From a shared response to Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 to enduring partnerships in relief, education and community development, these milestones show how Koudmen has guided the work.
This timeline highlights work documented in RDI’s published archive: disaster response, fundraising events, medical aid, agriculture, education and community partnerships. Each milestone links to an original story; announced events and proposed initiatives are labeled accordingly. The record is not exhaustive.
Milestones are organized by when the documented activity occurred, not when a recording was uploaded to YouTube. Selected archival video links appear alongside the original reports; the complete video collection, including recordings with unverified event dates, is in the historical video gallery ↗.
2015
A response to Tropical Storm Erika
Following the August 27 disaster, volunteers across the diaspora and in Dominica organized around the ethic of Koudmen: cooperative effort and shared responsibility.
Explore the source ↗The people who established Rebuild Dominica
Following Tropical Storm Erika, a founding group came together around Koudmen: the belief that people can contribute their skills, resources and effort to rebuilding Dominica.
Founding members pictured in RDI’s archival photograph: Sasha Shillingford, Gabriel J. Christian, Alberta Christian, Adella Foerster Toulon, Michael Davis, Joan Christian, Steve Foerster, Avril Bertrand and Cynthia Phillip.
Another RDI archival photograph records Major Francis Richards, Stephen Mathews, Dr. Clayton Arthur Shillingford and Pastor Bell together at Evangel Assembly on August 29, 2015. RDI identifies Dr. Shillingford as a founding member.
A further published account of the organization’s beginnings also identifies the Rev. Dr. St. Clair Mitchell and accountant Dave Winston among those who helped co-found RDI.
Gabriel J. Christian, Esq., founding president
Gabriel J. Christian helped establish Rebuild Dominica following Tropical Storm Erika and served as its founding president. His leadership helped mobilize diaspora members, volunteers and partner organizations for relief, recovery and lasting development.
RDI’s 2024 executive summary confirms his founding presidency, while reporting from November 2015 identifies Gabriel as the organization’s founder and describes its early solidarity events.
A focus on resilient rebuilding
RDI’s early writing highlighted soil conservation, land use, and community-led recovery, extending the conversation beyond immediate relief.
Explore the source ↗Dr. Julius Garvey donates 399 breadfruit plants
Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey, donated 399 breadfruit plants in 2015. RDI’s subsequent archive confirms that his donation supported agricultural rebuilding and food security.
2024 tribute to Dr. Garvey ↗CARIFESTA opens a relief platform
At CARIFESTA, the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Caribbean Commission and festival organizers backed the Erika relief effort. More than 2,000 people heard the appeal, and Caribbean Cargo DC supplied barrels for donations.
CARIFESTA partnership ↗Caribbean Cargo DC hosts an RDI fundraiser
Barbara Eloi initiated the CCDC-hosted fundraiser in Lanham, Maryland. Volunteers filled more than ten barrels with essential goods and also raised funds through a cookout and branded merchandise.
CCDC fundraiser report ↗The first CCDC-supported shipment departs
RDI shipped 23 barrels, two crib/mattresses and one small crate of supplies. CCDC contributed shipping support; Dr. Sam Christian, the Dominica Lions Club and Dominica Cadet Corps were identified in the local distribution plan.
First shipment ↗Chocolat de la Dominique supports relief fundraising
The Caribbean Agricultural Network and SPAGnVOLA pledged proceeds from the first production of their Dominica-sourced chocolate bars to Tropical Storm Erika recovery.
Chocolate relief campaign ↗Weekend in Solidarity and the Dominica Benefit Showcase
RDI organized a cultural weekend with the CARAH Awards, a chocolate tasting and a benefit showcase at Irie Grille in Lanham. A post-event photo gallery confirms performances by Gordon Henderson, Image Band, Desii Hyson, Jerome Austrie and others.
Confirmed benefit showcase gallery ↗Second shipment includes medical supplies
RDI announced a second relief shipment featuring medical supplies. Board and logistics leader Barbara Eloi was pictured preparing materials, with Caribbean Cargo DC again credited as a sponsor.
Second shipment report ↗2016
Global Breadfruit Institute partnership
RDI announced a partnership with the Global Breadfruit Institute and a gift of 1,500 additional breadfruit trees for agricultural resilience, building on the earlier contribution by Dr. Julius Garvey.
Breadfruit partnership ↗Dominica State College and UMES academic agreement
RDI shared a memorandum of understanding between Dominica State College and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Gabriel J. Christian, serving on UMES’s Board of Visitors, helped facilitate the relationship.
Higher education agreement ↗School supplies for Bellevue Chopin Primary
RDI documented donations of school supplies and a letter of thanks from the school’s principal, demonstrating continued practical support for education.
Explore the source ↗2017
A contribution to cancer support
RDI reported a $3,000 USD donation to the Dominica Cancer Society, reflecting its broader support of organizations serving Dominicans.
Explore the source ↗Hurricane Maria brings renewed urgency
After Hurricane Maria struck in September, the RDI network coordinated emergency conversations, shared verified information, and supported relief mobilization.
Explore the source ↗CCDC renews its relief drive
RDI advertised another Caribbean Cargo DC relief drive after Hurricane Maria. Its later recovery report credited CCDC with discounted shipping and donated storage space.
CCDC hurricane-relief drive ↗RDI promotes post-Maria hurricane-relief concerts
RDI supported publicity for the One Caribbean Hurricane Relief Concert and a November 5 New York City benefit concert. These archive posts establish the announcements, not verified event attendance or proceeds.
One Caribbean concert notice ↗Project C.U.R.E. medical supplies reach Dominica
Mel Tewahade of Infinity Wealth Management connected RDI with Dr. Douglas Jackson of Project C.U.R.E., which approved about US$400,000 in medical supplies after Dr. Sam Christian’s on-island reports. Infinity Wealth Management and the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian underwrote shipping. RDI also acknowledged air-pilot supporter Demetrius Apokremiotis, Dr. Roy Mondesire and international allies Saad Wakas and Omar Fisher. RDI reported the medical-supply container arrived on December 25, 2017.
Medical shipment and partners ↗2018
Partnerships widen the circle
RDI’s archive documents support from business and professional partners, including a collaboration involving Infinity Wealth Management and an Air Canada pilot.
Explore the source ↗RDI announces a Roseau press conference on medical relief
An April 2 press release announced a press conference at the Dominica Festival Committee Office in Roseau featuring Mel Tewahade of Infinity Wealth Management and pilot Demetrius Apokremiotis to discuss the Project C.U.R.E. delivery. The archived release announces the event but does not independently confirm that it took place.
Medical relief press conference announcement ↗RDI supports the Concerned Citizens Group of Newtown
The Concerned Citizens Group of Newtown thanked RDI for EC$852 used to acquire a cable winch puller and printer-scanner, strengthening a local charcoal-production initiative and administrative capacity.
Newtown group’s acknowledgment ↗Dr. Sam Christian’s Pointe Michel clinic opens
RDI’s Director of Medical Operations, Dr. Sam Christian, opened a community-oriented private medical office in Pointe Michel, intended to complement the local health center with wound care, home visits and after-hours access. Dr. Dale Dangleben participated in the opening.
Clinic opening report ↗RDI collaborates with Know Your Culture for CaribFest
For the 2018 Norfolk CaribFest, RDI collaborated with the Know Your Culture dance organization. Joan Christian, LaDàna Drigo and Ta’Tyani Young were named in preparation efforts to showcase Dominican dance and national dress.
CaribFest partnership report ↗2019
RDI and Dominica Botanic Gardens form a partnership
RDI announced a relationship with Dominica Botanic Gardens, connecting island conservation and the restoration of public green spaces with long-term community development.
Botanic Gardens partnership ↗2020
Nine protective sneeze shields installed in Roseau
RDI’s news archive reported that Major Francis Richards and his team fabricated and installed nine protective shields at First Caribbean International Bank in Dominica during the early pandemic response.
Sneeze-shield installation report ↗2021
RDI announces donation of 6,000 face masks
The Caribbean Disaster Relief & Recovery Alliance donated 6,000 masks, valued at approximately US$10,000, to RDI for intended support of medical personnel and first responders in Dominica. The release described the planned distribution.
First-responder mask donation ↗2024
LaDàna Young (née Drigo) elected president
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2024, LaDàna Young, previously RDI’s chairperson, was elected president, succeeding founding president Gabriel J. Christian. The transition marked a new chapter in RDI’s continued work across relief, education, partnership and community opportunity.
Gabriel J. Christian remained involved as a board member and legal advisor. LaDàna had also been publicly identified as RDI’s publicist during its 2015 solidarity activities, reflecting her long association with the organization.
Renewed education opportunities
RDI continued its collaboration with The Piney Woods School, publishing a scholarship application and announcing opportunities for two students from Dominica.
Explore the source ↗Jean Finucane receives the Dominica Medal of Merit
RDI’s Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences honored educator and nation builder Jean Finucane. Gabriel J. Christian formally presented the medal on May 26, 2024. The historical account appeared on RDI’s website in 2025, and its YouTube footage was uploaded later, but the presentation belongs in the 2024 timeline.
Two scholars celebrate a major step
Joseph John Thomas was honored at an August 12, 2024 scholarship award ceremony in Dominica. RDI subsequently introduced Joseph and Radhika Frederick together in its November 2024 coverage as the two Piney Woods scholarship recipients, explaining their journeys and ways supporters could assist.
RDI honors Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson
RDI hosted its Golden Leap Award ceremony at the University of Maryland in collaboration with the Caribbean Students Association. LaDàna Young and founding president Gabriel J. Christian moderated, with support from APPR, OmniSystems and the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian.
Golden Leap Award ceremony ↗2025
RDI celebrates a decade and approves Bob Maguire’s award
During RDI’s tenth-anniversary team celebration, the Board approved its Leadership in Humanitarian & Development Award for Professor Robert “Bob” Maguire. The honor was formally presented at a December 12 community gathering.
Tenth-anniversary award announcement ↗Inaugural Island Tea Party brings fundraising and culture together
On August 16, 2025, RDI hosted its inaugural Island Tea Party in Laurel, Maryland. The program featured Caribbean cultural performances, a silent auction and community awards. RDI later reported raising more than US$4,300 for priorities including youth scholarships, emergency response and diaspora engagement.
Books for brighter futures at Dominica State College
RDI documented a coordinated book donation for Dominica State College, including Dominican and world history, health, science and career-development titles. Joan Christian was identified as speaking about the donation; the specific handover date was not established by the article.
Dominica State College book donation ↗2026
The story continues
RDI continues to present its relief, education, and community partnership work, with opportunities to connect, volunteer, and support future scholars.
Explore the source ↗Bob Maguire proposes a Caribbean music collection for scholarships
Professor Robert “Bob” Maguire offered RDI a collection of 141 vinyl recordings, with the proposed proceeds intended to establish a scholarship fund for students in Dominica. The archive describes a proposal, not a fund already launched.
Proposed vinyl collection story ↗Many hands. One continuing story.
Explore the people and founding philosophy behind the milestones, or learn how to take part in what comes next.