A Seamless Dominica-Diaspora: Legal Framework

As was stated in the Draft Dominica - Diaspora Policy Paper presented to the Government of Dominica, the relationship between Dominica and its Diaspora "... must persist whether or not things get better or worse so long as the framework continues to be honored by Dominicans at home and abroad. It is an arrangement for the long haul, and mechanisms must be put in place to engage in a continuing link of emotional attachment, nation building and promotion of national interests among future generations of Dominicans, at home and abroad". In essence, we are talking of a seamless society that transcends oceans, seas and continents.

From the foregoing blog posts, we can expect that the resentment between overseas and resident Dominicans will continue on an individual, experiential basis. However, the tendency to generalise this disharmony at the national level does not appear factual. There is every hope, therefore, the concept of a seamless society can become a reality.

The importance of overseas Dominicans to our country is clearly recognised at the official level by the establishment of this portfolio under a minister of government. Therefore, the authority for establishing a legal framework as recommended in the Diaspora Policy Paper above, clearly exists. What is needed now is the will to put it in place. How soon this is done will depend on the priority it is given. It would be prudent if Government gave it top priority in the interest of national development.

Here are some suggestions for getting the ball rolling:

1. The minister responsible could prepare and release a policy statement outlining the mission and objectives of the portfolio
2. A team of overseas and resident Dominicans could prepare a framework which specifies how the policy would be implemented in all relevant areas
3. Finally, the policy be given parliamentary assent and become law

Let us not tarry further. Overseas Dominicans feel obligated to assist in the development of their homeland on an equal basis with resident Dominicans. Some feel discouraged, with some justification, when initiatives offered have been rejected. Dominica has everything to gain and nothing to lose in the establishment of formal relationships that give full recognition to oversea Dominicans as citizens of one seamless society.

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