Posted by
Diane Corriette, Photo courtesy:www.dianecorriett.com
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 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 two 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.
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 now that 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 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.
I strongly believe that nothing is more important than knowing where we have come from and since my visit I have come back more passionate about Dominica than ever before. Do I now consider myself a Dominican? No, not yet. 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.
By Diane Corriette
Bio
Diane Corriette is founder of the Dominican Diaspora social network. A network created to bring together people living in Dominica and those around the world. Diane is also one of four UK Dominican writers who contribute to the Uniquely Dominican online blog at http://www.uniquelydominican.com
Diane
Congratulations on your article being featured! How can one not be moved by this truly touching and inspirational report. Thanks for sharing.
LL
I am touched by the sentiments revealed here since so many others have gone and never looked back much less to have their off springs connect with relatives. Diane, you thought you were doing it for yourself but like Columbus you were just charting the way for others. Thanks a Million!
Diane
Congratulations on your article being featured! How can one not be moved by this truly touching and inspirational report. Thanks for sharing.
LL
I know going home for you has been a big thing for you and its so good you are reconnecting. I have no doubt you will find your way
Malakh
I haven’t really thought about my role in Dominica or whether I could even play one. It is great to read about how much more connected you feel because I have never really felt that about a country before. Maybe I should make more of an effort to visit.
I hope your dream of living there works out well for you
Thanks Lola. You and I have been on a journey together since DD started and reading poetry at the Dominica book fair was hopefully the first of many. Looking forward to reading the first book!
Juwell. My only hope is that by reconnecting it will encourage others to do the same. I know friends who have connection to the place their parents are from and believe “what’s the point!” – I am guilty of thinking that way myself. Its difficult to describe exactly what the point is – it is something that needs to be experienced thats for sure.
Thanks Malakh and David. I am so in love with the idea of being in Dominica right now I can hardly keep myself in England. Having children is keeping me grounded otherwise I might have done something in haste like pack up and leave now!!!
Diane
Dear Diane,
you are what you are, and Dominica should be very proud to have you as one of theirs. You are a true benefit for the country. No matter where you come from, as long as your ancestors are Dominicans, you are a Dominican.
I can only tell you one thing, it’s not easy being a Domninican.
Blessings,
Mary Sylvester
http://www.marysylvester.com
I live in Dominica and was born and raised in London. We have so much to offer our ancestral home but we are seen as a threat because we challenge the status quo and may take things to a place where local folks do not understand or can manage, so many doors remain firmly closed to us.
I have been here for a few year and have 3 businesses in operation just to survive. Forget rose tinted glasses and beds of roses. It is a struggle and I do not think Dominicans born in DA want anything other than the money to fall into their hands: after that you may go.
If some of us get the opportunity to do what we do best (those of us who are not bullshiters) then we can really improve aspects of life in DA in a dramatic fashion where many benefit.
We need to wake up as a race and a culture else we will be stood still as the rest of the world leaves us behind.