FAIRS directors David and Gaynell Larsen with associate Dee Dannewitz,
made an early 2005 visit to
Dominica. In addition to visits with friends and the many radio contacts
made during their stay, another delivery of
medication was made to the hospital, work was done to benefit the children
and youth of the community and the Message of the Gospel was presented
to many.
FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd.) members
have been making visits to Dominica
every year since 1997. During these visits, members work with the Dominica
Amateur Radio Club, Intl. (DARCI), the
local government and medical personnel to help supply known needs of the
island. Much volunteer work has been done
over the years as well. Hf radio operation is an important part of all
visits-- this is our way of making the FAIRS work
known to folks like you, and we have a good time Dx-ing.
After much delay in arrival due to airplane mechanical problems, we
arrived at the home of Clement and Hetty
Pierre-Louis, J73CPL and J73HPL. They have hosted us many times in recent
years, and we consider them family.
After some sight-seeing and trail-blazing, we met with Josanna Lockhart,
whom we support monthly in order to
facilitate the work she does with groups of all ages: KFC (Kids for Christ),
DASH (DADs After School Help for
school-age children), and DAD (Dominicans against Drugs, which focuses
on values and belonging apart from drugs, a
prevalent problem of the area). She proudly reported the good progresses
of the various groups, how they had utilized
prior donations, and was excited for us to help in preparation for upcoming
VBS and other Christ-centered gatherings of the community.
In between the times of work and discussion, we had fellowship with
the local hams (members of DARCI). They
continue to maintain radio communications and the repeater system which
covers the whole island. Additional funds for
maintenance were needed, and some finishing construction is required at
the club site, so FAIRS was happy to leave a
donation with the club. Some vhf/uhf HTs were also donated as incentive
for students/new hams who take classes to receive radio license.
Dominica is in their time of Festival, and we got a preview of the music,
the elaborate costumes (some fashioned by
Curtis Gordon J73CAG), and we are happy that DARCI is able to provide security
and emergency communications during this time.
Medical supplies and services are very limited on the island. In past
visits, FAIRS members donated things like
nebulizers, EKG machines, monitors for blood pressure and blood sugar,
as well as pharmaceuticals. Another delivery of various medicines and supplies
was made during this visit, and maternity and first aid supplies were distributed
in the
villages.
The previously donated computers are up and running, and being used
in every location! We traveled with more
cartridges, electrical supplies, cases and such to extend the life and
usefulness of these tools. A good supply of educational CDs and learning
games were donated. We were able to visit with some of the locals about
their applications of computer knowledge and use- you would be amazed!
Gaynell was able to enjoy an extended stay on the island, and work with
Don J79UGF and Kay J79EKH, Allen
and Amanda Thompson for dedication of Bibles donated by the church, the
vacation Bible school, and the distribution of
food and other supplies to those who needed them.
Both trips were reported a great success by all involved, by the smiles
on faces, and by the gracious thanks of our
friends in Dominica. Praise the Lord!
Photos of Trip
