UNDP project lays groundwork for long-term resilience in Kalinago Territory

The Strengthening Community Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SCR-K) project convened its first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the St. Cyr Resource Centre, formally establishing governance and oversight arrangements for the initiative aimed at enhancing climate-resilient agriculture, forest and watershed restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

The project is funded by the Government of India through the United Nations Office of

South-to-South Cooperation and implemented by the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of the Commonwealth of

Dominica through the Ministry of Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and the Kalinago Council.

The meeting brought together senior Government officials, community leadership, donor representatives, and UNDP staff. Participants included the representative of the High Commission of India, Mr. Sukhvinder Malik; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and Senior Beneficiary of the project, Ms. Lisa Valmond; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ryan Anselm; and Ms. Gweneth Frederick, representing the Ministry of Tourism. The Kalinago Council was represented by Mr. Wayne Rossie, standing in for Kalinago Chief, Ms. Annette Sanford.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Prevention, Recovery and

Resilience Cluster Lead with UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with participation from Mr. Justin Shone, Head of the UNDP Dominica Project Office, and Ms. Sawana Fabien, Project Analyst at UNDP.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Valmond underscored that the meeting took place within an important national context where development priorities are framed around resilience, empowerment, and inclusive growth.

“The Kalinago people have long demonstrated strength, cultural pride, and resourcefulness, and this project speaks directly to those values,” she said. “We are grateful for UNDP’s continued support and leadership in championing initiatives that align with national priorities, sector strategies, and the Ministry’s objectives, while empowering the Kalinago people as leaders and agents of change.”

She expressed appreciation to UNDP for its continued support and to the Government of India for investing in a project that is both timely and critical.

“The benefits of this initiative extend well beyond activities on the ground, reaching into resilience, livelihoods, and sustainable community empowerment within the Kalinago Territory,” Ms. Valmond noted. “While the Kalinago people are beneficiaries of development, they are also leaders and agents of change—shaping outcomes and sustaining benefits beyond the project lifecycle.”

Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Ms. Charles-Soomer underscored the importance of strong governance and partnerships in delivering results.

“This first Steering Committee meeting lays the foundation for effective coordination,

accountability, and results-driven implementation,” she said. “UNDP remains committed to working alongside Government, the Kalinago Council, and development partners to ensure this project delivers lasting, community-led impact.”

Representing the donor, Mr. Malik highlighted the project as a reflection of the strong

partnership between India and the Caribbean. “This project is a signing testament to the enduring bonds of friendship between India and the Caribbean region as a whole, particularly empowering the indigenous communities. This project is on improving resilience in agriculture, enhancing forest and watersheds restoration and strengthening indigenous tourism. These things, they not only address the

vulnerabilities they also enrich the rich cultural heritage of the Kalinago people. It ensures that resilience is built on a foundation of tradition and innovation”

Mr. Malik also emphasized the importance of capacity building as a core component of the project, noting that members of the Kalinago community may benefit from targeted technical exchanges, including opportunities under the Government of India’s iTech Programme.

“Together, we are not just building resilience,” he added. “We are nurturing hope,

prosperity, and a brighter future — not only for the Kalinago people, but for Indigenous communities and Dominica as a whole.”

During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the project’s objectives, governance structure, and proposed 2026 work plan, with an indicative budget of approximately 888,000 USD (2,350,000 XCD). The Steering Committee concluded by reaffirming its commitment to results-oriented implementation and agreed on key next steps to accelerate delivery in 2026, expressing confidence that the project will lay a strong foundation for long-term resilience and inclusive development in the Kalinago Territory. Following the formal session, participants took part in a guided site tour of the Kalinago Barana Autê (KBA) Model Village, showcasing traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and livelihood activities. The site visit demonstrated how the SCR-K project will enhance existing visitor experiences in line with the Government’s strategic vision to integrate traditional knowledge with modern innovation, strengthen individual and community capacity, stimulate local economic activity, and support sustainable livelihoods.