Canada’s High Commissioner, Brenda Wills, paid an official visit to the Kalinago Territory on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the national Community Day of Service, primarily to meet with partners and beneficiaries of Canada’s development projects in the Territory. This outreach focused on the woodwork shop in Sineku, which is supported by Canada’s EnGenDer project, as well as two farms: Regina Bruney’s farm in St. Cyr, and Irvince Auguiste’s farm in Touna, Concord, which are supported under Canada’s Support to Compete Caribbean Project.
The delegation also included Abebech Assefa, Canada’s Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean, and Alice Dyrample, Kalinago Development Officer.
During the visit to the woodwork shop in Sineku, the delegation was briefed on the importance of this project for the youth and, by extension, the entire Territory. This project serves as a catalyst for the learning of new skills for anyone who wishes to use this knowledge to earn a living. The ultimate goal is to establish a woodwork center in the entire Kalinago Territory. However, as was pointed out, there are serious constraints in turning this vision into reality, including the need to acquire a suitable building independent of any other structure. More importantly, it was repeatedly emphasized that funding was essential to ensuring the continuity of this project. The High Commissioner was given the assurance that this project is viable for all Kalinagos who have a passion for woodwork and everyone stands to benefit from this initiative.
The delegation then visited the farm of Regina Bruney in St. Cyr. Her farm consists of four acres of land where she cultivates white yams, cocoa, fruits, natural herbs, flower plants, and cassava. Ms Bruney stated, “My farm sustains me and my family. I do not have to go to the shop to buy rice or anything to cook. I plant what I eat and I eat what I plant.” Her passion for farming contributes to her success. She also takes pride in providing medicinal herbs to many people in the community and is able to live comfortably from the earnings of her produce.
In addition to farming, Regina is involved in home-stay accommodations for tourists. On her farm, she has two cottages where she can host visitors, offering them a unique experience of Kalinago lifestyle. “I do not have a washing machine or electricity, but I have solar power and water. When tourists come, they do not want to stay in some luxurious place, especially if they want to immerse themselves in the lifestyle of the common people. I provide just what they want: simplicity,” says Bruney. The objective of her initiative is to share Kalinago culture with visitors by inviting them to participate on the farm. Visitors want to experience various local customs such as farming, fishing, and hiking. In the evenings, the family invites guests to sit outside to recount folk stories, discuss Kalinago myths, and share life experiences instead of being glued to the television. This is a genuine sharing and experiencing of Kalinago culture.
The delegation was very impressed with Regina Bruney’s efforts and passion for using her farm to earn a decent living and her contributions to the tourism sector in the Kalinago Territory. The consensus is that this project truly warrants investment.
The delegation made its final stop at the residence of Mr. Irvince Auguiste, another beneficiary of Canada’s Support to Compete Caribbean Project, in Touna, Concord. Mr. Auguiste spoke passionately about his involvement in the tourism sector through home-stay accommodations and hosting cruise ship groups at his residence. The discussion centered around promoting home-stay services and connecting with cruise ship agents to improve this service.
To promote home-stay, interested individuals should try to gain access to the web. This service is available through the Kalinago Barana Aute. However, finance is a major requirement for success in this venture. Mr. Auguiste noted that it is not only the lack of finance but also the difficulty in accessing loans that poses a challenge. Kalinagos still face a painstaking process in obtaining loans, which is why projects often struggle to succeed in the Territory.
What about a tourism cluster? Efforts were made to form a cluster, but the project did not get off the ground. Kalinagos have been trained in many fields, yet some feel that they are not moving forward. However, Indigenous people are connecting throughout the world. Mr. Auguiste is very interested in the history of the Territory and would like to develop a project to restore the history of the Kalinago people, as the current narrative is distorted. A new vision of history must be presented in a positive and uplifting manner. The existing history is filled with doom and gloom, which is why, he says, our people are reluctant to learn it. He added that foreigners often know more about Kalinago history than the Kalinagos themselves.
The Canadian delegation left the Kalinago Territory after meeting with the President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, Parliamentary Representative Mr. Cozier Frederick, and Kalinago Chief Mrs. Annette Sanford, who were all engaged in Community Day of Service projects.
The visit by Canada’s High Commissioner highlights the vital role of community-driven projects in empowering the Kalinago Territory through sustainable development and cultural exchange.