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.
References
CIA World FactBook. 1994.
"Dominica." [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]
The Diocese of Roseau, Roseau, Dominica.
22 November 1996. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachment
CIA World FactBook. 1994.
"Dominica." [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]