Being in Dominica over the last two weeks has me questioning my role as a first generation diaspora member born in the UK. What role should we or could we be playing in support of Dominica? The question I have really is should we even be contributing?
My favourite definition of diaspora is this one
A diaspora (in Greek, διασπορά – “a scattering [of seeds]“) is any movement of a population sharing common national and/or ethnic identity. While refugees may or may not ultimately settle in a new geographic location, the term diaspora refers to a permanently displaced and relocated collective.Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaspora
My parents moved from Dominica to England settling in the UK in the late 40s (dad) and mid 50s (mum) they know England to be home and so do I but my burning desire to know my heritage meant I went on a journey to seek out my Dominican roots.
So I booked my ticket and landing at Melville Hall on 28th July 2010 for the second time in my life. My first experience took place in 1979 after hurricane David had devastated the island and during those 8 weeks at the age of 13 I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not Dominican but English and I should never try and pass myself off as anything but English.
That was okay with me at the time and I put Dominica to one side and forgot all about her for the next 29 years when in 2008 I found myself desperately seeking information and wanting to know where I was from. I used my skills on the internet and did what I knew best – I started a virtual community that bought together Dominicans and its Diaspora. Two years later and over 8,000 members I have learnt more about Dominica and my heritage than I ever thought I would thanks to the members of that network and as I return from my brief 2 week stay in Dominica I am left asking the question
First generation Dominican Diaspora: What part do we play in Dominica?
And more importantly should we even be looking to play a part in supporting Dominica? The answer to that question will be different for everyone and will be based on their connection to their heritage and the land of their parents birth. If you had asked me that question 5 years ago I would have said I have nothing to give Dominica and no desire to be there. Now, in 2010 I not only have a desire to own land and be part of village life but I want to build a life for myself there – one that not only sees me return for several months in a year but that also contributes to the village that I live in, in whatever way I can.
In England my support has always gone to children, young people and the elderly so I can’t imagine that this will change in Dominica. The support of those who are the future and those who have given their life to raising the present is very important to me. The elderly in particular are ignored and left alone in England and so I have done what I can to arrange get togethers that bring them out of the home. It was so wonderful to hear about the Goodwill Reunion support of the elder generation during their celebrations as they got together 200 people – elders and their sponsors – and treated them to a wonderful evening of food, dancing and I am sure plenty of story telling. My only regret is not being able to be there as I was leaving Dominica the next morning and travelling to Pond Casse that afternoon.
There are plenty of first generation Dominicans who are connected to Dominica, who have moved there and who love their life but there are thousands of others who like me in the past have no particular connection to their heritage or the Caribbean and it is such a shame because my life has become so much richer and I feel as if I belong to something that is more about a community not just about me.
Walking into Fond St Jean and having people knowing my last name based on my facial features (and hips!) really connected me to that village. People knew of my father or they knew of my family. No matter where I was on the island all I had to do is mention the village my father was from and people knew of the name, the man himself or members of my family. I was able to reconnect to many family members because of that and it is an amazing feeling to be able to do that.
For any first generation Dominican Diasporan feeling disconnected or in search of something I recommend they try reconnecting to their heritage - nothing is more important than where we have come from and since my visit I have come back stronger and even more passionate about Dominica than ever before. Do I now consider myself a Dominican. No. There is some way to go before that can happen but regular visits and my continued acceptance of the culture will hopefully help me get there in time.
Marcia Charles
sylviasmith
MaDD