Historian’s new book described as “vital treasure”

The cover of the new book
The cover of the new book

A new book by local historian, Dr. Lennox Honychurch which tells the story of the Maroons of Dominica, has been described as a vital treasure since very little has been done to honor the memory of the island’s African ancestors.

“Negre Mawon: The Fighting Maroons of Dominica” was launched at the Baracun Building in Roseau on Thursday evening and former chief cultural officer, Raymond Lawrence said it helps honor the memories of the African ancestors.

“It helps to salute the vital contributions which they made to our freedom and emancipation in Dominica,” he said.

Lawrence noted that up until recently very little had been done to honor the African ancestors.

“So we still need to do more to recognize this very significant part of our African heritage,” he noted. “We do have a mountain which was named in memory of the Negre Mawon, we have a Morne Negre Mawon, and on the first of August last year, as part of our Emancipation celebrations, we unveiled a Negre Mawon emancipation monument located close to the Peebles Park. This monument is dedicated to the memory of our African ancestors, especially our Negre Mawon.”

He pointed out that a play, directed by Alex Bruno and named Negre Mawon, was also presented to honor the memory of the ancestors.

He said Dr. Honychurch’s book expounds the history of the Dominica’s Negre Mawon.

“The circumstance and the events and the experiences which all unfolded to tell a story of capture, suffering, pain, degradation, survival, struggle, resistance and triumph,” he noted.

Meanwhile Dr. Honychurch said the Negre Mawon had a ‘big impact’ on the island and they have “really changed the whole pattern of Dominica.”

He said the presence of the Maroons in the interior putting pressure on the plantations “meant that Dominica changed.”

“Dominican society is different because of that,” he noted.

The book was dedicated to Dr. Honychurch’s father, Ted Honychurch.

 

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38 Comments

  1. UDOHREADYET
    July 14, 2014

    This is great endeavor, that has strong historical significance. In respect to this book, every village in Dominica should have a permanent sign on the road entering the village showing when it was established and illustrating a part of its history. most villages should have at least one museum however small and a library even if its just one in the Parish that would be a start.

    • Princess
      July 14, 2014

      I totally agree, we need to do more, when A, their African Heritage is loud and proud, the Maroon villages are major tourist attractions and have regular festivals commemorating these freedom fighters of the island of Jamaica, we could do much more by way of honouring our ancestors…

  2. Jackson
    July 14, 2014

    So why is the moderator posting only positive comments?????

  3. Jackson
    July 14, 2014

    It is always good to see new work on Dominica – thanks for your hard work. However, we cannot expect only positive feedback – people have the right to ask questions – let’s be adults here. Even Raymond said that there is still much more to be done: “So we still need to do more to recognize this very significant part of our African heritage”. The conversation on Dominica’s history and ancestory must continue – maybe it might insight more work from different voices.

    • Princess
      July 14, 2014

      Amen!

  4. Don Keyballs
    July 14, 2014

    Good job as usual, Dr. Honeychurch. I also add my voice against those who hide behind pen names “only” to spew hatred and division like “Anonymous”. Are copies of your book available to folks who currently live in North America? Definitely want to add a copy to my library.

  5. Annonydon't
    July 13, 2014

    Hey ! peeps on DNO : We should all condemn guys/gals like Anonymous who have no political direction, ideaology sense of balance or control in his /her/its dispensation of words here on our meeting place.
    As Dumbs-in-cans or Dominicans ( take your pick)Jokes aside we can agree disagree etc but we must not allow such idiots like FET would say in on our discussions when his/her/its contribution is so wack.Things like dat need a life or should go fly a kite or like a certain partner in Marigot who is dissatisfied with how his political life turned out throws stones into the sea at the Bay/krane.
    My grand mother would say Anonymous desolay.
    Anonymous, take a hike do us all a favour and COLGATE.
    Anonymous ask any Spanish speaking resident including all the Cuban /Venezuelan Columbian to translate COLGATE from Spanish to English.
    Rest my case re: Anonymous.

  6. Annonydon't
    July 13, 2014

    Anonymous or AnonyMUST-( Be negative)
    my response to your negativity is simple.
    I’ll do better the penultimate Ex-Commissoner of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police force.
    I’ll respond in (3) Three,Tres,tois words:
    Write your Book.
    What a good ej of a D/can JA

  7. NEG
    July 13, 2014

    Congratulations to you Dr. Honychurch for all the great things
    you have been doing for Dominica, and it’s people on a whole.
    I have been following you since 1988!

    You make me feel very proud of my name.

    8)

  8. Mr. Deligent
    July 12, 2014

    It frightens me to think back on what my parents had to go through to ensure I have a better life today. no Doctors,no nurses,no pain killers or tablets.Your guess is as good as mines.we still buy and sell,we work for others. The difference being we are given money to spend as we so wish.The name changed from slavery to workers. AS A SLAVE YOU ARE BOUGHT, YOU PAY THE CHIEF AND WENT AWAY WITH YOUR MAN. here IS THE CATCH,.The businessman who bought the person supply him with free accommodation,,free food ,free clothing and free tools so there was no need to pay a wage. Now you are paid money to spend as you so wish,whether,is,Yard boy,office girls ,servant etc. slavery is always with us just the name that’s changed.

  9. m m
    July 12, 2014

    Thank you Dr. HonyChurch. God bless you , donot waste your time on negative people, I have several copies of you books, looking forward to get this copy when I visit home again. God bless you.

  10. shimen macadam
    July 12, 2014

    Great job doc …let the hater roll he gathers no moss Anywwayzzz

  11. The Facts
    July 12, 2014

    Lennox, I am looking forward to reading your book. Every Dominican should be interested in getting one and reading it. Those of us who appreciate your good works and your books, thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you have expended much time in writing this book and other ones. You have immensely helped Dominica and also to be on the map.
    Many will agree that you are an asset to our beloved country. The fact you are still residing there (after all you went through in bygone years) should indicate to everyone how much you love Dominica and take an interest in whatever transpired in those days of slavery and in the present.
    Dominica is your home. No one should deny this to you including conducting numerous researches, compiling the information to write this book and putting it all together. This takes time and patience which you have excelled in. We are ever grateful to you.
    I have read a few of your books which I treasure. It is my feeling that this book which you have recently completed will go far and also where D/cans reside in the world.
    Many who are not D/cans will be surprised at its’ contents. It will also surprise fellow D/cans, also some young ones who had no inkling of what transpired in those days to our ancestors.
    I am so happy to know that you dedicated this book to your dear father. Of course, your devotion to your dear father who also loved D/ca and lived among us as one of us, deserve this recognition and coming from his son. What a humble person he was. So was your mother. I still remember them, very nice people.
    I may give myself away (love keeping people in suspense :lol: – no name please :) ), one year when I visited D/ca, I was leaving the old post office and as I reached the last step to the street, your father was entering the P.O. He said to me, “I have not seen you for a long time.” I replied: “I reside in Canada.” He looked at me in a surprised manner. I found out later he mistook me for one of my older sisters. I have not forgotten that. I still smile when I remember. It is said we look alike. This is not the first time others have mistaken us for each other.
    I do know you. When you see me you will know who I am. However, when I visit D/ca, if I see you, I will reveal to you who wrote this.
    Thank you again for this book and other ones. I am looking forward to purchasing this new one. I will inform others of it.
    I know, you, a dedicated D/can, also love the history of D/ca. I know you will Keep up the good, dedicated work.
    The Lord who is watching us from above, may He bless you and for your dedication to Dominica!
    Lennox, we are proud of you and what you have done for Dominica and its history. Thank you again!

  12. Ben Gordon
    July 11, 2014

    Apologies for not performing a spell check on your name.

  13. Ben Gordon
    July 11, 2014

    Congratulations Lemon on this great and significant achievement. The history of our ancestry has been neglected for too long. Many things have been written about slavery in North America, but the Caribbean slaves fought for their freedom. I’m looking forward to the London launch of this book.

  14. July 11, 2014

    Will I be able to obtain a copy on Amazon? Looking forward to a good read

  15. Cool
    July 11, 2014

    That book was much needed. History teachers and students should be happy re: SBAs

  16. Anonymous
    July 11, 2014

    More distortion of the spirit and truth of our ancestors. Once again an attempt to silence the voices of the ‘négritude’ movement in Dominica. Why ??? Why????

    • Lennox Honychurch
      July 11, 2014

      My friend. If no one else chooses to research and write this history it will never be revealed. Why has no one else done it yet? Why don’t you, yourself who complain here write a similar book?

      The archives are there. The Library is there. The documents are also in Britain and France. I do not have a monopoly on the sources. They are there for everyone.

      I spent over 20 years researching this book. All findings are backed up by references. Why has someone else not published such a book yet? And when I take the initiative I am blasted in this way.

      Why this vicious hatred against someone who is trying to do their best for Dominica?

      • July 11, 2014

        Lennox, I am Elizabeth Xavier, my father worked for your father when he was alive–God used your father to help fathers like mine–especially in Giraudel–to put bread on the table, and to provide shelter and clothing for their families,. Your father was a good man, and I know that you have his attributes–which are from God.

        Do not let people like this person who is hiding behind an unknown name to discourage you from doing those good works which you have done on behalf of our Dominica and her God fearing people.

        I know that you are entering you retirement years, and so I pray that you will never decide to retire from doing God’s work–which is what you are doing in Dominica–for no one should consider retiring from God–though I know that many have done so, but it is always a lost for them–not God.

        Simply, continue to accept the blessing of strength–the Spiritual energy which has been moving you onwards and upwards–your humble attribute is the key by which you enter God’s presence as He causes your works to be fruitful–for they are actually His own work through you. God’s work cannot be fruitless –and so you know the rest

        I hope to find your new book when I am in Dominica next summer–God will be done. And so I ask for His continuous blessing for your Life and His glory, through you

      • call me pumkinlol
        July 11, 2014

        Lennox, Anoni is like a sour P this guy got some serious issues.
        I don’t know why U have to reply to such sick people but I guess U must put Anon in ts place.
        Anoni refuse to just read and hold off on his negativity.
        My name tells u something Lenny. On my last visit to DA we met at the cabrits where U worked on ur restoration.
        U said without look over ur shoulder That person must know me well lol do you recall? Some with knowledge of Antrim days/the Henrys

      • creative
        July 12, 2014

        Don’t worry Lennox, such people have nothing better to do. Thank you for the work you have done and continue to do. The memory of your dad lives on with we Giraudel people(Gen Goudel). God bless and inspire you to educate us more and more.

      • D/can to de Bone(F)
        July 14, 2014

        Well said Lennox am a Dominican and support what you said 100 percent.

        I woiuld like to purchase a copy , is it on Amazon.

      • Dominicanmama
        July 14, 2014

        Ouch, that hurts. Mr Honeychurch as the distinguished Domincan historian, please shed some light on this négritude’ movement. I am curious. Why none of our history books in Dominca has never informed us of this?

      • Anonymous
        July 14, 2014

        This is a quote made by Bernard Wilshire in the presents of Doc. Honychurch in an address of a special ceremony in honour of the 200th anniversary of the death of maroon chief, Jacko, at the Old Market Square in Roseau on July 12, 2014 to which he never gave a response like the one he gave to us there on DNO. —…… ” a revision of our entire understanding of our history and how it is written and how it has been taught to our people is also necessary”. My question is what is this négritude’ movement about?? and What has it to do with the culture and history of Dominica?? Enlighten minds will like to know????

      • Princess
        July 14, 2014

        I myself have studied Caribbean History and wondered why such a book had never been written by you as I have reaad your other books on our history… I am glad you have written it as I have read some other bits here and there from other authors and I have my reservations… Howeve, I am willing to read your book and hope it is closer to a truer depiction to waht is already out there… The maroons have made a significant input into what I country was and became as a result of their resistance, something to be proud of… I am sooo looking forward to reading as I would one day like to do something to contribute to the literary works coming from our country men and women in academia…

    • Views Expressed
      July 11, 2014

      Anonymous….please explain….really do not understand…..really, really do not underdstand

      • Princess
        July 14, 2014

        What did Annonymous say?… I cannot see the comment…

    • scratching head
      July 11, 2014

      Have you read the book jack…? When will Dominicans learn to see a half full glass instead of a half empty one? Go get a copy and read it before negatively criticizing it.

      • Ba Yo Bwa
        July 12, 2014

        You speak for us, “Scratching my head.” Too typical of us, seeking to be looking down on acts of goodness, as opposed to looking up and asking what can I do to assist.

        Mr. Homeychurch, like another person said on here, your responding to “Anonymous” is giving too much credit.

        This is one book we WILL read. Very timely!

    • The Facts
      July 11, 2014

      You are a negative person. Do not cry down the truth. Thank Lennox Honychurch for writing this book which no one thought of doing and for keeping us informed of our ancestors of those days and what they went through.

    • Alex Bruno
      July 14, 2014

      Dr. Honychurch does not deserve this treatment.

      This was certainly uncalled for and whoever you are, Anonymous, I really do hope that you come to see this precious son of our soil for whom he really is.

      Doc, please keep serving your country and the people of Dominica with renewed vigor, and thanks for sharing so completely.

      Jah bless.

      Alex

    • Princess
      July 14, 2014

      Fear not, the truth will be revealed by the grace of God… Ancestors not sleeping eh!… Let the man do his work and you do yours… So simple…

  17. Interested
    July 11, 2014

    Where can I get a copy

    • scratching head
      July 11, 2014

      Lennox has been posting on his Facebook page that the book will be available at Jays. Check there.

  18. TRUEMAN
    July 11, 2014

    **I’m looking forward to reading it***

    -Thank You Dr. Honychurch

  19. believer
    July 11, 2014

    Dr. Honychurch continues to make a great contribution to our history and heritage. Great job Lennox. Keep up the good work.

  20. Me
    July 11, 2014

    Good job Doc. I am looking forward to purchasing my copy and to relish the story.
    Thanks.

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