During my short visit to Dominica last month I made a brief stop in Castle Bruce, an agricultural village on the east coast to visit relatives. As I drove slowly through the center of the village in Jalousie, I could barely control the jeep on a bumpy and medieval like unpaved road. I asked myself is anybody representing this place or is it forgotten and a lost cause? I was determined to contact Parliamentary Representative Mr. Johnson Drigo before I left to ask him why is this main road in such deplorable condition. I quickly remembered that my well placed Castle Bruce sources told me in back in March that Drigo will be dropped from the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) ticket for the next elections. And so having any dialogue with him would be pointless.
I can remember the very first time I visited the village where my dad was born and raised when I was a kid in the late 60s. It was a rainy day and the red clay dirt stuck to my black ‘toeless’ shoes as my elderly grandparents struggled down a hillside not too far from their small wooden house in Jalousie to greet me. My dad (their son) had left the village in the early 50’s for greener pastures in Guadeloupe where he met my mom, a teenager from the La Plaine Valley who was working and living with her older brother in Petit Bourg. They briefly returned home where my sister and I were born before migrating to London.
According to historian Dr. Honychurch, the village got its name from Captain James Bruce of the Royal Engineers in the 1760s when the British took over the island. Captain Bruce surveyed and selected one of the flattest and widest valleys on the island that opens up into a sheltered bay for his plantation. He named his new plantation after himself and prefaced his house with the word ‘Castle’ to make it sound more grand. He purchased hundreds of slaves to work on his plantation and at various times scores escaped into the surrounding hills to join the Maroons (‘Negre Marron’). Castle Bruce was the scene of the capture of the free mulatto revolutionary Jean Louis Polininare in 1791, the leader of a major revolt on the island that year. In 1860 a police station was built near the old Castle.
In 1950 The Commonwealth Development Corporation (C.D.C) bought the old estate. The British government set up the C.D.C in 1948 with the aim to develop self-sustaining agriculture, industry and trade in the British empire, especially in poor rural areas in Africa and the Caribbean. The C.D.C employed almost everyone in Castle Bruce and the surrounding hamlets in banana and coconut production. In an article entitled , ‘ Radical Politics in Dominica 1970-1980′, Attorney and author Mr. Gabriel Christian outlines the demise of the C.D.C and the change in the land holding patterns on the estate.
In 1972, the workers at C.D.C revolted (known as the Castle Bruce Affair) under the leadership of Cornell University educated agronomist and a former Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Atherton (Athie) Martin. Upon his return to Dominica, Athie was made an estate manager at C.D.C. He later disagreed with what he considered to be a draconian managerial directive to fire 53 workers for financial reasons. This action would further impoverish the village which depended on the estate for income. Athie deeply resented the exploitation of village peasant laborers on the C.D.C estate and thought they should run it in their interest on a collective basis.
- On November 3, 1973, a contingent of Castle Bruce farmers under the leadership of Martin attempted an entry into the National Day parade at the Botanical Gardens. Forewarned, the police swooped down on the farmers seizing their red and black banners. However, the pressure tactics worked and the farmers’ voices were heard. In time, the estate was purchased and turned into cooperatively farmed property. The Caste Bruce Farmers Cooperatives (1972-1978) had a significant influence on the direction of rural development processes in the Caribbean in the 70s. Given today’s dire economic situation in rural Dominica, that model should be revisited. Athie would move on to organize the farmers in Castle Bruce (and nationwide) into a formidable political force. Therefore one could surmised that the UWP was conceived in Castle Bruce.
While the economics of the village has not risen, the recent politics of Castle Bruce can be best described as a mixed bag of surprises. In the 1995 general elections, Banana farmer Mr. Rome Bannis of the UWP defeated his two opponents who hold doctorate degrees. In the 1980s the then Parliamentary Representative, the late Eden Durant, crossed over from the opposition Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). In 2000 United Workers Party (UWP) Parliamentary Representative, Ms. Lorraine Bannis who replaced her uncle Rome, defected from the UWP and the joined PM Rosie Douglas’ DLP government.
I have always studied the socio-economic dynamics, politics, history and migratory patterns of Castle Bruce villagers first to the UK and then to the USVI and North America. In addition, most of the political candidates during the last five elections have been closely related cousins. The question today remains, can the UWP opposition recapture this rural agricultural constituency at the next elections? Those topics will sure dominate the Bannis/John-Finn/Drigo family reunion next year in Nashville, Tennessee.
…..and during your brief visit Dr. Jno.finn did you visit your sister? Did you leave with the mind set of making a contribution to the so call village you coin yours? What pisses me off with you all so call educated American citizens, you guys have no interest in this country, much less for my beautiful Castle Bruce.
Why don’t you sponsor a child by giving a scholarship?
Instead of beating your finger to a keyboard with your negative comments.
Election coming you start to campaign well early.
No need to get personal……unless of course, you are his sister.
“I quickly remembered that my well placed Castle Bruce sources told me in back in March that Drigo will be dropped from the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) ticket for the next elections. And so having any dialogue with him would be pointless.” Really Mr Finn? Beff you and your sources like? All you had to do was try and talk to the parl rep to see whats going on but no you wanted it to be known that sources informed you that he will be dropped from the DLP..Is your article really about whats going on In Castle Bruce or you just looking for an Audience to preach political nonsence too?
Dr. Finn…many thanks for your observations and salient points to their on going saga of lack of development and leadership in Castle Bruce.
Castle Bruce is dead, real dead, dead. Dead….The current leadership of Sherrit hand picks people to run who themselves show allegiances to him and without the Castle Bruce interests at heart…it is sad state of affairs.
Skerits blind loyalists’, we know them , we see them all of the time, come into the village promote skerro our beloved leader and the village is in a state of poverty, Castle is Dead and I feel for Drigo..poor fella….he has been abandoned by castle Bruce Skerro friends, so called loyalists to Skerro ONLY..Ce Lavie
While I undesrtand where you are coming from I think it’s unfair to totally blame the government for the place being dead. I happen to know that when certain plans are put in place by certain people to help the community, you have people pulling themselves here and there saying if this person is in charge I dont want to be in it or why is this per doing this etc. I think it is a total lack of togetherness and small mindedness of certain people. I think if the mentally of people change then the community will get better. but as long as all people want to do is stay on facebook and throw words for each other then yes the community will remain dead as it is.
During my short visit to Dominica ….. I made a brief stop in Castle Bruce.
From the words “short” and “brief” one can only conclude that this guy is not genuinely concerned about DA. It looks like a handful of them in the DC/Maryland area have an agenda. We haven’t been hearing from the others lately; now, this one has stepped forward. The people of DA have common sense. With all of your education, they can see right through you! Don’t under estimate the people of this lovely rugged little island. We are proud of what we have.
That is Dominicans for you they cannot accept constructive criticism.
“A brief stop” lol lol lol lol, i wonder what we would get out of him if he spent an actual day there. It never ceases to amaze me how these people who don’t live on this island, come for “brief visits” and always transform into expert opinions on what is best for Dominica..sigh…
Well Well Mr emmanuel, you should be ashamed of yourself. I hate when dominicans abroad comes back to visit they always criticize.You talked about the conditions of the roads in Castle Bruce, why did”nt you contribute something to the community instead of talking a whole bunch of nonsense they always say “Education is not common sense” OH BY THE WAY FOR YOUR INFORMATION ITS A FAMILY REUNION NOT A POLITICAL MEETING.There is always one to spoil the show.
Hear who is TALKING ;Big joker and impressionist.Noticing you want!When last you visited La Plaine or even sent a little contribution for those you left behind?
Dr Finn ,enough of the politics.You are a well accomplished dentist and employed by the United States government.You are at the highest level in Washington D.C it`s time you use that connection to better your home country Dominica.
When was the last time you conducted free clinics in Castle Bruce or La plaine or in Dominica period?Come on man enough of the cheap talk show some action.
Allu too like freeness.
There is no doubt, to my mind, that if Dominicans’ economic fortunes is to improve, a complete resuscitation of rural life is the key. We were hoping that is the argument the doc would be making in the piece. Disappointingly, he simply retells the historical founding of his beloved village, as opposed to drawing parallels between an economically vibrant Castle Bruce of days gone by, and the wounded Castle Bruce of today; and the doc should offer real suggestions on how to best move his native village from the present malaise gripping the country.
Thanks, nevertheless, for reminding us of how Castle Bruce came to be.
would you have listened to his suggestions.
We are too narrow minded. We need to allow others to share their opinion. Let us learn to listen to what others have to say.T HERE IS A LACK OF RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER WHICH IS CRIPPLING THE COUNTRY.Let us learn to think critically and evaluate .
there is no opinion here….its all historical facts with a hint of criticism…i was lookin forward to something more sustainable from this article #disappointed
The man didnt even walk with a Brush Cutter for the Village council!! Come on man. You guys live in the Land of opportunity and sent nothing back home for even your own family. Give me a break man! Let those who work hard and face the grinds give the parl rep a hard time
I totally agree with you. These people run away from the country they call poor and become according to them rich on the other side of the world. The pay all their taxes where they are along with millions of other people and expect sixty thousand people to pay enough taxes to make things nice for when they return to visit. Some of them send a little pittance for their aging parents and family members once in a while. They do hardly anything to help their country and visit for a few days and criticize, criticize, criticize. Action speaks better than words. Stop talking and ACT.
Did you give him money to buy a brush cutter? are you telling me the Parl. Rep cant find a Brush Cutter for the Council?
Where are we heading to?
u cant depend on the Parl.Rep to do everything fo the community….instead of lambasing the Parl Rep and the Govt..wat are we doing to improve our CB?????? Back in the days this article speaks about there was more togetherness among the people…but wen we all looking for our own selves,where the community going????? if all we do is migrate for our betterment and then come back for a ‘short visit’ and criticize everything and everyone what makes us any better?
Mr. Finn should have visited the primary or secondary school and make some presentation to the needy students, commit himself to a scholarship like many of the folks in the Diaspora who will be giving 6 scholarships to needy students in the area. Sponsor the basketball, cricket or netball team. The list goes on…….. Then you can be critical and we will be willing to listen. Too many of you guys want to come back home and criticize the efforts of those who decided to stay home and build community.
There you go Dr. Finn an easy way to assist your community. Great idea!!!!!!!!
Those that stayed are not building anything. They are just waiting to leave too.
It is only on and around Election Politicians do anything for villages… especially the Pal rep of these villages, so It is not a surprise at all when I read your piece..good luck in making them(politicians) do anything for Castle Bruce, or any village for that matter, it is NOT Election time…also the people itself needs to GET INVOLVED…too much talk and not enough Action..
For the amount of work that have been going on in the Castle Bruce constituency in this challenging times, we are satisfied. Everything cannot be done all at once. Most of what is happening now are things that we neglected by past administrations. There are quite a bit that we still need done but in time they will be done.
Are you serious?
Why didnt this so called Dr Finn go to the health center to give some free dental service to the community instead he is just there tallking politics in a family reunion. We do not want him in Nashivile for that occasion. So please please, keep out.THIS IS A FAMILY TOGETHERNESS . NOT POLITICAL.
The writer’s opinion should be respected. We do not necessarily share the same opinion, Having said that I do not quite understand that whether is Doinicans who live overseas or children of Dominican parentage when they come to Dominica some are so critical of the country If u ask them how much they contribute towards the country
by simply adopting a school etc.They compare Dominica to the country where they reside and that is not fair. Yes we do have problems but it is not unique to Dominica
some of you all think Dominica will be like the UK/USA but it wont. we live on a tropical island, and not in a concrete jungle. By now you should have that sorted.
How can Mr.Drigo do anything when every twist and turn he makes is flooded with negativity?
stop this foolishness and offer a helping hand, play a part in the development of the community/country you so love.
UTTER RUBBISH!!!!!
Boy it seems like that state house money long papa it could build airport,hospital,cbruce rd,ct scan,and many more i wonder what rd Finn took to get to cbruce some people could only talk about the bad and not the good.The main highway in ny the cross bronx is so bumpy i wonder what u would say if u had to drive on that.
To an extent I have to concur with Dr. Jon Finn. Castle Bruce is truly in a deplorable state, I’ve been out of this community for years and when I returned I see very little evidence of progress. Castle Bruce is stuck in the 80s with no haste to move forward. We need better representation- more education and proactive persons to drive this community forward but then again they have a “crabs in a barrel’ mentality, hence the community suffers. So u guys can insult the writer of this article all u like but the truth remains- Castle Bruce needs help, open-minded people, community-spirited individuals and progress driven ppl.
Sorry, it is not stuck in the 80″s. It looks more like the 50’s
As Mr. Finn can see, the roads in Dominica are being paved, it is quite different here on our island that the correct measures must be put in place to construct roads on Dominica, Castle Bruce will get her paved roads and remember that Rome wasnt built in a day. Dominica is a very large, rugged island compared to the rest we are developing slowly but surely.
Great piec Dr. Finn. Before I can give a complete comment of the entire piece, it was interesting to note that you referred to Eden Durand’s move as a “cross over” and to Lorraine Bannis’s move as a defection. I can well remember both and to me the were like six and half -a-dozen.
Your piece, to me, up to that point, made for great historical information, constructed to keep the reader entertained until your choice of the words “cross over ” and “defected” exposed your bias.
Who is this person? Why it is that many of these so called concern citizens abroad do not research before they speak? They refuse to live a week of their lives in the so called country/community that they love so much. Im sure this Jno Finn guy didnt spend a black penny in Castle Bruce. Due to his own biasness maybe didnt not contact the parl rep. Why would you even conclude that reunion in the USA would be a political one? Dont you think that if this was the case it would have been planned for Castle Bruce – Dominica?
Typical Labor supporters, they love to attack the messanger and leave the flipping message alone.
Not a dime he spent in the community, has contributed nothing towards the advancement of Castle Bruce. Just passed through on his political mission and now trying to sow seeds if discord. Why didn’t he pay a visit to the Primary School and offer a scholarship to a student or make a presentation to the village council? Guess Laplaine would be his first choice. That is if he went to Charlotte Ville in Jalousie to see his family there. Your tactic to divide and conquer will not work. My wish is that you stay in Maryland and NOT show up in Nashville during the last week of July 2014.
Is there anything in Castle Bruce he really needed to spend a penny on?
Is there a craft shop? Was there a boat by the bay with some fish? was there someone selling some fruits and vegetables?Could he have sat in the Parl Reps shop and have a descent drink and conversation?
not maybe. he did not contact the parl rep:”I quickly remembered that my well placed Castle Bruce sources told me in back in March that Drigo will be dropped from the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) ticket for the next elections. And so having any dialogue with him would be pointless.”
Dr. Finn are you out of your mind? You sure need to visit a psychiatrist. What has been your contribution to Castle Bruce? Please, please, please do Not bring your politics to the Jno.Finn/Drigo reunionhat is being planned next year . (In your desperation I see you have added Bannis). As a matter of fact you are not even part of the organizing team. Why are you doing this? Why are you up to such mischief? Why are you bringing politics to this family affair? Such a great initiative to get these families to get to know the generations and by the stroke of your pen you are trying to destroy this reunion? Education is really not common sense. I rebuke you and your plans in the name of Jesus. This weapon that you are trying to use against us SHALL be destroyed. Jno.Finns and Drigos do not let this man suceed in his attempt to cripple our reunion. Our Reunion is a family affair as we all know and it has absolutely nothing to do with Politics. Get lost Emmanuel.
Fair Play Good Day,
You sounded bit angry and upset. I am not sure why. I suppose your definition of politics and mine are very different. I do not define politics in the narrow myopic Dominican context. It seems to me that you do. As a matter of fact, I am very proud of my folks who have ventured into public service and this is something we should applaud and celebrate. Let me also assure you that the article is about Castle Bruce and non-other.
Sadly that is where we are today in Dominica. Villages, hamlets, towns and families are being divided by today’s brand of petty and corrosive politics. Societies and peoples who cannot debate, discuss and disagree respectfully are a people who are in trouble. I think we are in Dominica.
My understanding from the chief organizer of the reunion is that is a get together of the three families that are mentioned in the article. Your barrage of insults and diatribe are unfortunate but I am not mad with you.
Fair Play besides your anger is there anything form the article which you can comment on? What about the road in Jalousie? By any standard it is real bad. How can the economic situation in Castle Bruce increase? What short and long term policies (not politicians or political parties) should be in place to ensure that?
Hope to see you in Nashville.
Emanuel
Why don’t you spell out what you and other people from Castle Bruce you know in the USA can do to assist your community? If you know what should be done say what should be done and start the ball rolling. You have been talking long enough. Intelligent people do intelligent things. They do not wait for others to do it for them especially when they are directly affected.
Finn.
Be a part of the solution not part of the problem. If you had contacted the Parliamentary Representative or simply visit the Castle Bruce Village Council some of your concerns would have been addressed. Maybe you should come up with the brilliant ideas that can be implemented in the short term to assist(and the funds to get the job done too). By the way since you have singlehandedly shifted the focus of the Jno.Finn/Drigo Reunion from a family gathering to a “POLITICAl” gathering, then those of us who wanted a family gathering won’t be attending. Enjoy your stay in Nashville and good luck with your political mission.
Finn
The event is a Jno.Finn and Drigo Family Reunion. You have now changed the focus from a family gathering to a political one.
There are absolutely no plans to discuss whether the UWP opposition can recapture this rural agricultural constituency at the next elections at this reunion.
This is a family affair.
Where are you going with this? If this becomes political then most of us won’t be there.
Good luck on your political mission.
It would also appear that you hold the answers to the questions posed since you did not contact the Village Council or the Parliamentary Representative for answers. While you are in Nashville some of us will be in Jalousie driving on our newly rehabilitated road. Enjoy Nashville.
After some research we see that this man is a tory member of the opposing political party, the UWP. It is also apparent that he LOVES to hear himself talk, that he loves being on the soap box.
He is the person who needs to feel important, who has illusions of grandeur.Did we really need to know history of CDC? Just get to the point and don’t mask it.
In the USA you are just a small fish in a big pond where you have not attained , what you think is your true calling. This is evident by you vasillating between the pulpit and the dental chair.
The last time you visited the village was in the 60s with your dad as you said. It is rather interesting and hypcritical to use Castle Bruce and its people as your platform. There is a man desperate to hear himself speak and will steal any opportunity, even to go as far as use a family reunion to espouse his divisive views.
This family reunion is not the place for this kind of talk. This is not a political gathering and anyone who thinks , this is the place for any kind of political discourse is gravely mistaken.
The sheer unmitigating gall of this man, to come to Da for one week, visit a village where no one even knows him, where he has not set foot for umteenth years, and drive through the village with his nose curled up , sowing seeds of doubt and disrespecting its people and our parliamentary representative is reprehesible.
I ask you , what was your purpose for coming to Da? were you really on a vacation or did you make this trip specifically to rip into our people? Why visit a place where no one knows you and be so condescending? That sir is someone with no manners at all.
Boss man, You should have gone ahead and meet with the parl rep or the council chairman and find out the position on the Jalousie road. In stead you assumed it would have been a futile effort. Either of them with this authority would have told you that the contractor has been selected through a biding process, contract signed and work will commence soon on this road spanning from Wakama all the way down to the bridge before heading in to Glu Glu. A million plus project.
It is incomprehensible that Dominicans continue to drive on those deplorable roads without voicing some kind of opposition to those conditions. Yes, I live in North America, not all the roads are in the best of condition, but to drive for hours shifting from one pothole to another is totally unacceptable. The empty promises of the government does nothing to solve the problem. The people need to force the government hands, stop paying taxes, do something. Capital for infrastructure should be given the highest
Capital for infrastructure should be given the highest priority because of the return on those investments in agricultural and tourism sector. Improved road conditions should take precedent over a new state house should any day of the week.
It is quite obvious the some people choose to ignore some of the positive news out of Dominica. The rehabilitation of the entire East Coast roads will soon begin. So just as the West Coast Road is now a great drive, so too will be the East Coast Roads. From Delices all the way to Pagua. We know it is going to be done soon. So for the time, when you all come for one week, go get a sea bath. When the roads are fully rehabilitated, hope you will visit for two weeks.
Are u saying that we Dominicans should stop paying taxes? If one does not pay taxes how can the civil servant get paid. How can we continue to provide free medical care.I am just saying.
At the same time folks are hitting the govt for spending funds on road works. How do we please our people? Road do get damaged because of the heavy rainfall, and lack of drainage – overall road engineering. These one lane community secondary roads are even worst. This is a situation that we are currently working on in the Castle Bruce area and Im pretty sure throughout the rest of the Island. Many of these secondary road are not being concreted – a more lasting surface.
“I made a brief stop in the village of Castle Bruce;”Who is I?
Admin: Check the byline beneath the headline. You will see that the writer is Dr. Emanuel Finn, a Dominican who lives in the United States.