Dr. Korak Frederick fulfills his dream

Korak Frederick is warmly embraced
Dr. Frederick is warmly embraced on his arrival in Dominica

The journey to making his dream a reality was not an easy one for Dr. Korak Frederick.

His father died in the middle of exams and he was unable to come to Dominica to pay his last respects, he had to juggle time for his girlfriend, a newborn baby, work and study.

There were financial problems but Frederick, from the Kalinago Territory, forged ahead and 13 years after he started his studies in Cuba, he is now a general surgeon and back in Dominica.

Frederick, 35, returned to the island earlier this week and was greeted like a hero by members of the Kalinago community.

For him the long years of studies were what he described as a “life learning experience.”

“It was a very challenging experience but it was all worth it in the end,” the young man, whose life dream was to be a doctor, told DNO.

Being away from his family in a foreign country was a huge challenge for Frederick, coupled with financial problems since his family could not assist him in the way he needed.

But the death of his father was particularly difficult for him.

“My father died during the time of exams,” he stated.”It was very difficult for me … I couldn’t even leave to come home to his funeral.”

The birth of his daughter at the early stage of his study was particularly challenging but he said she was a huge blessing because she gave him the incentive to study even harder.

“I had to study much harder to get through with what I was supposed to do,” he said.

He stated that his daughter usually fell asleep after 10 in the evening and would wake up around four in the morning.

When she was asleep, he would squeeze time for studying and had little time to sleep.

“I had to sleep about two hours to get up and go to work,” he remarked.

Frederick, whose girlfriend is still in Cuba studying gastroenterology, has big dreams for Dominica and his Kalinago people.

“After 13 years of studying, I think I have sacrificed enough,” he stated.

He now wants to work in the health sector in Dominica “to help the Dominican public and my community.”

He plans to help develop a sound health system in The Kalinago Territory and the whole of Dominica.

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65 Comments

  1. The King
    April 23, 2014

    Congrats bro very proud of you

  2. Simply the Truth
    April 23, 2014

    Congratulations Dr. Korak Frederick. You have indeed fulfilled your dreams and are happy to be back on familiar soil of your country Dominica and among your people. I recognize it was hard work and perseverance with trying times but you made it. Your dreams for Dominica is worthwhile to look forward to establishing. In the meantime, enjoy a few leisure days among your people. Then commences the serious and hard work. :) God bless you with your endeavors.

  3. HIDREN
    April 22, 2014

    very good bro, coming from the Neighboring community of Marigot… gone are the days when we mocked and ridicule you all… instead we wanna be associate and collaborate with u. Proud of you.

  4. Tyre hit de road
    April 22, 2014

    Yes I Congrats Blessings !

  5. curiouss
    April 21, 2014

    Congrats my brother.. i’ve learned that with perseverance and trust in God, hard work surely pays off.. Thanks for a job well done…

  6. April 21, 2014

    Congratulations to you on your success, and my condolences on behalf of your loss. God bless

  7. April 21, 2014

    Congrats my homeboy.God bless.

  8. April 21, 2014

    Congratulations forall your good works and well wishes towards your acchivment to your country may the good Lord bless you and your family

  9. posse
    April 21, 2014

    congrats. Hard works pays off.

  10. CONGRATS
    April 21, 2014

    Congratulations good job

  11. Catarina
    April 20, 2014

    What a beautiful story I am so proud and happy for you and your people.

  12. Anonymous
    April 20, 2014

    Welcome home Dr. Great achievement. Only people like u really understand the sacrifice it took to get where u are. Unfortunately now comes the really hard part. Getting a job in Dominicas health system. Good luck. Jah bless and guidance.

  13. amazing
    April 20, 2014

    Congrats Korak. We started Cuba together. You are a strong one! Shasta LA Victoria siempre!

  14. ##Dominica.#
    April 20, 2014

    Hats off to you brother, your example goes to prove that hard work and sacrifices pays off every time. Sorry for the loss of your dad, but I am sure he is proud of you, and is probably in Heaven smiling and saying to the Angels. This is my son in whom I am well pleased!! God speed in your future under takings. We are proud of you. Continue to be an inspiration to all of us.! and teach others that what ever our Dreams and aspirations are in life, the possibilities are endless.

  15. Leanna Frederick-
    April 20, 2014

    Congratulations cuz. Wish you all the best , so proud of you.

  16. Know Your Role
    April 20, 2014

    Congratulations to you Dr Frederick. Your commitment, hard work and dedication though through difficult times has paid off. And especially to The Kalinago People, something positive has come from them and will make a big difference. Proud of you and hope you get the support and appreciation needed.

  17. blessed child
    April 20, 2014

    congrats for your hard word and dedications May ,Gods continue to bless you and your family

  18. just me
    April 20, 2014

    nice, good luck in ur career

  19. chavista
    April 20, 2014

    What an achievement. What great inspiration by a humble man from a humble family. Congratulations cuz. La revolucion sigue. Dios te bendiga. Sigue luchando mi hermano.

  20. dominica
    April 20, 2014

    congratulations dr. i believe people like you with such an inspiring story need to have educatipnal and motivation talks and sessions in places like silver lake and all our communities where our own people have a stigma towards us. therefore concentrate not only in the medical field. you can make a great difference sir. GODS’ blessing unto you.

  21. Clay
    April 20, 2014

    My Dr from days, Congrats man. Proud of you. you have a dream go for it and never give up.

  22. van
    April 20, 2014

    Dominicans overall should be proud of this man. Especially, unlike many who study abroad, chose to return to Dominica and help the Dominican people with what he has learnt.

    Congratulations

  23. abdul
    April 20, 2014

    congrats Dr. the challenge has just began.

  24. Dominican in T.O
    April 20, 2014

    Congratulations fellow Dominican…You did a lot of paying, now its time to get paid.

  25. Dr. L. Earle Johnson
    April 20, 2014

    I have recently read Alick Lazare’s “Kalinago Blood”, an epic journey of the original natives of Dominica. This aspiring, career focused patriot, is an inspiring sequel. Congratulations Dr. Frederick!

  26. April 20, 2014

    Hello and good morning my people. I want to congratulate Dr Frederick on his hard work and his accomplishments. I must also say that if one parent die you should come home and pay your respect and help bury your parent. An exam shouldn’t be used as an excuse not to come to your father funeral.

    • what foolishness
      April 22, 2014

      are you freaking kidding me?the man is dead.his son still has life.you believe the school would have waited on him because his dad passed on?puleeeeese.do you know how much it costs to fly from cuba to dominica and back?did you not read the part that said “there were financial problems? dr frederick you did the right thing.congratulations and all the best to you.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 23, 2014

      I have no doubt that you meant well. Nevertheless, he did what he had to do under the circumstances. I am certain it was not an easy decision that he made. What grief and anxiety for him.
      Imagine how difficult it was for him that his father died, he had to write exams, was not able to travel to pay his last respects and to bury him in addition to financial difficulties. He went through a mental tragedy. I am certain his father, in his spiritual world concurred with him.
      Today, he is a doctor. What if he had gone home and was unable to complete his studies and exams? This would have created a delay in completing it. Have empathy.

  27. Dominica First
    April 20, 2014

    Congratulation Doctor Frederick

  28. Chris Parillon
    April 20, 2014

    Congratulations. It pays to persevere. May god bless and guide you as you begin this new journey.

  29. Leng
    April 20, 2014

    Congrats bro

  30. 2020
    April 19, 2014

    Good for you man

  31. Positive
    April 19, 2014

    Bravooooooooooooo

  32. Ohhh Dominica!
    April 19, 2014

    Awwww, Korak!!!!

    So proud of you, I remember you we went to Cuba and limed together.

    Congratulation!

  33. proud kalinago
    April 19, 2014

    very proud of you kalinago brother.You have proven that inspite of Struggles we are a successful people. Thanks for the sacrifice. Hard work never comes easy Patience is virtue.Congratulations!!!

  34. d paro kid
    April 19, 2014

    Hasta la Victoria siempre!!!! Partia o muerte, VENCEREMOS!!! Yes brother you are back another blessing for your family!!!! Big up my boy!

  35. Anonymous
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations on your achievement!!

  36. concerned citizen
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations son, as a refugee in your own country i am wondering whether you by now understood what caused such great hardship on your people so much so you had to undergo such difficult times so as to attain your dream.yes you have achieved a measure of success and you are now back home i hope you will open your eyes to the reality and start working on the problem that caused you and your people so much harm.the watch words are autonomy, expansion, and reparation.
    good bless you and stay healthy.

  37. real possie
    April 19, 2014

    We are proud of you Sir no longer will the native people be the laughingstock of people but end jokes am so happy for and your family Gods blessings.

  38. Rastar in Babylon
    April 19, 2014

    Boss, I remember when we went to Cuba together in 1999. Trip to St. lucia and from there straight to Havana. I remeber all those independence day celebrations across all of Cuba, the large crowds, people from all over the Caribbean and south America. I remember the days of little or no money, comodor food and fake stipend dollars.

    I remember the hard work and sometimes discrimination by the Cubans, well some of them. But most importantly, I remember receiving that titulo. Now that you have done so boss, I congratulate you. Welcome back fellow comrade.

  39. hahah
    April 19, 2014

    I remember meeting you on the 28th of September 1999 in cienfuegos and the in holguin.

    Many thought you wouldnt make it through… Perseverance is a blessing that we all are blessed with but only a few can tap into . Congrats my kalinago brother. Jah guide and keep helping in the development of your people. Jah guide…

  40. Anonymous
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulation Dr. Ferderick. Thanks God you you made it through. Good luck in yoyr career.

  41. Kalinago beauty
    April 19, 2014

    Welcome home my brother .well done.congratulations

  42. Chinese nushi
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations my fellow Kalinago brother. The scarifices and tribulations have paid off and you’ve overcome all the odds to reach this huge milestone. Your rewards will be bountiful. Well done and all the best.

  43. Alain
    April 19, 2014

    Hi Dr ..congratulations……my mother who is now 87 years old..remember your grand father…we left concord 50 years ago..and your family did vist us before leaving the island…when i told her today that your old friends kid is a Dr..she said praise the LORD…they were such nice people to us during our 10 year stay in Concord ..any we are wishing you and your family all the best….hello from ma fidel.( L,homme°)

    • L'Homme family USA
      April 21, 2014

      I feel proud to know you years later as a younger generation of the L’homme I remember you at church in Wesley and seeing you going to school daily..looking very neat and smart, you always seemed to have a good mind on heading straight to your goals by the way you walked with your head held hi and sacrificing to live in Wesley to make it easier to accomplish your high school education..I know that all is proud of you including “face”, Mr. Allister and his family, stay blessed my brother and remain focused.

  44. mm
    April 19, 2014

    Congrats Doctor job well done as a member of the Marigot community, the elders in the village always quoted to us, “the heights that great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept was toiling upwards in the night”.Good luck and God guidance.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 23, 2014

      I remember this verse. He studied hard to achieve his goal. This is indeed perseverance. He has a great future ahead of him in his country, Dominica.

  45. kb
    April 19, 2014

    Positive. Vibez well done this makes me proud to be a Dominican…..keep up he good work

  46. Michael
    April 19, 2014

    I congratulate you, Sir, and wish you the best.

  47. %
    April 19, 2014

    DNO PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! I am begging.
    Consider changing the GREEN BACKGROUND.
    IT MAKES IT TOO DIFFICULT TO READ.
    Congrats to the brother.Hard Work Pays.
    Job Well Done!

  48. Monica
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations Dr. Frederick! I am very proud of you!

  49. humble_me
    April 19, 2014

    Well done son coming back to serve your people.

    God bless you and may he direct your path.

  50. Dr. Sam
    April 19, 2014

    Dr. Frederick, yours is a powerful story of perseverance against great odds. You make our people proud.

    Your talent is greatly needed. May God open many doors to fulfilling your dream for a sound health system for the Kalinago Territory. All your peers in the medical society identify with your sacrifices. Together we say welcome and wish you choicest blessings and great success in your work!

  51. Get this !
    April 19, 2014

    Congrats

  52. hmmm
    April 19, 2014

    Congrads keep working hard. What an inspiration

  53. hyo
    April 19, 2014

    Great job korak! Congratulations! All the best surgeon!

  54. Gweneth J Moorhouse
    April 19, 2014

    I often wonder why you ask for readers’ comments and Email and the fact that your articles cannot be reproduced .
    Is this FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, or,FREEDOM OF SPEECH< or FREEDOM IN GENERAL

    • Ben Dover
      April 19, 2014

      And your point is…….????

  55. Yes jah
    April 19, 2014

    Good luck brother in accomplishing the good things you desire to do in Dominica health sector

  56. sukie bread depot
    April 19, 2014

    Great job doc.

  57. Kalinago
    April 19, 2014

    A proud moment for my Kalinago people!

    • Simply the Truth
      April 23, 2014

      No matter what, as years go by, times and situations do change. Take a good look at Dominica and the progress which has been made, the likes of which D/cans especially the older ones who are still alive never dreamt would happen. The same applies to the Kalinago people. The younger ones who have dreams, with opportunity and perseverance, they too will achieve their dreams and become somebody of consequence. It takes working at.
      I am a Dominican and resided there up to some years in my early adulthood. I had great respect for the “Caribs” as people of Dominica. I recall they have their customs which are hereditary and must be respected.
      I am against segregation and that all D/cans, whatever their hereditary culture which they still practice, should unite as one – Dominicans while of course still maintaining their heritage. It is something that all Dominicans should be proud of and enjoy.
      During courses of conversation about D/ca, I do inform people that my country has Caribs as they were called then in those days and that the Canadian Indians remind me of them and vice versa. You may very well be descendants of the U.S. and Canadian Indians.
      Therefore, be proud of your heritage and encourage the young ones to strive for heights as Dr. Frederick. They may not all be doctors, obviously, but they could aspire to other status for their future and which will assist their community and Dominica on the whole.
      While standing up for your rights, let us not be segregated; not wish to be segregated and not live with segregation. We are all God’s children, daughters and sons of Dominica. We should live in peace and unity and encourage one another to greater and higher heights. We will be happier for it and have a peaceful country. God bless you!

  58. Justice
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations! Indeed to be successful you need to work extremely hard and it pays off! Condolences on the death of your father. Welcome home, and I wish you great success as you serve the people of our beloved country.

  59. Queen
    April 19, 2014

    Congratulations :).

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