometimes all it takes is a little spark to create a raging inferno” and he proved it with his demonstrative words and charisma across the stage. I particularly enjoyed how he mingled with the French translator.

For more information on Samaritan’s feet and to read more about Manny’s story, go to www.samaritan’s feet.org

The Caribbean Baptist Youth Fellowship, Youth Festival 2014 continues all week long with visits to the Princess Margaret Hospital, Chances Children Home and Operation Youth Quake, a health fair, a sports day and a gospel show, featuring His Excellency, a Barbadian-based Dominican gospel artist (I am looking forward to seeing my schoolmate perform). The gospel show takes place at the Newtown Savannah from 7:00pm

After being skeptical about the “lecture” and “fire” I must admit that I left the “Fully Ignited, Radically Engaged.”

Thank you to my friend for the invite.

Youth Just Wanna Have Fun

Several vibrant young parishioners of the St. Patrick's Parish Youth Group along with Seminarian Frantzo Simbert were engaged in a fulfilling social activity: hiking.....to Boeri Lake.  
(NYCD) members: Nadege Roach, Deion Anselm and Malik Stuart also NYCD Media Team Members ; Khan Roach and Deeshawn George, among other young parishioners left for their destination at 10:00am and arrived at about 12:00pm.

It was organized by the group and took place on Sunday, July 13th

A coaster filled with excited young people including National Youth Council of Dominica. 

The hike trail became more captivating with each step. 

According to Khan Roach, "When we got to the lake we took pictures, enjoyed the cool breeze, beautiful scenery and the great company of each other. We hiked back to the bus and made our way to the Freshwater Lake, ate some lunch and went onward to Ti Tou Gorge enjoyed the water and went on home."

What an experience!  

All involved believes that The outing was a grand success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

Another one is being planned to hopefully take place soon. 

There's a new district council in town

The Roseau Valley and Roseau North Youth District held a meeting yesterday and elected a new

executive to direct its programs and activities over the next two years...

Congratulations to the following individuals who were elected:

Delroy Nesta Williams - President 
Cornel Charles - Vice President 
Secretary - Fatima Noel 
Treasurer - Moreen Deravariere 
Committee members - Dia George, Annika Cyprien and Britney Anselm 



The President in his first address to the group indicated that he hopes to touch every community within the district during his term and ensure that members of the Executive learn and develop themselves and community along the journey. 

The National Youth Council of Dominica wish them all the best and pledges its support and assistance to develop the youth of the district and by extension all young people of Dominica.

There first order of business is a meeting on the 23rd of July to put in place activities to stimulate youth of the district.

Beating youth unemployment through entrepreneurship

By Carlos Pascal

In 2012, nearly seventy five (75) million young people between the ages of fifteen (15) and twenty four (24) were unemployed worldwide, and 14.3 percent of those young people lived in Latin America, including the Caribbean.

Considering this alarming rate of unemployment, Caribbean governments have put forth a number of initiatives to provide their youth with basic skills and opportunities to find gainful work.

However, there is still more to be done. At a time of considerable economic decline, youth entrepreneurship and careful monitoring of programs are promising solutions because these measures provide young people with the means to be self-employed and to remain so for an extended period of time.

There are numerous reasons why high unemployment rates exist among young people throughout the region.
First, the recent global economic downturn characterized by “recession, debt service obligations, and declines in development assistance” significantly decreased the number of job openings available.

For example, as a result of the crisis, Jamaica’s overall labor force decreased by 2.7 percent in 2010. This resulted in the loss of 16,000 jobs for youths between the ages of 14 and 24 from October 2009 to October 2010.

Meanwhile in Barbados, in 2011, while the overall unemployment rate was 11.2 percent, the youth unemployment rate was more than double that, at 28.9 percent. It is evident that youth are especially vulnerable to being out of a job during times of general economic hardship.

The problem here is that too many young people feel that they are “entitled” to a job from Government or some other institution.

Allow me for a moment to present you with a scenario. Let us say in 2013 1,800 students were enrolled in Dominica State College (DSC), now let us assume that in 2014 1,000 of those students will graduate. Out of that 1,000 let us make another assumption that 100 of them did Accounting and are now hoping to enter the world of work with their degree in hand.

Now this group of 100 will certainly expect that since they have endured the stresses of college life, their just reward would be a stable paying job which would aid them along the path of life.

Isn’t this what our parents taught us after all, to go to school, learn and get a job.

But, what this group of 100 Accounting majors will slowly realize after they have passed there resume around every bank, government department, etc, is that there are only a certain amount of accountants that a country can handle at a time.

Now, what happens to this group of 100 you may ask, sadly the majority of them will remain at home and call local radio stations and programs and say “the country tight”.

Then the cycle continues year after year after year.

What might be the solution to this enigma you might ask; there is one word for it - “ENTREPRENURSHIP.”

In political economics, entrepreneurship is a process of identifying and starting a business venture, sourcing and organizing the required resources and taking both the risks and rewards associated with the venture.
But, for the sake of this article let us say it is the ability to identify a problem faced by a large group of people and find a way to make a profit by solving it.

This, my friends, should be the future of our country. It is through this that we can take control of our financial destiny.

Now you may be asking, how can I be an entrepreneur when I do not have capital? Well my friends there are programs put in place to solve that problem.

Institutions such as the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) and the National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD) are waiting on young, aspiring entrepreneurs.

If after reading this you are still doubtful or second guessing yourself, then let me leave you with a few wise words from the immortal Nelson Mandela "It is always impossible."

Sustainable Development and Young People

The National Youth Council Media Team would like to shed light on the issue of sustainable development among young people. In that bid, below is an interview conducted by Edona Jno. Baptiste with sustainable development advocate Eardley Pierre. Pierre who hails from the community of St. Joseph is the president of the St. Joseph Youth Empowerment Committee and a member on the Dominica Youth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Working Group.


Q: What is sustainable development?

A: Sustainable development is the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A key element in the definition is the unity of environment and development, placing emphasis on the environment not only being physical but should include social, cultural and political spheres. It also insists that development is not just about how poor countries can ameliorate their situation, but what the entire world, including developed countries, can do to achieve our common goal which is the survival of the our Planet Earth and our existence as human beings.

Q: Where did the concept of sustainable development stem from?

A: Sustainable development came from the concept of sustainable forest. The foresters in 17th and 18th century Europe developed a system where they could estimate the annual forest timber output. They calculated stem girth, spacing, climatic factors as well as the vertical growth to determine how many trees they could cut down while ensuring sustainability of the forest. This is known as Sustainable Forest or Sustainable Yield.


Q: What sparked your interest in the sustainable development platform?

A: I first got involved during the UNESCO-funded Parle Kwéyòl Project in 2005. It was implemented by Youth Culture and Heritage Movement in an effort to revitalize the speaking of the Kwéyòl language amongst the youth of Dominica. Core pillars of the project included training and certification of young people to teach Kwéyòl ; Kwéyòl Classes; Kwéyòl Speeling Bee; Kwéyòl Marché and Extravaganza.

Q: How do you contribute to advocacy towards sustainable development in your community?

A: Through the St. Joseph Youth Empowerment Committee, which I am the president of. Its primary objective is to empower the community’s youth to use our resources in a sustainable way to develop our community.
In 2013, the group developed the Feast of St. Gerard Community Project which covered a beach clean-up, youth debates, educational workshops, a poster competition and Family Fun Day. At the end of the project, a cadre of 75 primary school students in St. Joseph was certified in basic sustainable development concepts. A compost heap project was established at the Kaleb Laurent Primary School and a small hut was erected at the St. Joseph beach to enhance the area.
Currently, members of the St. Joseph YEC are undertaking projects in rabbit and poultry rearing as well as horticulture.
On a national Level, in 2012 I joined the National Apiculture Planning Committee established by the Global Environment Faculty (GEF) to develop a National Apiculture Strategy.
I’m also a member of the Dominica Youth SIDS Working Group working towards education of young people on the issues of sustainable development, as well as initiatives on how to mitigate the effects of climate change. The group is also trying to achieve a consensus among Dominica youth as to their vision ahead of the third International Conference of SIDS, which will be held in Samoa, September 2014.
The Dominica SIDS Working Group is working with the National Youth Council to implement a Sustainable Development Education Program, to help spread awareness about sustainable development

Q: What are your expectations?

A: It is my hope that Dominica’s youth will be able to capitalize on signing of important documents such as the Jamaica Declaration and implementation of the National Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR). Ultimately, realizing that the future of our Country is in our hands by being able to use our environment (which includes the physical, social, cultural) to allows us a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Green Day at ITSS

By Mishell Abraham

Students of Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS) were reminded to stick to the principles of the 4-H movement.

National 4-H coordinator, Shirley Alexander addressed the student body at a special assembly on to observe its third annual Green Day on May 21.

4-H National Coordinator addresses the gathering

She applauded the school’s principal, teachers and Clubites for their continued effort, support and participation in the 4H activities year round.

The activity was in an effort to create awareness about the club and its work at the school. Most of the student body was either dressed in green or white for the event and it was originally put together by Bert Paul, a 4H leader.

The assembly started off with a short worship session where the staff and students sang songs of praise to the Almighty.

Following this, ITSS Clubites gave a presentation to the general school population on the club and more importantly how anyone of them could be a great asset to the organization.

section of the student population

President of the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD), Jahisiah Benoit, pointed out the benefits being part of such a club and the importance of having it within the school system.

Special recognition awards and gifts were presented to a few teachers for their dedication and hard work with the club over the past school year.

Those teachers were Mrs. Glennora Paquette, Mrs.Heskar Charter, Mr. Jameson Julien, Mr Jerwin Ambo and Ms. Cherese Martin.

4-H member, Curtley Pascal was awarded the prize for most outstanding 4-H member for the past school year.

4-H leader, Bert Paul expressed his deep appreciation to everyone who participated and supported the assembly with hope that in future it would be a bigger event.

One Night at the Mecca

One Night at the Mecca

By Delroy Nesta Williams

MVP Britney "Tear Drop" Stoute

For all the talk about the World Cup and most of Dominica (including me) being glued to the televisions 3 times a day for the matches in Brazil, most of us (not me)missed one  of the best initiatives in the sport on the evening of June 21, 2014.

As a member of a Facebook group (Dominica Football Fans), I spend hours at a time every week discussing and debating everything possible with relation to football. When I say everything, I mean everything. We debate issues from as simple as Ronaldo’s millions to the complexity of the local football structure’s inabilities (perceived and actual).

But this post isn’t about the group, no, no, no… it’s actually about women’s football in Dominica. You see every now and then (quite often actually), we lament the fact that not enough is being done for the sport and particularly at the youth level.

Inner-City All Stars with Manager Wayne "Benji N2O" Benjamin

Last night though, I ventured to Newtown where Sports-Maggz, with the assistance of numerous sponsors, organized an All-Star women’s match. All-Star games in Dominica? Isn’t that something reserved to the NBA and basketball? Well not last night… and thank God it wasn’t too.

It is one thing to gauge the development of a sport when you’re watching teams with one or two good players surrounded by role players. It is a totally different experience when you gather the best players to fill up two teams and play each other. When you get the cream of the crop to play together and against each other, it’s a thing of beauty; from the cross-field daggers (passes) of Britney Stoute, the statuesque goalkeeping of Kimberley Elie to the defensive prowess of Cora Francis. The goals were noteworthy especially the long distance strike that sealed the victory from a Pottersville young lady. I am still thinking about strike as it left her foot from the right wing (just outside the 18 yard box) to rocket passed the defense and goal keeper to strike the back post and ricochet back out. I turned to fellow spectators; they too were overjoyed by the goal and its power and precision. And they should know football after having represented Dominica at various levels in the game.

Outer-City All Stars with Manager Julian "Juju" Wade

The game wasn’t without its blunders or its mental lapses but apart from that, the ladies put on a show worthy of a repeat game. What I lament was the size of the crowd though, too small. I am not sure what the advertizing budget was or if there was any, but I am hoping that future matches will see more support from the Dominican populace.

Hats off to Sports-Maggz and everyone involved. It was surely a great initiative.

Are young women the key to curbing the drug lifestyle?

by Delroy “Nesta” Williams

I must tell you that this article isn't against women or a part of the blame game. It is merely an insight into the mind of men, more particularly disadvantaged and marginalized young men.

The Caribbean has been plagued with an increase in crime and violence, something that has been outlined in numerous reports and more recently in the Eye on the Future Report - a report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development supported by the United Nations Development Programme in January 2010. A significant portion of those negative actions have been targeted towards and perpetrated by youth, and more particularly young men. A statement in the report indicates that in 2005, Dominican youth were 46 percent of homicide victims, yet represented only 38% of the general population. So in truth and in fact, we are hurting our own selves.

Many academics have spent many an hour and much money delving into the reasons why young people get involved in criminal behavior and it has been ascribed to a number of issues including socio-economic background, peer pressure, influence of American media, etc. However the role of young women and their acceptance of deviant behavior haven’t been exposed as a contributing factor to this phenomenon.

Young men, and more importantly Caribbean men, have always sought acceptance from young women. I would go as far as saying that their every action is directed at attracting the opposite sex. In the tradition of things, young men go to school, to get an education which would lead to a secure job in other to attract their partners but now with modernization and the “fast” money lifestyle, young men have been magnetized towards drugs and crime to fulfill their lofty ambitions. The end-goal though, is still the same – to attract the female partner(s).

Our society has shifted a lot of its core values; more “deviant” behavior is accepted than would have been the case several years ago - for better and for worse as well. The acceptance of the “Papas” into our society has created a certain security and economical gateway for the “ghetto” youth but for only a few. However it is that few, that seems to be the greatest influence, marshaling the onlookers to want to emulate them. The drug lifestyle in itself has brought a wave of crime and violence, like something out of the “New Jack City” movie where Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, easily turned a New York City block into his own drug fortress. Our own versions of this television character now runs our communities, maybe not with the precision and tenacity as in the movies, but from all indications this is what it is developing into right before our own eyes.

However in New Jack City, we saw how Snipes had a change of heart, influenced by his love for the female gender and how that love was even greater than his love of the criminal lifestyle. He ended up being wheelchair-bound but still with the love of his woman and son. Maybe that should be the lesson we learn from that movie, the role and influence of a woman on man’s ambitions.

If our women, our young women disassociate themselves from the criminal element, this could prove an eye opener for them and spur them to change from this negative lifestyle but that is a big IF, because the young women themselves seem to love and flourish from the gains thereof.

It’s a vicious cycle, this drug problem and more complex than could be tacked from a mere article but it is my hope that I have raised some level of awareness and opened up an area for discussion.

BROWN STAIN

by Prisca Julien



I heard a story…

They say - of beautiful people;

Of lighter skins and great tones.

Those who can afford to wear every color of rainbow.

Who thought being able to do that meant being better.

But I didn’t listen to it too long...

Because…. I heard another story.


One of excitement and change,

Of people who carry the color of the earth on their skins and carry full lips that sing harmonies of love and freedom.

They'd dance to their music with those old folks dances,

Their cheek bones glorified on their faces.

 High and strong like the mountains they climbed.

And rich voices mixed with broken accents from too many owners.

I heard of people with history as long as the Nile and richer than the gold of their land.

History as tall as the gods of the Greek

Different names… same god… same  message of peace

The same peace Martin Luther King jr. walked for, 

The right to be different that Rosa Parks sat for.


And then I heard a sad story,

It was the same one.

It was them.

They seemed to have forgotten who they were and what they did.

‘cause who wouldn’t want to be associated with that kind of strength.

The brawn of our forefathers who felt the whips,

And the pregnant mothers who toiled the land till it was the day to give birth.

Who would want to forget the type of strength it took to change the world…

And make it easier for others walking the middle line,

So they would find peace and acceptance too.


And yet, you find fault in it?

In the symbol of struggle and triumph that that you need to wash it off?

Wash out that black and brown and oneness with earth?

You call it a stain?

Fine!

But, didn’t you hear the stain of the plantain is in?  


I think on the works of Martin, Mandela, Harriet and more...

And I think tiy could NEVER wash away the color that was passed on to me.

I want to be identified with them.

I accept who I am.

That I understand the richness of history that lives in my skin.

So now I wear my brown, oh so proudly!

No cake soap, no bleach and no two-toned stuff, looking like a clown.

No!

I wear my brown with pride

And if you ask me what team I’m on, it’s not the ‘get-light-skin’ one.

No sir,

I love my brown!

Roseau South/Central Youth District Council has been launched

members of the district council at DBS Radio

One of the objectives of the current National Youth Council is to see the restoration of the District Youth Councils (DYCs) island-wide.

One recently revitalized group is the Roseau Central-South District Youth Council.

While that group has been in existence for years, and undertook various activities, it unfortunately went dormant.

However, a vibrant, resourceful and determined group of young people have now pledged their time and efforts to the renewal of the District Youth Council. The executive team comprises:

Ms. Naomi Thomas – President
Ms. Kerahia Jno Baptiste – Vice President
Ms. Malissa Jno Lewis – Secretary
Ms. Jacelyn Popo – Treasurer
Ms. Sharena Jno Bapsite – Committee Member
Mr. Dane Hypolite – Committee Member
Ms. Cassandra Peter – Committee Member

The Roseau Central/ South District Youth Council covers the communities of Roseau, Newtown, Citronier, Castle Comfort, Wall House, Loubiere, Fond Baron, Eggleston, Giraudel, Kingshill, Pointe Michel, Soufriere, Scotts Head and Gallion.

The group has several constructive activities on their calendar.

First in line was a Promo Drive/ Walk Through from Roseau to Scotts Head on Saturday February 22, 2014 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The goal of this Drive was to create awareness of the District Youth Council, and to encourage other young people to join the group.

A Health Walk from Pointe Michel to the Roseau Market in observance of World Water Day took place on Saturday 22 March 2014.

A Soccerama/ Sports Festival is also being planned.

Some members of the District Youth Council were featured on Youth Vibes, on D.B.S. Radio to further sensitize the general public of their reemergence, and to appeal to other young people to hop on board the train of positivity. Interested persons are asked to contact 317-3714 or 614- 0797