A leading trade unionist in Dominica is supporting calls for the implementation of a national holiday to recognize the country’s indigenous people.
During the observation of Kalinago Week this month, Chief Garnet Joseph called on the authorities to consider setting a day aside to recognize the first inhabitants of Dominica.
General Secretary of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union Kertise Augustus said the call is timely.
“We have no difficulty setting aside a day to recognize that fact that the first inhabitants of the country should have a day to recognize them. They have made and will continue to make their contribution to the development of Dominica,” he reasoned.
He said several other less significant occasions are being recognized as national holidays and it would be fitting to use one of these days to recognize the Kalinagos.
“There may be the possibility that one of the holidays that we enjoy may be renamed the Kalinago holiday. This is something that needs further discussion and if the administration is willing to consider that, it would be a step in the right direction. We need to recognize our people. We need to recognize that they were the fist people in Dominica and setting aside a day to remember that, lest we forget,” he added.
Augustus said his only concern is the impact such a holiday could have on the productive sector of Dominica.
Executive Director of the Dominica Employers Federation (DEF), Achille Joseph, has opposed adding another day to the current schedule of 64 public days observed in Dominica. Joseph, like Augustus, has recommended that if the Kalinago’s request finds favour with Government, consideration should be given to amending the title of one of the current public holidays to “Kalinago Day or other suitable title.”
Seconded. Respect the Kalinagos and their historical contribution to this land.
What’s in another day? That’s not going to change anything. Titiwi and Goats have a day, why not the Caribs (Kalanigos)?
I see No reason why such request should be turned down. If there is one thing the Government of this Country can do show some RESPECT and Recognition to the first inhabitants of this land then they should acknowledge the great honor of doing so…..
I support a Kalinago Day holiday. Get rid of one of the holidays that does not hold any significance for Dominica and have a Kalinago holiday. The Kalinagos did a lot for Dominica, that’s why we are here today.
i support the national holiday for them
FYI. There are no original indigineous peaple in DA. I agree with some other postings. It is ok to combine it with another holiday. What about all the other races that are as much a part of the population ? Enough holidays already !
What about a holiday for blacks, Chinese, lebanonese or Indians? While you at how about taking a holiday from government since your only objective seem to be division in this country. It have enough holidays for all Dominicans in Dominica.
I support the motion!! In recognition and honor of my people and the contributions they have made to our lovely Dominica.
God Bless Dominica!!
Picodeau? Isn’t that where the road runs out…?
No wonder!
I second the motion. However, I would suggest November 1st, or that we just change one of those “religious holidays” to Kalinago Day since that would not add another wasted day to our already overburdened holidays calendar.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
it should be a holiday,we do not know what we have in dominica,read your history my people.
Of course he would, another day of no labour but with retentention of pay!No wonder we are so poor. Poor minds breed poor ideas.
Union loves Holidays
Not just UNIONS you need to say that the General Secretary of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union Kertise Augustus needs another holiday he is useing the office of the uUNION to do his durty work. The same Union have so much thing that it cannot get in place for there members like working conditions on the Dominica port courts matters to name a few and it that he want to support TELL KERTISE AUGUSTUS TO DO THE UNION WORK AND STAY OUT OF THAT.
What is wrong with u ppl. A national holiday for kalinagos? Wow .land of siwo and more siwo. Cannot belive we r calling for that.then we are crying things hard in da.why shot down the country for that.if the ppl in the reserve wants there holiday give it to them but not national.
So wait a minute…..your concept of a holiday is ‘sewo?’ Some of all you people really simple minded papa.
Outsiders reading these comments must be laughing. SMH
what is mister a trade unionist or a politician or a kalinago…
open your mouth and cry foul on the system that crippling us now
When you have such holidays they must be subsidized by an alternative source of income for the island and the Kalingo people. Events and tourist atractions etc.
What took so long? History will not treat us well. I second the motion.
why is this you are only support the cry of the suffering Dominicans including the kalinago . Stand up for what the people are suffering and believing in.