Salybia Mission Project 

In March of 2002, Ross University School of Medicine Adjunct Professor Dr. Worrell Sanford extended an invitation to students in his Problem-Based Learning (PBL) group. He invited them to visit a community clinic in the heart of the Kalinago territory where he provided free medical care.  Dr Sanford was himself of Kalinago heritage, raised on the Territory and the first of his people to earn an MD and to practice current medicine.   Excited by the opportunity of practically applying that which they were learning in the classroom, these students accepted his invitation. The experiences that transpired that day sparked the inception of SMP.

Under the guidance and tutelage of Dr. Sanford and Nurse Sylvie Warrington, the students were able to participate in providing front line health care to the last remaining Kalinago community in the Caribbean. Despite the dearth of clinical supplies, equipment and medications, those students learned the importance of fundamental skills like good history and physical exam in order to make correct diagnoses. Inspired and confident that they could improve the conditions of the clinic, this first group of students resolved to be agents for change, and the Salybia Mission Project (SMP) was formed.

The founding members (see photos at left) included: Mark Thompson (Director), Challie Minton (Assistant Director), Sylvia Marcos (Treasurer), Angelina Foley (Clinical Coordinator), Audrey Goelz, (Secretary), Kevin Price (Membership Coordinator), Brad Chastant (Membership Coordinator), Daniel Marrero (Donations Coordinator), Tom Hovenic and William Sherman. 

Together, they organized SMP’s first fundraising event. One month later a beach barbecue helped accrue the funds necessary to import donated supplies to Dominica. This event repeated itself every semester for two years; financing structural clinical improvements such as painting the interior, tiling the floor, rebuilding storage spaces, and updating electrical & plumbing installations. 

The opportunity for biweekly clinic visits was expanded to students who wished to join SMP’s efforts, and the model for the current student volunteer clinic staffing was established.

Although the beach barbecues no longer exist, SMP continues to devise new and innovative ways to fundraise. One of the most popular events is the 5 km Marathon run, which has recently celebrated a decade of success.  This has also helped finance projects such as the Women’s Health Initiative and Community Public Health Clinics.

In October 2002, visionary leaders in the Territory undertook the construction of a new medical clinic and health center.  Whenever possible SMP stepped up to provide financial and human resources to support the achievement of this ambitious vision. In March 2010, SMP sponsored the very first event to occur at the newly completed facility.  The activity was a combined health clinic and a community Health Fair and the turnout was huge from the community that had long awaited its opening. The partnership between SMP and the Kalinago Council has continued with each contributing to the sustaining and the development of the facility and its health programs. 

In mid-2003, Mr. John Hawley, a seasoned veteran of directing American non-profit Community development and social service organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, joined the SMP team in the role of Advisor.  In November of that same year, he and Mark Thompson spearheaded the creation of a volunteer Board of Directors, and on June 24, 2004, the Attorney General of Dominica officially granted SMP incorporation status under the Corporations Act. To this day, Mr. Hawley continues to provide insight, guidance and continuity to SMP, in addition to serving as Chair of the Board of Directors. 

SMP’s success continues to be fueled by the unwavering commitment of those students who grow its vision by making it their own. Literally thousands of Ross University School of Medicine students have carried on the work of its pioneering members, and in so doing have left their own indelible marks. It is this passion that will continue to write the pages of SMP’s history and share them with those who continue to succeed them.