DASUS

DASUS Profile

​

The idea for a Dominican Seventh-day Adventist group percolated in Beryl Williams’ mind for a long time before it was actualized.  In 2004 Beryl finally enlisted the help of William and Carol Bellot and Primrose Walter to make the idea a reality. An initial meeting, held in the Bronx, brought a group of enthusiastic Dominicans together to hear about the proposal for the new association and the plan for the first Dominica Day.  They were: Laureen Bedneau; Carol Bellot; William Bellot; Annette David; Eunice Dominique-Mann; Corinthia James; Jane James; Tracy John; David Mann; Derek Mann; Judith Mann; Phillip Mann; Octavia Maxwell; Fern B. Allick-Mann; Watson Maxwell; Valentine Peters; Theresa Popo; Emmanuel Prosper; Lucinda Prosper; Geraldine Righton; Brian Scotland; and Primrose Walter.

After several attempts at naming the new group, Fern Allick-Mann suggested DASUS – the Dominica Association of Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S.  The name resonated with everyone and it became official. The group created its first board with the following officers:  Beryl R. Williams, President; Brian Scotland, Vice President; Lester Joseph, Treasurer; Corinthia James, Secretary; William Bellot, Chaplain; Carol Bellot, Assistant Treasurer; and David Mann, Valentine Peters, and Emmanuel Prosper as Floor Members.

During subsequent years, DASUS brought together hundreds of Dominicans from across the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom for Dominica Day.  DASUS also paid tribute to the island’s SDA pioneers and leaders, while maintaining the support of the Consul General, UN Ambassador, Mayor of Roseau and Dominica’s Prime Minister. Most importantly, DASUS focused on providing assistance to SDA schools in Dominica.

Now in its tenth year, DASUS is restructuring its leadership, with a vision of building a solid membership base, establishing a national reach, and continuing to hold an annual Dominica Day.  DASUS is also focusing on strengthening ties with the church family in Dominica in order to make meaningful contributions to select projects.  DASUS’ mission is to bring Dominican Seventh-day Adventists together to celebrate faith and heritage.

DASUS is about:

FAITH - Sharing the Advent message in order to hasten the soon return of our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ.
 

HERITAGE - Preserving our unique culture, treasuring our rich traditions, and cherishing the storied history of our beautiful homeland.
 

HOME - Creating a vibrant, caring Dominican-American community; supporting our beloved home country, Dominica; and, preparing for Heaven, our eternal home.