In a community-driven initiative, a dedicated group of citizens has banded together to restore and preserve the historic mural that commemorates the tragic 1674 massacre of the Kalinago people by British troops.
Margaux LaRocque, one of the team members leading the restoration efforts, shared the group’s motivation with Dominica News Online (DNO). She emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the village’s history remains intact and easily accessible to
future generations and visitors to the island.
The town of Massacre derives its name from a somber event in 1674 when the English, in a dark chapter of history, massacred the Kalinago people. This atrocity unfolded in a settlement established by Thomas “Carib” Warner, the son of the English colonizer Sir
Thomas Warner and a Kalinago woman from Dominica. Tragically, Thomas Warner was murdered by his own English half-brother, Phillip Warner, leading to the annihilation of the community he had founded.
In a conversation with DNO, Father Franklin Cuffy, shed light on its origins and its profound significance noting that the mural serves as a testament to the consequences of sibling rivalry as well as a powerful and poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on Dominica’s soil.
He explained that the painting, which has stood as a historical landmark for many decades, was originally commissioned in 1988 by the Parish Priest. According to Father Cuffy, the mural’s creation was initiated by the Redemptorists’ “Social Justice and Peace Program.”
This program was established with the primary purpose of commemorating historical events and their far-reaching implications. The mural, through its evocative and vivid portrayal, vividly captures the events of the 1674 massacre and the enduring impact it had on the Kalinago people and the island of Dominica as a whole.
He is of the view that “Today, with the Kalinago ascending to the presidency 350 years after the 1674 massacre, we are once again witnessing the unpleasant struggle showing its face among the First Natives.”
Mention must also be made of Dr. Alwin Bully who in 1988 recognized that the “Massacre Story” was part of the History of Dominica and needed to be embrace. Earl Etienne, ESQ, was indeed delighted to commit his talents and energies in leaving his legacy behind in the Community he love so much.
May their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace!
Thank you Fr. Cuffy. God bless.
Thank you father Cuffy. Was wondering if everyone had forgotten the input of the beloved Earl “Goulow” Etienne, my friend who was also a Massacre man. May his legacy live on and his precious soul continue to Rest In Eternal Peace With The Ancestors
. We miss you bro 
Margaux you are indeed a very special gem in this land of coal and rocks. I love your energy and your spirit and your sense of nationalism. This is our history. i wish the mural on the Treasury was still there today.
@ If we knew better…
it’s ashame that the mural on the treasury building was painted over, I’m so disappointed.
not only that, the memorial which was erected on the grounds of the Government Headquarters, is just sitting there, missing vital important attention, as to the significance of it being there.
not even a memorial service is held there in honour of the late Phillip Timothy, who was killed by gunfire on the morning of May 29th, 1979.
i WA 9 years old, (now 53) I can see that day of events as clear as day in my memory.
There is a bullet hole to.the right of my adopted mothers bedroom window, overlooking Roseau (in the direction of the government Headquarters.
I heard that stray bullet hit, as I was in the verandah, overlooking the Roseau river and Roseau, with full view of the Ministerial Building from lower Murphys Lane, Goodwill.
Beautiful story! Hats off to all involved. Let this spirit of national pride and civic duty pervade.
Perhaps the Kalinago president might get involved? No, silly me, things like that don’t spin votes.
what votes? we don’t vote for our heads of state in this country, they are elected by pullstring and who knows who.
But you vote to keep a corrupt regime in place and that regime voted for her. I wonder why?
No mention of the artist who painted the original in 1988? the late Mr. Earl Darius Etienne, may his soul continue to rest in peace.
That is great.That is fantastic.Congratulations.Unlike UWP who removed the painting of the killing of Philip Timothy on the treasury wall.Disgraceful scumbags.
If I am not mistaken, it was this government that repainted the treasury building.
And whilst we’re at it, ask them to please restore Phillip Timothy Square (the corner of Bath Road and Hillsborough Street).
Or unlike the DLP that was doing the shooting of the person that was painted on the building? Absolute idiots like you like to conveniently forget. You forget why the people were rioting in those times? Because the DLP was trying to sell the country. There all you strong. But we have not forgotten. you forget who was at the helm of the riots and protest, your great Charles Angelo Savarin. But many of us have not forgotten. you can conveniently rewrite history in your head but facts are facts you simple idiot
I remember all too well, I have knowledge of everything, it’s as clear as day in mind, and the events leading up to the climax.
you’d be surprised as to what I know.
it’s amazing how one of them was.oir head of state for 2 consecutive terms.
Belle ti beff!