Ross University School of Medicine Supports Community Groups

Ross University -Dominica

Ross University -Dominica, 2014

“Giving back to the local community is an important part of Ross University School of Medicine’s (RUSM) mission in Dominica,” says RUSM’s Senior Associate Dean, Dominica Campus, Wm Lynn Weaver, MD, FACS.

Every year RUSM provides assistance to community groups and institutions geared towards the development of health, education, sports and culture. According to Dr. Weaver, “We will continue to offer our support to these groups and organizations and make a positive contribution to the local community.”

Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) also recognizes the importance of promoting Dominica’s culture and supporting activities commemorating the island’s 36th Anniversary of Independence. At the presentation ceremony which took place on the Dean’s patio at RUSM’s Campus, Dr. Weaver said, “RUSM is pleased to support the various activities that form part of Dominica’s 2014 Independence celebrations.”

Over the last two months, RUSM donated funds to support the following organizations: • Starz Cricket Academy – for the printing of t-shirts for their summer cricket program which took place at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth • Portsmouth Secondary School’s Junior Achievers’ ‘Eco-Guards’- to participate in the local Junior Achievers National ‘Company of the Year’ competition • Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company- in support of their 43rd anniversary production which took place in November • Colihaut Village Council’s Eat Fish Day Committee- for hosting its ‘Eat Fish Day’ event- as part of Dominica’s Independence celebrations • National Cultural Council and Independence Committee- for the hosting of Heritage Day in Capuchin, National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant and Pan in the City • Roseau Health District- for hosting a Health Fair at the Woodbridge Bay Port, in October • Portsmouth Town Council – to host the 2014 Northern Schools’ Independence Parade at Benjamin’s Park, Portsmouth • Performing Arts Workshop – for the staging of its 11th annual Ti-Matador Creole Pageant in November • The Dominica Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School- to undertake two community service projects in Glanvillia (re-paint the public convenience and erect a bus shelter)

Coordinator of Starz Cricket Academy, Mr. Glen Joseph said he is grateful for the support from Ross University School of Medicine. “We have used the funds to print t-shirts for our young cricketers between the ages of 5-11, and as a result of this support, we now have a uniform that is outstanding and unique.”

According to Mr. Joseph, the summer cricket program was a successful event. “RUSM was a major sponsor at the summer camp event and the donation has contributed to the success of our summer program. At Starz Cricket Academy, we focus on the whole development of the child, and the support of RUSM will go a long way towards the long-term sustainability of the Academy.”

Chief Cultural Officer Ms. Jacinta David said the partnership with RUSM is an important investment in developing Dominica’s culture. “Over the years, RUSM has supported the National Cultural Council in staging a variety of events, and this contribution will add to the Council’s efforts to encourage and motivate all Dominicans to play their part in nation-building”.