The United Progressive Party offers heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Anette Sandford and to the Kalinago people in making such a path-breaking choice.
We hail the landslide victory of Mrs. Anette Sandford in the election for Chief of the Kalinago People as historically relevant as well as significant politically and culturally for a number of reasons.
First of all, it signifies a giant stride for women in general and Kalinago women in particular, on the road to achieving complete gender equality in the country.
The significance of this cannot be overestimated because, if Dominica and its various communities are to progress, women must be accorded full rights with men at every level of society.
Secondly, it signifies a shift in the dominance of the ruling Labour Party which, despite its almost quarter of century in power, has left the Kalinago people less independent than they were at the beginning of the century;
Thirdly, it represents a significant cultural shift in the role and visibility of the Kalinago community on the broader spectrum.
With humility and determination, the United Progressive Party declares itself ready to stand with Mrs. Sandford and the Kalinago people in the age-long quest to take their just, rightful and dignified place in the affairs of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Among a myriad of other matters, we would like to see improvements in the legal and custom practices in the area of land use, succession, employment, school curriculum as well as the sport of cricket.
It is only appropriate for us to pay proper homage to the memory of our brave Kalinago ancestors who set such a valiant record of resistance against foreign oppression, and to honour their brave deeds. In honouring them we strengthen ourselves.
The Kalinago people are the foundational population of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and any shift in this structural demographic base is going to have an effect throughout society.
We have no doubt that under Mrs. Sanford’s rule as Kalinago Chief, better days are ahead for the Kalinago people!
Joshua Francis
23rd July 2024
