IOM DOMINICA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4| MARCH 2020

Posting foreign language COVID-19 awareness posters in strategic areas in Roseau, Dominica © IOM 2020 (Photo: Vynliz Dailey)

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE

The first three months of 2020 has been transformational for IOM Dominica. Our year began with the roll out of a workshop and training on “Including Migrants in Disaster Risk Management.” This, we believe, was an important step toward finding prac- tical solutions to migration problems and will assist with addressing current gaps as it relates to providing humanitarian assis- tance to migrants in need. In this quarter, we also worked alongside government institutions and private sector organizations to address issues surrounding migration management, policy guidance and migration health. Migration health, specifically, came into sharp focus on 11 March after the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) a pandemic.

In Dominica, the pandemic has caused upheavals of socio-economic, education and religious institutions as we know it. The steady increase of infected cases in the region triggered the decision for border closures and has forced the Government to impose strict in-country mobility restrictions. In the last week of March, the Government announced a national curfew which was implemented from 28 March – 30 March 2020; stricter measures are expected to be outlined in the next few days. As of 31 March 2020, 12 confirmed cases have been reported; national health authorities are working feverishly to contain and pre- vent the spread of the virus. In support of those efforts, IOM Dominica, worked with UN, Government and private sector entities, to modify and translate information, education and communication (IEC) messages on COVID-19 for migrants, and is working to supply critical equipment to health care workers. As new projects, partnerships and opportunities come on stream, IOM Dominica remains committed to supporting the Government and people of Dominica in the prevention and response to COVID-19 and will continue to work closely on migration and related issues.

NATASHA GREAVES Officer-in-Charge IOM Dominica IOM’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

In times of crisis, migrants and people on the move face some of the most challenging circumstances known. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, that has not changed. In just three short months, societies across the world have experienced a momentous shift as the pandemic affected city after city.

To help combat the spread of COVID-19 in Dominica, IOM conducted awareness raising sessions and provided information sheets to migrants on the virus. IOM Dominica also supported translation of information materials to reach migrants. In addition, the mission is working to supply screening equipment to health authorities and hygiene kits and other essentials to migrant communities.

On a global scale, IOM has launched a US $116.1 million COVID Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan COVID-19 Migrant Information Session in Roseau, Dominica © IOM 2020 (Photo: Vynliz Dailey) to support countries that may need additional resources. More about our global response here.

MIGRATION MANAGEMENT

ENGAGING MIGRANT COMMUNITIES IN EMERGENCY PLANNING

IOM Dominica rolled out a workshop and training of train- ers on “Including Migrants in Disaster Risk Management” from 14 – 17 January 2020. The activities targeted a group of over 20 participants, including government stake- holders, migrant representatives and IOM staff from Domi- nica, Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Throughout the five-day training, participants were provid- ed with the knowledge and tools to facilitate engagement and preparedness of migrants and their communities, set up coordination mechanisms with key institutions, issue and disseminate more inclusive emergency communica- tions, and adapt assistance to address needs in a more culturally-appropriate manner. The training also included practical activities to start implementing measures to im- These activities represent the first step of the establishment of a comprehensive capacity building programme on this topic in Domini- prove the inclusion of migrants in disaster risk management ca and in the Caribbean. Throughout 2020, IOM Dominica will sup- systems, such as through the adaptation of communica- port activities at national level to further support the Government of tions and risk awareness materials, the development of Dominica, through the National Emergency Planning Organization contact directories of relevant service providers (including and Office of Disaster Management (ODM), with inclusive disaster interpreters, embassies and consulates, community based risk management work. The activities, generously supported by the groups and associations), and the establishment of referral US Bureau for Population, Refugee and Migration, also contribute to mechanisms for the provision of specific assistance. IOM’s global commitment to implementing the Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Affected by Conflict or Natural Disaster.

IOM DOMINICA NEWSLETTER: JAN-MARCH 2020 DISCUSSING MIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN DOMINICA

On 22 January 2020, IOM Domini- ca, joined the Dominica Associa- tion of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) to host a breakfast discus- sion on migration and economic development from a local perspec- tive. During the discourse, Presi- dent of the DAIC, Kenneth Green called for the creation of a migra- tion policy designed to address identified threats and weaknesses and to take advantage of opportu- nities for example, to strategically Local economist, President of the DAIC and IOM Community Engagement Officer in Roseau, Dominica © IOM 2020 (Photo: DAIC) address farm labour issues and consumption. He also called for education and outreach to Dominican entrepreneurs who live in overseas markets where Dominica has trade relations, notably Europe, to encourage and position them to take advantage of the agreements and to increase trade of Domini- can products. Natasha Greaves, Officer-in-Charge of IOM noted that in the context of the need for workforce in agriculture, to support food security, there may be a need for migration policy, for example labour migration policy to include circular migration (similar to the apple-picking programme with Canada). This kind of policy could support the agricultural sector for instance.

Ricardo James, Officer in Charge, OECS Competitive Business Unit was also part of the panel. He explained that integration of migrants into any country where they have been given the right of residency, and their absorption into the labour market, rests on their ability to get work permits, or to establish businesses, and therefore become productive contributors to the economy, as well as other issues including their ability to purchase land and the rights and contingent rights that might or might not apply to their families, including children. If they are not allowed to work and contribute, they may become dependent on the state or join the informal economy. He also noted that the question of whether migrants are “taking away jobs” is something that needs to be investigated and supported by data, as we are not sure if this is really the case in Dominica.

Panellist Mc Carthy Marie explained how the foundation of migrants' challenges is often a lack of understanding of the cultures and histories of the migrant populations. The DAIC President expressed the opinion that the perception of migrants will change over generations; quoting a popular Chinese proverb “one generation will plant the tree; another generation will get the shade”. However, for that to occur, he stressed how “we must inform and educate migrants on the local culture, to onboard them to our way of life, in order that they will be able to integrate better”.

IOM DOMINICA NEWSLETTER: JAN-MARCH 2020 COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING CAPACITY OF ENTREPRENERUSHIP TRAINERS

In January, IOM, the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) and the University of the West Indies collaborated to offer training to over 40 trainers, to enable them to improve their teaching techniques with adult students. Over two days, the training focused on Andragogy and the Use of ICT in Adult Education and Classroom Management in Adult Education. The content of the EDP train- ing of the DYBT was also critically reviewed, based on the trainers’ experience delivering the programme, feedback of participants in the previous pilot training, and the recommendations of the consultant review conducted with funds from the IOM Develop- ment Fund.

DYBT MENTORS

Mentorship services are being made available to young entrepreneurs who indicate their interest following the DYBT training pro- grammes. A total of 22 mentors are currently providing support to graduates of the 2019 DYBT pilot training programmes. Mentorship sessions are meant to be held at least once monthly and a DYBT staff member is monitoring the progress thus far. DYBT held a mentors and mentees social in February where the young entrepreneurs met their mentors in a casual environment and where mentors and mentees shared experiences. A team of four professionals is also being made available to the clientele of the DYBT, providing Advisory services in management and strategy, book-keeping, marketing and legal affairs, free of charge to the entrepreneurs. Several trainees and DYBT alumni have availed themselves of the free advisory services.

DIASPORA LED FASHION BUSINESS WORKSHOP

On 19 & Friday 20 March 2020, award-winning fashion designers Lorraine Delsol and Mary Green, Dominicans based in Toronto, shared their experiences in the in- ternational fashion industry, as well as technical topics that every fashion designer should know, with local fashion industry entrepreneurs. This is an initiative of the DYBT under the IOM Development Fund project,

in collaboration with several local agencies. The Coor- dinator of the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign

Fashion Workshop Trainees in Roseau, Dominica Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations, Ms © IOM 2020 (Photo: Vynliz Dailey) Athenia Benjamin, is enthusiastic to make and facilitate the connections with Dominicans in the Diaspora, and her support in making the connections was invaluable. At the closing ceremo- ny of the training, Honourable Edward Registe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations expressed the gratitude of the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the instrumental role played by the IOM by forging greater linkages among Dominicans at home and abroad. "I believe that this workshop is a fine example of how the Dominican Diaspora can maximize their engagement with their home country and I urge other sectors within the Diaspora to emu- late this effort."

IOM DOMINICA NEWSLETTER: JAN-MARCH 2020 LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT

With funding from Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago, IOM Dominica completed a project late last year that contributed to Dominica’s resilience through support of the construction and repair of 10 houses in eight communities around the island. The project also helped with improving the livelihoods of 30 local workers previously trained in various disciplines including car- pentry, plumbing and masonry in keeping with the updated Dominica Building Standards. Thanks to the collaboration of the Ministry of Housing and Lands, village councils and other local authorities 71 individuals (10 homeowners and their 31 dependents; and 30 train- ees) benefited from this venture. One homeowner, Isadora Charles, a single mother with eight children, said the intervention changed her life. Before the project, Isadora and her family had never had a proper bathroom at home. Their toilet was a poorly constructed pit toilet, nearly overflowing in their backyard. Their outdoor shower was open to all the elements; the entrance a faulty wooden door without a lock, very close the road. “If it rained, we had to take an umbrella and try to cover with it in our hands to try to take a bath.

Each time we had to get someone to put a stone behind it so it would not open. We had to, each time, call somebody when we’re going in to close it and when we’re going out to open it,” she explained. When the construction crew came to build and install her new washroom facility, Isadora said she was excited. “I said ‘yes, today is my day!’ Every day I was asking them if the toilet was finished, if it was working,” she explained, with giddy laughter. “Everybody can bathe now. We can go to the toilet any time in the night.. We don’t have to think about going outside. Each time I cleaning [the bathroom] I don’t want it to stay dirty. Since before it started flushing, I went and bought everything for it to clean the bowl.

Each time I go to check it just to make sure it’s WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: clean.” Now that she has one less thing to worry MIGRATION HEALTH

about, Isadora is focusing on getting her house cov- Migration Health is a public health topic which refers to the theory and ered. Through her own pocket and public assistance practice of assessing and addressing migration associated factors that can from the welfare division she sent her children to potentially affect the physical, social and mental well-being of migrants and school and started constructing her home in the public health of host communities. IOM’s through its migration health 2014. The house is still under construction and now division provides technical guidance and policy advice and establishes part- has some structural challenges. “I’m still sleeping on nerships with relevant governmental, multilateral, civil society and private cardboard, she said and right now I have my mother, entities in the domain of migration health. Through the Division’s different she doesn’t have a house. All eight of us in a two units, IOM addresses the needs of migrants and the public health needs of bedroom. Some of them [her children] sleeping in host communities; provides oversight for the Migration Health Assessment the [living] room, on the floor [or] in the kitchen. Still Programme, which evaluates the physical and mental health status of mi- the house has to strengthen, so I’m going to see how grants either prior to departure or upon arrival; promotes access to equita- I can buy some steel. So, once I get the posts, I can ble and quality health services for migrants, cross-border and mobile popu- cover the house, I have the galvanize already. Even if I lations, including those affected by forced displacement and other crises; cover it, I don’t have windows and doors but at least and provides technical standards and programme support in key thematic I would have made a way for us to sleep better.” areas such as emerging and re-emerging diseases such as Ebola, pandemics, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria prevention and care, and mental health and psychosocial support.

IOM DOMINICA NEWSLETTER: JAN-MARCH 2020 IN THE COMMUNITIES

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

A multigenerational panel of women joined the IOM in a live radio talk show on DBS radio in recognition of International Women’s Day 2020. The lively discussion brought to the fore the perspectives of the panel- lists, which included the recently crowned Carnival Queen Savahnn James, female engi- neer, wife, mother and entre- preneur Nicole Laville, fitness coach, organic farmer and mi-

grant

Debra Charles-Mark, and women’s activist, social worker and executive member of the Dominica National Council of Women, Josephine Dublin-Prince as well as several male and female callers to the live radio show. The panel celebrated the strength and contributions of women, including migrant women, to the society and economy in Dominica, and discussed issues ranging from family life and the work-family balance to domestic abuse and outstanding points of advocacy including the need for a safe-house for abused women.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

With support from the Caribbean Development Bank, in March, IOM in collaboration with the Government of Dominica launched a two-month project to carry out a study on migration from Dominica post Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The aim is to use the findings of the study to enhance development planning, data management and evidence-based policy planning in Dominica.

For media inquires and other information, please contact: IOM Dominica Communications Officer Email: [email protected]