The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica partnered with the organizers of the Flavours of the World Festival on Sunday, September 28, bringing a farm-to-table showcase that blended local agricultural creativity with conversations on migration and inclusion. The event, held at the Stadium Forecourt in Roseau, celebrated Dominica’s cultural diversity through food, music, dance, and storytelling, while raising funds for the restoration of the historic Notre Dame du Bon Port, Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral.
IOM Dominica’s booth featured plantain waffles drizzled with Bud’s Backyard Honey and guava cookies developed by 25-year-old Dominican entrepreneur, D Baked That. Both items demonstrated how everyday crops like plantain and guava can be transformed into innovative, value-added products that reduce food waste, support food security, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
For D Baked That, the festival was an opportunity to introduce her creative approach to baking to a different audience. She explained that guava, which is currently in abundance on the island, inspired her new cookie recipe. By using a fruit that might otherwise go to waste, she highlighted how local produce can be turned into unique treats with economic potential.
“I wanted to show that we can take what we grow here and make something exciting and different,” she said. “Guava is part of our landscape, and I wanted to turn it into a product that people could enjoy in a new way.”
Her participation emphasized the role of youth innovation in agriculture, a priority for both the festival and IOM Dominica’s work. By spotlighting a young entrepreneur, the event encouraged others to see farming and food production not only as essential for sustainability, but also as opportunities for business growth and cultural expression.
Alongside the culinary showcase, IOM engaged patrons in its interactive “I Did Not Know I Was a Migrant” campaign, prompting many to reflect on their own family histories. The activity revealed that migration is deeply embedded in Dominica’s story, with many Dominicans tracing their roots to parents, grandparents, or ancestors who migrated to the island.
“Food connects people, just as migration does,” said Natasha Greaves, Head of Office of IOM Dominica. “By highlighting local innovation and encouraging conversations about migration, we aim to promote sustainability, inclusion, and compassion in our communities.”
The Flavours of the World Festival brought together cuisines and traditions from Haiti, Africa, China, India, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia. With its emphasis on farm-to-table practices, the event also supported Dominica’s health and wellness agenda, particularly efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through healthy eating.
Proceeds from this year’s festival will go toward the continued renovation and restoration of the Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral, a cultural and historical landmark that has long been tied to migration as a place where sailors from across the world once gathered to give thanks for safe passage.
Great initiative to your group, Max! I sincerely pray that this event becomes an annual tradition, serving as a vital fundraiser to support various community needs such as local charities, educational programs, and health initiatives. May it continue to foster unity and positive impact each year.
Farm-to-table is a great concept for healthy local consumption. However, in the fine prints, this is raising funds for another church, like we need more of foreign religions in order to feed ourselves. Already our leader just returned from Vatican, maybe to guarantee he will fix their cathedral among other things. Since leaders have signed on to World Trade Org(WTO) free trade/fair trade tricky shenanigans to open up our STORE SHELVES for them to dump packaged foods, as we have noticed; we do not also need the foreigners between us and God. Think people. If you believe Jesus, We are Gods!