Kalinagos to participate in cultural exchange program

The program is expected to be between the Kalinagos of Dominica and the Naguakebana of Puerto Rico
The program is expected to be between the Kalinagos of Dominica and the Naguakebana of Puerto Rico

A delegation of officials from the Naguakebana indigenous community of Humacao, Puerto Rico is expected in Dominica to initiate an exchange program with the island’s Kalinago people.

The delegation will be on island from June 30th to July 1st in order to meet with relevant government officials and pertinent Kalinago leaders in order to set the stage for the initiation of the cultural and linguistic immersion exchange program between the two indigenous peoples.

It include Humacao administrator Luis Roberto Santiago and Dr. Caralynne Melendez from the office of the community and indigenous affairs, founder and President of the Liga Guakia Taino Ke and the Administrator of the Naguakebana community.

The Carib tribal queen of Trinidad and Tobago, based in Florida, Catherine Ramirez, has been an invited guest.

“Through this cultural exchange the Kalinago will have the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico to learn about the language culture, history, dance and art since we aim to regain these lost aspects of our own ethnicity,” main organizer of the program, Kalinago Indigenous Nation Developers (KIND), said in a release.

Members of the Naguakebana will also visit Dominica in exchange.

The program will also include a tourism development plan and opportunities for specialized health care services and education.

During their stay in Dominica the delegation will participate in events scheduled for the 111th anniversary of the establishment of the Kalinago Territory.

The main highlight of the anniversary celebration will be a grand tradition and culture parade on July 4th from 4:00 pm.

It will showcase various aspects of the Kalinago’s indigenous culture, such as native Kalinago wear.

The Parade will commence at the Salybia bus stop and will journey unto the Karina cultural village where an official ceremony will be held.

The night will end with cultural performances and live band entertainment.

The anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Kalinago Territory is sponsored by Seaborne Airline and the Government of Dominica but organizers say more sponsorship is needed.

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14 Comments

  1. José Antonio Rivera
    July 3, 2014

    Whatttttt????? Puerto Rico not have indigenous people, not indigenous language speak here, only some words from taino dictionary. Only have cultural groups and shows companies, or people feel the nature feeling indigenous love nature. Puerto Rico not have indigenous reserve, like USA, Australia, Peru, Bolivia, Dominica and other places. What is this????? Puertorican newspaper not have news about this cultural event.

    • July 28, 2014

      Mr. Rivera you need to go back to Kindergarten and start all over again. And you should also learn to write better English. Try using Google Translate…it may help..

  2. Appreciate this!
    June 27, 2014

    Boy look haters on a kalinago event for you all! That’s the reason you so called “Kalinago will go no further than where you are!” In 2014 you are still living in primitive times, voting and supporting leaders on impulse who have done and will continue to do nothing for you to go further. A group is doing something for the benefit of the people and you have a problem, negative, empty headed and racist! Any group or individual that can contribute to positive things in the Kalinago Territory, no matter where you are from or race you belong to, I WELCOME YOU! and THANK YOU!

  3. respect
    June 26, 2014

    The Kalinagos always in something. when will they come together and fight to own their own land? so many years have passed yet still the reserve is not developed, they are not fighting for themselves so why fight for them?

  4. Kalinago Graduate
    June 26, 2014

    I fully support Charlene and the effort.
    We know just too well of the great successes of Kalinago Week which is planned and executed under the purview of the Kalinago Council. All they can do year after year is the same boring sleepy lack of excitement activities. The rest of Dominica does not even know of a Kalinago Week.

    KIND is teaching the leaders of the Territory a beautiful lesson in planning and implementation.

  5. Kalinago girl
    June 25, 2014

    I have tried to understand who or what is kind, the idea is a brilliant one but so far i only know one individual who represent this organization, and to my mind this is questionable, for i surely know that there are several capable people in the territory who is willing and able to contribute but do not have the opportunity to do so.
    what is their office phone number and address i am willing to contribute but need contact info.

    • Kalinago girl
      June 25, 2014

      Sorry for the grammar the word is “are”

  6. keep moving.
    June 25, 2014

    Very good move by KIND.

    • Taxi man
      June 27, 2014

      just who are the people involved in kind.

  7. Anonymous
    June 25, 2014

    “The Carib tribal queen of Trinidad and Tobago, based in Florida, Catherine Ramirez, has been an invited guest.”

    REALLY!!! based in Florida?!!

  8. 1337
    June 25, 2014

    open your mind before you open your mouth…. this ingenious group has been on island already, they have already exchanged indigenous gifts, this is no gimmick

  9. Question
    June 25, 2014

    Is the Kalinago council and chief involved in this adventure, or is it the group KIND? Hope this is not another group using another gimmick for financial gains using the Kalinago name and culture.

    • kalinago youth
      June 25, 2014

      true but the council and chief is nt ready to manage such an event. so takes others to do it

      • TOUNA
        June 27, 2014

        Well you know Garnette has no vision and if he cannot benefit directly he will not support it so why waste time on people like that, bypass them.

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