Behind a facade of pluralism, democracy in Dominica has always been confined to those who have political power. Others who have benefited from the power systems and have referred or proximal power belong to the higher socio-economic and business classes who enter convenient and self serving relationships with the governments of the day.
Invariably, it can be argued that the Caribs have been left out of true representation at the highest levels. The people of the eight (8) hamlets in the north east totaling an area of land mass about 3,700 acres are now beginning to rewrite their history, advocate, articulate and document their stories of struggles and progress in authentic ways with dignity and authority.
In the process, the antiquated façade of petty bourgeois and unprogressive partisan politics as we know it in Dominica is beginning to crack and a new kind of democratic politics is dawning. Giving the Caribs their own ministry is one of the last frontiers of defeating the antiquated and ineffective colonial hierarchical style system as it relates to our first nation people. But how much autonomy and independence does that office hold?
In spite of the fact that petty partisan politics will continue to be well and alive in Dominica and in the near future, it must be demoted in its current destructive forms and styles. Political change, thinking and reform in Dominica today must carve out more space for innovativeness and progressive trends in every aspect of society regarding civic (not political) and civil debate and discourse. This development must continue if we are to be respected in the League of Nations in the modern era.
During the Dominica Freedom Party administration, the Caribs articulated the conceptual and organizational key to real democracy quite clearly: Autonomy and full recognition. While the vague concept of an autonomous Carib nation alarmed the government with thoughts of an independent community within the country, this writer thought otherwise.
The way to organize autonomy can vary widely without causing any alarm, apprehension or division within our country. Carib autonomy is not just a political issue, but also a legal one as well. The autonomy of special communities of ethnic groups of special regions is the only possible basis for true pluralism that is truly democratic.
Autonomy for the Kalinago people and territory does not necessary mean the fragmentation of our country. The politics of autonomy simply redefines the structuring of old persuasive, accepted and accustomed (old-fashion) dynamics and rules of value, habit and behavior.
Autonomy celebrates a vision of continuous dialogue and interaction within an ever-changing community of communities. Today Carib political leadership (of all stripes and colours) has placed community autonomy high on its agenda. This new paradigm is also at the center of the development and a renaissance and renewal of Carib community consciousness and identity. Indigenous autonomy means economic self–determination, social, legal and political autonomy.
This notion of autonomy recognizes local and ethnic differences and is not based on a notion of rights, partition of country, needs, culture and desires. Instead, it is based on a plurality of political, economic and cultural systems. The conception of autonomy and full recognition, respect and dignity for the Carib people show that we allow and care for truly democratic practices in Dominica that accept and foster differences, dialogue and harmony amongst our people.
At La Plaine School I remembered the joy I experienced every morning looking at a giant picture of Queen Elizabeth which hung on the wall as we joyfully sang, ‘God save our gracious Queen; there will always be England and long live Britannia’. Today our students ought to enjoy singing, ‘God save the pure Carib Indians and Kalinago Territory our first people and nation’. My dad who grew up on the edge of the territory in Jalousie, Castle Bruce, told me about the disrespect , harassment and ridicule that the Carib people faced by the police, courts, government and people in the 30s, 40, 50s and 60s. Today the Kalinago nation, people, lands and votes can no longer be taken for granted.
That’s one reason why the 2012 carnival queen victory of the 19 year old Kalinago beauty that has aspirations of becoming a lawyer was very fitting and timely. The queen spoke about the painful history of her people. She said during the competition, ‘They have been taken advantage of and have over the years been fooled, disrespected, used and abused by people. But today Caribs will no longer (‘No Mas’) be fooled. Caribs are now (VIP)-Very Important People and gone to the next level. They are teachers, doctors and more”.
Congratulations Queen Lando on your brilliant performance and achievement and on a fine job of representing the Kalinago Nation very well. Your are indeed an eloquent and articulate spokesperson for your people. Always keep in mind that that you are carrying the full weight of your people, history and future with that crown.
There should be no division, we are all Dominicans, all tied to Dominica because of our struggles. We should be looking at way, collectively, to make our beautiful country more attractive.
When this debate/argument/discussion stops will be then go on to comparing villages?
I have been following carnival and the crowning of all the ‘queens’ online and could not be prouder that I am Dominican, and looking forward to returning in July.
We should all the proud of the Kalinagos, because it would be hard push to find one family in Dominica who does not have Kalinago blood running through their viens, regardless of how they look. My Grandmother passed this bloodline on to us and we are proud of all our heritage.
On a different note, is it possible to let me know the name/address/email address of the new school built in the Kalinigo territory? I have a volume of books I would like to donate to them.
Thank you
I am proud to join in congratulating Ms. Adicia Burton and Ms. Nadira Lando for their recent success in the respective competitions.
As a people this holds significant value and meaning for us and demonstrates to our community that we have and can accomplish much.
The indigenous community in Dominica have made substantial progress over the years and indeed we have come a long way. I have been fortunate to witness some of these positive developments in my lifetime and it gives me hope when I contemplate the future of the next generation.
Notwithstanding our accomplishments to date, the fact remains that there is still much to be done. We are inhibited by a number of factors and our challenges are peculiar to us as indigenous persons and that’s why the success of our children holds so much import.
I therefore encourage our young people to work hard and to aspire to be the best they can be so that they can contribute towards our continued development.
Dr Finn (wasnt he Dr John finn?) thats a whole lot of crap, full of loaded words, meaning nothing aimed at division. While some of what you say is true, that happened a long time ago, when we were mor ignorant and the kalinagos had to bear part of the blame too. They would stone us when we visit their villages etc. Things have been different for a long time now and we all are responsible for our life an actions. We applaud the kalinagos for stepping up and we wish them well. now let us all try to be Domincans instead of Kalinagos vs Dominicans. On ash wednesday its not time for division but for unity.
Peeping, I don’t think the writer is trying to divide Dominica. Contrary to your position, it seems that the writer introduced a very important issue that has never been debated and discussed sufficiently in Dominica on a professional level. What Ms. Lando said about her people is it true and if so, was she trying to divide Dominica?
‘The queen spoke about the painful history of her people. She said during the competition, ‘They have been taken advantage of and have over the years been fooled, disrespected, used and abused by people. But today Caribs will no longer (‘No Mas’) be fooled. Caribs are now (VIP)-Very Important People and gone to the next level. They are teachers, doctors and more”.
i wonder who feel sorry for the Arawaks
I would like to applaud the writer, Dr. Finn for initiating this dialogue about the Kalinogo Indians in light of the crowning of the 2012 carnival queen, Ms. Lando. I will respond in greater detail in a article to the editor of another website.
Dr. Finn makes several points which I will support and in most cases elaborate on; treatment of the indigenous people, sovereign issues, and advancements. But I would like to inform readers that there have been several people of Kalinago descent who have worn the title now held by Ms. Lando. Anthea Burton and Kathy Burton who were born and raised on the reservation also carried the crown in the late 70’s and 80’s.
Notwithstanding, Ms. Lando is deserving of the spot light and I would like to extend my congratulations on a job well done. Native groups around the world would be happy to lend their to support Ms. Lando and the Kalinago community in the form of sponsorship in their endeavors. It is a win for Dominica and the indigenous people around the globe.
See the support received by the indigenous politicians in Bolivia from the indigenous family around the globe.
ADMIN: Why don’t you send your response to the editor or Dominica News Online since the discussion was initiated here. The address is [email protected]
so petty
if the kalinago race want to remain fruitfull then they must follow their laws of nature and mate with only carib men and women…. if a woman has a child with another race… then her full rights to the carib region has to be withheld only leaving ‘some’… she should not be able to own land in the reserve among other cherished privileges they have… if a carib man has a child with another race then he should be banned from the reserve all together… we may not like what the chiefs has put forward in the past but is true… and if we love our kalinago brother and sisters then we should tell them the best to keep their history and race thriving…
really so you figure a person should only fall in love with people of his or her race if not then they should be punished. you sound like a racist to me remember it goes both ways
Are you serious! It is too late for this bias form of discrimination as there are very few ‘pure’ kalinagos. The way to keep all history/culture pure is through education.
A comment like yours is not only uncalled for but selfish. Are you suggesting that Ms Lando, who does not reside in the territory, should not have taken part in the competition?
with all due respect Dr. Finn, i am 33 years old and i still cannot understand why the caribs/kalinagos/Amerindians are always singled out.
i am from roseau, went to the roseau girls primary school, and sat on the same bench with many caribs/kalinagos/amerindians . never once, i heard any student disrespect them or belittled them because of where they came from.
and if you had the opportunity to walk through roseau recently, you will see there are caribs/kalinagos/amerindians in positions which they have been made to believe they will never hold.
as far as i can see, we are all dominicans, however the caribs/kalinagos/amerindians are given more privileges under our constitution.
as a black dcan i can talk about struggles i went through growing up and struggles that black children of today are still going through in 2012.
the difference is, in this very same dominica, what do you hear? the caribs/kalinagos/amerindians complain about having their own bank, their own hospital, etc…are these really necessary? have any caribs/kalinagos/amerindians even been turned away from a bank? or the PMH or school or interview? dont they have equal and sometimes more access to oportunities then the black dominicans?
before you try and get ppl to feel sorry for the caribs/kalinagos/amerindians , i think you need to be fair and non biased.
the caribs/kalinagos/amerindians what ever you choose to call them, are not maligned as you are trying to get persons to believe.
if you choose to advocate for ethnic groups in DCA, please remember the majority (blacks) who are not protected by any special act or clause under the constitution of Dominica.
I totally agree with this. It seems to me that this Dr Finn is trying to cause division on the Island of Dominica. What a shame. Dominica surely does NOT need a situation like the USA.
ummm…. my point isn’t to be disrespectful so I hope it’s read in its entirety and understood clearly….
I’m not certain who’s preventing the kalinago/carib people from becoming successful. Dominica has just a few ethnic groups each facing their own challenges and discrimnatory practises by another group. Nothing comes free in this world and given the times I believe that each group should be moving forward. No roads block the kainago people from moving through the island, they have all the opportunities to go to any school they want. With some serious work and determination like with any other ethnic group they can succeed. I guess we’re inferring that black children in Dominica or people of african descent here in Dominica don’t face any ridicule, discriminatory practises or maybe we’re to think they aren’t taken advantage off? MMMM…… I beg to differ. The kalinago are constantly looked as more beautiful than the blacks here. Dominican population has a colour issue and when it comes down to that the kalinago people are always thought as more beautiful looking. Should the black population want special practises because of this? There are many children (black) growing up in the middle of Roseau and all over dominica hungry, no proper sanitation, can’t get into a particular school because their mother black poor malayway, they don’t have healthcare etc etc etc. Their stories are similar to that of the Kalinago people. We’re all DOminicans facing our own unique challenges daily. So yes the Kalinago people were here before Africans or syrians or now Chinese but do they deserve extra consideration when many of the population of DOminica just as brokes and facing hard times? I guess my point is that we’re all victims of whatever past history Dominica has faced with colonists. I listened to the speech by the new queen and I believe she deserved her crown but in some way I felt a little taken back by the maypwe. It seems the same thing you guys are trying to overcome as kalinago people is the same thing you all dish out. Its a back and forth thing. I look at the american indian population who stilll live on reservation lands they were forced on by the colonists and I’m like why don’t they move and “co-habitate” with the other population? Then I look at Dominica and many of the kalinago people still live in the reserve. I just believe this is actually preventing the progress of your people. Many ethnicities have branched out and are still able to keep their identities even with mingling with others. The opportunities I believe are the same for Caribs and other Dominicans. Kalinago aren’t more important than other groups here and other groups aren’t more important than the kalinago. Nobody gives you anything and nor should they. Everybody have to work for what they want. Black people in Dominica was and most likely still just as oppressed as the kalinago people. I grew up in Dominica and witness people from kalinago laughing and being quite insulting to those of african descent. You guys have your own name that you use to describe blacks. I’m just saying why can’t we all just get along, create our own paths. Nothing prevented Nadira from being queen. She came out and knew her stuff and she won. There were a few other Kalinago queens and nothing stop them from winning. If you’re prepared to do better then you will overcome whatever obstacles are in front of you. Handouts and preferential treatment only reduces the value of your people. You guys are worth more than that! Fight for education for your children. Improvement of schools at all levels in the carib territory is essential for the kalinago to progess. If a special ministry needs to be setup for that purpose then say that. But as a people I don’t believe its fair to require certain things just because you were on the island first. Africans came here unwillingly in shackles and chains should their descendents require the government to give them money for their oppression? I believe Kalinagos aren’t getting good treatment from government because like the african, syrian, indian population in Dominica you guys keep getting bad governance. Politicians who keep lying and getting rich of poor people. The government in Dominica in recent times has been very pathetic. They squander money left to right. But hey you guys still going to do like the mass population of poor people in Dominica and vote for them one more time. I know educated kalinagos and I don’t see them trying to come back to Dominica and give back. They all have the opportunity to lead but don’t come back.
JUST TOO MUCH WRITING.BY THE TIME I GET TO MIDDLE, I LOST THE POINT YOUR TRYING TO MAKE.TRY TO GET TO THE POINT ASAP OR YOU WILL LOSE THE READER.OMG
Apparently 13 people weren’t lost so maybe you might want to try hooked on phonics….. ya think?
Who ever wrote this article is trying to divide our wonderfull country, all this nonsense need to stop, pretty soon it will us against them, i dont want this to happend, remember the Arawaks.
Ok but we dont need to break up the country, a lot of us have a little Kalinao in us, so we should talk bout unity not dividing ourself from one another. Finn you are an opportunistic divider. You are not too smart also. Saw straiht throuh your divide and rule policy.
We are interatin our Kalinagoes well into the wider Domincan community, and respectin the part they played in makin Dominica a safe haven for all. Today they are fully coming of age to take part in the modern Dominica. ONe Nation, one people. This happen under a Labour Goverment.
Law and Order, this is a policy and not political article. I suppose you cannot see that……
WHY THE HELL THE PERSON STILL REFERING TO THEM AS THE CARIBS? HAVE RESPECT FOR THE PPL AND CALL THEM BY THEIR ORGINAL NAMES THE KALINAGO PPL!! HAVE RESPECT MAN
SBlaze, Ms.Lando also used the word ‘Carib’ during the talent section of the queen competition. Is she being disrespectful to her people? Please keep quiet if you have nothing of value to add.
there are many different groups of Amerindians (kalinagos) what we have here in Dominica are caribs so i see no reason why it should be considered disrespectful to call them by the name carib.
so whats the respectable name for the black people i have heared the kalinago people call us NEG this thing about the kalinago people need to have this and need to have that is just streching the point too far soon we are looking at segregation please stop it befor its too late
You could have not said it better my patriot.Growing up in the VI thats where i got all my information about the kalinago people.they fought hard to defend our lovely counntry from thr french british and spaniards yet we treated them with great disrespect.the so called rich ones in dominica like the nasssief and astaphans continue to exploit our poor people.where are their kids to take part in our culture.think about it my people
let’s not forget our carnival princess miss Adicia Burton, another beautiful and intelligent young girl. She too aspires to help her people in the field of medicine. they are on the right track and i do hope all the prejudice will stop.
WELL DONE GIRL GO FOR IT
Is there any way she can represent Dominica in the Miss World or Miss Universe pageant? I know that she needs sponsorship and that it is a bit expensive to have international representation at these competitions, but if Government, private sector and Dominicans in Dominica and within the diaspora chip in, she may bring the crown home. She is elegant, eloquent, intelligent, and undeniably beautiful. Let us help a sister out and elevate her to the highest level. This will definitely be good for Dominica from every perspective. I do not mind offering my help in any way possible.
Excellent idea. That would certainly help to highlight our Waitikubuli.
How would u be making any meaningfull contribution when u stated ur name as “Dominique” how would any one get in contact with u? I do think that ur comments sounds good
Not afraid to state my real name. Mayma Raphael. You can hold me to it.
I was thinking the same,, I hope the government, carnival committee and everybody involved take this into consideration..Dominica needs to be represented in Miss Universe..I see alot of other Caribbean islands, Y not Dominica?
Minister of culture please take this into consideration.. We shouldn’t settle for less!!
dominique,i am not in no way objective to the efforts that you are suggesting,in fact i totally agree,but here is my thing,you said that she is intelligent,my question is,if she is so intelligent,looking at the category’s she won,why didn’t win the question and anwers category,was she really chosen for her beauty or her smarts,and do not want you guys t feel that i am condeming the fact that she won,all i am trying to say is as a queen ambassador,the individual has to be exceptionally intelligent,this is how i see it, anyway that’s just my twosence.
Hey forreal, I actualy had the pleasure of seeing the girls in action over the Christmas holidays in Dominica. They performed in all the different categories except for talent and custume. I was utterly impressed at her performance.
I do believe that she is an all rounder. I am not expecting excellence in every category, as it may be impossible to find in any one person. However, I think that being 98% ready is great, and the rest of the 2% can be worked on. I think that she is articulate, and able to express herself very well. Sometimes our nerves get the best of us. Which from the judges opinion may have happened at the show. It does not mean though that we may not be capable of challenges ahead when called upon.
Great show
Great piece of writing, you could not say it better
Man, right after our carnival celebrations you come writing your crap trying to divide the population!!!!
This guy is always in attention-seeking mode. just relax wherever you are there eh partner and leave us in peace garcon!!!!
You mean leave you in your ignorance…those who have eyes will see!
I have never really been a big fan of the local Queen show until I saw a preview on TV of Miss Lando in a red evening dress. My mouth literally fell open because as far as i was concerned this lady was BEAUTIFUL!!
I watched the queen show to see if the rest of her abilities matched up with her looks and i must say i wasn’t disappointed!!
Well done to her and the other contestants because i know the road to become queen isn’t easy…!
I personally am looking toward the queen to continue to strongly advocate for the rights of her people during her reign….
She needs to meet with them, listen to their needs and present those to the appropriate government officials and media.
Better living, conditions, better education opportunities in their own villages do they do not have to travel so far, job incentives, better and easier access to good health care, of they do not already have a youth center, I say, they need one so the children have a place to go where the do activities to help build them up developmentally. A certain number of scholarships for international studies should be allotted to them….
I mean, I am just brain storming here because I do not know what their needs are, but I am glad Nadira won and I am looking forward to her taking that opportunity to be a voice for her people…
And to the rest of our population, I plead that we respect the Kalinago people and help them.
Congratulations, to our Kalinago Queen, Nadira, you made us very proud , good luck in your future endeavours.
congratulation mis lando, im so proud of of you..im so happy that u have proven to the world and dominican that the carib people have all the potentials,in dominica we have been discriminate,victimize .we the carib people have the same potentials as eny other all we need is to give us the apportunity to prove our selves
Is the name Lando or Lanquedoc, could some one please inform me?
Good piece of writing!
Long live the Kalinago people and long live Dominica!
why would somebody dislike this comment? smh
Only if you are “Anonymous”!
There should be some form of tax relief for the Kalinago people. There should also be a fee for visiting sites in the territory. Any money raised should be for the betterment of the people.
i need tax relief too
Now that’s a queen!! The first time I saw the contestants, I knew that she would win! Excellent performance Nadira! Excellent Judging committee!
Congratulations to our new queen. Wear your Crown with pride knowing fully that you hard work and effort has brought you this reward. Embelish it and use the position to advance the well being of yourself, family, Dominica, the caribbean and the world at large. We are standing behind our queen!!!
2012: Year of the Kalinago!!