Kalinagos went to the polls for the second time on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to elect a council that will serve the Territory for the next five years. The first time was to elect a Chief and this was a historical moment. Out of twenty-four candidates, only six candidates would be required to serve on the Council. The under-mentioned candidates were elected to serve as members of the Kalinago Council:-
1 Wayne Rossi Crayfish River – 201 votes
2 Francilia Darroux St. Cyr – 192 votes
3 Riscia Ellick Sineku – 167 votes
4 Kimberly Tyson St. Cyr -158 votes
5 Teddy Thomas Sineku – 146 votes
6 Miranda Langlais Bataca – 134 votes
According to the Returning Officer, Ms. Kathleen Auguiste, there was a low voter turn-out since only 24% of the population turned out to vote. Historically, voters’ turn-out for Council’s election is always very low. The new generation of Kalinagos are of the opinion that there is no need to vote for a council and would prefer, the Chief be the sole representative of the people on all levels. Therefore, there would be no need to have a Parliamentary Representative. However, this may require some serious debate with all stakeholders to determine the feasibility of this new initiative.
The candidate who pulled the most votes in the election Mr. Wayne Rossi, resident of Crayfish River, in an exclusive interview had this to say after his victory. “I am happy to be among the best of the twenty-four candidates because the people made the right decision.”
When asked about his vision for the future, he stated, “Any initiative that would help to improve the lives of the people, I will support it. It will be a collective effort to collaborate with the Chief and other councilors to bring a much-needed change to the Territory.”
The past council was severely criticized for not connecting with the people. Allegedly, there were no meetings and no accountability. When Mr. Rossi was questioned about how the council plans to connect with the people, he stated, “ We will have quarterly meetings – public and indoors, to get the people involved in the affairs of the Council but it will be a challenge”.
The elections are all over now and people have to get back to their routine way of life. A time of reconciliation is needed: a time to build bridges, mend broken relationships, and put political division aside so that the unity of the Kalinago people can once again be on center stage. People must rally behind the new Chief and Councilors to bring about the change that is needed for development. The inauguration ceremony will take place sometime in September during Kalinago Week. It is anticipated that a large crowd of Kalinagos and people throughout Dominica will be present to witness history in the Territory. For the first time in history, there is going to be a woman as Kalinago Chief.
In politics, in order for good governance vs to prevail, the elected candidates must have a genuine concern about the plight of those they serve, and have visionary , strategic plans to lift the standard of living of all residents without prejudice.
I’m hopeful that Mrs. Anette Sanford would use her genuine love for people, sharpness of vision, to improve the economic and social status of all residents of the Kalinago community.
To all who have been elected just remember this: United we stand tall, divided we fall.