Organization Formed For Newcomers From The African Diaspora

Newcomers from the Caribbean, South America and Africa are being encouraged to help form a new organization aimed at helping them adjust to life in Nova Scotia.

The African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes (ADAM) wants new Canadians living in Nova Scotia to help develop an organization that will welcome new African Nova Scotians and help them understand and participate in community, society and the provincial economy.

"ADAM's purpose is to encourage, foster and welcome newly arrived immigrants into the Nova Scotian community," said Tony Eghan, ADAM interim-president. "It will provide them with an awareness to participate and integrate in areas of educational, social, political, civic and economic activities in Nova Scotia.

"By using the term, African Diaspora, in the name of the group, we hope to encourage new Nova Scotians from not only Africa but South America and the Caribbean to join this organization," said Dr. Eghan.

The planning committee members are holding an information session and dinner Saturday, Dec. 10, at the University Club's Great Hall on the Dalhousie University campus, 6136 University Ave., Halifax.

The event, which is co-sponsored by the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Office of Immigration, will begin at 4 p.m. and go until midnight. The keynote speaker is civil rights and immigration lawyer, Davies Bagambiire.

The session is free but registration is required as space is limited. In lieu of an admission fee, participants are encouraged to bring an item for Feed Nova Scotia.

For more information and to register, contact the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs by phone at 902-424-5555 or by e-mail at: <ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca> .