Excerpt from Observer column published MON 2 October 2023
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Women who were not even acquainted with Aloun Ndombet-Assamba poured out their sympathy when they heard that her only child Domonic Strachan had passed away suddenly last month. Those who knew Domonic referred to him as a 'Gentle Giant'.
In a letter of condolence, a fellow parishioner at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios wrote of Domonic's warm hug, saying: "I felt enveloped with love and care." Domonic's friends told his mother that he was their 'rock', always there for his friends.
We regarded Domonic as an IT geek, setting up systems for various companies, especially before 2000 when everyone was fearful of the 'Y2K' virus. At that time, he was in his early twenties and had not yet attended Miami Dade College where he was a student leader.
While Aloun was in the UK, serving as Jamaica's High Commissioner, her mother became seriously ill and required thrice-weekly dialysis. Domonic quit his business, as digital connectivity was then limited at the family's Moneague homestead, and with his aunt Eleanor Wood, assisted in caring for his grandmother.
It was then that he started his journey as an innovative farmer and a central figure in the Moneague farming community where he conducted meetings and shared research findings. Aloun said he used no chemicals. The wasp nests around the Grierfield Great House played a key role in keeping his crops pest-free. His rainwater harvesting methods supplied the house and the farm where he implemented drip irrigation.
Domonic was so passionate about influencing others about farming that his farm tours became popular among CCRP seniors and schoolchildren alike.
Aloun related that during the summer holidays, Domonic was keen on 'making memories' for his two young sons. "He always spent quality time with them but this summer he went even further, taking them to camp by a riverside in St. Mary."
We grieve with Aloun at the passing of her extraordinary son whose achievements belie his short 43 years. May his soul rest in peace.
Photo caption
Aloun Assamba shares a joyous moment with her son Domonic Strachan.
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