Seven candidates are contesting for the position of the Kalinago Chief on July 22. The candidates, however, took part in a debate aimed at articulating their plans and proposals for the Kalinago Territory on July 18. The debate held at the St. Cyr Resource Center and was facilitated by the Kalinago Connections Inc., a local NGO based in the 3,700-acre community.
The seven contestants are:
- Charles Williams
- Elvis Francis
- Irvince Remy Auguiste
- Jumardine Fredrick
- Lorenzo Sanford
- Nurse Annette Thomas-Sandford
- ???
Lorenzo Sanford is the youngest in the pack and Nurse Annette Thomas-Sandford is the only woman among them. If she wins at the polls, she will become the first woman to become a Kalinago Chief in modern times. Some of the contenders are past Kalinago chiefs.
The Kalinago chief and his council are elected into office every five years. Given the political nature of the position in recent times, most contenders to the post look forward to revolutionizing the developmental heritage and fortunes of residents on the territory.
Ms. Natasha Green, the coordinator of the Kalinago Chief Debate, said the Kalinago Connections Inc. was chosen to host the debate because of its experience and success with facilitating social interactions on issues relating to the Kalinago Territory. She said the abundant number of contenders indicates that potential leaders are zealous to improve the lots of residents in the community.
“Having been privy to some of the propositions by the candidates, we can begin to understand that there is a 2019 and beyond demand for a better Kalinago Territory, a Territory guided by new policies and structured long term initiatives for the holistic development of the area,” Green revealed.
Each debater sold himself to the audience and elaborated on individuals’ plans to be implemented for the community if elected in the next couple days. The debaters were also able to field questions from the audience. However, the indigenous people of Dominica will be speaking with their votes on July 22 and the chosen leader for Kalinago Chief will emerge by then.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767