Kalinago Chief

Kalinago Chief is the leader of the Carib/Kalinago Territory in Dominica, holding a position that blends traditional authority with modern administrative responsibilities. The Chief presides over the Kalinago Council, the local governing body of the territory.

About the Kalinago Chief

Historically, a Chief played an essential role in keeping the Kalinago people together. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Elders selected chiefs for specific functions, such as hunting or fishing expeditions. However, due to the small size of Kalinago communities, which were typically composed of a few families, chiefs could not exercise authority after completing the mission. The importance of the Kalinago Chief diminished after the British took over Dominica and relocated the Kalinago people to what is now known as the Kalinago Territory.

Following an incident in 1930 called the Carib War, the Office of the Chief was banned for 20 years. Subsequently, the traditional governance system was replaced with a local government system. Today, the Kalinago Chief is democratically elected every five years.

Past Kalinago Chiefs

• Chief Pitit Francois (first half of the 19th century)
• Chief Wakanik (middle of the 19th century)
• Chief Joseph (1850–1870)
• Chief Bruney (last quarter of the 19th century)
• Chief Auguiste Francis (1880 to early 20th century)
• Chief Jules Corriette (1916–1920)
• Chief Jolly John (1926–1930)

(The office of Chief was suspended by the British Colonial authorities from 1930 to 1953)

• Chief Simon John (1953, 6 months)
• Chief Whitney Frederick (1953–1959)
• Chief Jermandois Francis (1959–1972)
• Chief Masclem Frederick (1972–1975)
• Chief Faustulus Frederick (1975–1979)
• Chief Hillary Frederick (1978–1984)
• Chief Irvince Auguiste (1984–1994)
• Chief Hillary Frederick (1994–1999)
• Chief Garnette Joseph (1999–2004)
• Chief Charles Williams (2004–2009)
• Chief Garnette Joseph (2009–2014)
• Chief Charles Williams (2014–2019)
• Chief Lorenzo Sanford (2019–2024)
• Chief Annette Sanford (2024–Present).

Modern Role and Responsibilities

The contemporary Kalinago Chief’s responsibilities include managing community projects, advocating for the Kalinago people at national and international levels, and working with various organizations to secure funding and support for development initiatives. The Chief also plays a key role in preserving the Kalinago people’s cultural heritage and traditions.