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.

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 fund.

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 donation, please make checks payable to:

"Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Fund"
     c/o DARDA Inc.
     P.O. Box 030497
     Elmont, NY 11003

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.

The night also marked the institution of the Agatha Shillingford Scholarship Fund.

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.

In addition, a check in the amount of $3000.00 E.C. was given to Mrs. Ann Solomon, Director of the Grotto Home, to help defray maintenance costs.  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.

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.

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 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 committment 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, 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 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 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.