COMMENTARY: Dominica in the 1950s, a historical perspective

Editor’s Note: Royal Bank of Canada was established in Dominica in 1915, Barclays Bank was established in 1925, as a take-over from Colonial Bank which had been in operation since 1837.

Dominica’s history discloses a continuous struggle between European powers. Originally, the Spanish sought to dominate the region, reducing the Indigenous Kalinago people to slavery to support their ventures in Peru and Hispaniola. However, the Kalinago showed remarkable resilience, resisting initial colonization attempts. Later, the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) temporarily left Dominica under native control, but the island’s strategic importance and agricultural potential drew the French and British into frequent conflict. British naval superiority secured their dominance, and Dominica became a significant sugar-producing colony.

By extension, the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) and included agreements that affected colonial territories in the Americas.

Dominica, caught in the power struggle between France and Britain, was officially declared a “neutral island” under the treaty. This decision left the island in the possession of its Indigenous Kalinago people rather than placing it under European control.

The island’s multicultural heritage is deeply rooted in its colonial past. While the Spanish initially arrived, French influence left a lasting mark, with place names and cultural practices reflecting this period. English emerged as the dominant language during British rule, but questions remain about the role of other languages, particularly French and Spanish, in modern Dominica. Should Spanish gain prominence as a nod to Columbus’s discovery, or should French
be more fully embraced given its historical prevalence?

From a French roots perspective, traditional music genres like jing ping and cadence-lypso are deeply influenced by French Creole culture. Instruments like the accordion and rhythms from African traditions merge to create a uniquely Dominican sound.

On the contrary, British colonial rule brought European classical music and English folk influences, which mingled with local styles to shape genres like calypso and modern reggae. By the mid-20th century, Dominica had achieved notable milestones in agriculture and finance. Bay oil production, which began in the mid-19th century, remained a steady export since 1934.

Other key exports included cacao, coconuts, copra oil, bananas, citrus, and bay oil. Financial progress saw the introduction of Barclays Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada, signaling growing integration into the global economy.

Infrastructure development during this era laid the groundwork for future progress. The Melville Hall Airport (now Douglas-Charles Airport) improved connectivity, while Portsmouth witnessed the establishment of an electric lighting plant in 1958. A wire suspension bridge near Marigot, facilitating access to the Kalinago reserve, underscored the importance of linking communities. Today, the move toward modern projects like cable cars highlights ongoing infrastructural advancements.

Dominica’s historical trajectory is one of resilience and adaptation. Despite early struggles against colonization, the Kalinago people remain a vital part of the island’s identity, with Dominica hosting the region’s only indigenous reservation. The interplay between colonial history, cultural heritage, and economic progress offers valuable lessons for shaping the nation’s future.

Dominica’s journey from the colonial era to the modern day reflects a blend of resilience, adaptation, and forward-thinking strategies. The historical milestones that shaped the island’s identity, infrastructure, and economy continue to influence its present trajectory.

Dominica’s Kalinago people, who resisted early colonial attempts at settlement, remain an integral part of the island’s cultural identity. Despite historical oppression and displacement, they have preserved their traditions and maintain the only Indigenous reserve in the Caribbean. Today the Kalinago Territory is a focal point for cultural preservation and ecotourism, highlighting Dominica’s commitment to honoring its indigenous roots. Festivals, crafts, and storytelling
connect historical resilience to modern efforts at sustaining cultural heritage.

The influence of European colonization—French and British—continues to shape the linguistic and cultural fabric of Dominica. While English is the official language, French Creole (Kwéyòl) remains a vibrant part of everyday life, celebrated in events like Creole Day. Discussions about embracing Spanish as a second language point to an evolving identity that acknowledges its historical ties to Spanish exploration and the island’s role in the Caribbean network.
Historically, infrastructure developments such as the Melville Hall Airport (now Douglas-Charles Airport) and the wire suspension bridge near Marigot were significant steps toward connecting communities and fostering economic growth. These early achievements paved the way for modern projects like the cable car initiative, which promises to enhance access to Dominica’s renowned natural sites, such as the Boiling Lake.

Portsmouth’s electric lighting plant, opened in 1958, marked an early push toward modernization. Today, Dominica’s infrastructure strategies emphasize sustainability and resilience, exemplified by investments in renewable energy, geothermal projects, and disaster-resistant structures. These efforts align with the island’s historical spirit of overcoming challenges, from colonial struggles to hurricanes and economic shifts.

Agriculture, a cornerstone of Dominica’s economy since colonial times, continues to play a crucial role. The 1950s saw steady exports of bay oil, bananas, cacao, and citrus, providing a foundation for the island’s economy. While traditional crops remain important, Dominica is diversifying its agricultural strategies by focusing on organic farming and sustainable practices. This shift not only honors its agricultural history but also aligns with global trends toward eco-friendly production.

The introduction of financial institutions like Barclays Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada in the  early 20th century marked Dominica’s integration into international markets. Today, the country leverages these historical connections while exploring new financial pathways, including digital banking and remittance platforms, to support its diaspora and attract foreign investment.

Dominica’s natural beauty—its forests, rivers, and geothermal features—has always been a part of its identity. Historical agricultural exports, like bay oil, reflect the island’s rich biodiversity, which remains a cornerstone of its modern tourism strategy. Branding itself as the “Nature Island,” Dominica uses its history of resilience and preservation to promote ecotourism.

Initiatives like sustainable resorts, marine reserves, and cultural tours draw visitors while preserving the environment and local traditions.

The Kalinago Territory plays a key role in this strategy, offering a unique cultural experience that ties past struggles to present opportunities. Similarly, modern infrastructure projects, like the enhanced airport and proposed cable cars, aim to balance accessibility with environmental stewardship.

Dominica’s history is deeply intertwined with its present identity, infrastructure, and economic strategies. From the Kalinago people’s enduring presence to the legacy of colonial agricultural systems, these historical developments inform modern efforts to create a sustainable and resilient future. By embracing its rich past while innovating for the future, Dominica exemplifies how a small nation can thrive by building on its history.