Miss Kalinago and Princess Natari 2008 Chosen in Dominica

Carib Territory, Dominica (UCTP Taino News) – 10 contestants competed for the Miss Kalinago and Princess Natari pageant crowns as part of “Carib Week” in September 2008. This year the annual pageant was held at the Karina Cultural Village in Bataca, Dominica and two of the contestants, Miss Juslyn Antoine and Miss Darylia Sanford, took home the coveted titles.

The contestants were required to demonstrate their talents, appear in traditional regalia, display craft items and in the case of Miss Kalinago, deliver a promotional speech. The Princess Natari contestants were not required to deliver speeches.

Leader of the Karina Cultural Group and coordinator of the pageant Miranda Langlais stated that contestants must be “dedicated” and “take pride” in the showcasing of their talent and culture.

Langlais, who is recognized by her people as a Kalingo Cultural Queen, also noted that “the very first Carib Queen pageant was organized by former Carib Chief Hillary Fredrick in 1996.”

A second pageant was held in 1998 and it has since become an annual event.

Carib Week is observed in commemoration of the Kalinago uprising that took place in Dominica on September 19, 1930.

In Photo: Carib Cultural Ambassadors Miss Kalinago Juslyn Antoine, 16 (left) and Princess Natari Darylis Sanford, 10 (Photo Credit: Wendy-Ann Duncan)

UCTPTN 10.21.2008

Indigenous Dominica community gets CYPCC computers

Photo: Members of the Young Achievers Group of Atkinson Community pose with their computers and accessories.

“The days when students used the library to do research and complete their assignments are virtually gone with the advent of the internet and other ICTs.”

DOMINICA - The Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre (CYPCC) and the Youth Department of the Government of Dominica have collaborated to present computers and other Information Communication Technology (ICT) to the Young Achievers Group of Atkinson Community.

At a presentation ceremony on June 28 at the Carib Territory, CYPCC Director Mr Charles challenged the Young Achievers to look towards the development of a Youth Information Centre that would help assist artists and other skilled young people to further develop their talent.

"Computers and ICT have become a very important aspect of the development of the community. There are communities among our Commonwealth countries where ICT has made a significant difference between people living in poverty and an improved standard of living," Mr. Charles said.

"This is the first phase; set up the computers and then you can get ready for the second phase but give us a development plan towards that quest and I can assure you that we will assist in making available additional ICT equipment to establish the Youth Information Centre," he urged.

Chief Youth Development Officer at the Division of Youth, Mr. Jules Pascal noted that the days when students used the library to do research and complete their assignments are virtually gone with the advent of the internet and other ICTs.

However, a proper computer facility was lacking in the Carib Territory and especially in Atkinson, he noted.

Pascal said the Youth Division will ensure that the computers are networked and assured that the Division will also service the equipment free of cost.

Chairman of the Atkinson Village Council, Mr Kitchener Laville said he was elated that the community's youth will finally have access to the internet which will ease the difficulties encountered doing school assignments.

Laville noted that the computers will be placed at the community centre and students should be able to begin using them shortly.

Source: Commonwealth Youth Programme

Carib Canoe Trial Run A Success

UCTP Taino News - Two huge Carib “War Canoes” paddled south from Madiana Beach in Martinique about 25 nautical miles to St. Luce over Easter Weekend. On this trip there were “no weapons in hand” just oars and a large group of Kalinago (Carib) and other “Sea Warriors” determined to recreate an important part of the region’s indigenous history.

The group is working on a seven year project to renew the voyages of the Carib ancestors from South America up through the Caribbean Islands. The Easter Weekend trip was a trail run for a longer voyage – more than double the length - set for this May 2008.

The 50 member canoe team included French, German, Austrian, English, American and Tahitian members as well as a special 15 member Kalinago contingent from Dominica. These men and women - young and old - students, fishermen and sailors have been training together in the rough Atlantic seas off the East Coast of the Carib Territory in Dominica since January, 2008.

The larger of the two canoes, the “Youmoulicou” is 60 feet from stem to stern, with its sister at 50 foot long. The two canoes were accompanied by two security support boats.

In May, the Sea Warriors will set out from north of Martinique to brave the heavy seas of the Dominican Channel, paddling their 25-man canoes for over 10 grueling hours through the high waves to arrive finally on the shores of Scotts Head in Dominica.

Photo: Some of the Kalinago and other "Sea Warriors" in Martinique on Easter Weekend (Photo credit: J. Grinmer)

UCTPTN 04.04.2008

Caribs in Dominica Elect a New Chief

CARIB TERRITORY, DOMINICA, WEST INDIES – The indigenous Carib Community of Wai'tukubuli (Dominica) has elected Charles Williams as their new Chief.

An hotelier, Williams had previously run for the office of Chief on four occasions but was unsuccessful. The new Chief polled 263 votes to beat outgoing Chief, Garnette Joseph, who received 182 votes.

Former Carib Chief Irvince Auguiste totaled 155 votes, while the two other candidates - Elvis Francis and Derrick Joseph - polled 151 and 102 votes respectively.

The election of the Carib Chief is held every five years, and is followed by the election of a Carib Council under the Local Government Division. Chief Williams automatically assumes the Chairmanship of the Council.

According to the Caribbean News Agency, Williams said that it has been 25 years since he has been asking "the Carib people for an opportunity to do what I think needs to be done for the Carib Territory and the people".

"We are the rightful owners of Dominica and we need much more development. I want you to respect and understand that this country belongs to the Carib people and we want a better share", the new Carib Chief told reporters.

He also envisions a tax free existence for the Carib territory and calls on the authorities to declare the area a tax and duty free zone. One of his economic plans as well is the establishment of a financial institution to assist in the overall development of the territory.

Outgoing Chief Joseph stated he had accepted the decision of the Carib people.

"The people wanted a change, I listened to the comments that were made during the election campaign and the people were dissatisfied with the level of information that were reaching them so I believe the people felt that they needed somebody that could really bring out the information to them," he said.

The election of a Carib Chief followed the nomination of five persons on June 22 who were willing to contest for the position. According to the presiding officer at the election, Helius Auguiste, voter turn out was encouraging and slightly better than the last election in 1999.

The Dominica newspaper, The Chornicle reported that there was also an increase in the number of youth registered for the occasion this time around. There were six polling stations facilitating some 1,677 persons registered to vote. “I believe the activity went on quite well with the voter turn out good and it was nice seeing a good representation from the youth of the area exercising their democratic right at the polls,” Auguiste noted.

The British formally granted some 3,700 acres of common land to the Kalinago or Carib People in 1903 as well as “officially” recognizing the office of Chief.

Photo: The new Carib Chief of Dominica, Charles Williams with his wife Margaret.