The Dominica Herbal Business Association (DHBA) is pleased to announce the election of its new executive at their Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 24th February 2023, at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.
The following members were elected to the board:
Mrs Jodie Dublin-Dangleben – President
Ms Terri Henry – Vice President
Mrs Leontine Bellot – Treasurer
Polly Patullo – Secretary
Executive Director – Ginny Riviere
The DHBA is an organization that promotes the use of herbs in everyday life through education and promotion. The Association’s mission is to increase awareness about herbs and native plants in Dominica; promote their use as medicines and in cosmetics; support local farmers and producers; provide training on cultivation and harvesting; connect with local communities to facilitate access; and encourage research into new uses for herbs. The Association works closely with government departments including Health, Agriculture, Forestry, Education, Tourism & Culture, Trade & Industry and other stakeholders like NGOs and private sector partners.
The President and the Vice President, join the board following their long-standing involvement in the herbal industry. They bring with them an impressive track record of success in their own businesses, as well as a passion for improving the lives of others through herbal remedies.
Mrs Jodie Dublin-Dangleben, CEO of Jaydees Naturals, produces organic and natural hair, skin and household products. She uses a lot of local herbs including stinging nettle (zooti), turmeric, hibiscus, sorrel, lemongrass and peppermint in her products, especially in her best selling turmeric and clay body mask.
Similarly, Ms Terri Henri, CEO of Bee Natural, handmakes 100% natural products made from local Dominican beeswax, honey and other local ingredients, including her line of all-natural best selling deodorants.
The President, Mrs Jodie Dublin-Dangleben, said,” I will continue working with the past executive and start the ball rolling to create plans with the new board to work diligently on behalf of our members’ businesses and interests.
She further cited that, ‘herbs have been and continue to be an integral part of Dominica’s culture. The DHBA has sought to preserve this heritage and we will continue to focus on the modern formulation of herbs, based on indigenous practice and their applications in today’s world.”
She said that her focus will be on expanding membership with inclusion of more herbal growers and agro processors, increasing opportunities and benefits for members, the compilation of research and the documentation on the benefits of various herbs on island, public sensitisation on the importance of herb use and the identification of ways to improve access to quality herbs across all segments of our society.
The Treasurer’s report highlighted some of the Association’s achievements since the last AGM. One of the main achievements was the exponential growth in sales at its signature shop, Zeb Kweyol located at the Old Market, Roseau, where members are able to display and sell their value-added herbal products. In addition to herbal medicines, teas, herbal spa and beauty products, Zeb Kweyol now offers a wide range of ‘Made in Dominica’ products; jewelry, art, Kalinago craft, books by Dominican authors, Dominican magazines, local chocolate, drinks, very professional prints of paintings by local artists and many other items.The shop’s attendant Miss Annmarie Diolen was also commended for her exceptional customer service and her tremendous proactive efforts to encourage repeat sales.
The keynote speaker, Mr Patrickson Victor, Senior Investor Services Officer at Invest Dominica Authority IDA), delivered an address on the theme “Growing the Herbal Sector Sustainably.”
The DHBA is an organization that promotes the use of herbs in everyday life through education and promotion. The Association’s mission is to increase awareness about herbs and native plants in Dominica; promote their use as medicines and in cosmetics; support local farmers and producers; provide training on cultivation and harvesting; connect with local communities to facilitate access; and encourage research into new uses for herbs. The Association works closely with government departments including Health, Agriculture, Forestry, Education, Tourism & Culture, Trade & Industry and other stakeholders like NGOs and private sector partners.
