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Kalinago Chief Annette Sanford has publicly disputed claims that her Council was consulted in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed quarry at Deux Branches, a project tied to Dominica\u2019s international airport development. Her statement posted on her Facebook Page, comes amid mounting concerns over transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n
Sanford explained that the Kalinago Council was listed as a stakeholder in the June 2025 ESIA, but in reality, no consultations were held. She confirmed with former Chief Lorenzo Sanford that his council also had no discussions regarding quarry activity during their tenure. The only outreach the current Council received was an email from the Physical Planning Division on March 3, 2026, and a meeting with the Parliamentary Representative on January 22, 2026, which she said yielded no substantive comments.<\/p>\n
The ESIA itself has been the subject of controversy. Community group Save Deux Branches<\/em> fought for months to make the documents publicly accessible, criticizing the government for initially providing only three physical copies in Roseau with limited viewing time. No copies were placed in the Kalinago Territory, despite the quarry\u2019s proximity and potential impact on the community. Activists eventually scanned and distributed the documents themselves, ensuring wider access.<\/p>\n Concerns raised about the ESIA include conflicting versions of the report, inconsistencies in site mapping that overlap with the Northern Forest Reserve, and the absence of identified experts or detailed scientific assessments. Critics argue that the report fails to reference international treaties protecting indigenous rights, such as the Escaz\u00fa Agreement and ILO Convention 169, and does not adequately address principles of free, prior, and informed consent.<\/p>\n Sanford thanked community members who delivered a copy of the ESIA to the Kalinago Council office, allowing residents to review it between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. She emphasized that despite repeated communications to ministries and government leaders, the Council was excluded from meaningful dialogue.<\/p>\n The dispute highlights broader issues of transparency and accountability in Dominica\u2019s development projects. For the Kalinago Territory, the controversy underscores the need for genuine consultation and respect for indigenous rights as the country advances its international airport project.<\/p>\n Community groups have urged citizens to read the ESIA and submit feedback to the Physical Planning Division before the March 30, 2026 deadline, framing the issue as a test case for how Dominica balances national development with environmental protection and indigenous participation.<\/p>\n