Kalinago Chief pushes for Carib Territory name change

Garnet Joseph

Kalinago chief, Garnet Joseph, is expressing disappointment that almost two years after a proposal was made to government to change the name of the Carib Territory to Kalinago Territory, the matter has not been getting the attention of the authorities.

Joseph expressed his opinion in the light of an announcement that cabinet has accepted the recommendation to change the names of two of Dominica’s prominent peaks.

Joseph  said while he supports changing the names of the mountains, the authorities should also look into the the Kalinago Council’s proposal. “This is about two years now since we made the proposal for changing the name from Carib Territory to Kalinago Territory,” he said. “I am hoping that in the not too distant future our request for the name change is met.”

The Kalinago Chief said the request for the name change is justified. “The reasons we gave for changing the name of the Territory is even more justified than the names recommended by the committee to change the name of the mountains in this country,” he stressed. “We are dealing with people and I think that is more important.”

He noted that changing the mountain’s names could be a step in the right direction. “I am happy to note that at least something is happening and changes are taking place,” Joseph said. “Eventually our communities, our streets and important places in this country will have the appropriate names.”

The 1978 Carib Act designated the lands of the Territory as the “Carib Reserve,” and provided for the governance of these lands by an elected “Carib Chief” and “Carib Council.”

However, in recent times, leaders of the island’s indigenious people have argued that the word “Carib” has its roots in colonial times, first utilized to refer to them as cannibals and they say it is laden with derogatory connotations.

They say the continued use of the word does not foster a sense of ethnic pride among the people, and hinders attempts to increase the awareness and appreciation of the people and their contributions to Dominica.

They argue that the word ‘Kalinago’ should be used because Father Breton, who lived among the people in Dominica on and off between 1642 and 1653 wrote in his dictionary, “This is the real name of the Caribs of the islands.”

Breton wrote the word as “Callinago”, but the usual phonetic writing today is “Kalinago,” according to historian, Dr. Lennox Honychurch.

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73 Comments

  1. Rastar-Marn
    December 24, 2012

    Marn wasn’t ging to make no comment about dis yeh but Marn have to,,,

    Garçon d least of the problems facing D Garifuna people is a name change of of some Territory dat d Albinos come up wiff to keep allyou in servitude,,,

    You need to state a claim for which relief can be granted for the overall Reversion of the Estate Commonly know as Commonwealth of Dominica cause as the Maxims of Law state mista dem didn’t have no authority to come take over Dominica when your ancestors was dere before dem,,,

    Dey just used deir legal jargen and civil procedure to come and state Claim to some place dey didn’t have no jurisdiction to come onto,,,

    You need to spend some time educating yourself about natural Law and Maxims of Law taking back lands which they come and claimed under aggression, usurpation and Grand Larceny,,,

    There is a court Called International Criminal Court that has jurisdiction to call cases on Violations on indigenous Peoples, look into dat nuh before you just come looking for some name change,,,

    Ailass, your name is not Garnet Joseph, Eng’s-Lish is not your native tongue, how can your appellation be some Eng’s-Lish’s,,,

  2. Anonymous
    December 23, 2012

    :oops: :oops: wa

  3. December 23, 2012

    I did not read the story. I did not read the posts. However, keep pushing because the two mountains have no say and yet the names are about to change. Do not give up.

  4. December 22, 2012

    My great Dominican people the deepest recesses of my soul continue to tell me that we are a people who know our history.As such, should there be any cause that should be helped, champion and supported by us certainly it should be this one. the name change of the carib reserve.If there is no other reason to be found for the support,then, please allow me to humble sugest GRATEFULNESS.Those of us who are of African Ancesary are no doubt aware the reason for our exsistance on the Island.Realistically speaking, we are guests or strangers of the carib people;admittedly through no fault of our deeds. Be that as it may, it is that which it is.The list those of us who are decendants of African slaves can do out of gratefullness from our selves and in honour of our foreparents is to support the carib chief.As for my part,The Carib Chief and the Carib People have my whole hearted hundred percent support.If for no other reason but for part of the reason he gave which states as follows:THE CONTINUED USE OF THE WORD DOES NOT FOSTER A SENSE OF ETHNIC PRIDE AMONG THE PEOPLE. My good God!is not this reason enough to turn on Dominicans empathic ebb.The empetus that has caused me to so deeply fathom and support the chief is extremely simple and matter of fact.Thatis,ethnicaly one will find me to be of AFRICAN SLAVES AND BELIEVE ME,THERE IS NO ONE IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE THAT IS PROUDER OF THAT HERITAGE THAN ME.Thus,I know where I Come from and I know where I am going. consequently, my supposition is that the future generations of the carib people no doubt feels the way that is felt by me.Quite frankly, the my view is the carib chief should make sure the name is officailly change to KALINGAGO TERITORY AND NOT KALINAGO RESERVE.Think about it, they are not outside thier homeland;nor are they a daiaspora people.Therefore,for me there is a bad conotation to RESERVE.THEY ARE NOT A PEOPLE ON RESERVE NOR ON RESEVATION.

  5. observant
    December 22, 2012

    wasn’t Kalinago the name for only the males while the females were called another name. So the name change leaves out which sex?

  6. Malgraysa
    December 22, 2012

    Chief Joseph, go and have a word with Pastor Augustine, Dr. Watty and Dr. Honeychurch. if they can change the name of the devil into health and peace they surely can get the Govt. to grant your wish, which is small by comparison.

  7. stupes
    December 22, 2012

    i see nothing wrong with caribterritory so what you not a carib it has always been carib so what carib is short for caribbean stupes to much tears for nothing

  8. Justice and Truth
    December 22, 2012

    They are already using the name Kalinago. I did find this strange. To those of us who specifically reside overseas, we ask where did they get this name from? We are not familiar with it.
    Keep the name ‘Carib’. These ancestors were Caribs. Furthermore it is their heritage and should be remembered and honored as such. Be proud of it. No name changing from Carib to any other name. Let it remain as is.
    They are Dominicans. Their intent is to try to separate Dominica and its non-Carib nationals from the Caribs and be self-governing. It is discriminating. How far can they get with that? They do not have the money to be independent. Consider, “United we stand. Divided we fall.” Be one nation under God with no divisions.

    • 1979
      December 22, 2012

      U are one piece of work eh, smmfh.

    • kalinagowarrior
      December 24, 2012

      You must be a complete stranger to the Kalinago People and their history. Living in the colonial past is no excuse for your ignorance.

  9. Choice - X
    December 21, 2012

    Honorable Chief Joseph, you have to make that a determinant in the voting of your people. Ensure that Skeritt and crew give the name change before elections or NO vote at all. The power is in your hands. Vote with pride and demand your name instead of petty hand outs which dissipate even before the polling day is done.

    Remember according to historical voting patterns, whatever party the Kalinagos vote for, always win office, and that is a fact.

  10. Salty Salsa
    December 21, 2012

    It seems like everyone is making a fuss about changing names. From mountains to districts. What next… streets, animals and trees?. Why not change the name Dominica to ‘Fussy-Fussers’!?

  11. santa kalinago
    December 21, 2012

    Dominica the most unbelievable place on the planet…..with all the problems people have on the Carib Territory this guy is concerned with Kalinago vs Carib…wow you should be smoking and eating something special with the fella who wanted to change the mountain names..maybe you guys take it easy and start to do something more important?

  12. UDOHREADYET
    December 21, 2012

    if Kallinago want to change their territory name then so should Niger and Nigeria.

    • Jay
      December 22, 2012

      Why so? Niger only means black (from the Latin Niger)and hence the word Negro In Spanish, from the same root and meaning exactly the same. So people should be ashamed of that then and not proud? Man, we too damned sensitive, it giving us an inferiority complex.

  13. Cant't Find a Job
    December 21, 2012

    The name should be chnaged…but what about the Arawaks…Who is fighting to protect their names.

    BTW, were Arawaks slaves, whatever happened to them?

    • Tijhan
      December 22, 2012

      since you ain’t got a job just spend some time reading up!

    • DNO Commentor
      December 22, 2012

      :-? you just made it very apparent why you can’t find a job!! No one will hire you if you say things like this.

  14. Truth
    December 21, 2012

    Chief u are so right although i’m a bit disappointed in you for allowing those black politition to use and fool you and for your lack of support for the former chief,in stead you fought for power and collaborate with those corrupt politition to remove him because he was fighting the just cause of the Kalinago people that did not go down well with the illegal government.I find the Kalinago people are too soft,they should be demanding more.This is your land and no one else should be dictating to you all.You need to ask for a toll onall vehicles passing through the Kalinago territory and the money goes to the Kalinago council to help develope the Kalinago Territory.Then you all will be empowered and independent and not have to await government handout.

    • Tijhan
      December 22, 2012

      it’s hardly a separate state. How they going to be independent?

  15. Newsguro
    December 21, 2012

    While you’re at it push for jobs and more development for the carib territory.we are poor suffering people who would love to see our youths involve in more positive activities.too many of our young Men are on the streets drinking alcohol and smoking weed interfering with our young innocent girls. The devil finds work for idle hands. There are too many idle hands.pushing for name change? What’s the big deal? We have a crisis on our hands. Focus on the bigger picture!

  16. Carlyn
    December 21, 2012

    I find some Dominican people just have too much time on their hands and nothing to do!

    What impact a name change really going to have? Is it going to put food on the “kalinago” people table, put clothes on their back. Stuuuuupes.

    That’s what they have to be concerned about. Talking about changing name.

  17. Anonymous1
    December 21, 2012

    We are just debating over irrelevant matters…What will a name change of mountains and territory bring for us. Discuss what ways we can get rid of this useless govt and bring about real development. So many things are hindering our progress? Name change to mountains??? Give me a break.

  18. grell
    December 21, 2012

    Mr Joseph you dont have money to give tony isidore and skerro a cut so you will have to wait.skerrit give the people their name change.

    • Cant't Find a Job
      December 21, 2012

      U can smell an ugly uwp from all over DA…what that has to do with what you are saying above???

      Grell or gell or led, if you don’t take a grip of yourself you will end up looking like Q95, UWP or maybe even lennox, groovy bat or blessing or the little angry man from soufriere…the one with the british accent.

      Did you know he passed under that famous tree in England that causes madness?

      Grell take note

  19. Dorival John
    December 21, 2012

    I agree with the chief on that one….to give a people a name that that has its roots in cannibalism (Caribales) is downright shameful.

    And I am surprised that many Dominicans think it is alright to name the people as that. smh

    And then there are the idiots who think that names should be changed to kalinagean Sea, Kalinagean people, kalinagean music, that point is mute……You are dealing with people here. Would you like someone calling you a rapist (just an example) when you are not a rapist?

    You people are so simple minded its not even funny.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      Think before you make such a statement. You are the one who is simple minded, the pot calling the kettle black. :twisted: :twisted:
      What do you say about the Negro race of which you are, at least probably on one side of your ancestor? A name-change does not change ancestry and race. Those who wish to do so are foolish.

  20. December 21, 2012

    To the Powers that be: What’s so difficult about granting the Kalinago this request, their rightful name? I beg to advise the Govt. to quickly deal with this matter.

    That same committee that sees it so compellingtso change the names of those mountains ___and the committee’s reasoning sounds so foolish and puerile,___ should have put their energy into addressing the Kalinago’s request.

    And you readers, please don’t play politics with either this issue or my comments.
    “AH DOMINICAN TOO!”

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      Utilize your common sense if you have any.

  21. December 21, 2012

    Chief Garnet,who beat you,you crying.You voted for them Red Boyz,take what you get.

  22. Bronx
    December 21, 2012

    Since we on the name changing lets just change every name in Dominica starting with the country name. We are original lets keep it that way.

    • ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
      December 21, 2012

      Yes, just plain ‘Dominique’.

    • Peeping Tom
      December 21, 2012

      :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      Making me laugh! :lol:

    • Bushmaninda
      December 22, 2012

      You are right, if the reason for changing the names of the mountains hold true than it followers that the name Dominica should be changes to Wiseinica. Maybe then the people would rid the country of Dom minister of finance and replace him with a Wise Minister of Finance, one that has the ability to direct and develop the islands economy in a positive way. Instead of attempting to grow the economy, over the past decade the present minister of finance has through his incompetence and hat in hand approach has doomed to economy to another decade of decline or at most stagnation. As Prime Minister who cares, but as Minister of Finance he’s got to go

  23. ZANDOLI
    December 21, 2012

    I COMPLETELY AGREE THAT THE NAME SHOULD BE CHANGED…

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      A zandoli crawls and has no common sense. :lol: :twisted:

  24. Dominican Too
    December 21, 2012

    Chief Garnet Joseph et al, there are thousands of Caribs in other parts of the world and they are refereed to as Caribs. In Guyana alone, there is a huge Carib Mission (reservation) and it is not called the Kalinago mission.

    Lets stop this want to change everything we know just because we or some other fools thinks that the names are no longer accepted. have the Caribs of Dominica asked their other Caribs of other islands about this name change? I wonder what the over 10,000 Caribs in Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana, and Brazil think about being called something else.

    • ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
      December 21, 2012

      Chief Joseph is only talking about his people in Dominica. The others might just follow his example.

    • antedote for fools
      December 21, 2012

      Dumbinican 2, apparently U are unaware of what indigenous people are called in different territories. I would tell you but that wouldn’t help much. Do some research & come again. It is about the origin of these names.
      Think a bit or are you too lazy to do that. Just like people of African descent in the Americas named changed from Nigger, negro, colored etc. to African American indigenous people need not accept a demeaning name.

    • Realist
      December 21, 2012

      It’s sad how little you know. most of these “Carib” type people you mention have other names. An even if they are still called Carib, that their battle to fight. We are in Dominica so we have to check about the Dominican Kalinagos(first)and start by giving them their rightful name.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      They should unite with these other Caribs who are too happy to be called Caribs and retain the name and heritage.
      I love the name Carib. Know that I am also proud of the Caribs which are our heritage, all Dominicans. It is a great history. Why change the name? They must unite and assimilate in the Dominican society.

    • Karl
      December 22, 2012

      I think you need to gt the fact strait. Read again and come with a proper resoning. Alng that line that you are refereing too they are called GARIFUNA and not Carib. Anyway i am proud to be a Carib. Everyone love to see the flowering Bois Kwaib includig you.

    • MIND OF MY OWN
      December 24, 2012

      They are not called caribs in any of the countries that you named but amerindians.

  25. Humility
    December 21, 2012

    I agree with the chief. Carib has its origin in the (I think Spanish)word caribales which means cannibals.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      They are Dominicans. What more do they want?

  26. out of south city
    December 21, 2012

    Chief Joseph, I am in agreement with you. We MUST seize the power to define. We have accepted whatever name/names we were given and thought that they were rightfully ours. Dr. Wade Nobles said, “power is the ability to define reality and to convince other people that it is their definition.” We don’t have to continue to accept the slave masters’names we were given. If we want to change them we have the legal rights to do so. We were told in so-called history books that the Caribs were savages and cannibals but we never witnessed that. On the contrary, Rev. Ishakamusa Barashango, in his book entitled, Afrikan People and European Holidays: A Mental Genocide, states that “Yet the form of cannibalism demonstrated by these “pious civilsed Pilgrims” after they had settled on the Red Man’s (Native Americans)land in North America, was not necessarily a first for them. He goes on to say, “as late as the 16th century, in England the eating of human flesh and the drinking of blood from human skulls was still a common practice among many of Europe’s starving masses.” Book 1, page 12.
    We need to stop taking things at face value and use the brains that we have been born with. The white man has written their history for us but it is time that we write our own. Read, Study and do some Research, my people. Knowledge is available for those who want it.

    • Brap Brap
      December 21, 2012

      In 1503 Queen Isabella of Spain, who funded Columbus’ expeditions, created a law that prohibited the arrest or capture of her new children, stating further that, no harm or evil was permitted against their person or possessions. Now, how were god-fearing fortune hunters expected to obtain the free labor necessary to mine gold, if they could not enslave natives? This dilemma called out for a creative solution. Cannibalism was that solution: part error, part bigotry, part religious zeal, part cultural arrogance, but mostly human greed and brilliant political propaganda, it was an answer that made enslavement of native people legally possible for the Conquistadors, and religiously palatable to the Queen of Spain and her benefactor.

      • Justice and Truth
        December 22, 2012

        We have come a long way from this. The problem with some of you is that you look backwards, take backward steps and never move forward. This is what will happen to the Caribs if there is a name-change. There is more to come if this is officially approved. Give them an inch they will take a foot. Mark my words and wait and see.

  27. CHRISTIAN ALWAYS
    December 21, 2012

    instead you should ask the government to give allu the land, certificate of title in allu hand. you asking to change name… boy behave yourself tan

    • Kubuli Kountry
      December 21, 2012

      exactly! cyah even go in a bank and get a mortgage. stupes!

    • Dorival John
      December 21, 2012

      A name means a lot…You use the name on here “Christian Always” because you want people to know who you are, what you believe and so on. If you think a name is not important why didn’t you call yourself, Child of Satan instead of Christian Always.

      The name Carib was derived from the European word Caribales, meaning cannibals. As a Christian you think it is right to name an entire people as cannibals? or use a name for them based on a word that means cannibals?

      Names are important, so put on your thinking cap and stop being so simplistic in your thinking.

      • Truth
        December 21, 2012

        :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?: Don’t forget the word christian is a European word and term,they were also involved in cannibalism,so when those naiive people wants to adopt a name handed down to them and trying to scorn the Kalinagos thinking their are of more value,they should go read and search themselves. :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?:

      • ????????????????????
        December 21, 2012

        Thanks Dorival John. At least you are one of those who understand that a name means a lot. Yes indeed simplistic they are thinking and it is heartbreaking that some persons address their children as all kind of things and in the end that is what those children become – the derrogatory names (very filthy in many instances) cursed to them by their parents. A lot is also in a Nickname as well.

      • him
        December 21, 2012

        @ Christian Always… Agree with you 1000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 0000000000000000000%
        To hell with the name change… Try to alleviate the plight of the poor people man…

      • Justice and Truth
        December 22, 2012

        Some of you put meanings where they do not belong and are too negative. I never think of the Caribs as cannibals. Your mind is working overtime. Take it out where it is.
        Should we change the name of the, “Caribbean Sea”?

  28. CHRISTIAN ALWAYS
    December 21, 2012

    , because you support changing the name of de mountain de government have to support changing the name of the caribe territory.. did you consult your people ,and what did the survey said.

    • Truth
      December 21, 2012

      :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?: You christian always,stop dwelling in ignorance and being too naiive!You are ussing a European name given to you by the same people who enslaved your forefathers and were involved in genocide and cannibalism! :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?:

    • ????????????????????
      December 21, 2012

      You are Christian Always! Would you mind changing to something Like ” Unchristian always or donkey .. Devil……. always.. I am sure you would prefer what name you are right now. There is a lot in a name.

  29. dee
    December 21, 2012

    i’m gonna push for Bath Estate to get back it’s original name then… Lacoudre… a can of worms has been opened…

    • ????????????????????
      December 21, 2012

      What is the meaning of “Lacoudre” First homework for you.

      • Malatete
        December 22, 2012

        Coudre = to sew in French. But LaCoudre is also a family name, which I suspect applies on this case. There are other places in Dominica named after people, particularly French settlers, such as “Monsieur Andre” (Delices) or “Picodeau” (Tete Morne) named after the Frenchman, who once owned the land, named after him to this day.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      The name “Lacoudre” rings a bell. I vaguely remember it when I was a child.

  30. Mate
    December 21, 2012

    You got a point there….whoosh, mi daybah! :-D

  31. Peeping Tom
    December 21, 2012

    DNO: “They argue that the word ‘Kalinago’ should be used because Father Breton, who lived among the people in Dominica on and off between 1642 and 1653 wrote in his dictionary, ‘This is the real name of the Caribs of the islands.’”

    In an August 13, 2012, related article, DNO reported: “French missionary Raymond Breton, who visited Dominica in 1642, recorded that the ‘Caribs’’ name for themselves was Callinago. Breton wrote the word as ‘Callinago’, but today the name is written ‘Kalinago’.

    So,is it “Kalinago” or “Callinago”? If the former, why the change?

    • Justice and Truth
      December 22, 2012

      Research the name.

      • Truth
        December 23, 2012

        :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?: U justice and truth,i really don’t under stand far more to overstand the reason for your name justice and truth,that’s why i write it in small letters!Because u really need to be re-educated, as i find u for the most part makes no sense in what u write.U sound like one of those gullible dumb-in-can,who only open their mouth with ignorance because they are so naiive.U need to search and rediscover yourself find a level of spirituality by knowing who the creator is and then truth will be revealed to u!If u so believe that a name is so insignificant,why don’t u call yourself child of the devil satan?Telling the Kalinago people to bow to he ills which were done to them by the Europeans and the black people who lives on their land is like saying to the African people to allow the Eoropeans to put them out of Africa!So many of u are so eager to fight for other people’s cause all over the world,yet the cause of your own u want to ignore and cast aside,so pathetic!Would u allow someone else to come rule your home?Therefore stand with the Kalinago people and their cause to justice!The Kalinago people don’t owe us,we owe them for being on their land! :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: :?:

    • kalinago
      December 23, 2012

      It has been noted in history that Fr. Breton’s typewriter did not have a “K” so he used “C” for everything to do with both K and C.

  32. kalinago empress
    December 21, 2012

    Chief Joseph, we are behind u 100%.
    The names of two mountains could be easily changed because of the meanings the previous names potrayed; why cant the same be done to the name of the Kalinago community?

  33. Too Sot
    December 21, 2012

    So they are OK with taking the word of one European (Fr. Breton) over other europeans as far as their name goes?

    So what next. kalinagean Sea, Kalinagean people, kalinagean music?

    • Kubuli Kountry
      December 21, 2012

      IKR!

    • Looking in
      December 21, 2012

      You have the correct name my frind….”too sot”

      • proud kalinago
        December 22, 2012

        You are the sot

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