DARDA Mourns the Passing of Glenis C. Norris

​It is with great sadness that DARDA announces the passing of Glenis C. Norris on August 18, 2015.

Glennie, as he was affectionately known, was a founding member of DARDA.

He, along his wife Daisy, were dedicated members from the inception of the

organization hosting DARDA’s Annual Summer Party and chairing The Raffle

Committee.  One of the roles Glennie enjoyed the most was being head of

the "Door Team" at DARDA’s fund raising events.  He was quite diligent at it

and was a wonderful, friendly face greeting all our patrons.

Glennie is survived by his wife Daisy and a long list of family and friends. 

He will be missed and remembered fondly by the entire DARDA family.

DARDA Honored at Dominica Cultural Awards Gala

On September 27, 2014, DARDA was honored at the 2nd Annual

Dominica Cultural Awards Gala sponsored by a conglomerate of

Dominican associations in the New Jersey area.  DARDA was

recognized for "over 30 years of significant impact on Dominica's

cultural, educational and health services". DARDA members Franklin

and Cecilia McIntyre accepted the award on DARDA's behalf.  DARDA

is truly appreciative of this recognition by our peers and will continue

in our efforts to serve the Dominican community. 

2013 Raffle Winners

DARDA would like to congratulate our 2013 raffle winners:

• 1st Prize - Beverly White
  

• 2nd Prize - Amanda Eric
  

• 3rd Prize - A. Dias
  

DARDA Members Meet with President Eliud Williams

In May 2013, chairpersons of the Toy Drive and School Supply 

Drive met with the President of Dominica to talk about the initiatives 

DARDA currently has in place to help the children of Dominica and

the work being done by the President's Foundation.

2012 Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Recipient Recognized

In May 2013, DARDA acknowledged our 2012 "Agatha Shillingford Scholarship" recipient, Evonna Johnique Renault, during a reception held in Roseau, Dominica. Evonna was awarded a full scholarship to cover academic expenses (such as tuition, books, transportation, uniform, fees associated with  extra-curricular activities) and other expenses incurred that, if not covered, might negatively impact her education (e.g., eye glasses).

DARDA's hands on scholarship committee will remain engaged with

Evonna by reviewing her report cards and liaising with school

personnel, Evonna and her family to keep abreast of her performance

and offer encouragement.

2012 Raffle Winners

DARDA would like to congratulate our 2012 raffle winners: Olivia Judah, Angelique Baptiste and Carmen Charles.

DARDA Members March in West Indian Day Parade

On Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012, DARDA members joined

Know Your Culture Co. to showcase Dominican culture and pride by

participating in the annual West Indian Day Parade held in Brooklyn,

New York.

DARDA Members Attend the Delaware Dominican Annual Picnic

On Saturday, June 29, 2012, DARDA members attended the

Dominican Annual Picnic held at Lums Pond Park in Bear, Delaware. 

Over 200 picnickers - mostly of Dominican descent - gathered to

enjoy good food, company and fun games including sack race,

egg toss, rounders, needle and thread, soccer, cricket, and much more!

DARDA Donates Computers

Through the very generous donation of one of DARDA's most loyal

patrons, in 2012 DARDA (via the School Supply Drive) was able to

supply five new computers to the Social Centre, Dublanc/Bioche

Village Council and Calibishie Primary School.

DARDA Celebrates 30th Anniversary

On Saturday, April 14, 2012, DARDA hosted a formal event to celebrate 30 years of continued commitment to charity, culture and development throughout Dominica.

For our 30th Anniversary, DARDA implemented a new initiative

called "Rising Stars," which recognizes young Dominicans and

Dominican-Americans for their academic and professional

successes. This year, DARDA recognized four individuals: Niketa

Pond, Samantha Hill, Johnis Dupuis and Tracy Paul.  For additional

information on DARDA's "Rising Stars" initiative or to nominate a

potential future "Rising Star," please contact

DARDA at DARDA@darda.org.

Please CLICK HERE to see more photos of DARDA's 30th Anniversary celebration.

DARDA Mourns the Passing of Dr. Desmond O. N. McIntyre

DARDA mourns the passing of Dr. Desmond O. N. McIntyre, the First President of DARDA’s Local Chapter (1986-2006).  

Dr. McIntyre was nominated President in 1986 and thereafter, in a quiet and diligent

manner, laid the foundation that facilitated  the implementation of DARDA’s many

charitable projects in Dominica. Throughout his 20 year tenure with DARDA, he

served with unswerving loyalty and commitment to DARDA’s goals and objectives and contributed greatly to the stability and development of the organization in Dominica. As was written in his obituary: "Through his achievements in the medical field and his contributions to a multitude of associations, he has left an indelible imprint on the parchment of Dominica’s history."  May His Soul Rest In Peace.  

Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Dinner & Dance

On Saturday, April 5th 2008, DARDA held its first Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Dinner and Dance.  It was a special evening of cocktails, music, dinner and dancing to benefit the Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Fund - a scholarship fund established on the occasion of DARDA's 25th anniversary and in honor of Mrs. Agatha "Bam" Shillingford (founder and first president of the Dominica American Relief and Development Association, Inc.) who passed away May 7, 2007.  DARDA would like to thank our many friends and supporters who joined us for this occassion as well as others who have already contributed to the scholarship.

DARDA Mourns the Passing of Agatha "Bam" Shillingford

It is with great sadness that DARDA announces the passing of Mrs. Agatha

“Bam” Shillingford on May 7, 2007.  Mrs. Shillingford was the founder and

first president of the Dominica American Relief and Development Association.

In 1979, after the devastation of Dominica by hurricane David, Mrs. Shillingford began to seek ways of making her contribution towards the rebuilding of her beloved island.  She brought Dominicans in the New York area together and founded the Dominica American Relief and Development Association Inc. (DARDA).  She was the first President of DARDA and served in that capacity for many years.  Under her leadership, DARDA spearheaded many innovative programs and fund raising efforts.  She worked tirelessly to meet DARDA’s mission of helping worthy causes in Dominica.  She was the backbone of the organization and provided a solid foundation on which DARDA continues to build and grow in its charitable work on behalf of Dominica.  To date, DARDA has made contributions in excess of $250,000 US dollars in cash and goods to various projects in Dominica.  

In Mrs. Shillingford’s honor, DARDA established the Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Fund on the occasion of DARDA’s 25th Anniversary.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please click the link below to donate securely online with a credit or debit card via PayPal:

DARDA Celebrates it's 25th Anniversary

On April 14th 2007, DARDA celebrated its 25th "Silver" anniversary with an Elegant Affair! 

Approximately 300 members, friends and supporters of DARDA, from as far away as Delaware, Maryland and Florida, came to celebrate DARDA's 25 years of service to Dominica.  The cocktail hour and dinner event was held at Antun's in Queens Village, NY.  Throughout the night, the crowd was addressed by DARDA President, Lorna Phillips and Master of Ceremonies, Nigel Greaves.

Special guests included the Honourable Dr. John Colin McIntyre, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Dominica; His Excellency Crispin Gregoire, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Mr. Ernest Davis, Mayor of Mount Vernon NY; and Dr. Davison Shillingford, Keynote Speaker.

DARDA Donates to the Grotto Home for the Homeless

In 2006, DARDA earmarked the proceeds from its 2006 National Day

Celebration towards the Grotto Home for the Homeless.  As a result, 

DARDA was able to send a significant shipment to the Grotto Home 

consisting of health and medical supplies including wheelchairs, walkers,

crutches, commodes, bath chairs, food items, and clothing. 

However, this is not the first significant contribution DARDA has made to

the Grotto Home for the Homeless. In November 2005, DARDA also

donated a large shipment of healthcare and medical supplies - including

wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and other items - to the Grotto Home for

the Homeless. DARDA members from the local chapter as well as several

members from the New York parent group were on hand to present the

donations to Mrs. Solomon and the Grotto Home.

DARDA Receives Services Medal of Honour

Every year on Dominica's National Day (November 3rd), the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica selects several individuals/organizations to receive the Services Medal of Honour for meritorious service to the Commonwealth of Dominica.  In 2006, DARDA was selected for an Award.  Kenneth Richards, President of DARDA's local chapter, accepted the award on behalf of DARDA.  The sponsors were Desmond McIntyre and Father Clement Jolly.

DARDA Donates to Worthy Causes

Through the contributions of friends of DARDA, several donations were made to worthy causes.  The Sports Association received a donation of basketballs.  The Alpha Centre received 3 bicycles and a scooter and the Bagatelle School received a bicycle and a basketball.  Several of these donations were featured in articles in The Tropical Sun and The Chronicle, Dominican Publications.

DARDA's Commitment to Literacy: Book Drive

DARDA recognizes the importance of reading as access to

knowledge and is particularly proud to have contributed to

the establishment of the Social Centre Pre-School library in

September of 2002.  By doing so, DARDA reaffirms its

commitment to reading programs, literacy, and education

in Dominica.

DARDA presented books, posters, and other library materials to Executive Director Jennifer White, who thanked DARDA for its generous donation, and Chief Librarian Ann Lewis, who stressed the importance of children reading at an early age stating “We have to start with the very little ones so that our next generation will be a generation of readers!”

DARDA Celebrates it's 20th Anniversary

DARDA, celebrated  its  20th Anniversary  with a gala dinner dance at Le Cordon Bleu in New York City. Hundreds of Dominicans and Friends of Dominicans gathered to congratulate DARDA on its accomplishments during the 20 year history and to dance to the music of the Swingin' Stars of Dominica.  Many dignitaries graced the occasion with their presence and DARDA was extremely honored to have  The Prime Minister of Dominica, The Honorable Pierre Charles, celebrate with us.  The event which was under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Dominica, Christine Parillon was attended also by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Simon Richards and Father Clement  Jolly visiting from Dominica.

DARDA Donates TV and VCR to Roseau Public Library

DARDA members Mrs. Hermia Carette and Mr. Theodore Carette, along with local chapter president Dr. Desmond McIntyre presented the Roseau Public Library with a donation of a large television and VCR.  Mr. Ron Green, Minister of Education, accepted the donation.

DARDA Receives Award from Dominica Consulate

DARDA and Mr. Gordon Henderson of Exile One were honored with Certificates of Recognition for 20 years of service to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Former DARDA presidents, Mr. Earl Lawrence and Ms. Caryl Greaves received the award for DARDA. The awards were presented by Mrs. Christine Parillon, Consul General at a 21st Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving for the Independence of Dominica at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Brooklyn New York on Sunday, Nov 14, 1999. 

Among the guests were UN Ambassador Simon P. Richards who sent greetings from Prime Minister Edison James and ex-policeman now Pastor Lenox Royer of Direct Message Church of God. The guest preacher, Pastor Vaughn James who was once the 1978 Calypso Monarch, KING SHAKEY gave an inspiring sermon. Now the Religious Liberty Director of the New York Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists, Pastor James asked everyone to come together as one to embrace the new millennium.