Declaration of Principles

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DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
From Dec 8th RDF Symposium

That Diaspora Dominican investing in Dominica be given the same pioneer status and benefits as is now given to foreign investors.
That Diaspora Dominicans be given the right to vote in national elections, to include the next national poll. (We propose two open seats for the US, UK, and Canada; One seat each for St. Martin and USVI). That way we have our interest represented and respected at the highest level.
That Dominica's government create an incentive package, similar to that created by the State of Florida to lure retirees, to attract the Diaspora's resources for development.
Create the legislative basis for official recognition for the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences. While the product of private initiative, it would be right and proper that Dominica begins use its human resources gathered in the DAAS Directory or elesewhere in crafting public policy instead of continued reliance on external guidance-to the exclusion of native talent. Such a practice must be considered as a colonial relic which must be discontinued.
Provide spirited government support to the intended Dominica State College and the Dominica Institute of Technology (DIT). Both institutions are supported by the Diaspora and we are determined in our efforts that these entities be a reality within twelve months. The Diaspora affirms that the DIT will be a world class research and production laboratory for new products in information technology, sustainable energy, agro-industry, and compatible technology. The DAAS will be a primary resource base from which these entities will draw expertise.
That govt. support creation of an indigenous energy sector.
That govt. support creation of an indigenous bank which has the primary goal of harnessing the financial resources of the Diaspora for local and Diaspora community development.
That govt. support the creation of a Dominica Health Care Foundation as an ally in developing Healh Tourism, maintaining and improving national health care standards, hi-tech medicine and an indigenous pharmaceutical industry.
That govt, support the creation of a Dominica Cadet Corp Foundation as an ally in ensuring that the revived cadet corp has the resources, financial, technical and otherwise to fulfill the national development mandate envisioned by the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. One of the aims of the DCCF would be to partner with the different Diaspora communities to host an annual camp in Dominica that Dominican Diaspora children could attend. Immersed in the culture and homeland of their parents they will not be lost to Dominica as is now the case in most instances. The Jews have a similar program with Israel and it works to their advantage as it is now plain to see.
That the DAAS/RDF commit to a Dominican-owned Diaspora Center in Washington, DC, within one (1) year. Staffed by a salaried officer, along with student interns, researchers and volunteers to ensure the achievement of the goals set by the 12/8/01. Without this serious, business-like approach to this effort, we will not achieve the noble goals set. It will be a solid incubator for our networking, development and business programs. We will then set up similar centers wherever similar Dominican communities exist. The first office will be a template. A building committee will be formed out of the 12/8/01 meeting. Former NY construction industry entrepreneur Ken Casey has committed - as of this morning to play a lead role.

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