Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford has accused state-owned DBS Radio and the Government Information Service (GIS) of discriminatory behavior following their absence at the inauguration of the Kalinago Chief and Kalinago Council on September 11, 2024. Both entities are well-known for broadcasting events such as village council inaugurations, making their absence particularly noticeable during this significant event in the Kalinago Territory.
In a letter addressed to Chad George, Director of GIS, and Cecil Joseph, Manager of DBS Radio, Sanford expressed her “total disappointment” on behalf of the Kalinago People. She noted that in the past, GIS had carried the inauguration of former Kalinago Chief Lorenzo Sanford live, a recording still available on the Government of Dominica’s YouTube channel. However, for this inauguration, both GIS and DBS failed to broadcast the event, which included the participation of Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton and several high-ranking government officials.
“Hours before the inauguration began, DBS announcers repeatedly stated that they were awaiting connection to the event, only to later announce that they would not be carrying it live,” Sanford wrote, pointing out that no explanation or communication was provided by either GIS or DBS to express regret for their absence.
In her letter, Sanford emphasized that it has been standard practice for inaugurations of village and town councils to be broadcast live by both GIS and DBS. She called their absence a “display of distasteful conduct” and further stated, “This behavior defies reason and shows a lack of respect for the First People of Dominica.”
The Kalinago Chief described the situation as another example of discriminatory treatment, particularly towards women, as the Kalinago community has recently made significant strides in promoting gender equality. “The Kalinago People view this act as yet another example of continuing discriminatory behavior towards our community, especially at a time when Kalinago women are making important gains,” she noted.
Sanford and the Kalinago Council are now seeking a public apology from both GIS and DBS for what they consider an “egregious and discriminatory act.” The Chief stressed that such behavior should never again be directed at Dominica’s Indigenous People or any community in the country.
The letter was also copied to President Sylvanie Burton, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister Cassani Laville, Minister Greta Roberts, Minister Cozier Frederick, and Local Government Commissioner Glenroy Toussaint.
This article is copyright © 2024 DOM767
