Attorney-at-Law, Heather Felix-Evans has been appointed Finland’s new Honorary Consul to Dominica.
She replaces former Barrister-at-Law, Julian Johnson who was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Finland to the Commonwealth of Dominica in June 2010.
She officially took up her new position during a special ceremony held at Fort Young Hotel on Monday night.
“It was quite an honour and indeed a privilege to have been recommended, considered and appointed to the post of Honorary Consul of Finland in the Commonwealth of Dominica and also approved by the government of Dominica,” Felix-Evans said.
She said she has read and understood what the functions of the post are.
“I understand my duties to include getting in contact with the Embassy in crisis situations involving Finnish citizens and foreign nationals permanently resident in Finland, providing advice and assistance to Finnish citizens and foreign nationals permanently resident in Finland who are in distress in Dominica, either because of accident, illness or they may be victims of crimes in Dominica, or they may be charged with an offense,” she explained.
She said in this situation it is her responsibility when contacted to assist them [Finnish citizens] whether with medical care, in accessing medical care or direct them to the relevant authorities or institutions.
Furthermore, Felix-Evans stated that her duties will also include notarial acts, such as authenticating signatures, certifying copies and providing life certificates.
Felix-Evans pointed out that Finland has a publicly funded comprehensive school system.
“No selecting, tracking or streamlining of students during the basic education years which runs from 7 to 16 years,” she explained. “Did you know that there is no standardized testing in Finland until they reach the equivalent of what is grade 12 in the US [United States] and 2nd year of 6th form Dominica State College [DSC] – no standardized testing?”
Felix-Evans added, “Did you know that children begin elementary school at 7 years of age and prior to that they learn at their own pace…”
She mentioned also that all teachers are required to have a Master’s Degree before entering the teacher program.
“Did you know that the status of a teacher is equivalent to an attorney-at-law and a medical doctor in Dominica?” She asked. “Did you know that the education system promotes cooperation not competition and the schools, the gap between the worst performing schools, if there is any, is very small.”
Meantime, Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago in Dominica, Francis Emmanuel who endorsed Felix-Evans, described her as an outstanding member of the bar.
“I say without any hesitation that it would be difficult to identify someone in Dominica more suitable than Mrs. Felix-Evans for the position of Honorary Consul of Finland to the Commonwealth of Dominica,” he noted. “Mrs. Felix-Evans commands high respect in the Dominican community as an outstanding member of the bar.”
Emmanuel continued, “The legal work she has done for me personally is at exemplary standard.”
He expressed “undiminished” admiration for Felix-Evans.
mrs heather felix Evans well done and congratulations on your position you make Dominican proud of you may the good lord bless you always even people in England love you always and happy for you blessing always the very best for the future god bless you xxxxx
mrs heather felix Evans well done and congratulations on your position you make Dominican proud of you may the good lord bless you always even people in England love you always and happy for you blessing always the very best for the future god bless you xxxxx
Congrats Heather! A loving lady and friend. All the best.
Good luck Heather. Finland one of the happiest, successful countries in the world. We could use them as a benchmark. Your job is a happy one. Don’t know many Finns living in Dominica and no need for them to buy our passport but you will have the joy of looking after Father Christmas. I believe he lives in Lapland, part of Finland. Just remember to leave a carrot for Rudolf the reindeer so he does not forget to visit us at Christmas.
Congrats Heather. Very pleasant and warm personality. Go and leave that legacy of professionalism and outstanding service. Cheers!!!!!
Congratulations to Heather on this great accomplishment. I wish you success and an accomplished tenure as Honorary Consul to Finland.
Heather Felix congratulations .
It is 19 years late of course .
I recall under the request of Rosie Douglas I was directed to propose and create the credentials and appointment for the incoming candidates for the cabinet positions of 2000..including the present PM .
I did approach Alick Lazare in crafting suitable ministerial portfolio authority on the Sunday of that election .
At that time I recall receiving an early morning call from.your Senior Patner in the Astaphan Legal Firm
recommending you as a possible candidate for consideration of the AG position .
You did turn that down based on your then youthful experience and the fact of your pregnancy .
Now 19 years later you are recognized….congratulations
OJ Seraphin
But OJ as an ex PM you should know that this has.nothing to do with the govt.She was appointed by the govt.of Finland.
the three of you on DNO with nothing to do but thumbs down, don’t you like anything refreshing or good for anyone? Go get a life and start by loving the creator and yourselves because it seems all you like is to oppose anything. Go try and achieve something. I am sure you can try a thing and I know you can do it so you can feel a sense of belonging.
Congrats my friend.. I wish you well… you capabilities to realize the envisioned functions cannot be questioned!
Those are the kinds of positive comments we want in this country.CONGRATS Heather Felix good luck.
CONGRATS Heather. I know you will always succeed as indeed it goes without saying. You always exemplify perseverance, professionalism and passion for humanity.
Blessings in your new role as Honorary Consul.
Congrats Heather on your latest accomplishment. I know you will serve well in your new role.
Beautiful! Good Luck ma’am.
A very humble soul…May you be blessed on your journey!
May you be blessed taking up your position in another country. You will make Dominica and your family etc. proud.!
Congratulations Mrs. Heather Felix Evans.
Congrats to you Mrs Heather Felix-Evans. All the best