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 state 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.
He said “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.”
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Reginald Austrie told that gathering 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.”
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”.
“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 Hon. 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.”
Culture Minister Hon. 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.”
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.