DOTT Meeting

As has been made clear numerous times on this blog and at the various meetings by the Diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago (DOTT) that I have attended, I think this group is capable of wonderful things that will serve to be of immense benefit to the Caribbean American climate. If the activities of the Jamaican Diaspora can serve as a model, the DOTT seems to be emulating this with what I believe to be good effect. As has been pointed out at the meeting on the 25th of July, there is still a lot of work to be done, and as radio personality Mike Andrews pointed out there now needs to be a structure and a plan put in place. And I believe that is where the individuals in the forefront of this movement are moving next. The plan seems simple: build awareness, decided on a structure and put objectives in place, create a road map on how to get there and put the plan in to action. Still a long way off but interest is there and the foundation for this endeavor is being set where it is most vital: at the grassroots level.

There is so much I could opine on the meeting but I choose to focus instead on the two guests that were invited: Sylvia Henry and Arthur Joseph. Both guests were there for very different reasons but both served to illustrate what a movement like this is all about.

Joseph was a recent contestant on the television game show Deal or No Deal and from all the reports brought a bit of the Caribbean to the audience. Steel band and limbo were in evidence and T&T certainly gained some good exposure from his involvement. What was more remarkable here is that Joseph passed on an opportunity to win one million dollars in favor of a package worth just over seventy thousand including tickets to his beloved Miami Heat. But the clincher was that his native T&T got a new basketball court courtesy of the Miami Heat where the youths of the island can aspire to compete in competitions like the Olympics. In his speech at the meeting, he pointed out that the press T&T received from this was, to quote a popular commercial, priceless. This very charismatic individual with a bright smile talked for a bit about his experience and encouraged his fellow T&T family to unite in furtherance of great things. {I found two blogs that talked about his involvement with the show one by Carnival (how fitting that he works for Carnival and is from T&T, the land of Carnival) and another by a T&T blogger}.

Sylvia Henry on the other hand was invited to the meeting because her daughter Stepha is missing for quite some time. In reaching out to be of assistance a few of the leaders of this movement asked her to come and speak. She is trying to raise additional funds to increase the reward being offered for any information leading to the whereabouts of her daughter. Anyone wishing to donate to help in the search for Stepha can do so at Banco Popular where there is a special Stepha Henry Fund. (Click here to read the Sun Sentinel article concerning the disappearance of Ms Henry) As the article points out other Caribbean Diaspora groups are also seeking to help.

Just as much as a Diaspora movement is there to celebrate the successes of its members as in the case of Joseph, it must also be there when members of the community needs it, as it is now for Sylvia Henry. I applaud DOTT for the foresight in recognizing this and the attempt to help even though the organization is in its infancy. The invitation of these two individuals no doubt epitomizes what is at the heart of this endeavour.

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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