Government Continues Monthly Engagement with Kalinago Chief and Council

The Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Salybia Constituency has held the second monthly engagement meeting with the Kalinago Chief and Council. The March 5, 2026 meeting represents the second in a series of structured engagements aimed at maintaining open dialogue and strengthening

collaboration on matters concerning the development and management of the Kalinago Territory.

These meetings form part of an ongoing commitment by the Government to ensure that development initiatives within the Kalinago Territory are discussed transparently with the Chief and Council while fostering greater coordination on issues affecting the wellbeing of the Kalinago people.

A major focus of the meeting was the operationalization of the Kalinago Territory Multipurpose Centre and Emergency Shelter, a significant infrastructure project currently under construction in Bataca within the Kalinago Territory. The facility represents a major investment of $7.6 million in the development and resilience of the Kalinago community. The project is being implemented by the Government of Dominica with financing support from the Government of Canada through the Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund managed by the Caribbean Development Bank.

As part of the project’s stakeholder engagement process, the Kalinago Chief and Council also recently visited the construction site to observe the progress of the works and gain a better understanding of the scope and expected impact of the facility on the community.

Once completed, the Multipurpose Centre will serve as a critical hub for community

development, cultural preservation, training programmes, and tourism-related activities, while also functioning as an emergency shelter during natural disasters.

The modern climate-resilient facility is designed to accommodate up to 125 persons during emergencies and will include several key amenities such as:

• Dormitory space

• Kitchen and dining facilities

• Washrooms and sanitation facilities

• Storage for food and emergency supplies

• A first aid centre

• Offices and emergency operations space

• A library and computer room

• Parking facilities including spaces for persons with disabilities

The building is designed to withstand seismic activity and Category Five hurricane conditions and will incorporate sustainable features including solar power generation, backup diesel power systems, and a 15,000-gallon water storage capacity to ensure self-sufficiency during disasters.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the future management and operational framework of the facility, including programming, training opportunities for community members, and the range of cultural, educational, and tourism activities that could be hosted at the centre.

The Multipurpose Centre is expected to be completed following its 16-month construction period, after which it will be officially commissioned and handed over to serve the Kalinago community as both a centre for cultural and social activity and a critical component of Dominica’s climate resilience strategy.

The meeting also discussed the process for selecting a name for the facility that reflects the heritage, language, and cultural identity of the Kalinago people, with proposals including community consultation and participation from local schools.

Additionally, the meeting addressed plans for the continued development of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrations within the Territory, particularly through the observance of Kalinago Day on August 9. Discussions explored expanding the celebration to include cultural exhibitions, culinary showcases featuring cassava and traditional foods, sports activities, educational programmes, and cultural exchanges with other Indigenous communities.

Hon. Cozier Frederick reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with the Kalinago Chief and Council.

“These engagements are important to ensure that development within the Kalinago Territory reflects the aspirations of the community while preserving the culture, traditions, and heritage of the Kalinago people,” he stated.

Both the Government and the Kalinago Council also agreed that future meetings will address additional priority issues, including housing development, agricultural support, cultural events, waste management, and community beautification initiatives within the Territory.

The Government and the Kalinago Council have agreed to continue these monthly engagement meetings to ensure ongoing consultation, collaboration, and progress on key initiatives affecting the Kalinago Territory.