Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago gets off the ground

Well Caribbean Heritage month is half way completed and the activities are in full swing. Today is especially important as this is the first day of the conference in Washington. I am anxiously awaiting what the results and action plan of these talks will be as Caribbean Americans talk with this country's leaders.

In the meantime on the local scene here in the South Florida area there is a significant development taking place. The T&T Diaspora movement is underway. This past week was the second meeting and I had the privilege of attending. Granted it is still in the baby stages but I can't help but feel that the Diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago (DOTT) is tantamount to a sleeping giant and I told that to the point person of the movement, Andy Ansola.

There is much work to be especially as compared to the Jamaican Diaspora but here is what I am particularly excited about: DOTT is actively seeking help from their Jamaican counterparts. As Andy told me, he is getting bits of advice from Marlon Hill, Esq. who is this area's Jamaican Diaspora representative. Of course, I am especially pleased that there is some harmony between both groups. I hope this spirit continue as there is no point in reinventing the wheel and both groups can benefit from each other.

I also think it is appropriate that DOTT is gaining some momentum around this time of year. It is truly a testament to the spirit of June which is Caribbean Heritage month and as they grow from strength to strength, the climate of the Caribbean community in South Florida should change; for the better.

Some areas that DOTT wants to groom itself for include politics, business and culture. But as the group starts the process of organizing itself, those within the Caribbean community must lend their support to this worthwhile endeavour whether we are Trinibagonians or not! I had a couple of minutes to address the audience and aside from introducing them to the CBD, I also implore them not to let this movement wither out. I also informed them of an alliance that is underway in T&T and Jamaica that is being pioneered by a fellow blogger and Management Consultant Francis Wade. His Trinijam movement has promise and I feel if it can extend to South Florida then there are benefits all around. Let's see how this angle develops.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for your positive comments, yes we do need to build this organization to a level, where we will become a resource center for all of the caribbean diaspora, this can only be achieved with many more of the diaspora coming forward to help. Rafiek

Abeni said...

Sounds promising. Do you know about any Vincy(st Vincent) Diaspora in Fl?

Mushtaq said...

I don't know of any organized Vincy Diaspora movement here in FL. But if there is one I will find it though..... :)

If you have any contacts here, you could pass on my info so that I can make contact. I hope to incorporate all Caribbean diaspora in the CBD. info@caribbeanbusinessdigest.com

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Your information is very usefull. Do you have a contact for Andy Ansola of DoTT. I am trying to form alliances with diaspora groups to find drop points for our magazine Discover Trinidad and Tobago.
Please email me at samantharochard1@gmail.com

Samantha Rochard