The International Organization for Migration (IOM)- Dominica marked International Migrants Day (IMD) 2024 with an inspiring and dynamic event under the theme “Every Step.” Held at the Fort Young Hotel, the IMD Mixer brought together government representatives, stakeholders, migrants, and civil society to celebrate the contributions of migrants to Dominica and strengthen collaborative efforts in migration management.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Sherma Oscar, Financial Assistant at IOM Dominica, who welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting migrants’ journeys. She underscored the event’s theme, noting that every step migrants take enriches the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Dominica.
Head of Office Natasha Greaves delivered a compelling address, reflecting on the strides Dominica has made in migration management.
According to Greaves, “our collective responsibility is to ensure that these steps are taken safely and on regular pathways. Migration should never be a perilous journey but a beacon of hope. By fostering safe migration, we unlock the immense potential that migrants bring, fueling sustainable development and enriching societies.”
IOM Dominica launched its first magazine “Routes and Roots” that captures the essence of the organization’s work on the island, while amplifying the voices of migrants who have made Dominica their home.
“This publication celebrates their journeys, their contributions, and the steps we are taking together to build a more inclusive society—one where diversity is celebrated, and human rights are upheld,” said Natasha.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Ms. Jo-Ann Commodore shared a message highlighting the importance of the projects that IOM Dominica has collaborated on with the ministry over the past two years:
“A capacity building management programme was implemented by IOM which focuses on developing institutional capacity, human capacity and operational capacity. The trainings provided, paid special attention to the treatment of women, unaccompanied children and victims of human trafficking. “
Mrs. Gloria Joseph, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, in an impactful address spoke on the importance of treating migrants like they are Dominicans. She also shared pertinent information on the rights and responsibilities of migrants, urging Dominicans to consider their families who may also be migrants in other countries.
“I implore you, be very considerate of the foreign nationals in Dominica, and when once they have gotten their status, they are no longer foreign nationals. We are there. They are us,” Joseph remarked.
Both ministries expressed gratitude for IOM’s support in capacity-building initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing migration challenges.
A symbolic handover of equipment and communication materials to key ministries served as a tangible representation of IOM’s support in enhancing migration management capabilities. The materials will aid in data collection, public awareness, and strengthening inter-agency communication—all critical components for informed policymaking and service delivery.
Attendees participated in the “Migration Matters Mixer,” an interactive session that fostered dialogue, networking, and shared reflections on the importance of migration to Dominica’s future. Migrants present, some of whom came to Dominica by way of Haiti, Nigeria and Cuba shared their various journeys to Dominica, the warmth of the people and the opportunities they received through regular migration pathways.
The mixer was followed by an electrifying cultural performance by Afrobeat artist and Cameroon migrant, Marie Pascal Affana, whose music brought the evening to life and celebrated the vibrant diversity migrants bring to the island.
The event concluded with closing remarks by IOM Dominica Project Coordinator Vynliz Dailey. She expressed her gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration.
“Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the inspiration we have drawn from the incredible strength of migrants. Let us commit to fostering inclusion, embracing diversity, and building bridges that connect us all,” Dailey said.
