Seven new Peace Corps volunteers will soon begin their mission in various parts of Dominica.
Peace Corp group EC 85 was sworn in on Monday morning at a ceremony at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.
Assistant Peace Corps Director, Patrick Henderson, urged the volunteers to be prepared for challenges and joyous occasions which may lie ahead.
“You are here to continue a journey. A journey that will require of your patience, flexibility, tolerance and a positive mental attitude, you will be faced with many challenges many of which will be unexpected but Peace Corp is about taking up a challenge and watching the process unfold over the two years of your assignment. You will also experience joyous moments such moments are to be cherished because you will remember them for the rest of your life,” Henderson said.
He urged the families with whom the volunteers will be staying, to provide time and support to them and help them integrate into Dominica’s culture.
Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Justina Charles, also welcomed the volunteers to Dominica and wished them a productive stay.
She noted that the programmes done by the Peace Corp are related to youth development. “It is important that we realise the importance of the young persons who are out there who are yearning for somebody to listen to them and work with them … I must say that it can be challenging but there is a lot of joy in knowing that you’ve worked with a vulnerable group. I am certain for those who worked with them can say yes I have accomplished,” she said.
She reminded them that there are various opportunities for both their own development and that of the people with whom they will work.
The following individuals were sworn in and assigned to begin their service:
Aurora Fox- St Luke’s Primary School
Jessica Hughes- Mahaut Primary School
Chase Jones- Childfund East Federation
Elsabeth Peterson- Salisbury Enhancement Committee
Geooffrey Quiros- Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement
Abigail Shapiro- Calibishie Primary School
Rebecca Sweetland- Dominica National Council on Women
The Peace Corp is a volunteer service run by the US government.
81-85 peace corps volunteer. Worked for the division of Forestry and National Parks. Only worked with Dominicans, no contact with anyone else.
Not every Peace corp is an agent but there are definitely some which are placed specifically to gather information.
I remember while in school in US, I went to a seminar held by some federal agents and the stories told, its amazing.
The US has spies in every country, doesn’t mean that this group has any.
Remember the US does nothing that has benefits that go back to the US
It’s funny how these peace CORPS have been around for years, coming and going, but there seems to be less peace around these days. The relation between the USA and the rest of the world has widen.
these people are spies period. don’t be fooled.
They keep there ears low to the ground and report significant findings.
An old chinse proverb.
Give a little just before taking more.
you damn well right.undercover agents
….Hail up Jockey……good to hear about you…
Well if the CIA is here no probs with me, they will keep an eye on the Chinese..
Ok guys I’m Dominican and I also have US nationality I am a current PCV finishing up my service in Madagascar in two weeks after two years in here. Its really silly when Dominicans say that Peace corps Volunteers are collecting information on dominica. Please tell me what secrets does Mahaut or calibishie hold? tell me do you think our civil servants and politicians could not be bought for way cheaper than a Peace Corps Volunteer’s costs? Please guys when you say things think before you make ridiculous assertions.
Hello and good afternoon. Well I just can’t understand how our Government Officials are so naive about he Peace Corps. They are there to collect information about our country on behalf of the US Government. Please keep an eye on them because they are highly skilled and they have alteria motives. Have any of you ever read the book Economic Hitman which was written by a Economist who worked for the CIA.
Hey, relax….its the US. Everything the US does is OK for us.
The US killed our banana industry at the WTO but it’s OK, it’s the US.
The US flies drones all over the world, killing hundreds of innocent civilians but it’s OK, it’s the US
And yes China is ‘bad’ for building us a few roads and bridges and a stadium (remember we doh eat concrete)
So take a chill pill my friend….everything the US does is OK because…..well, its the US.
Hi. They said that Bill Clinton was the first black American president but he was the one that destroyed our agriculture sector in Dominica. He has since apologized for what he did to Haiti and the Caribbean market. We must be smart when we are dealing with America because its all about them. They will give you money but you must used that same money to buy their products or used their companies. In that way the money return to them but you must still pay back the loan and you will always be in debt to them. Open your eyes my people.
WAW Marn is impressed to see it have other man dem dat reading a ting or two,,,
Good on you spread the word,,,
The CIA always maintain a presence in Dominica…
Hi, that’s how the operate and they have money to spend and buy people cooperation. Open your eyes my people.
That comment about the CIA presence is uncalled for, Go ask the hundreds of students in the late 60’s and 70’s ,that includes me who benefitted from excellent instructions by the PC a SMA.
Mr Royer.
Hello, you said the comment about the CIA presence is uncalled for but you cannot disprove it. The Peace Crop does provide instruction to the students like you which I am happy for but don’t you think that’s a good place to start. Also don’t you know that the CIA have people assigned to every country and they are the ones who actually run America not the American President.
For those of us that were born in Dominica but left a long time ago and have provided good lives for our children, so much so that they take it for granted, we should send them to Domininca with the Peace Corp. for about one year. I’m sure after that they will learn to appreciate what they have more.
one has to commit for a period of 3 years but this a grand idea
They could not survive for 3 years.
what about castle bruce?
Miss Abigail Shapiro..special welcome to Calibishie.