Kalinago War

The Kalinago War, also known as the Kalinago Uprising of 1930 is significant in Dominica’s colonial history. On September 19, 1930, a contingent of British police entered the Carib Reserve, now known as the Kalinago Territory, to seize a cargo that the Kalinago had brought from Martinique and Marie-Galante following the destructive 1930 hurricane. These goods were part of the Kalinago’s vital trade and exchange with neighbouring islands, which was customary and necessary for their survival. However, under Administrator Edward Carlyon Eliot, the British colonial authorities considered this trade illegal and sought to confiscate the goods.

The Kalinago War and British Response

The situation escalated when the Kalinago resisted the seizure. The British police opened fire on the Kalinago, resulting in the deaths of two Kalinago individuals. In response, the Kalinago successfully chased the police out of the territory. This act of resistance prompted the British to send the HMS Delhi, a British warship, to Dominica, where marines and additional police were dispatched to Salybia. The British forces used star shells and searchlights to intimidate the Kalinago, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forests. This show of power represented a critical attempt to suppress the indigenous people’s resistance to colonial rule.

Kalinago War: Legacy and Cultural Revival

Following the British show of force, several Kalinago leaders, including Kalinago Chief Jolly John, were arrested and taken to Roseau for trial. Despite the arrests, the cases were dismissed, and the Kalinago were allowed to return home. The Kalinago War of 1930 became a pivotal moment in the history of the Kalinago people, marking the beginning of a new era of cultural revival and resistance. The event highlighted the resilience of the Kalinago, and its legacy has remained a symbol of the indigenous struggle against colonial oppression.

This event is commemorated annually during Kalinago Week, a time for celebrating Kalinago culture and history through various activities and events.. The Kalinago people continue to play a crucial role in Dominica’s social and cultural fabric, and the Kalinago Territory stands proud of its historical and cultural endurance. The Kalinago War of 1930 remains a significant turning point in Kalinago and Caribbean history, emphasizing the importance of standing up for indigenous rights and identity.