
The Commonwealth of Dominica Association, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (CODAH) celebrated its 32nd anniversary commemorating Dominica’s 33rd Independence Anniversary, with a dinner, entertainment and dance, which was held at the Hamilton Convention Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on November 5, 2011.
In her opening address to the audience CODAH’s President, Mrs. Lucia Joy Stewart, highlighted the importance of continued volunteerism through community associations in order that we (Dominicans) can continue to help those in our community and in Dominica, who are less fortunate (by providing financial support for youth scholarship awards, assisting victims of violence and abuse, and others who have suffered losses due to natural disasters).
She recalled the wonderful years she spent in Dominica as a youth, volunteering in the community and enjoying the camaraderie in her neighbourhood during good times as well as through hurricane disasters.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Natasha Browne, Psychologist, who is of Dominican parentage, informed the captive audience about the increasing mental health issues in our community that are sometimes not properly diagnosed, therefore, those who are stricken with this illness very often do not receive the proper care that they deserve.
Guest speaker, Ms Frances Delsol, President of the CDOA (Toronto), encouraged members of our community to work together to achieve the opportunities that other mainstream community organizations have been able to enjoy over the years.
The newly formed Dominica Scholarship Foundation, chaired by Justice Dr. Irving Andre, awarded scholarships to two of CODAH’s youths. The Musgrave family also awarded a scholarship in memory of their son, Brandon, who was tragically killed in 2010.
Entertainment followed which showcased Dominican cultural dances, music and sceneries. The evening culminated in a dance to the delight of our audience which represented a cross-section of Caribbean island representatives.
It’s nice to see Franklyn, Denia and the Hamiltonians celebrating our culture in grand style. Congrats to ALL!
Big up to the Hamilton CDOA group and to our own Dr.Natash Brown and Ms.Frances Delsol we are very proud of our people we would like to see more pictures and continue to make us very proud and keep lifting up DOMINICA in the outside world.
very good and wise initiative,to give back to your country and land of birth,my people,may god richly bless and keep you all at codah.
looking good uncle Randy and aunty Ruth
very pretty but i was in da