The Government of Dominica signed an EC$7.6 million contract with local firms OYO Construction Inc. and Virtuoso Architects Ltd (Joint Venture) for the construction of the Kalinago Territory Multipurpose Center and Emergency Shelter on Monday.
This signifies a critical step in enhancing the resilience and well-being of the Kalinago Territory. The facility will serve as an emergency shelter and a hub for community development, a move identified as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Minister for Kalinago Upliftment Cozier Frederick, who was addressing the official media launch and signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, stated that the Multipurpose Center and Emergency Shelter will provide immediate shelter and safety for the Kalinago people.
“It’s also a pathway to recovery and it is important to understand that beyond the immediate relief, a shelter serves as a foundation for long-term recovery,” he said. “And it is an important piece because this is the essence of what the indigenous spirit is about.”
Frederick pointed out that he is happy to be part of a government that he sees as continuing to honor the heritage of the Kalinago people because it is part of human diversity, “there is a lot of heritage and wisdom that comes with having us within that space and this is why we are building a structure that will showcase the architecture of our people.”
Moreover, he said the emergency shelter should also serve as a cultural gathering space to hold concerts and showcase arts and craft.
“It will be ready for action in times of crisis, but in times of calmness we shall experience and immerse ourselves in our culture in that particular space,” Frederick explained. “It will not be shut down, it will be a fully functional space.”
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said this facility is a major investment for the Kalinago people.
“I am very happy for the Kalinago people, this is a major investment,” he said. “It is part of government’s strategy [and] when the hurricane hit us I never wanted the world to remember us [for] the impact of the hurricane. I wanted the world to remember us based on our response. What did we do in this circumstance.”
According to him, the Kalinago Territory has a lot of land, but building is difficult in certain areas.
“And getting a place to build this, I remembered coming to the Kalinago Territory and walking and driving around trying to see where is the best place to build this and we came to Bataka,” Mr. Skerrit explained.
Moreover, in a caution to the Kalinago Council, he noted, “you cannot bring development to the Kalinago people unless you collaborate with central government.”
“We can have our differences, but we must never lose sight of our responsibility which is to serve the people who elect us and we must do so sincerely, transparently, and with good intentions,” Mr. Skerrit stated.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment Mr. Lucien Blackmoore said the construction of the Kalinago Multipurpose Centre and Emergency Shelter is a very tangible action and significant milestone in the building of strong communities.
“It is more than just a project; it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and collaboration,” he indicated.
The design is considered an architectural masterpiece as it encapsulates eco-friendly features such as passive ventilation, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, the architecture draws inspiration from Kalinago cultural heritage and folklore, in particular, the L’Escalier Tête Chien, Majini Peak, and traditional basket-weaving patterns.
By their crooked smile you shall know then. All birds of the same feather flock together
