Clayton Shillingford at his microscope during his days at the Dominica Grammar School in (Circa 1955). He later earned his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in plant pathology, became the Technical Director of the Jamaica Banana Board Research & Development Department, and Product Development Manager at Dupont Labs in Delaware. In 2000, Dr. Clayton Shillingford became the first President of the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences. Next to him is J. Bernard Yankey who earned his Ph.D. in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin, at Madison. Dr. Yankey later served as the High Commissioner to Canada of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Ottawa, Canada and President of the Dominica State College. (Courtesy of the National Archive, UK). Both men are noted as having made worthy contributions to the national and regional development process.
My Fellow Dominicans and Friends of Dominica:
I have come to view recent developments in Dominica with grave disappointment: The many reports of the unsavory activities of Ministers of Government and their followers; the poor work ethic, lack of discipline, systemic dishonesty, and personal aggrandizement; the attraction to sewo and bon temps in place of honest work and productive endeavour. These trends in Dominican culture will get us nowhere in this world. Corruption, crude conduct in private and public life, and violation of our laws and constitution will not aid us in building up our nation. We now embrace, for most issues, a fabric of excuses and vacuous explanations, and when that does not divert from the societal dysfunction, we descend to lies and propaganda. It was not always so.
In my youth, my mother, as many other parents would say to their children, said “you cannot be wrong and strong: you must work hard to achieve your dreams and help others realise their dreams also, as you can”. I sought to use these early lessons as guides in my life and career, always reaching upwards in academics, sport, and charity work.
My father, Hesketh Shillingford, took an early step to motivate me in the area of excellence. This he said when I was twelve in 1948: “if you, son, win the single scholarship to go to the Dominica Grammar School (DGS), I will give you a bicycle”. The following year, I came first in the island scholarship examination and continued to be first in every form through my years at the DGS and skipped one form. I received multiple awards for academic performance at each annual DGS Speech Day, was Victor Ludorum at Sports Day, a member of the Cadet Corps, Head Boy and Senior Prefect, Captain of the Cricket Team, 1st Grade Cambridge School Certificate, and Higher School Certificate. Then I went, on British Government Scholarship, to the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, where I gained an Upper Second Class BSc in Chemistry, Botany and Mathematics. On my return to Dominica to teach Science in 1962, I bettered the instruction at the DGS and saw my science students on their way to careers of excellence in engineering, agriculture, and medicine. The DGS teams under my guidance also excelled in island cricket and soccer.
Meanwhile, I was also engaged in study of the taxonomy and ecology of Dominica’s Rain Forest, for which, on my return to UWI in 1966, I received an MSc in Botany. My knowledge in plant science propelled me to obtain another scholarship from the Jamaica Banana Board to do a second MSc in Plant Pathology at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London.
My career at the Jamaica Banana Research Department led me to the Presidency of the Association for Cooperation in Banana Research in the Caribbean and Tropical America (ACORBAT). My many research ventures and publications saw me to a research assistanceship in 1975 at the University of Illinois where I completed my PhD in Plant Pathology in the scientific fundamentals of banana fruit quality in two years. On my return to Jamaica, I was rewarded with an appointment to Chief Quality Controller and Director of Research and Development at the Jamaica Banana Board until my resignation in 1979.
My family and I migrated to the United States where, through the influence of my University of Illinois supervisor, Dr. James Sinclair, I got a position, first, as Visiting Professor and then as Development Manager for agricultural products of the DuPont Company until my retirement at the end of 1998. During my non-work time in Florida, I led as President, the South Florida Association of Dominicans (SOFAD). SOFAD engaged in support of Dominican culture and music, national coherence, and education for its members. My grant of a violin to a young man, Kevin Sylvester, saw him ultimately form the Black Violins group and play at the inauguration of President Obama.
In the same vein, we formed the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences (DAAS) with the mission to elevate the image of our country. Between 2000 and 2014 we contributed much in way of financial, material, education lectures and heritage promotion resources for the benefit of Dominica. And so it was, striving for excellence at every step.
Today, adult males in Dominica revel in the sexual abuse of young persons; there are widespread charges of corruption among the ruling elite; nothing seems to be going right. The economy has collapsed; more persons are unemployed; crime is on the rise; health services are poor; the intelligentsia are “hiding in the bushes”. The major institutions that are supposed to assist in elevating standards in our society are hors de combat, either silent and not engaged or over-contributing to the dysfunction in Dominican society. They look for what they can get for themselves, enriching themselves through passport sales or other nefarious activities.
We are immersed in the era of major scientific advancements for the benefit of mankind around the world, yet in Dominica there is a sense that science is to be set aside in health, education, and agriculture. Furthermore, in leadership positions we find individuals who are loyal to the regime and not competent enough to bring the power of knowledge and science to bear on that which ails our society.
Where, when and how will this all end?! Who will bear the torch to improve the culture and image of our land?!
Hesketh shillingford was my grand father,never met him before honestly wish i did!
Despite its brilliance, this article is the epitome of Dominica’s never ending malaise. It speaks of the great academic and personal accomplishment of a son of the soil, but what has it done for the rest of Dominica? Not much. China is proof positive that an agrarian course will lead to sure-fired failure for Dominica’s present and future. Figuring out what type of industry that we can create to play a leading role in an ever changing fast-pace global environment could do the trick. Our former leaders and scholars appear to be brilliant, when examined with yesteryear’s lens. We are unable to provide modern mass airline transportation to both locals and visitors alike; however we continue to expand our chest. Where is the innovation required to see us through the next bend. I have long synced argued that we should find a way to begin excavation of the proposed airport site by encouraging aggregate producers to excavate in an area that we can use later for suitable and sustainable…
This brilliant article bemoans a point that I have been echoing since I was a young man at the Dominica Grammar School. Educated and accomplished Dominicans of brilliant mind and sound judgment have and continue to be the downfall of the island and its body politic. In the last 50 years, I can name only one Dominican who took his talents and vision and used it in the best interest of Dominica and its citizens. His name is Phillip Nassief.
Nassief used our natural coconut to build a vibrant industry that employed farmers, allowed ordinary citizens to become share holders, there by increasing their net worth and providing them with legal financial resources to educate their sons and daughters. Now this is a man I truly respect. The remainder of our brothers and sisters are trapped by their own academic brilliance and they spend their life achieving academic glory and financial gain through a narrow prism that serves to benefit them and their families. They are myopic and they practice…
“In the last 50 years, I can name only one Dominican who took his talents and vision and used it in the best interest of Dominica and its citizens.”
I’m sure there are many. Someone who is leading in this area right now is Dr Schuyler Esprit, who founded CREATE up at the State College: http://createcaribbean.org
We also have to contend with the attitudes of the islanders towards expats. Let’s not overlook that huddle because I’ve heard from several islanders, not just Dominicans who are faced with the same challenges upon returning home with view to offering services. If our own people aren’t willing to embrace the talents and services (while they easily lapup other foreign input), the advice and a willingness to give you a sit at the table of discussions, a listening ear, where can we go from here? When we have addressed this concern along with the others that plague our beloved island people, then we will begin to seen head-ways, but we must not pretend that these obstacles do not exist.
“Today, adult males in Dominica revel in the sexual abuse of young persons;” Anybody knows why the surname “Shillingford” is so common and widespread in the various communities along the west coast? Come on Clayton. I know you know what were the circumstances of that spread in the surname “Shillingford”. And it did not take place under the Roosevelt Skerrit. It took place at a time when the ‘Shillingfords” ruled Dominica and owned all employment opportunities along the entire west coast
Quite a statement,,You have not addressed the issues in the article..you now imply that the Shillingfords on the west coast abused young persons as well
Certainly so! Ever heard the word “boss la”. You are really in denial. the point is. Any abuse of children now and before must be abhorred. The tone of your article speaks to a sudden upsurge in the said evil practice unde the government of PM Skerrit. Go ahead and tell me you alone can understand English. You and I know the truth about what you said in your response you and I and all of Dominica knows the truth about “you now imply that the Shillingfords on the west coast abused young persons as well”. Check your conscience. Better still commission a a social survey of the condition of and for work on estates owned on the Shillingford Estates particularly along the west coast. I suppose you will eat your tongue at the conclusion of the same. keep on reading. The evil must be condemned now and before. PM Skerrit did not cause the problem as you wish to so imply. So stop what you are doing. Period!
How did you come about He /She may be asking? How old is mom how old would dad be today?
Do the math.
Brilliant My SSA!!!
This will all end when people like you stop selling your souls for the mighty Dollar,,,
You spend time at Jamaica Banana Research Department to obtain the Presidency of the Association for Cooperation in Banana Research in the Caribbean and Tropical America (ACORBAT), them farmers on Dominica just had some issues with the Bananas where were you???
So guess you were part of whom helped those US infiltrate the agricultural sector of Central America.
Oh wait with all that your talking about you want some Award or something now???
According to readings here they had to source Banana Plants from “France” of all places where were you???
C’mon Dude you cannot come now talk your crap and you Sold out your expertise to one of the most destructive companies on this planet “DuPont”!!!
When educated Fools as yourself decide that it’s time to come back to the Land of your Birth and bring back the knowledge to the growing generations we will see some changes on…
Ti: RastarMarn….I brought into Dominica on three separate occassions eleven tissue culture partially resistant banana and plantain varieties to help the industry get over in time the ravages of Black Sigatoka..and to rebuild the industry…
To: Dominica Resident, RastarMarn, South City..While you and your kind COWARDLY hide behind these BOGUS names do you have an opinion on the problems plaguing Dominican society please read two DNO articles on employment practices in the public service and the state of Dominica prison..Are these not reflective and supportive to what I said in the article you criticised
“I have come to view recent developments in Dominica with grave disappointment: The many reports of the unsavory activities of Ministers of Government and their followers; the poor work ethic, lack of discipline, systemic dishonesty, and personal aggrandizement; the attraction to sewo and bon temps in place of honest work and productive endeavour. These trends in Dominican culture will get us nowhere in this world. Corruption, crude conduct in private and public life, and violation of our laws and constitution will not aid us in building up our nation. We now embrace, for most issues, a fabric of excuses and vacuous…
That is the way people earn Ph. D’s and other degrees; by studying hard in secondary school; College, and Universities. When one becomes a book worn, and study any of the sciences: when they graduate, and an Ph. D. is bestowed on them they can be proud of the title of doctor; which is bestowed on them by an accredited recognizable high academic institution of learning.
Clayton’s Ph. D., is not fake; it was not bought, and paid for, or given as a gift, of no commercial value! Even at his age eighty years old, he can use his credentials to get a job if he so desires, unlike some Dominicans such as a certain Sir, Knight Indian doctor of nothing eh!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
I doh calling him name eh, cause I doh want anybody to say Francisco Telemaque say. So, I know but I doh talking eh man! It is not the lord Knight alone with fake so call doctor title, some of them say they are Dominica’s ambassadors, when ask where they graduate, school do not…
All of them Hypocrites are just stuck on the outside looking in and would never give a physical contribution to Dominica, Words cannot help, your tangible efforts will help us.
To South City..whoever you are…hiding behind a false name…..go to the DAAS website ..www.da-academy.org… and see computers we gave to Dominican schools, medicine and equipment when the medical stores at PMH burnt down, scholarships at DSC, summer internships for DSC students at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, new resistant banana and plantain varieties etc etc..
You took your family out of DA before Skerrit came into power, ic Dominica was that good why did hou and your relatives run.
During the tour of the United States in 2014 by Mr. Linton and the UWP Team Dominica as it was called at the time, the Black Violins Musical Group played the National Anthem of Dominica at the commencement of the meeting in Miami Gardens.
Bravo! Bravo! But, where did all the brains and good moral character go when you allowed some people to dip their fingers into The DASS FUNDS like it belonged to their father, and had the unmitigated gall to come on the air and defend their actions? Mr. look in the mirror I implore you , then wheel and come again!
They should have listened to Eugenia Charles when she said that Dominica should also start growing for export, coffee, the soil is very suitable to grow coffee in Dominica and there is a lot of money to be made in coffee. Coffee plants are also much more tolerant to high winds from storms. Hopefully because Britain is no longer part of the UE Dominica can start exporting bananas to Britain like during the 1950’s and 1960’s in great quantities when the banana industry was booming. Geest ships made regular stops in Dominica to load bananas in those days. Those were th good old days in Dominica. JMHO.
“Hopefully because Britain is no longer part of the UE Dominica can start exporting bananas to Britain like during the 1950’s and 1960’s in great quantities when the banana industry was booming.”
No, because that change was the result of a complaint to the World Trade Organisation initiated by the Clinton administration. The EU had nothing to do with it.
Excellent attempt to explain societal changes in Dominica, but the innuendos and outright accusations are a small factor in the universe of behavior changes. It would require a series of articles to help fully explain why our birthplace appear to be spinning wheels and getting nowhere.
Some factors more intuitive analysts may consider in expounding on your premise are:
1 – Extraction from colonial direct rule
2 – Abilities and experience of colonial replacements
3 – Educated elite not participating in political representation
4 – Mass absorption of Developed nations cultural imperialism
5 – Parents lacking societal protocols
6 – Universal education without societal and ethical instruction
There are just so numerous causes of our malaise in Dominica…but hopefully there are still a few dedicated young citizens who will one day wrest the nation from this despair.
WOW! What really happened to the DASS that was doing so well? The PM was’nt a board member, the truth will set us free.
Dominicans fail to realize that we’re living in the last days and that the other islands are going through the same dilemma. The Governments before had an easy time because they were not willing to progress.
Now you have young people who are no longer interesting in working on farms, they crave office jobs. Globalization is having a very serious effect on the Caribbean today that we have to play catch up with the world powers.
If you are a Scientist, you should have looked at the external factors which holds us back as a nation. CARICOM and OECS is keeping Dominica behind. There seems to be a competition and the survival of the fittest because everyone wants a huge piece of the cake and even wants ti eat it all.
We have to look at Environmental factors which could affect us in the future. Dominicans love to chat too much and we are very shallow in thinking when it comes to evaluating governance. Put all you there and the nation will be lost forever.
Beware of individuals who seek to “big up” themselves….if Skerrit had given you an audience would you be writing the same thing…some of us swing where ever the breeze blows cooler…beware Dominicans of these troublesome characters!
To; Yinka whoever you are,,I never mentioned Skerrit’s name ..On Skerrit’s request to me as President some years ago DAAS prepared a Diaspora Policy document to see how best Dominicans in the diaspora could partner and collaborate and work to improve the country.. by bringing diaspora expertise to help inform and assist develoment plans…Skerrit did not take up the opportunity..
In my youth, my mother, as many other parents would say to their children, said “you cannot be wrong and strong: you must work hard to achieve your dreams and help others realise their dreams also, as you can”. I sought to use these early lessons as guides in my life and career, always reaching upwards in academics, sport, and charity work.
My father, Hesketh Shillingford, took an early step to motivate me in the area of excellence. This he said when I was twelve in 1948: “if you, son, win the single scholarship to go to the Dominica Grammar School (DGS), I will give you a bicycle.My father, Hesketh Shillingford who was/is your mom no name recognition clayton? how sad.Trust you get the drift.
Hey Carlty!
I was awaiting your response but this counoumoonou outed you. I am still perplexed, bewildered for want of a better word. Why U have not responded to clear the air. I understand the pushing of one side of the family tree for economic and social reasons after all the planter-class is still alive and well. I am wll aware like in Delaware you must have read ” How Europe underdeveloped Africa” did U skip Grounding with my Brothers both by bro Walter Rodney. once again I trust you got my drift unlike Hillsborough street this low hanging fruit maybe not even low! probably on the ground like a mango, orange grapefruit on a S plantation some where on the Commonwealth of DA.
My Mom was Mama Gladys Peters nee Phillip,,of Hillsborough St.. The ommission was not deliberate.. I have great pride and respect for my Mom and how she brought me up..
And I’m wondering why isn’t a man like Dr. Shillingford isn’t a key person in the division of agriculture…Maybe he’s too intelligent and upward thinking?
Today, adult males in Dominica revel in the sexual abuse of young persons;- MEANING GIRLS AS WELL AS BOYS!!!! there are widespread charges of corruption among the ruling elite; nothing seems to be going right. The economy has collapsed; more persons are unemployed; crime is on the rise; health services are poor; the intelligentsia are “hiding in the bushes AND IN THE MISTY WOODS OF DOMINICA. LIKE SOME OF THE P.M’S CLOSE FRIENDS IN PA USA.
% I have a message to you and and the rest at any time you and others may be called a pond to answer any questions about the government of Dominica about claims of corruption please be aware xxxx
You are as corrupt as the DLP that you are enslaved by…Wonder why wicked people like you will not stand up for Dominica…Do you rather to stretch your hand for crumbs???Are you one of the evil greedies who are taking from the needy?
Brilliant article . But you failed to mentioned your mother name who i know stand for justice . In all your achievements yoh mean Ma Dian Peters had no impact in our achiements or uou just ungrateful a d dont want to associated with the Peters family from hillsborough street.
Dumb- Our question is the same idiot why are you so low class? is it bc u come from HILLSBOROUGH STREET ? we have produced great men & women those who would phrase the issue differently look at me microscopically reading. I ask the same question but left it to him to respond to even if it meant him having to drive down in Wilmington or Newark to buy a bottle if scotch b4 he reasoned. U had to out th man spoiling the little game I was playing.
With dumbs like U on island we will remain the way we are & idios will continue to run the country.
The problem is there are so many like U -brainless even the minister of petro carib the pitbull would attack different from U. I crown U saqway sort
What a very interesting article. What a talented forward thinking well educated and good Citizen of Dominica. Sir I think you have done Dominica proud and you only want to see the best for Dominica’s future. What you have stated in your article is true and I only hope that those people in Government and elsewhere who are totally selfish and corrupt feel some form of guilt. It is never too late to change and be a good thoughtful Citizen. What about Robin Hood. Take from the rich and give to the poor. If you all have to be corrupt then share your prosperity and help Dominica. When you all die you cannot take the money with you!! Shame on you. Karma has a way of paying you back and don’t ever doubt it those of you who are corrupt, thoughtless and selfish you will be paid back one way or another in this life or the next you will not get away with your criminal activities.
Well written,however the so called elites who are selling passports have already given their souls to Satan.They are all hungry greedy and selfish. But I have no fear,God works in mysterious ways.And I believe it’s just a matter of time before he deals with these money hungry baffons. We shall hear their cry.Oh yes what a horrible one it will be.
See, I stopped at the point where you were blowing your horn about you got awards in Botany, because of where the current state of banana you stood and is still sitting on the sidelines playing politics. There are many questions when it pertain to DAAS. Here’s my gripe with people like you, we know you support the other side, there are farmers who belongs to the other side, why is it you never educated a few of them so they could’ve been more productive? The thing Hesketh forgot to tell you is, (always stay humble and kind, never blow your own horn, let other people do that for you).
I do not know who all these persons who are writing either supportive or negative comments..In the main they are personally critical.. It would be more useful if they dealt with the isseus raised..I was president of DAAS from 2000 to 2010 two terms. Sad to say membership has dropped off ,You can review some of DAAS achievements here….http://www.da-academy.org/daaschronicle01.html ….or visit the website at ..www.da-academy.org
I am wailing patiently for response and comments from Tony Astaphan, Parry Bellot, Alick Lawrence, Lennox Lawrence
All of us are awaiting their responses but don’t really care. Issue in question is ur failure to respond to the question asked by Microscopically reading and to a lesser extent Hillsborough Street.
We already know what is to come Saturday night on the so called Animal show.Let us hear from you why nothing was said about MoM. Do we have to wait for next mothers day?
Clay am so disappointed!
Clay every dog and Cat knows the real problem in DA- the issue is who and how are we to the enemy of the people, those sq peg this little group of upstarts who fell through that large fissure/crack when Rosie, Mamo and Pierro passed. remaining REAL leaders were passed over gracias/thx to those Sr. counsels and their like/ilk. There in remains the problem. a group of characters with not even 1 1/64 of a brain are running the Commonwealth of DA.
Corection Clay,
the issue is who and how are we to bag the enemy of the people, those sq pegs this little group of upstarts who fell through that fissure.
You did not mention what became of the DAAS,enquiring minds want to know!!
This article brought tears to my eyes, i cannot believe people like tony stooping so low supporting all this going on when his father waddy worked so hard with the help of poor Dominicans to give him an education, u have fellas like Alick who know better only chasing the dollar, GarCon i remember u little boy riding bicycle in portsmouth see what u become today, poor work ethic, lack of discipline, systemic dishonesty, and personal aggrandizement; the attraction to sewo and bon temps in place of honest work.
Clayton i know it seems hopeless but don’t give up the fight, u are not alone, we will get Dominica back on track these dark days will come to an end with heavy punishment for the perpetrators.
I do not know what hallucinogenic you and Clayton are on, but if, as appears to be the case, you both think that Lennox Linton and the UWP is the answer to the ills (perceived or real) to which you refer, woe betide Dominica.
you were also a good stone thrower. remember kalari’s bicard
To; DNO Sucks you said about me..”you were also a good stone thrower. remember kalari’s bicard”.. I do not remember kalari’s bicard but I admit I was the biggest and best stone thrower on the river bank. Back then there were piles of “macadam’ under the flamboyant trees used to build roads by Public Works..That stone thrower skill resulted in my throwing the cricket ball 108 yds on Sports Day circa 1954 at the Windsor Park.. I believe that record has not been broken..so much for throwing stones
you forgot you scored a goal against grammar school in 1949 when you were attending the mixed school.i waited for you at dgs. no jocund
BRILLIANT PIECE I MUST READ OVER AND OVER…I have also lamented the poor state of Dominica,the type of leaders we have steering our ship of state and of course their ineptness..I almost always refer to them as EVIL and WICKED!!!When I attended primary school in the 70’s, our major export as found in books and which I was taught,were bananas and citrus fruits..Is it passports now?…I had no father,but my mother toiled as a farmer and raised four of us WITHOUT ANY BEGGING!!Dominica had a myriad of hard working and industrious people..The government of the day encouraged hard work……BY THE SWEAT OF THY BROW…….Where has this dissipated into?IT may have vanished into thin air, but even the hardest working public servant will suffer,if he lives long enough,because the staggering unemployment rate is having its deleterious effect on SOCIAL SECURITY!So those who are hiding under their beds and talking about THEM FELLAS,will not be exempted…Dominica’s real decline started in 2000,…
but it went into free fall in 2004 when Skerrit assumed the position of PM….He will haunting him to his grave this mendicant,stretch your hand society he has created,for the express purpose mod perpetuating in power…According to someone,governments that respect its people and abide by the rule of law,do better,grow faster and attracts more FDI…Sadly we have no functional institution,insultive leaders,no viable agriculture ir manufacturing,etc,etc,…Any government replacing this corrupt DLP will only be able to clean up this MESS with outside help including FBI,MI5,MI6,Scotland Yard etc,…The future looks challenging but the good people of this land have to be steadfast!!!
I rather suspect that the “sweat of your brow” from you “putting your shoulder to the plough” will do far more for the development of this fair land than any FBI, MI5, MI6, Scotland Yard, etc could ever even hope to.
I suspect that if you were to “come down from your perch” (to use Linton’s rant) and “put your shoulder to the plough” this fair land of ours would likely benefit far beyond anything that could ever be hoped for from any FBI, MI5, MI6, Scotland Yard, etc, even if there was anything for them to assist with.
The only person who knows who we are is God. We see only the outside but the in side is hidden only gods knows. Lord have mercy on us poor sinners.
What hogwash. As lord Linton would say, “come down from your perch” and demonstrate those great leadership skills you so glibly talk about.