Almost two weeks have passed since SHAPE issued a press release that expressed alarm for lack of consultation in the design of a new library.
Before the debate on the new public library becomes last month’s news, I urge DNO to follow up with further images and insights into the rationale that has determined the course of the project. I assume that in addition to the artist’s rendition, there are detailed plans.
As I see it, two separate and distinct issues are involved:
- The preservation of an important historical building.
- The pressing need for a new purpose-built library.
The need for a dance floor and recording studio are not necessarily related to the above.
The original library building is a core component of what is left of Roseau’s historical identity and as such is irreplaceable. Almost two years ago Darren Louis, in a letter to the Physical Planning Division, suggested that under section 47 (1) of the Physical Planning Act of 2002 an interim preservation order be put in place to protect the interests of the building and by extension Dominica’s history.
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/letter-to-the-editor-protect-the-roseau-public-library/
If sympathetically restored the building could serve for hosting exhibitions and meetings. In the past a number of groups have struggled to find a suitable venue within their financial means. For many of these events ambience is an important factor. Moreover, under the skilled supervision, the restoration could serve to train a new generation of master craftsmen.
Although a dance floor and recording studio may be considered essential amenities, they need not be housed in a new library building. For many reasons, they are best kept separate. They are different entities that cannot be successfully accommodated by a ground floor, first floor, second floor plan. A library requires tranquility, music requires acoustics and a dance floor has its own specific design requirements. Furthermore, I doubt that the ground floor of the proposed building would be able to accommodate a lending library, reference library, the national archives, study space, store rooms and offices.
The construction of a new library has been on the agenda for years. In 2011, after a visit to Azerbaijan, Prime Minister said that discussions were held with officials from that Euro-Asian country on the possibility of it funding a national state-of-the-art library in Dominica. Then again, in 2014 the Prime Minister said arrangements were being set in place for the construction of a new library, however assistance from the public was being sought for an ideal location. He said he had received a design for the new library but was not satisfied with it.
Dominica deserves a modern purpose-built library, but not within the grounds of the historic building. And being modern does not necessarily mean forgoing our Caribbean identity in favour of an alien, Dubai inspired design. The identity of our built environment reflects the identity of ourselves. There are young Dominican architects immerging, both at home and abroad, that could contribute with distinction.
Incidentally, a bold but alternative solution is to let the State House serve as the new library and the restored historic Carnegie library building serve for hosting government receptions. I am sure that visiting dignitaries would be impressed by being entertained in a building of cultural and historical significance and they would be equally impressed by what would then be an impressive new library across the road. This arrangement would help to solve the parking problem for library users and the vulnerability of housing irreplaceable archives in the original library building.
The concept and plans for the new library will affect Dominicans for generations to come. It is therefore essential that they are openly debated. If we now turn our backs on the issue the likelihood is that within a few weeks bulldozers will move in and we will be presented with a fait accompli.
Roger Burnett
Antrim
25th March, 2022
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I welcome a new approach to looking at Roseau with improvements in mind.
Some years ago I proposed a 4 story building over the Roseau river from EC Loblack bridge to middle bridge first and second floor as car park and third and fourth as restaurants and offices. People laughed at me and ridiculed me until a group from Trinidad said it was a fantastic idea. It would have created jobs for the youth in transporting people and their shopping in golf buggies.
Then again DSDI had a project to build 15 story hotel and recreation centre over the Roseau river from stadium bridge to EC bridge that again did not get support.
Our people have many good ideas but decision makers must think of our country, however having toured all over DA the housing projects are making a good impact. I appeal to all let us think of DA it belongs to us all and remember power belongs to God and our job is to care for people and country.
Are we designing and building the Library for CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE? If so, why not afford them a voice? Why isn’t there any youngsters, or a make up of such a group, as part of the selection committee?
It really defies logic!
I have said it before and will say it again.If Jesus Christ were to come to Dominica today,even if he showed IBO France,Bwa-BandwyJah kal,Original and St.Jean the holes in his hands and wound in his side they would still crucify him.Everything these bboons critize once it is done by the Labour party.
My people those designs in 2022 a out dated those designs were in time of the Colonial Masters people please take a look of those country in the world where they were controlling and you will see for your self .Skerrit putting his mark in Dominica trust me u all will see for u all self. All their designs a hole bunch of arches that’s new to u all eye there is a meaning to that. A clock on top of a tower and a bell that’s for Masa they never wore watches in those days. There lot ‘s of beautiful modern design out there.
Who ever came up with this design of a building intended to be a Library on a small Caribbean Island should and would be BARRED for life from the Royal Institute of British Architects it looks like a cross between a Hilton Express Hotel with a portion of Big Ben on top like a Bithday cake , Disgusting and Tasteless Surely and Eyesore
Barrie Mitchell Chartered Structural Engineer , Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers
You have provided such strong arguments and solutions on the way forward.
What happed to the project for the Victoria House/Dominica Disaster Resource Center where £100K was deposited into the Treasury? Money missing. No accountability as to what happened to this money.
There is already a beautiful dance studio at the Old Mill in Canefield.
A music studio could be built out of town and linked with one of our new luxury hotels. Following on the success of Montserrat Air studios that had huge bands and international artists queuing up for recordings. The likes of Luther Vandros, Eric Clapham, Paul McCartney and several other big names who chose an exotic island over a cold London studio.
No regard for local architects. What message are you saying to our young architectural students who dream of returning to make their mark on their island when NONE of the CBI projects have utilized local architects.
This is another attack on the body, soul and spirit of Dominica.
You have provided such strong arguments and solutions on the way forward.
What happed to the project for the Victoria House/Dominica Disaster Resource Center where £100K was deposited into the Treasury? Money missing. No accountability as to what happened to this money.
There is already a beautiful dance studio at the Old Mill in Canefield.
A music studio could be built out of town and linked with one of our new luxury hotels. Following on the success of Montserrat Air studios that had huge bands and international artists queuing up for recordings. The likes of Luther Vandros, Eric Clapham, Paul McCartney and several other big names who chose an exotic island over a cold London studio.
No regard for local architects. What message are you saying to our young architectural students who dream of returning to make their mark on their island when NONE of the CBI projects have utilized local architects.
This is another attack on the body, soul and spirit of Dominica.
“A music studio could be built out of town and linked with one of our new luxury hotels. Following on the success of Montserrat Air studios that had huge bands and international artists queuing up for recordings. The likes of Luther Vandros, Eric Clapham, Paul McCartney and several other big names who chose an exotic island over a cold London studio”.
What is the role of the Private sector in such a suggestion? Is it only to buy at one price and sell at a profit? Is that all there is to our private sector? I can see the criticism. Government getting into the domain of the private sector
Great arguments, especially since there is also no functioning theatre in Dominica, which would traditionally house dance, music and the likes. The issue of our architectural and urban heritage is very important as it reflects on our historical process of development along with our physical identity in this art of architecture. Leaders should be nationalistic and pride themselves in their culture and heritage since this is part of what makes us who we are.
Roger, points taken but it’s only a building the front design can always be altered to suit esthetics. What’s more important (for us) is what’s going to be within. For the benefit of all is imperative we have a complete Black History Department. Not only to feature our major contributions to the arts and sciences but that will also make it a major tourist attraction right there in Roseau.
Hey hey Dominicans you all don’t know by now the area done sell already St Jean tell you all that long time wait you all will hear and see later.
I have not yet seen the criticizism from IBO France,Bwa-Banday,Francisco-Dog,St.Jean and the UWP haters.
If the new library is put in foreign hands like the alien monstrosities built as apartment buildings, then, the historical uniqueness of Dominica, would not be passed down to prosterity. Our history is becoming invisible under the stewardship of this pitiful regime.
I usually applaud Mr. Burnnet’s contributions. This one, although enlightening, meandered from one thing to another.
This is my problem with our people which is the main reason Skerrit and his acolytes get away with their most egregious actions. Yesterday it was the Syria diplomatic scandal; today, it’s the public library; tomorrow, who knows; a new national issue.
The point is simply this. We, the people and the media, don’t stay on point. We deal with serious infractions, by this regime, like scattershots. No focus!
The reason for what may be perceived as my “meandering” in this commentary is the number of issues that need to be taken into account.
In order to keep my words to a minimum, I left out what I consider to be a crucial factor, that being: a coherent development plan for Roseau. Such a plan would identify other sites within the city that would be more suited for a new library and at the same time preserve our built heritage.
We add individual buildings ad hoc and without concern for the townscape as a whole.
Why do you behave like this with your constant criticism. You seem to always think you have some kind of divine gift as to how things should be built and designed, your way. Dominica needs a Library, the Government finally decides to build one, they are not building a nightclub and telling us it is a Library, gosh, you may not like the design, that is fine. You’re too focused on aesthetics, it is the content and services housed in the space called a Library that is important, of which we as Dominicans should be looking forward to making that our paramount concern.
Alas Gary, as an artist, inventive engineer and with a lifetime’s involvement in preserving townscapes, I am tasked to see and think differently. The only “divine gift” that aids me in these pursuits is dyslexia.
I will tell you this, you’re tasked to see and think differently is subjective and does not in any way, as I have pointed out, make you an authoritative person, do not get carried by the ego. I’m sure there a people who are artist, inventive engineers who would look at this design and admire it and some if given the opportunity would come up with a different design, let us not forget the words of Shakespeare, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
As to your belief that dyslexia, is your “divine gift” I’m not
going to challenge your belief, but I will ask you why do you oppose everything that the Government builds, is this
a treat from your divine gift making you do such thing. Look, I’m not against you for expressing your opinion or dislike as to what you think is an appropriate design, but it is your chronic criticism which spills over in with your political partisan beliefs which to me voids your divine gift.
Make sure your brain and mouth are connected before you spill your fecal matter. You try to denigrate erudite contributors to this forum but deafening my silent on this kleptomaniacal regime’s scandalous blunders.
Your vacuous comments are usually rubbished by the vast majority of DNO’s contributors. Utter idiocy!
Why are you trying to bring this forum to a gutter like environment, you are not going to drag me down to your level, lol. You are what we think. All that you are arises with your thoughts, with our thoughts, you make your world, you have a wonderful day.
De gustibus non Est disputandum Gary.
You are so true, point well taken.
Mr. Burnett, thank you once again for taking the lead and having the guts to stress the historical importance of retaining the few architectural remnants that Dominica still happens to possess. I hope the higher ups take note.
Just look at the monstrosity of the new library! Aesthetically this would be an eyesore on the Dominican landscape and Roseau’s architectural integrity! Where are our architects, artists, historians, cultural officers and activists? Can’t you all see this eyesore would be out of place on our landscape and cityscape? Dominicans stay quiet for every wrong and erroneous act of this Government because they support Labour and love their PM, so Dominica suffers every time under them!
Whilst I support the preservation of the Roseau Library (obviously for sentimental reasons, having grown up using it) I understand the important of modernization and the need to invest accordingly.
What I do not support is the lack of “Dominican” architectural input, inclusion, and opportunity!
Truth be False, enjoy modern day architecture and engineering. Some things can be restored but not everything, including the Public Library. Some months ago someone bought the house and lot in Roseau of the late Jean Rhys to be demolished and build a new building on the property for business purposes. Here you are and others talking about that building should be restored. It is all nonsense. That person bought that property and you cannot tell that person what he should do and not do. It is ridiculous and bold. Why don’t you and company buy old property in Roseau and restore it. That would make a lot of sense.
Sir/Madame, We do not need SHAPES’s input and design. The bottom line is the old Public Library building will be razed to make way for a new and modern library. Stop making everything political and enjoy modern day architecture and engineering.
You are a philistine, period.
Good points, but…sadly “allu doe run things in Dominica”