Lack of funds impedes Kalinago Cultural Festival

Kalinago chief Williams (second from left) addresses the media on Thursday
Kalinago chief Williams (second from left) addresses the media on Thursday

For the very first time, Dominica’s indigenous people will host a two-day festival which is expected to showcase various cultural and traditional aspects of the Kalinago People, mixed with top-notch musical entertainment.

However the event has been hampered by a lack of funds.

“Dominica’s Indigenous People’s Cultural Festival” is being organized by the Kalinago Council and other stakeholders on August 8 and 9 of this year.

It was originally planned for August 7 to 9 but due to financial limitations it was reduced to two days.

Kalinago Chief, Charles Williams, told Dominica News Online (DNO) that although the private sector had assisted, attempts to get government to come on board to assist did not materialize.

“So we had to streamline because of financing,” he noted, adding that letters were sent to various government ministries ranging from Agriculture, Social Services, Tourism even the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs but no assistance was received.

A letter was also written to the Chinese Embassy but the Council was told that they only work on a government to government level and a support letter from the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs was needed in order to recieve funds and that has not materialized.

The only Minister who supported the event was Robert Tonge (Tourism Minister) through his company, First Domestic Insurance Company Ltd.

“So you can see the difference in people,” Charles said.

Organizers say some of the goals of the event are to enhance the service industry and to foster a greater economic climate for the people of the Kalinago Territory, complement efforts by the public and private sector, including the Ministry of Tourism and the Kalinago Council, to enhance the Kalinago brand as a unique component in the nation’s tourism product and to serve as a great incentive for visitors travelling to Dominica and the Kalinago Territory during the month of July.

Other objectives include creating the experience of a traditional cultural show piece with fun and excitement, to contribute towards the development and sustainability of micro-enterprises in the Kalinago Territory and also to assist in the preservation of the Kalinago Heritage.

The highlights of the festival include a Kalinago Canoe regatta, exhibition of arts, craft and agriculture and entertainment from King Dice, Xtacy Band, Fanatic band and Chubby and the Midnight Groovers.

The budget for event is EC$ 175,000, down from the original $300,000.

The program is as follows:
Day one-August 8th
Venue: Karina Cultural Village in Bataca
Exhibition of Arts and Crafts, and Agriculture 10-5PM
Official Opening ceremony -7 pm
Entertainment costs $ 25 and will feature -King Dice, Xtacy Band, Fanatic band

Day Two-Sunday 9th
11.15 am -Official Opening of the Kalinago Canoe Regatta-San Sauveur to Marigot
12 noon-Exhibition continues at the Karina Cultural village
5PM- Arrival of the Regatta at Marigot
6 PM-Depart to the Karina Cultural Village for a reception and Regatta award ceremony
9 PM-Entertainment-Karina Cultural Group, Myths and Legends, Kalinago Dancers, IC Band, Machine Creole and Chubby and the Midnight Groovers.

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46 Comments

  1. Jeff
    August 2, 2015

    Charlie is ma boy. But 3 bands, a farmers exhibition, some cultural talk and dance and a boat race, you want government and a few business men to finance a $300,000 gig? And vex you doe get all that money? U have to be kidding me padnas. No more comment pal!

  2. John Paul
    August 2, 2015

    We are learning from Mr. Gregoire about an Indigenous conference and there was no Representative from Dominica.Why is the Government of Dominica marginalizing the Kalinago Chief?
    Mr. Skeritt’s personal political Agenda is superseding the interests of our Indigenous people.
    Skeritt stop it !This will eventually back fire .wait and see!

  3. John Paul
    August 2, 2015

    Addressing the ceremony were Culture Minister, Justina Charles; Minister for Kalinago Affairs, Cassius Darroux, MP for Portsmouth and Minister for Minister for Trade, Energy and Employment Ian Douglas; Mayor of Portsmouth Titus Francis; Kalinago Councillor, Louis Hill and Jean Barfleur, President of the Association K’NAWA of Guadeloupe.

    Addressing the ceremony were Culture Minister, Justina Charles; Minister for Kalinago Affairs, Cassius Darroux, MP for Portsmouth and Minister for Minister for Trade, Energy and Employment Ian Douglas; Mayor of Portsmouth Titus Francis; Kalinago Councillor, Louis Hill and Jean Barfleur, President of the Association K’NAWA of Guadeloupe.Addressing the ceremony were Culture Minister, Justina Charles; Minister for Kalinago Affairs, Cassius Darroux, MP for Portsmouth and Minister for Minister for Trade, Energy and Employment Ian Douglas; Mayor of Portsmouth Titus Francis; Kalinago Councillor, Louis Hill and Jean Barfleur, President of the Association…

    • John Paul
      August 2, 2015

      No Mention of Chief Charles Williams ,no invitation and you are not convinced this is a conspiraccy by Skeritt to minimize the Chief and push His Chinese rep (Cassius)?

  4. concerned
    August 1, 2015

    Just for you to know that is the very same chief that got scholarship for the development officer in kalinago affairs to go to U W I and he along with the parl rep whom chief Williams sent to Belize to train on a youth programme in community radio and iT, the chief also took him along to Panama with him as a youth representative with him at a conference heal by the O A S, among other supporting activities, that is how he was recognized by skerro and his acolyte kelly.
    Today he cannot give a letter of support to the chief. and together they planning against the festival.
    We however not surprised because long we know that they were not going to fund us they said charlo is workers. and they just send $300,00.00 for toilets to the councils account.
    The unfortunate thing is that they stole charlo project idea to put in their manifesto and now chief Charlo calling on them to deliver, they not even responding.

  5. udohreadyet
    July 31, 2015

    the government is not a charity! Caribs already have it good they still want a free ride. they want people to pay for the entertainers while they collect the profits from the shows. its a failed attempt at hustling. if the chief wanted to develop Carib culture he would seek to establish root in other islands and exand the carib presence in the Caribbean.

  6. DApepa
    July 31, 2015

    Where is all the money they got during election?

  7. Gwo Bollom
    July 31, 2015

    I only realise this week on DNO the level of monkeracy we have in the Kalinago Territory. No wonder all YOU will remain so backward and poor. It pains me to see how the people are increasingly being divided by our very own leaders (The new Puppets)

  8. AH LICK IT TWICE
    July 31, 2015

    that is noT true, just in November and December I see a lot of kalinagoes caring wood on their head, plywood, blocks and a few month later things bad.. eh ben it just start and it have 5 years to go.. so sorry

    • John Paul
      August 2, 2015

      Things are very bad in the Territory and making fun of the residents there will not help ,They are susceptible to be taken advantage of by Politicians because of their economic woes

    • hmmn
      August 19, 2015

      well peter must pay for paul

  9. Francisco Telemaque
    July 31, 2015

    I find it hard to believe you all did not remember the festival: And so you also forgot to demand some of that thirty million dollars give away by your god prime minister Skerrit.

    The time you all took to break into the UWP candidate house you should have spent it on your knees praying to Skerrit for some crumb to sponsor your festival. But then again he gave you all so many house, there might be not enough left to buy any more free food, until next election.

    What he has left is to be used to declare war on pit holes in your villages!

  10. Kalinago
    July 31, 2015

    The Ministry of Carib Affairs were one of the first set of people to know about this. So why mention budget, the fact is that because they are not the ones in charge of the Kalinago Cultural Festival, they did not want it to come through. Go ask alyou Parl Rep and Development Officer they knew about the Festival from the beginning. They just like to fool people and some Kalinagos too damn stupid. Election has long gone, but everything is still political. Divide and Conquer that is the motto of the Ministry.

  11. kalinago girl
    July 31, 2015

    what has ecstacy band, midnight groovers, fanatik got to do with kalinago culture??? u want to blame the government for not helping. they couldnt help because the budget was in the pipeline how do u want them to help? while you are blaming them, what about all the help they give to the kalinago people when budget is not about to be debated? the financial year was ended when the letters were sent out. how many people have you turned out a helping hand to? you try to stop everything pertaining to help from the government and Mr. Darroux has to cross over you and give the ok to do things to develop the territory. the houses given to the poor and needy. the toilets to the people. they were not in the position to help at the time. when they want to help you does try your best to stop it.

    • Ma Tify
      July 31, 2015

      Oh, how dumb you sound!No wonder Skerrit continue to use all YOU unabated and You all in return recite his mantra lick a flock of lost fools that you all are.

    • concerned
      July 31, 2015

      Sorry baby you are one among those who are fooled by the political bribe, and you know what caused that? poverty, suppression and foolishness – vote Labour for a house and to hell with the rest of your people.

    • concerned
      August 1, 2015

      Vou pa mem vo responce, Sort.

    • John Paul
      August 2, 2015

      Kalinago Girl Do You think the Politicians are trying to minimize the position of the Kalinago Chief?
      We know He is not a Labourite and as such has become a victim of this Administration

  12. Tampa
    July 31, 2015

    It is sad that government continues to use punitive measures against those who the PM feels are not supporting him. What happened to the “extending the olive branch”?

    The PM should not be playing politics with the cultural activities of the indigenous people. This is disrespectful. And it is even more disrespectful that Kalinago people who support the government are support such measures by their dead silence.

    Kalinago people, the PM through his politics is dividing you. We are going back to the colonial days when the European invaders did the same. Why in this day and age do we as Kalinago accept such divisive action. The PM recently offered half a million dollars to the music industry. What is so wrong about assisting the Kalinago in this small annual event? What kind of government does that to its indigenous people? Think about it. Is this good for the future development of the Kalinago people?

  13. grell
    July 31, 2015

    Got to comment on this again,If only Dominicans would wise up and see the true human this so call pm is.Very sad anywhere else in the world a government would be happt to help their indeginous people.Skerrit you have proved again how low you really are.

  14. election is long gone
    July 31, 2015

    that was an opportunity for Skerrit to give to the Kalinago people

  15. tueblue
    July 31, 2015

    DNO ADMIN where is my comment?…is the truth oddensive to your policy

  16. trueblue
    July 30, 2015

    What the public needs to know is that some of the people who are on the planning committee of this activity are also members of an alternative Kalinago Territory Events committee who has the blessings of the Government. In this regard this alternative committee will be hosting a commemorative week end in September to outshine Chief williams activity, and they are already talking of having the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs in their pocket. Chief Williams you are planning with people who DO NOT see the forward movement of the Territory in the same hues as you. great initiative but with no funds I do not see it materializing….you cannot implement activities solely on promises,.remember a promise is comfort to a fool. anyway having said that I will be there for the sewo KING DICEY………….. I in that

    • John Paul
      August 2, 2015

      What You saying is that Skeritt is dividing the Kalinago People for His benefit not theirs .by turning the People against the Chief He will eventually give that land to Chinese Farmers remember He invited them already

  17. Lang Mama
    July 30, 2015

    Any more election money,trucks unloading materials on the kalinago territory. Dod Carimi play in the Kalinagi Territory during election campaign.
    Well my dear Kalinago peeps it is not going to get better. Chavez cyan sign any check and the email is diwn in purgatory,in heaven and in hell.
    Kadaffi money still in the sewer pipe he was hiding in and his people claim the money. Chinese passport selling scam is not brining in money. Well Kalinagi peeps Laba Ka Twavaille por Keyonais zor cor ja Gwabay et Gwatans.
    Pwen ca zor mewatais

  18. Dominican in NJ
    July 30, 2015

    what a wonderful initiative by the Kalinago people….God knows a boost in this community’s economy is desperately needed. Very disappointed with the government though, didn’t the Kalinago territory vote for the ruling party, so why aren’t they looking to aid in anyway possible.

    well then again how much did Chavez give to the Kalinago people?????? And how much of that funding did they receive? Did they truly expect thing more than their needs being dismissed after their experiences over the past 15 years??? BUT WHERE’S ALLU PARL REP????

    • Big Teeth
      July 30, 2015

      UNFORTUNATELY, the Kalinago people don’t seem to have the basic understanding to see that Skerrit and his regime is simply USING them and UNFORTUNATELY, those who sing his song in the community and worship him, do so for their own personal selfish motives and agendas.

      • COCK
        August 1, 2015

        Eh ben weh!

    • kalinago girl
      July 31, 2015

      what a way to jump to conclusions. the budget was in the pipeline. do u think there would be a way to get the funds ..and from where??? only now the budget is over. if u all are so dam concerned, why dont you all donate something? ask questions before jumping to conclusions because the Parl Rep is doing his outmost best for development in the territory and the chief tries to stop everythinng because he supports the opposition and is against mr darroux and wants the government to be blamed for every dam thing

      • XYZ
        July 31, 2015

        Singing out loud for your supper papa!

    • concerned
      July 31, 2015

      the Parl rep think that he is the P M

  19. jr
    July 30, 2015

    Hmmm I thought pm said that the government makes best efforts to support village feast and festivals because it contributes to the survival of musicians and the cultural industries . What happened here with our native peoples event?

  20. amindom
    July 30, 2015

    At least there’ll be 2 days. No thanks to the Gov’t. Wicked.

  21. amindom
    July 30, 2015

    This is so upsetting and disturbing.

  22. Football Lover
    July 30, 2015

    is there a contact number to the organizers

    • KALINAGO
      July 30, 2015

      You may contact the office of the Kalinago Chief at 445 7336 or email his office at [email protected]

  23. 007
    July 30, 2015

    It’s a dam shame the government didn’t come on board with you all.but just 7 months ago they were all over you all because they wanted your vote. And you gave it to them. You all should demand the resignation of ur mp.

    • kalinago girl
      July 31, 2015

      or more like we should make a vote of no confidence for our carib chief

  24. Shameless
    July 30, 2015

    “Kalinago Chief, Charles Williams, told Dominica News Online (DNO) that although the private sector had assisted, attempts to get government to come on board to assist did not materialize despite several attempts.”

    Garson I love my Kalinago people dearly and have nothing but respect for them but allu get whatever the government planned before election. Remember Cassius and them was delivering so much building material they had to employ a night crew to help deliver after dark :mrgreen: :mrgreen: . Now they in office on allu back and can no longer hear your screams you all there crying? Shut up and take it like real men. Wipe the larwin from you nose and bow your head. If you move the activity to at least two months before next general election money will not be an issue. They will even give you 30Million dollars if you ask.

    The country niceeeeeeee boy! Cassius getting his salary doh! 8)
    Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • kalinago girl
      July 31, 2015

      what the hell is wrong with u ppl.. how do u expect government to aid when the budget is being debated??? well put ur dam money to good use and help in stead.

      • Bata Kwayib
        July 31, 2015

        The castle bruce community will be hosting their village feast this august 2015 and they will be getting assistance from central government, so your ravings and rantings about budget and budget is just a waste of time. People know the truth. Your chief is more of a representative than your parl rep. And it has been so long that this activity in the Kalinago Territory is being planned, long before budget. There have been several meetings held to plan that event long before budget and something tells me you know that but you still defending. Ask the chief to show you the records of the many meetings that were held to plan that thing and prove to yourself and stop making yourself unwise.

      • REAL!!!!
        August 3, 2015

        Hello ” Karlingo Girl” I hope you learn something from “Bata Kwayib “…….

        Never too late to learn…..I will be looking at your comments in the future concerning this GOVT misuse of its citizens, improvising and not empowering them in order to serve Skerrit’s best interest.

        Ignorants can do this to us so I trust you are now enlighten.

  25. grell
    July 30, 2015

    Election is over,Skerrit spent his millions to make sure he remains the dictaor,Now you all are left to suck salt.LMAO.

  26. truth
    July 30, 2015

    Election has come and gone , skeritt dont need the caribs any more .not until the next general election
    You fool me once, you are a fool ,
    but you fool me twice ,then i am a fool ,muchless for three, and four times ,
    the caribs have shown skeritt that they are fools ,and he is taking advantage of that ,
    Take what you get

    • me
      July 31, 2015

      apparently is not caribs alone that are fools cause if you can count you will know the amount of constituencies in dominica that majority consists of fools maybe including your constituency too.not only caribs that voted for this government so they are NOT the only fools.
      cottage has the minister that is responsible for roads etc and the road leading to cottage is the worst. call them stupid but you people don’t.caribs fence that more low.
      i could point out so many other places where the pal. reps are ministers and do nothing but you don’t go around calling them fools.GET A LIFE!!!!
      charles knows exactly why he’s not getting assistance for his people. he’ll come out and give his version ofcourse and you people who have absolutely no idea of whats going on will be the first to jump in and put your two cents.have a seat people.in fact have several seats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  27. Kalo
    July 30, 2015

    Great move Kalinago people. Let Skerrit and his stooges see that your focus is to become independent people not perpetual dependent beggars as he is parading Dominica around the world. Perfect time for the Kalinago people to prove the love that Labour and Skerrit have for them. When its election time they know how to buy your votes but to empower yourself and preserve your heritage, they kick you in your face.

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