After intense debate and profound discussion at all levels, the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventist acceded to the Layman’s Federation’s proposal to erect the edifice that we now call the Dominica Seventh-day Adventist Secondary school.  From here began an ominous but successful trek, which occupies an inspiring illustrious chapter in the pages of world history.   Though constructed primarily for the education of Seventh-day Adventist youths, this noble institution became the melting pot and the setting of the stage for the kaleidoscopic experience of young persons from every corner of the country irrespective of religious persuasions, ethnicity and social economic background.  Consequently, a symbiotic relationship developed between the school and the society it serves.  

The site for the land which has been the permanent resident of the Dominica SDA Secondary school was purchased by the Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist church, initially to be used as an internment ground. The local authorities deemed the area unsuitable for the intended purpose. The holding became the only probable location owned by the Seventh-day Adventist church to erect an infrastructure of the intended magnitude.  Subsequently, the site for development was acquired.

Funding for the early work was secured from East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, local Seventh-day Adventist Churches and Bro. Arthur Waldron.  The heroic efforts of other Seventh-day Adventist members throughout the island are worthy of commendation for their tenacity, resolution, and devotion demonstrated as they labored voluntarily during the first phase of the actual construction.

The ground breaking ceremony was held in 1975 followed with construction under the adept leadership of Stewart Paris and Wilmoth Pogson, until financial constraints aborted the project in 1979.  Daunted, but not despondent, the spirited crew redirected their efforts to the lower floor for preparatory work to guarantee the commencement of school in 1980.

With this hurdle eclipsed, the first milestone was laid when the Canadian Pastor Hubert Taylor arrived in Dominica in 1979 to assume the position of principal. The school population represented the interest of students from thirteen to eighteen years in forms one to three.  Form three comprised of students from the lower acumen and was dubbed ‘special skills’. The status was quickly revoked as the students demonstrated an aptitude to competently handle the academic core namely: English, Mathematics, French, History, Food and Nutrition and Religious Studies.

The school experienced a painful blow when Pastor Taylor and part of his staff left in 1980, followed by one year tenure by Pastor Andrew Farrell in 1981, and a successful but short lived stint by Mr. Anthony Ollivierre whose appointment was curtailed by his inability to secure a work permit from the government.  

In the interim, Pastor Elroy Ogaro, a local pastor was advised to hold the fort, but the matter was further compounded by the local authority’s insistence that the position of principal must be filled by a national.  The winds of adversity were mounting. In its infancy, 1980-1983, the school had hired four principals, and the position was vacant again.  

Ms. Jeanette Mc Dowell took the reigns and steadied the ship from 1983-1988, thereby relieving Pastor Ogaro to assume his pastoral duties.  Amidst the struggles and leadership instability, the school flourished.  The ‘special skills’ class now in fourth form was preparing for GCE- the first time in the school’s history.  Of the original twenty seven students, nine dropped out and 15 students registered to do English, History, Food and Nutrition, human and Social Biology and Geography.  The school recorded another victory by securing a reasonable number of passes in the aforementioned subject areas.

Notable developments marked Ms. Mc Dowells’ tenure at the school and have been indelibly etched in the school’s history.  The construction of the Science Laboratory with funds secured from the British government, and the establishment of a career guidance program which shaped the lives of the students in career selection, and community service programs were among her significant achievements.

Mr. Donavan Rene was Ms. Mc Dowel’s successor. He took the mantle in 1988, and brought along wit and ingenuity to achieve the strategic goals and objectives which he had carefully mapped out for the school. Under his leadership, the library, present staff room, Home Economics block, two classrooms and the basketball slab were completed with funds from donor agencies.  He also began the construction of the school’s dormitory.

Under his decisive leadership, the school obtained her identity.  By 1989, Glenworth Joseph, the French teacher, had penned the words of the school song, while the fifth formers coined the school’s pledge both of which enthuses pride and a sense of belonging for each student.

Disaster struck in 1993 leaving the school’s canteen in rubble of ashes and the canteen staff to take refuge in the Home Economics room, then the Staff kitchenette for the next four years.  Greater loss was suffered in 1995. This time the closure of the library after its ravages from hurricane which left a large number of books destroyed in its wake.

Mr. Rene’s tenure ended in 1995 when he accepted a transfer to work at the St. Lucia Seventh-day Adventist academy. The climax of his stint was securing for the school a five year accreditation status from the Inter American Division commission of Accreditation and the General Conference board of regent, thereby stamping their seal of approval, endorsing the programs executed and ultimately celebrating the achievements through a dynamic leader.

The baton was passed, and Ms. Daphney Magloire accepted the challenge.  The school continued to progress under her proficient leadership.  One with a seemingly quiet demeanor, but who proved multi talented and very capable of meeting the demands of this generation.

Under her leadership, progress in resource development, curriculum changes, infrastructural improvement, continuous training and retraining of teachers, and promotion of the school, took center stage.  Significant improvement in CXC results, the construction and furnishing of a computer lab, completion of two floors of the dormitory, outstanding performance in sporting activities, and the development of a very positive school image are among her other achievements.

In 1998, the school was again awarded 5 year accreditation status, but in 2004, the number of years was reduced to three due to serious financial difficulties that we were experiencing.  The difficulties reflected the economic condition on the island. In November 2004, the government of Dominica took a much needed step to assist the school with the payment of teachers’ salaries.   This contribution alleviated the school’s financial struggles.  

Throughout the years we have witnessed the providence of God over this educational institution. We have achieved much, through the inspired, enthusiastic dedicated and vivacious efforts of all who have served and contributed of their most precious gifts- namely time, talent, influences, earnest fervent prayer, and finances over the years.  We applaud your selflessness and intrepidity.

There is so much more to be achieved, greater heights to be attained, goals to be realized, dream and visions to materialize. We solicit your undaunting support in all our future endeavors.

Maranatha Flights International Volunteers

In front of new library and staff room