“They come from the east and west; they come from the north and south …” The notes of the popular hymn rang true as Dominicans from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania gathered for Dominica Day held on November 8, 2014 at the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church in Westbury, New York. The day-long celebration, which marked the tenth year of the Dominica Association of Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S. (DASUS), commemorated the 36th Anniversary of Dominica’s Independence.
Under the direction of Corinthia James, DASUS board member, the Sabbath School program set the tone for the deep spiritual atmosphere of the day. Rebecca Phillips Edwards, who served as guest Superintendent, directed an original skit which pointed out that the cross at the center of Dominica’s flag is Christianity’s most sacred icon. The skit also used other flag symbols to reawaken Dominican nationalism and point to Heaven as our final home. The special musical performance by Janevette O’Garro and the heartwarming rendition of “Will you go? Will you go?” with the affirmation, “O yes, we will go to the Eden above!” made for a memorable worship experience.
Divine Hour, the formal worship service, began with a march by Bethany’s African Tribes Pathfinder Club and Drum Corps. DASUS President Beryl Williams-Augustin partnered with Pastor Elroy O’Garro, who ministered in Dominica early in his career, to report on the progress of the church on the island. Pastor O’Garro, noted that the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists administers four top-performing schools and has 10 pastors overseeing 23 churches with almost 7,000 members. He urged Dominicans in America to support the work through their prayers and means.
His Excellency Hubert John Charles, Dominica’s Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), brought warm Independence Day greetings to the congregation. He challenged Dominicans to be active citizens; not mere passport-holders. He indicated that active citizenship requires knowledge about the country’s governance; enabling values, such as mentoring youth and caring for the elderly, to remain as priorities; and investing in Dominica’s future viability. Ambassador Charles also outlined current projects and progress in Dominica, and invited guests to visit our beautiful, unspoiled island.
Preaching on the topic The Attraction of Distraction: Looking but Not Seeing, Pastor Dion T. Harrigan, PhD, recalled his nonchalant reaction to a childhood mishap on a beach in Portsmouth. He deftly interlaced that tale and Dominica’s Independence Day theme –Our Nation, Our Responsibility — with Gandhi’s Seven Social Sins; echoing the notion that in this phenomenal age of technological connection, many remain isolated. The root causes for isolation, he argued, are the façade of religion and diminishing values. Leaving the congregation enthralled, inspired, and blessed, Pastor Harrigan admonished all to love and be responsible for each other. That, he inferred, would create better homes, churches, communities, and even a better Dominica.
William Bellot, DASUS board member, led the Children’s Chapel during Divine Hour. Speaking as a true Dominican raconteur, he left the young ones with the acronym COYP – children obey your parents. During the Intercessory Prayer, Mr. Bellot also pleaded for blessings on Dominica, its government, leaders, and citizenry; for unity of purpose among nationals in the diaspora; and the success of DASUS. Judging by the hearty ‘amens’ and applause, special musical performances by Emaline Williams, Samella Carryl and the Bethany Praise Team heightened the worship experience.
Following the Fellowship Luncheon where many rekindled old friendships and made new acquaintances, Florence Mills Aaron, guest Advent Youth (AY) leader, led a culturally-themed meeting. Bible verses on the wonders of nature and a film on Dominica’s unprecedented status as the Nature Island of the Caribbean were featured at the gathering. The program gave Dominicans the opportunity to focus on the abundance of God’s handiwork, while it showcased attractions for guests.
“The Cultural Reception was a wonderful ending to ‘a great day in Zion’,” one attendee remarked. Participants relished Dominica’s national dish – callaloo – and also enjoyed other delicious treats. “Taking time to celebrate our heritage and faith was especially meaningful,” Ms. Williams-Augustin said. “This Dominica Day was a tremendous success and we have already begun to think about plans for Dominica Day 2015. We look forward to an even grander time!” Ms. Williams-Augustin thanked the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church; the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; program organizers William Bellot, Corinthia James, Vaughn James, JD, and Glenn Wallace; as well as attendees for helping to make Dominica Day a success.
The Dominica Association of Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S., which sponsored Dominica Day, is dedicated to bringing Seventh-day Adventist Dominicans together to embrace their faith and heritage. DASUS is also focusing on strengthening ties with the church in the USA and Dominica to make meaningful contributions to select projects. To contact DASUS email [email protected] or for more information visit http://dasus.webs.com.
Positivity naturally searches out more positivity, my friend. Good job and may God bless you for caring, club leaders and participants!
How could Dominica move foward with so much negativity?Is there any integrity among the people
who write these posts? I guess not; because how could any one not appreciate these people who have not forgoten their country; but try to elevate it where ever they are. I think that is beautiful.
Some people believe it is better to tear down than to build.
Too much religion. These are people of the system, by the system and for the system.Independence and still continue massa’s plans.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well where was this event advertised to our people living in the Tri State area. I guess they don’t want to answer questions so they keep their event among the close knit friends. I have been in NYC since 1978 but I still can’t find out when or where our representatives at United Nations is attending an event to address our people.
It’s high time to separate Church and State. Too much co-mingling at high levels makes for collusion and political dominance.
Web time to come back and start a church.. and the Lord said..”Desmond go home”!
I guess these distinguished men and women are not entitled to vote either because they work, pray and reside beyond our Dominican shores…just asking?
Where is the national wear?
These people are the ones that act like they are exceptional,its only a few that knows about there functions,everyone tries it just money the are all after.