S.H.A.P.E. (Society for Heritage, Architectural, Preservation and Enhancement), the organization seeking to protect the integrity of Dominica’s culture through respect for its architectural heritage, has a new board headed by Marica Honychurch as President and Michael Lees as Vice-President.
Ms. Honychurch, who took over as President following elections on 25 June 2020, says: “In the same way as we value our Creole food, language, song, and dance, S.H.A.P.E. believes in the worth of our built environment and its key role in the economic and social development of Dominica. History teaches us that traditional architectural features have served Dominica well in the past and can also be incorporated into our modern structures.”
S.H.A.P.E. hopes to be able to facilitate funding for private owners to preserve their traditional homes, to bring recognition to the importance of historic buildings, such as the Barracoon building, the Public Library, and the Old Market in Roseau, and to try to preserve and restore buildings of historic architectural value. S.H.A.P.E. also aims to preserve our vernacular ti-kai homes throughout Dominica, and give support to preservation projects.
SHAPE’s revival was, in part, a response to the recent demolition of the childhood home of the writer Jean Rhys on the corner of Independence Street and Cork Street, which despite its poor condition remained a fine example of traditional architecture.
“Buildings are part of our story and reflect our history,’ says Ms. Honychurch. “We hope that as Dominica develops, traditional architecture is incorporated into the new designs to complement our unique architectural heritage.”
For the sake of present and future generations, S.H.A.P.E. maintains that cultural resilience is critical for our survival. With this understanding, Dominica can conserve and enhance its historic buildings and generate income, in the same way as other Caribbean countries have done, such as in the old districts of San Juan and of Havana. S.H.A.P.E. would also like to see Dominica foster a pride in craftsmanship, in both the maintenance of its old and the innovation of the new.
Past president Jacqueline Dupigny said: “S.H.A.P.E. has a good record. Formed in the mid-1990s, it did much to bring the message of conservation to the public. It was a challenging time but I think that we did reach people—even before the age of social media—with posters, lobbying government and newspaper articles. I think we could say that we influenced some of the new construction in Roseau which is sympathetic to traditional architecture.’
S.H.A.P.E. welcomes new members and supporters. Please contact:
Please follow S.H.A.P.E. on:
Instagram: @SHAPE.Domnik
Facebook: @SHAPEDomnik
The SHAPE board consists of:
President: Marica Honychurch
Vice-President: Micheal Lees
Secretary: Attainea Toulon
Assistant Secretary: Polly Pattullo
Treasurer: Petrea Honychurch Seaman
Assistant Treasurer: Jacqueline Dupigny
PRO: Micheal Lees
Public Outreach: Giselle Laurent
