The first people of Dominica’s story is one of rich cultures, interwoven heritages, relentless determination and strength. Their tale continues to be told today and it has spanned over a thousand years. Now, under the steadfast leadership of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica; supported by the government of Canada and the UK under the EnGenDER project and the Government of Japan under the SSLR and GUY-DOM Projects, we are working with the Kalinago to tell new stories of resilience.
“This training empowers me and the others to contribute to the tourism industry and to share that knowledge with future generations” Amelia Bedminister
Amelia is one of five Kalinago women who graduated from the EnGenDER Woodwork and Carving Training Programme. This new skill and knowledge served as launching pad for women like Bedminister to carve out a niche for themselves, to excel in trades that are traditionally predominantly practiced by men.
“I saw the project on Facebook, and I knew it was a good initiative. I had extra mahogany trees at my nursery so I decided to donate, so that more “windbreakers” could be planted to hold up the soil.” Romaine Paris
Romaine took the first step in supporting his community and playing an active part in helping Dominica become the first climate resilient country in the world. His donation adds to the 2500 trees contributed under the community reforestation component of the project
My hope is to invest; have more bunnies so I can sell to the supermarkets at least every week… so it’s an investment for me I am very thankful to UNDP and the funds they invested because I couldn’t have done it alone” - Agatha Moses, Bafond Point Farmer
Agatha is one of the women farmers who benefitted from the microgrants provided under the GUY-DOM Project, through the support of the Government of Japan and the leadership of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. With these financial injections five groups were able to advance their farms and improve their livelihoods.
The UNDP Guy-Dom Project helped farmers connect to markets! With the support of IICA, MSMEs and rural farmers were provided with the opportunity to exhibit their products at the Creole in the Streets event in Dominica!
Environmental support is looking up in the Kalinago Territory, literally, as the Kalinago Council received a DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 drone procured under the Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SSLR) Project. Now the council has a bird’s eye view of the surroundings which will assist the Kalinago in monitoring their major water catchments (Majini and Concord) and reforestation efforts.
