Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) holds AGM at Windsor Park

On August 1, 2024, the Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) successfully convened its Annual General Meeting at the Conference Room of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. The theme of the AGM was “Building Pathways of Hope to an Empowered, Healthier You.” During the meeting, Dr. Alisha Honore-Felix, the Association’s President, delivered a summary of the accomplishments and obstacles faced in the previous year, 2023. She expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted that DOMDA met several of its goals, including the execution of two self-management workshops in locations such as San Sauveur, GoodHope, and Petite Soufriere.

Dr. Honore-Felix also noted the collaboration with the Dominica Health and Education Initiative (DAHEI), the Rotary Club of Dominica, and the American Students Association from All Saints Medical School, which culminated in a significant health fair in Salybia in November 2023. Among the achievements she shared, she mentioned that the District Nurse from Castle Bruce successfully registered for and completed the Association’s Diabetes Educators Course.

Mrs. Shirley Augustine, a former PAHO Country Program Specialist for Dominica, delivered a keynote address aligned with the event’s theme. She expressed concern over the tendency of Dominicans to focus on ‘damage control’ rather than adopting a preventive lifestyle. Mrs. Augustine urged healthcare providers to implement more patient empowerment strategies, emphasizing that diabetes management should be viewed as a form of self-care and sustainability. She also encouraged the integration of technology in diabetes care across Dominica.

Augustine acknowledged that “Living with Diabetes can be a very daunting journey, and Diabetes for some is seen as a death announcement, but today we want to look at how we can live with Diabetes and not look at it as a death announcement.”

The meeting concluded with a closed session where DOMDA outlined its future plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing diabetes education and care. The organization aims to adopt a refreshed approach to engage the public, its administration, and its public relations efforts. Members and stakeholders participated in meaningful discussions to further DOMDA’s mission. To facilitate the appointment of a new interim executive committee of nine members, certain sections of the agenda were suspended. Nominations were made during the closed session, and the current executive members will assign roles based on individual skill sets. The announcement of the new executive is expected to be made in August 2024.