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!

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.

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