Today a first step was taken in our effort to rebuild Dominica.  A meeting was held with considerable attendance to found a new relief organisation to coordinate the energy of the Diaspora in the Washington, D.C. area.

Gabriel Christian, an attorney who has long been resident in Maryland and is a prominent member of the Diaspora, was elected Chair of the new organisation, entitled Rebuild Dominica.  Mr Christian remarked:

On Saturday August 29, 2015, there was tremendous energy at the launch of Rebuild Dominica. Today we had the presence of Dominicans from all walks of life, the U.S. Peace Corps ex-volunteer group, U.S. State Department, Institute of Caribbean Studies, businesses and other American and Caribbean entities united in common humanitarian cause. This effort is to provide a common platform atop which we can communicate, collaborate and cooperate in the relief effort in wake of the Tropical Storm Erika tragedy. We ask all concerned humanity to join hands to help rebuild Dominica.

Other officers and committee chairs were voted in by the membership as well, and a complete roster is forthcoming.  There is still great need for those from all walks of life to offer their skills in service to rebuild Dominica, all are welcome.

A few additional notes:

• A Rebuild Dominica Facebook group has been established, all who use social platform Facebook are requested to join to make communication easier.
• A Twitter feed has been established, those who use that service are asked to follow @RebuildDominica and include it in any relevant tweets.
• A follow up meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 2nd September.  Details, including information on conference call access, will be posted shortly.

It is also worth reporting that Dominicans around the world are coming together in their communities seeking ways to cooperate to help provide relief to their homeland.  A coordinating conference call took place amongst groups starting spontaneously in several North American cities.  Further details are to come.

If you are able to help, or even if you’re not sure you can but would like to learn more, please join us.  Together, we will rebuild Dominica.