History of SMP
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A Change With The Times -- Following Hurricane Maria in September, 2017 and the departure of Ross University from Dominica shortly thereafter, there was a hiatus in the life of SMP. The Kalinago villages were in disarray and communications were difficult . Two of the Board members passed away including the much-loved founder John Hawley. The students tried to continue support from Ross' new home in Barbados, but it was not feasible, and it was decided to reconstitute the organization in Dominica.
The new Board of Directors now includes two Kalinago nurses Anette Thomas Sandford and Winnie Joseph (who trained with scholarships from SMP), and the Kalinago dermatologist, Dr. Warrol Sanford and Tina Alexander, Lifeline Ministries. |
Dr. Worrell Sanford
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Our long-standing directors who include Dr. Sylvia Marcos (an original founder), Dr. Eric Neilson, Dr. Robbie Gee and Dr. Rachel Scott, remain supportive as our extended, offshore board members, but local implementation decisions are now made by the Kalinago themselves.
In The Beginning -- In March of 2002, Ross University School of Medicine (previously located on Dominica through 2017) Adjunct Professor Dr. Worrell Sanford extended an invitation to students in his Problem-Based Learning (PBL) group. He invited them to visit a community clinic in the heart of the Kalinago territory where he provided free medical care. Dr Sanford was himself of Kalinago heritage, raised on the Territory and the first of his people to earn an MD and to practice current medicine. Excited by the opportunity of practically applying that which they were learning in the classroom, these students accepted his invitation. The experiences that transpired that day sparked the inception of SMP.
Under the guidance and tutelage of Dr. Sanford and Nurse Sylvie Warrington, the students were able to participate in providing front line health care to the last remaining Kalinago community in the Caribbean. Despite the dearth of clinical supplies, equipment and medications, those students learned the importance of fundamental skills like good history and physical exam in order to make correct diagnoses. Inspired and confident that they could improve the conditions of the clinic, this first group of students resolved to be agents for change, and the Salybia Mission Project (SMP) was formed.
In The Beginning -- In March of 2002, Ross University School of Medicine (previously located on Dominica through 2017) Adjunct Professor Dr. Worrell Sanford extended an invitation to students in his Problem-Based Learning (PBL) group. He invited them to visit a community clinic in the heart of the Kalinago territory where he provided free medical care. Dr Sanford was himself of Kalinago heritage, raised on the Territory and the first of his people to earn an MD and to practice current medicine. Excited by the opportunity of practically applying that which they were learning in the classroom, these students accepted his invitation. The experiences that transpired that day sparked the inception of SMP.
Under the guidance and tutelage of Dr. Sanford and Nurse Sylvie Warrington, the students were able to participate in providing front line health care to the last remaining Kalinago community in the Caribbean. Despite the dearth of clinical supplies, equipment and medications, those students learned the importance of fundamental skills like good history and physical exam in order to make correct diagnoses. Inspired and confident that they could improve the conditions of the clinic, this first group of students resolved to be agents for change, and the Salybia Mission Project (SMP) was formed.
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The founding members (see photos at left) included: Mark Thompson (Director), Challie Minton (Assistant Director), Sylvia Marcos (Treasurer), Angelina Foley (Clinical Coordinator), Audrey Goelz, (Secretary), Kevin Price (Membership Coordinator), Brad Chastant (Membership Coordinator), Daniel Marrero (Donations Coordinator), Heath Nay, Tom Hovenic and William Sherman.
Together, they organized SMP’s first fundraising event. One month later a beach barbecue helped accrue the funds necessary to import donated supplies to Dominica. This event repeated itself every semester for two years; financing structural clinical improvements such as painting the interior, tiling the floor, rebuilding storage spaces, and updating electrical & plumbing installations. |
The opportunity for biweekly clinic visits was expanded to students who wished to join SMP’s efforts, and the model for the current student volunteer clinic staffing was established.
Although the beach barbecues no longer exist, SMP continues to devise new and innovative ways to fund raise. One of the most popular ongoing events is the 5 km Marathon run. which has helped finance projects such as the Women’s Health Initiative and Community Public Health Clinics.
In October 2002, visionary leaders in the Territory undertook the construction of a new medical clinic and health center. Whenever possible SMP stepped up to provide financial and human resources to support the achievement of this ambitious vision. In March 2010, SMP sponsored the very first event to occur at the newly completed facility. The activity was a combined health clinic and a community Health Fair and the turnout was huge from the community that had long awaited its opening. The partnership between SMP and the Kalinago Council has continued with each contributing to the sustaining and the development of the facility and its health programs.
In mid-2003, Mr. John Hawley, a seasoned veteran of directing American non-profit Community development and social service organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, joined the SMP team in the role of Advisor. In November of that same year, he and Mark Thompson spearheaded the creation of a volunteer Board of Directors, and on June 24, 2004, the Attorney General of Dominica officially granted SMP incorporation status under the Corporations Act. (Learn More About John Hawley)
Viewing the charge of providing quality health care, the Board of Directors and the students over the last decade have also stepped up in new ways to improve the health care situation in the Territory. Inspired by a vision from the founding group of students they sponsored four students at the Dominican State College Nursing Program. These students, who were all Kalinago themselves, earned their Registered Nurses status after passing an exam that qualified them for the RN status throughout the Caribbean island nations. Moreover, two excellent Kalinago RN’s received SMP scholarship support to earn their Midwifery Certification, an important function for the people of the Territory.
SMP’s financial support also extends to those who needed medical services available beyond their financial capabilities. One of these individuals, Fenian has been known to our student service providers for well over a decade, and has benefitted from the construction of a new home, and support with other basic human necessities ranging from food to transportation. Furthermore, SMP has paid for cancer treatments and surgeries and orthopedic therapies, and have helped send several people to neighbouring countries to receive medical attention not available in Dominica.
Two child-centred programs supported by SMP highlight the importance of the social determinants of health. The Isulukati School in Crayfish River serves students with disabilities that would keep them from being accepted in the primary schools on Dominica. SMP has provided some of the funding for the transportation for these students between their homes and the school. We have also, on occasion assisted with funding utilities, operating costs and school supplies. The Kalinago Child Support Foundation is a local organization that addresses widespread problems of children in local families who face financial hardship. Other efforts include supporting a venture in June 2014 spearheaded by the Kalinago Independent Nation Developers. This cultural exchange between Indigenous communities of Puerto Rico and Dominica was in part sponsored by SMP who also believes that maintaining a vibrant culture is a fundamental part of community health. These folks brought in some indigenous people from Puerto Rico who shared the history and modern experience of the Kalinago people of Dominica. The welcoming events for this group of visitors represented a week-long public revival of the Kalinago culture.
Although the beach barbecues no longer exist, SMP continues to devise new and innovative ways to fund raise. One of the most popular ongoing events is the 5 km Marathon run. which has helped finance projects such as the Women’s Health Initiative and Community Public Health Clinics.
In October 2002, visionary leaders in the Territory undertook the construction of a new medical clinic and health center. Whenever possible SMP stepped up to provide financial and human resources to support the achievement of this ambitious vision. In March 2010, SMP sponsored the very first event to occur at the newly completed facility. The activity was a combined health clinic and a community Health Fair and the turnout was huge from the community that had long awaited its opening. The partnership between SMP and the Kalinago Council has continued with each contributing to the sustaining and the development of the facility and its health programs.
In mid-2003, Mr. John Hawley, a seasoned veteran of directing American non-profit Community development and social service organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, joined the SMP team in the role of Advisor. In November of that same year, he and Mark Thompson spearheaded the creation of a volunteer Board of Directors, and on June 24, 2004, the Attorney General of Dominica officially granted SMP incorporation status under the Corporations Act. (Learn More About John Hawley)
Viewing the charge of providing quality health care, the Board of Directors and the students over the last decade have also stepped up in new ways to improve the health care situation in the Territory. Inspired by a vision from the founding group of students they sponsored four students at the Dominican State College Nursing Program. These students, who were all Kalinago themselves, earned their Registered Nurses status after passing an exam that qualified them for the RN status throughout the Caribbean island nations. Moreover, two excellent Kalinago RN’s received SMP scholarship support to earn their Midwifery Certification, an important function for the people of the Territory.
SMP’s financial support also extends to those who needed medical services available beyond their financial capabilities. One of these individuals, Fenian has been known to our student service providers for well over a decade, and has benefitted from the construction of a new home, and support with other basic human necessities ranging from food to transportation. Furthermore, SMP has paid for cancer treatments and surgeries and orthopedic therapies, and have helped send several people to neighbouring countries to receive medical attention not available in Dominica.
Two child-centred programs supported by SMP highlight the importance of the social determinants of health. The Isulukati School in Crayfish River serves students with disabilities that would keep them from being accepted in the primary schools on Dominica. SMP has provided some of the funding for the transportation for these students between their homes and the school. We have also, on occasion assisted with funding utilities, operating costs and school supplies. The Kalinago Child Support Foundation is a local organization that addresses widespread problems of children in local families who face financial hardship. Other efforts include supporting a venture in June 2014 spearheaded by the Kalinago Independent Nation Developers. This cultural exchange between Indigenous communities of Puerto Rico and Dominica was in part sponsored by SMP who also believes that maintaining a vibrant culture is a fundamental part of community health. These folks brought in some indigenous people from Puerto Rico who shared the history and modern experience of the Kalinago people of Dominica. The welcoming events for this group of visitors represented a week-long public revival of the Kalinago culture.
