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Adopt-A-Gran: Dominica

Dominica is situated between the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, and is the largest of the Windward Islands.

It is volcanic in origin and, although mountainous, is covered in rich tropical foliage.

The island depends almost entirely on bananas and coconuts, and is one of the poorest in the Caribbean.

The situation of older people in Dominica is for the most part one of extreme poverty. A great many young people have left the island to look for work in Canada or Britain, leaving their parents behind without support. There is no pension, and even though the government gives public assistance to a limited number of destitute people, many older people find themselves totally without means.

Dominica often receives heavy rainfall due to its tropical climate, which makes for lush vegetation. most of the islands revenue comes from agriculture, employing about 40 per cent of the working class. However, after Hurricane Luis devasted Dominica's agriculture in September 1995, the country has been struggling to restructure its already poor economics and regain its national income. Subsequently, many residents have found themselves out of work and unable to adequately provide for their families.

More than a quarter of Dominica's population resides in the capital, Roseau, and surrounding areas. As a result, the city is undergoing a huge strain to accomodate so many residents; housing and social services are overrun.

For further information please contact Brenda Packer – Adopt-A-Gran coordinator at: adoptagran@helptheaged.ca

Images of Dominica

Mas Dominik - Runner up		Surfiere view		Mas Dominik - Carnival Queen		Grand Fond School
Castle Bruce Church		A Gran in sweet potato field		Brother Wakeham		Toward Grand Bay

 

Newsletters:

Reaching Out - June 2008 (2.2Mb)

 

Our Partners in Dominica:

I.C.M. Sisters are Belgian nuns whose major work is carried out on a one-to-one personal basis in a non-institutionalized manner. Among other activities, they visit older people living alone, and help them with household tasks, baths, food and laundry. They also administer first-aid and minor medication, as necessary, and provide funds and transportation for medical visits. Some of these older people have literally no income at all.

R.E.A.C.H (Reaching Elderly Abandoned Citizens Housebound) provides weekly visits to older people living alone. Their programs also include a day centre and physiotherapy. The centre is located outside the capital city of Roseau.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul helps to alleviate the worst cases of poverty through prayer, home visits, gifts of food, money, clothing and the provision of shelter. The charitable works are done without regard to religion and are done on a voluntary and part-time basis.