Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.

FAIRS Group at Dominican Rotary

FAIRS on mission to Dominica January 19th to February 4th, 2010

L-R:  FAIRS Directors David & Gaynell Larsen at Dominican Rotary with Fr. Reginald LaFleur, Member-Director Dee Wallace and Melissa Thompson

A team from FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.) traveled again to Dominica in the eastern Caribbean (January 19^th to February 4^th).  It was their desire to help established groups minister to people, as they fill a great need.  Sometimes these folks need a helping hand, monetary assistance or even a word of encouragement to continue the good work.

David KK4WW and Gaynell KK4WWW Larsen, Dee Dannewitz Wallace KG4VMI and associate Melissa Thompson of FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.) were treated to a road tour by Clem James J73CI on the way to their host home.  “We were surprised to see the number of new roads under construction, and the increased road traffic since our last visits.  Foreign governments are funding a majority of this roadwork and providing equipment.” 

“When we arrived in Wotten Waven, we were warmly greeted by our hosts Clement J73CPL and Hetty J73HPL Pierre-Louis and Swedish friend (FAIRS Sweden) Seth Sjoestroem SM0XBI.  While on Dominica, we visitors use call signs which have a J79 prefix, signifying that we are licensed hams, but not residents.”

Over the next weeks, the FAIRS delegation was up early and working long but fulfilling days –

“We unpacked and sorted through all of the donated items we brought in checked bags for the trip. FAIRS team members carry only those personal items which fit into carry-on luggage, in order to allow for as many items for Dominicans as possible. 

It takes awhile to separate and assign the various emergency communications and medical equipment, supplies, training materials, items for hygiene and education, and clothing-- it is initially packed by weight for air transport, and then must be organized upon arrival.  Special thanks to the churches, clinics, groups and Floyd’s own citizens who provided items & funds; Floyd Pharmacist George Fetko and his staff members Rick & Nora Waskow helped to secure “much needed” diabetic supplies for the island.” 

Project work is ongoing over a large part of the island…

Related to the village high on the mountain above the capital city of Roseau --“During a cooperative trip in ’05 – ’06, FAIRS had a part in helping Wotten Waven Village Improvement Committee to develop a master plan for improvement.   It was decided that a community/resource center was needed, and we helped to get the ball rolling…  Although there were some bumps along the way, a beautiful center has been constructed with reception/conference area, bathrooms and public-use internet café-- it was dedicated October 9^th, 2009. 

The Committee is now registered as “Wotten Waven Development Committee (WWDC)”.  Clement J73CPL is Vice Chairman – he showed us a presentation of pictures, power point, and video which the committee has produced to introduce a proposed “Sulphur River Tour” to citizens and supporters.  It is expected to be a unique attraction, perhaps part of a flagship trail project on Dominica, and it stands to benefit all of the villagers of Wotten Waven.  They have consulted recently with individuals and proper Ministries of government to define a business plan and have obtained help with business development and training.”

FAIRS helps the WWDC according to their plan, that the village might become known for its nature, adventure, heritage & culture, health & wellness and sense of community (Funny, that sounds a lot like Floyd!).  Over the last 10 years, the once booming agricultural economy has dropped to be only 17% of Dominica’s GDP, due to the near collapse of the banana industry.  The tourism sector of the economy has been identified as an area of growth.  It is hoped that the Sulphur River Tour will attract visitors, boost local economy, and highlight the skills and crafts of citizens.  “We were able to view the proposed path of the “Sulphur River Trail”, and we made suggestions & offered help in order to facilitate a “best scenario” for the final product. The new Center will be associated with the Trail as a reception area for tourists and place of learning, especially for the adults, which will help them continue toward their goals.” 

FAIRS also helps with supplies and teaching tools for some schools on Dominica, including the one at Wotten Waven.  “The kids were happy to have us as visitors and, as usual, wanted pictures taken that “Gay Gay” will develop and send back for them and their families!”

Operation Youth Quake is a shelter/home for abused and neglected youth.  “They do a great job there, providing a positive environment and outlook for some in “less than ideal” life situations.”  FAIRS purchased school supplies, exercise books and other requested items, and Gaynell assisted the leaders in transporting the youth to Astaphan’s, a unique shopping center in Roseau, to purchase shoes, underclothes, etc. for them.  “Looking at the pictures, it seems they got “sweeties” too – that’s what the Dominicans call the lollipops we give.  One boy named Tyrone insisted on washing Gaynell’s (Hetty’s) car when they returned from their outing.  Gaynell later did a book exchange, which we often do.  She rotated donated/purchased books from the library we’ve amassed at the after-school program in Castle Bruce and at the school in Wotten Waven and placed them for a while here so the youth may enjoy them.  Bibles were given to the youngsters, too, which they were genuinely pleased about.”

Down the mountain from Wotten Waven in the outskirts of capital city Roseau, Gloria Walsh continues her efforts as head of “Love One, Teach One” (LOTO) Foundation.  The Foundation helps the children of the Silver Lick community by a feeding program and after-school help.  FAIRS gifted teaching tools, clothing, shoes & sporting equipment and held a special party for the children –they were encouraged about the importance of learning and self-discipline.

Dominica Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (DARCI) headquarters continues to operate at its improved site in the Canefield area of Dominica.  Four (or more) trained amateur radio operators deployed to Haiti recently in response to the need created by the earthquake disaster.  FAIRS is pleased to be a part of the training these folks have received.   Seth SM0XBI and friend Tore Sandstrom SM7CBS from Sweden handled the task of updating/upgrading many of the amateur radio systems and antenna works for various stations on the island, and they did some computer programming work as well.

A special gathering was held at the club, and FAIRS spoke to members about the need for community, for equipment which is maintained and readied, and for a strong pride in the service & facility which they have.  Even holding the social was a fun way to “catch up” and a reminder of the “good” that the club serves.  In attendance (besides honorable DARCI club members) was Tina Alexander of Lifeline Ministries and her family:  She works with Dominican families where members are AIDS sufferers, and she has been a consultant and go-between for FAIRS project work over the years.   

At a general meeting of the Club held later, FAIRS presented repeater controllers to maintain and improve network operations.  Clem J73CI received them on behalf of the club. 

FAIRS attended Clem’s wedding to Monita Nicholls at Church of St. Marie Des Caraibe on January 26th.  Afterward, the reception and a visit to “Kalinago Barana Aute” – a village showing the life of the indigenous people of Dominica.

The next day, a meeting of the Dominican Rotary was held at Fort Young in Roseau.  The guest speaker was planned to be Irvince Anguiste of the Carib Council, but another leader of the Kalinago (the preferred name of the indigenous people) reported about recent strides toward self-reliance within the Territory, and identified ways we could be of help to the people.  It is FAIRS’ plan to cooperate with key members of the Dominican Rotary; they may monitor certain mutual projects once implemented.

FAIRS has ongoing projects in Castle Bruce and in the Carib Territory on the Atlantic side of the island.  “We visited the KFC (Kids for Christ) feeding program and observed work which benefits families and the elderly of the Territory.  In both communities, we distributed Bibles, medical supplies and food and clothing items.  A swing set was donated to Pilgrim Community Preschool in Castle Bruce.”

During the trip, David and Gaynell worked over 2000 contacts by amateur radio – see video of this amateur radio fun, plus other trip highlights at www.missiononearth.com .

“While we were in Dominica, Clem’s J73CI mother, Mable Moir “Ma” James (1912-2010) passed away at the age of 97.  This was a big deal in Dominica, because she was a Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Communications and Works, even served as acting Premier over a period of about a week – she helped the “ordinary man” and was generally loved by the people.”  She received a state funeral, which David, Gaynell and members of DARCI attended.

Cooperation is key to helping people and keeping up the morale for those who serve!  You may wish to hear more, or find out how you might be involved in project work and/or support - Call 540-745-2322 or visit web site www.fairs.org for details.

*FAIRS does an enormous amount of preparation and follow-up in facilitating these trips and projects.  No donated funds are used for travel or personal expenses, however.  FAIRS  is partially subsidized by real estate work in which David, Gaynell and Dee have interest.  They own and develop many recreational and farm properties in Montgomery, Floyd and Franklin Counties.