ROSEAU, Dominica: An $8.7 million capacity building project, launched in the Carib Territory of Dominica on January 27, is expected to provide several benefits for the Kalinago people.
The project was first submitted to the Caribbean Development Bank in 2005; however, due to the country’s fiscal conditions at the time, the proposal was deferred to mid-2007. The project has been designed with a high level of flexibility in order to respond effectively to the needs of the Kalinago people.
The primary objective of the project is to enhance the capability of residents and institutions in the Carib Territory. A Steering committee has been set up to plan and manage the development interventions and to provide basic infrastructure support systems for income generation.
Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, Dr Charles Corbette, said that the project will address many issues in the Carib Territory, including the management of several important projects.
“The capacity building project will see the construction of a new road from the Salybia Catholic Church to the Kalinago Barana Aute as well as a link road from the Horseback Ridge Road to the hamlet of Concord. In addition, resource centers will be built in St Cyr and Bataca and the project will also include the rehabilitation of the existing road from the Carib Council Office to the end of the Horseback Ridge Road. Dr Corbette highlighted some of the many benefits that can be derived from these projects,” said Charles.
Parliamentary Representative for the area, Kelly Graneau commended the efforts of past Carib Chief Garnette Joseph for his support throughout the development phase of the project.
“If I had my way, I would do Mr Joseph the honor and name of the resource centers after him; he has done a great job and this gesture should not go unnoticed,” Graneau said.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit pledged his government’s support to the Kalinago people outlining the many projects currently ongoing in that constituency. Among them are the construction of the Salybia Primary School, the water project, 2 housing projects under the housing revolution scheme as well as free transportation and scholarships for students.
The Dominican leader told the residents, “This government has made every effort to meet the needs of the Carib people. The ongoing programs in the Carib Territory is valued well over 20 million dollars. The Carib Chief himself announced and confirmed recently on national television that all the projects which are mentioned here are being undertaken in your community.”
Some of the benefits of the projects are:
- reduction in poverty through improved access to physical, social and economic resources
- improved agricultural output
- increase net tools expenditure
- increase in employment and income
All projects will be supervised by the Project Steering Committee in collaboration with the Carib Council, which falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Carib Affairs headed by Kelly Graneau. |
