IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

The following information was provided in a 22 November 1996 telephone interview with a representative of the Diocese of Roseau, the administrative body of the Catholic Church in Dominica.

The source stated that freedom of religion is enjoyed in Dominica and there is no widespread persecution, discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion in Dominica.

Catholics represent roughly 75 per cent of the population of Dominica. The source was unaware of the exact numbers of Seventh Day Adventists, but stated that they are a small and well-established religious minority and that they have operated without interference for thirty years in Dominica.

The source was unaware of any conflicts between Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists in Dominica, but was of the opinion that any conflicts that may have arisen between members of these two groups would have been personal and circumstantial. However, the source did note that there is a shortage of space for Catholic students in the schools, and that there have been situations where Catholics attending Seventh Day Adventists schools have been encouraged to convert.

Please find attached an excerpt on Dominica from the 1994 CIA World FactBook which states that Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists are 77 per cent and 3 per cent of the population, respectively.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

CIA World FactBook. 1994. "Dominica." [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]

The Diocese of Roseau, Roseau, Dominica. 22 November 1996. Telephone interview with representative.

CIA World FactBook. 1994. "Dominica." [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]