A call by Dominica’s Indigenous people to establish a monument at the centre of Dominica, that would serve to stamp the sterling contributions of the island’s Kalinagos, was the focus of attention during a special activity marking “Kalinago week” on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Kalinagos (Caribs) converged on the Pont Casse roundabout, to emphasize the position that after thousands of years of survival on the island, they needed a permanent structure which would remind locals and visitors of their existence.
During the activity, a display featuring traditional expressions and lifestyles of the Kalinago people, by the Kalinagos themselves, gave a vivid impression of what the Kalinago monument should look like.
Kalinago Chief Garnet Joseph, said the establishment of a monument in honor of the Kalinago people in Dominica is justified.
“In countries in the Caribbean where they do not have an indigenous population, there are a number of streets and places named after the indigenous population that no longer exits. In Guadeloupe and Martinique, for example, you have streets and places named after indigenous people, a people that were once in those islands but are no longer. This is reason enough for the establishment of a monument right here in Dominica,” he said.
Acting Prime Minister, Reginald Austrie, told the gathering that the Government is in total support of erecting a monument in honor of the island’s first people.
“That is the message that I want to take to you tonight,that the Government is fully behind you in your dreams and aspirations to set a monument in the honor of the Carib people which would demonstrate the tremendous support that you have shown not only for our culture but for our economic development,” he stated.
Local Historian, Dr. Lennox Honychurch, also endorsed plans to erect a monument in honor of the indigenous people of Dominica.
“There are so many reasons why this monument should be placed at the heart at the centre of Dominica. It is a place where the roads lead from the West, from the East, from the North and as people circle, they will be reminded of the major contribution that was made by the Kalinago people to the preservation of this land,” noted Dr. Honychurch. “Just as down in Roseau, he continued, there is now a monument to the Negre marron which is making people ask questions and learn about that aspect of our history, so too a monument here would also keep alive and alert the memories and the actions and the determination of the Indigenous people of Waitukubuli.”
Dominica’s Chief Cultural officer and Chairman of the National Cultural Council, Raymond Lawrence, is also supportive of the idea of a Kalinago monument. He cited the significant contributions made by Dominica’s indigenous people to the island’s culture and heritage.
“We know that they have contributed to our Art and Craft Development, our Agriculture our Architecture, the names of places, animals, different types of food and fish, our costumes our music and dance and so many other aspects of our rich life and heritage in Dominica,” he said. “We know too that the Kalinago put up hundreds of years of resistance towards colonization and they struggled and endured and in the end overcame many of the tremendous challenges which they had to face, so the idea of a monument in honor of the Kalinago people is a brilliant and fitting one.”
The Chief Cultural Officer spoke of the benefits which the Kalinago monument would bring to Dominica.
“When this monument materializes it will be a landmark achievement for culture and heritage in Dominica and also an important form of recognition of the contribution and the achievement of the Kalingo people. A monument is significant and important because it helps to create greater awareness of our country’s culture, history and heritage. It pays tribute to and gives recognition to the contribution which was made by the person or persons who are being honored and in this case it would be the Kalinago people,” he said.
“Monuments, he said, draw people’s attention, curiosity and interest and in that way it helps the people of the country and visitors as well to learn more about the history and culture of the country so in many ways a monument saluting the Kalinago and their enduring and resilient contribution to Dominica is one I think would be timely, meaningful and very relevant.”
Parliamentary representative for the Salybia Constituency, Ashton Graneau, is optimistic that the monument will be erected soon.
“Whatever we are doing here, will continue and since we have the support of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Dominica, I think we are on the right track and I think we will succeed to get what we are asking for,” he stated.
Culture Minister Justina Charles too, joined her voice in supporting the idea of erecting a monument. The Minister praised the Carib people for preserving the Carib culture.
“I think the Carib Territory is the only village where we can get the most people in art and craft development and preservation of that part of our culture. I want to say your dance is unique, your songs are unique and so it makes us in Dominica unique because we have something that others cannot offer and this is because of what you are doing and we recognize that valid contribution that you are making,” she noted.
The Carib Council is proposing a 20-foot structure at the Pont Casse roundabout which will depict the warrior spirit and strength of the people. The Carib Council will embark on fund raising activities to raise funds to build the Kalinago monument.
I would like to add that the contribution of a significant “brother” was not highlighted in the article. The views of Damon Corrie, our feature speaker at the ceremony was not noted. I can assure you that it was a brilliant presentation. maybe he can be contacted for a synopsis.
there were different carib tribes who arrived in dominica.the so called historians know that.ask them.
Good news the north supports this ,people remember your culture DA is a unique island, I always visit the reserve when I am home its different, good luck to my northern folks keep the support for your culture alive
ask Para to print the true story of the caribs and arawaks.stop keeping them in ignorance.the british like great grand father are responsible.the only reason they had us do the cambridge exams was because they were pulling out and wanted the civil service to continue.
but they build lions on the bridge for the chinee. thats the least they can do after all these years, magwaysa
we were the first settlers on this beautiful island of waitikubuli,and i think its only fair that we the first inhabitants be taken seriously. preserving our culture thus far needs to be commended hence our proposal for a national monument,our culture isnt dead or whatever people may refer to it as….a small monument is nothing compared to a 27 million dollar palace……..we should have asked for 27 monuments.
go read your history man.go to grandbay and see where the arawaks lived on the bsy front.before the caribs.
I am appalled at the previous persons language and tone towrads another persons comments. People have their own opinion and it is freedom of speech.
What I will say is that why on earth can we not work together we are all Dominicans why can we not work towards improving the countries growth as oppose to segregating ourselves.
In terms of segregation is not th Caribs that separated themselves it was the black people who pushed them into their own compound remember years ago before Skerritt was born and many others even Patrick John. How can you blaime the Gov.
let us live as one despite our choice of political parties.
you are a true dummy in a can.facts are facts.opinions are not facts.
you need a history lesson.you must be a red.
Splendid idea. I look forward to a speedy completion of this project
y cant it be build in the reserve,
in their own territory?
It seems like kalinago people alone live in dominica? they were the first to settle, first to do this, first at everything..gee’s… like the black descendent never contribute to nothing to build dominica… just tired of this crap… enough already..
ask your forefathers who they met here when they came from the orinoco
please enlighten us!
ask dr honeychurch.he was given all the papers from the catholic church.
you printed the filthy article of ben dover and did not print mine why you red commie.
great idea and please respect the kalinagos for who they are and what they stand for ok ppl
An excellent idea but there should be more than one.
Have you ever seen kalinago,s walking the streets naked,what make,s you belive that they want to bring back the naked culture?
Its high time our Kalinago people be recognized for the contributions in Dominica. Asking for a monument is indeed a great idea.
Definitely, depicts are very important area of our culture and history. Great idea
Great idea. A monument for the kalinago people are long overdue.
Please people, don’t bring back that naked culture. Some things are not worth repeating. Let’s move on man.
I think people like you should reserve your comment if you have nothing positive to contribute.
What is wrong with my comment? give me a sensible answer if you may.Or forever hold your horses.
@lang-yo There is everything wrong with your statement. ‘Don’t bring back that naked culture’? Seriously?? Elsewhere on this site you will see youth leaders calling for a clamp down on pornography .. I think that is maybe where you wanted to post and you made a mistake. In case you don’t know what you are looking at, this is a re-enactment of ancient culture which has created who the Kalinago are as a people. It’s preservation is as important as any antique or priceless painting.
Disrespectful .If We had the Kalinago Culture we could make all our clothes from Dominican materials and we would not have to import them from China!
VERY INSENSITIVE SMH
How can you move forward if you don’t respect where you are coming from? I am fully in support of the Carib monument at Pond Casse. In Mexico evidence of the Mayan ancestry is all around the country, especially in the monuments, architecture and art and craft. It is not concentrated only in one area as occurs here.
“…if you don’t respect where you coming from…” Obviously the one who commented is not a Kalinago. The person is a Dominican.
The Kalinago do not, in reality, consider themselves “Dominicans.” They are a nation by themselves. This is what they want, devoid of the island of Dominica and being recognized as Dominicans.
While we respect them and their heritage, we cannot shout about their monument, raise a flag to it and applaud it for they have segregated themselves from the general Dominican community and made it quite clear that they want to be a nation of only Kalinago’s – Caribs.
Do not blame other Dominicans for making this statement and opposing that the monument be built in Pont Casse. They want to bring recognition to themselves for their personal purpose.
A conspicuous monument should be built for all those who predeceased us, who have especially served Dominica well, in a certain capacity.
If you search the D/can history archives, you will find there are many to this day and a few who are still alive. Lennox Honeychurch is one of them who is still among us.
“How can you move forward?” You’ll have to ask your PM Skerritt about moving you forward, pal.
Justice and Peace what the hell are you talking about.
All Kalinagos consider themselves Dominican and Kalinagos, so I don’t know where the hell you come up with that stupid statement that they do not consider themselves Dominican.
You sit your backside in Canada, without knowing anything and you blabber like you know what is going on in Dominica. When last have you been to Dominica? When last have you been to the Kalinago Territory? When last have you spoken to a Kalinago?
If you don’t know anything just shut your damn mouth and don’t pretend like you know every damn thing.
There is no shred of evidence that the Kalinagos want to be separate from Dominica. Ask any Kalinago.
Again shut your flipping mouth, ok?
If you want to know what is going on in Dominica, come down here and don’t stay in Canada flapping your gums.
THANK YOU BEND OVER
Naked is good