Creator of Dominica’s own Chocolat de la Dominique, Gabriel Christian, has called for all Dominicans to engage in agriculture.
“We want it to be understood that farming, taking care of the soil is not something only for farmers to do—the doctors, the lawyers, the engineers, everybody has to see it as part of the national patrimony that we engage in agriculture, and not have any sort of disdain for that which feeds us,” he said.
He made the comments at the Dominica Grammar School, on Saturday, during a workshop on food preservation, which were facilitated by lecturers, Dr. Caleb Nindo and Dhruti Patel-Davis, from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Dr. Nindo dealt with the commercial drawing method of food processing and preservation, while Patel-Davis discussed the consumer canning preservation method.
The commercial drawing method of food processing and preservation Patel-Davis deals mostly with the ingredients used in the product, based on consumers’ opinions, as opposed to the external value which is dealt with in the canning method.
Participants were afforded the opportunity to learn to make and preserve a simple mango sauce.
Attendees were also given the necessary literature to further their knowledge on the topic.
Meanwhile, Patel-Davis, a first-time visitor to Dominica, stated that she was impressed with the island’s landscape and people.
“I am so impressed with the beautiful country you have. So much abundance, so much beautiful landscape around here. Everywhere I go, I see mountains and water,” she noted.“It’s beautiful; and as beautiful as this country is, the people are even more beautiful. You guys have been so warm, and affectionate, and helpful…”
Dr.Nindo, who is also new to the island, said that the experience will be forever imprinted on his mind.
“I think I’ll talk about this forever, because there are some things that get imprinted on your mind, and they don’t go away easily…” he articulated.“I have been to several places. This is one of those other places that will leave such a great mark in my life.”
We must start somewhere!
I applaud those who encourage adding value to our agricultural products.
Our island needs to ensure that we rebuild our economy around agriculture and its by products(this is what we have) .
Remember it must start somewhere! I applaud Mr. Christian and his team!
Please….to those who are commenting negatively..REALLY!! What are you doing to help the economy and empower others?
Mr Gabriel Christian you are absolutely right. Agriculture is what feeds the world. Thank God Dominica is Blessed with the natural resources needed to feed it’s population and by extension it’s neighbours. We just need to motivate ourselves and believe in our abilities. The grass is not always greener elsewhere. They too had to start somewhere, and work hard to achieve what they now have. Thank you Dr Patel-Davis for appreciating our abundance and resources. Just wish more Dominicans would do the same.
I couldn’t agree more. Agriculture or death!
Ppl, the money will soon improve once you participate in the programme. Please look at the long term benefit of your families.
Dominican have no patient when it comes to self made and development.
Dominican like it tou cho to flam.
“Meanwhile, Patel-Davis, a first-time visitor to Dominica, stated that she was impressed with the island’s landscape and people.”
“I am so impressed with the beautiful country you have.”
Patel-Davis I am of the opinion you a first time visitor should not be involving yourself in Dominica’s local politics!
You presence in that photograph taking nonsense also is nothing more than a another cheap political ploy. You are beign used to run off your mouth to impress the reading audience that Dominica is the perfect place. However, by the time you stop talking you will be on your way back into your comfort zone, while more than 90% of the people of Dominica remain in existing poverty!
No job, no source of income! If I am ask I will say you are interfering in local politics without you knowing it! People cannot eat landscape, if you like the landscape, I suspect you will have no difficulties buying land and invest in the building of a house, impress me by doing that then you…
Gabriel Christian
“Creator of Dominica’s own Chocolat de la Dominique, Gabriel Christian, has called for all Dominicans to engage in agriculture.”
Gabriel, I an sure you are aware that I mean you no harm, nevertheless I think it ridiculous for someone of with your academics to make such a ridiculous request. If you perceive that Dominica’s economy should be based on agriculture, how come you did not remain in Dominica and engage in the production of agriculture.
For whatever reason, I think you are using a very cheap and ridiculous ploy to accomplish something personal. You are a lawyer by profession, turn businessman, are you really suggesting that Dominicans send their children to Elementary, and Secondary School, College, and University, to return to Dominica to plant bananas, and other agriculture crops to make a living?
You are playing some sort of a game for you personal benefits, you are not concern about the welfare of the youths of the country!
If your…
If your intentions was genuine, you would encourage the industrialization of the country, in this modern day, the twenty-first century; every Dominican should become involved in agriculture? Where is the market Gabriel?
In Dominica?
Despise me if you wish, but I think you are deliberate, and simply talking nonsense, you can’t be serious! Every country on this planet which ever based it economy on agriculture has failed, including Russia, and the former Soviet Union, China also until they industrialized. You said “called on all Dominicans to engage in agriculture,” this is an indication you are suggesting an agricultural economy!
Make sense man: it is better to be honest than to be biased! Believe in God for your future help, and not play up to the principalities, and powers of Dominica, because the powers that be will turn on you, and fail you any second day of the day.
Do not low your status, nothing worth that!
Go Gabu go and take JOSH SHAW with you!!
No man, at US10 you just can not convince me. A successful business is not about making a fast buck but giving value for money and service. This is a Dominican disease get the most money for a minimal effort. Unfortunately it does not work like that.
It’s not a Hershey bar. It’s a premium product for upscale markets in high income countries, which is exactly as it should be for something made from the high quality ingredients that Dominican agriculture can produce.
In other words, you’re not the target market, and that’s perfectly okay.
“It’s a premium product for upscale markets in high income countries, “(Steve Foster).
Steve boy, you never cease to amazed me!
Steve, I’ve lived in Europe, I’ve been to places like Canada many times; nevertheless, I have never encountered a so called upscale market in any high income country every, and anybody could not walking and buy! Germany, and Canada I know pay is the highest, but I have never seen a place where the ordinary worker cannot go into and buy whatever they wish. Steve have you ever heard of CEES Candy?
Well all they sell is chocolate products, of all kinds made coco-bean, flour, milk sugar water and essence of different flavors.
Steven what can be so premium about chocolate products baked in Dominica? It will all boil down to flour, sugar chocolate (Cocoa) and water, yeast with some essence added. If his products are going to be expensive that only millionaires can afford it, count that an already failed business!
I for one am happy that there are still Dominicans out there who still think that agriculture is needed to grow the economy. We can’t go wrong with agriculture, because first of all we need to eat. I therefore applaud Mr Gabriel Christian and his team for initiating this campaign to empower Dominicans.
Well said, Ms Perfect!
The vast majority of overseas Dominicans pop home for family obligations, relax and drink rum & coconut water…and that’s all good.
Gabe’s passion is for development. He comes home always as a labour of love. He organizes, he encourages, he inspires. The sweat of his brow with the efforts of partners will help restore Dominica to the glories of past productivity from the land.
Kudos to partners who made these projects a smashing success: the Ministry of Agriculture, especially P.Sec. Guiste, UWI Open Campus, Dominica State College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the hardworking media houses, Errol Emanuel, Dr. Davidson Lloyd, Pilot Frankie Tonge and several others.
Stay on topic, stay fired up don’t get distracted and in due time, teamwork will bring benefits to all of Dominica.
Thanks Gabe. Hurry back. We need exactly what you have to offer!
I agree in Dominica some people want to be charging 50c for 1 BANANA!!