The Dominica Association of Tampa Bay held its 7 th annual general meeting since its reorganization in 2015, on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The meeting was held virtually. Eighteen persons were in attendance,
including two former association presidents, Dr. Adelbert James and Dr. Osmond Baron.
The secretary’s report was presented by Dr. Melvin James. Ms. Alix Bannis gave the financial report.
In her report for 2021, President of DATB, Mrs. Doreen Shillingford acknowledged the contribution of the
seven previous Presidents, and thanked Board members for their unwavering support. She also thanked
association members, donors, and sponsors for their contribution to the successful implementation of
DATB’s programs, which help to make the dreams and visions of students and community organizations in Dominica a reality.
Mrs. Shillingford highlighted the achievements of the past year which included three scholarships to
Dominican students who are pursuing post-secondary studies at colleges and universities in the United
States. The largest donation for the year went to the Love One Teach One Foundation in Dominica, through its executive director, Ms. Gloria Walsh.
The president hailed DATB’s Virtual Independence Gala a huge success, with a viewing audience of over
two thousand collectively on Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook platforms and thanked all the participants.
Special mention was made of DATB’s collaboration with the Garden of Grace Ministries, through Senior
Pastor, Apostle Norma Fontaine Philbert, the Caribbean Cultural Association (CCA), the Guyanese Cultural Network, the Dominica Orlando Movement and CANDO.
Mrs. Shillingford stated that DATB has completed a 7-year cycle in which the association has delivered on its strategic goals. She said that the number 7 is significant. In the biblical sense it symbolizes perfection or completion. It also accompanies the fulfilment of promises or oaths. She made an urgent plea for Dominicans in Tampa Bay to join DATB and to volunteer their services to the association. She told the audience “An injection of new ideas and creative abilities is of vital importance to enhance the dynamism and effectiveness of DATB. Our goal is to surpass what we have been able to accomplish in prior years.”
Board members responded to questions and comments from the floor, including a suggestion to address the issue of sexual abuse in Dominica.
The DATB Board comprises Mrs. Doreen Shillingford – President, Ms. Esther Alexander -Vice President,
Ms. Gloria Rock – Secretary, Ms. Alix Bannis Treasurer, Ms. Jacqueline Joseph – Public Relations Officer,
Members – Dr. Melvin James, Apostle Norma Fontaine Philbert, Mrs. Joan Beaupierre and Mr. MacDonald Alexander. The position of Assistant Secretary Treasurer is vacant and will be filled at a subsequent meeting of the Board.
