PRESS RELEASE
The Government of Dominica on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, signed a contract with Caribbean Building Specialties Ltd. for the Waterproofing of the Arawak House of Culture Galvanize Roof.
The contract, valued at EC$113,000, was signed by Mrs. Gloria Joseph, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, and the company’s Director, Mr. Kamlesh Sharma.
Once completed, the upgraded Arawak House of Culture will serve as a venue for national events, particularly during Independence, DOMFESTA, Carnival, and Emancipation celebrations.
Following the devastation of the beloved cultural space by Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Government of Dominica invested EC$736,000 in upgrades, including the installation of air conditioning, electrical systems, and sound equipment as well as tiling, plumbing, and painting among other interior enhancements.
The waterproofing of the roof will allow for the completion of these interior works.
During an appearance on DBS Radio’s Talking Point on Wednesday, January 8, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced plans to rename the Arawak House of Culture in honour of a prominent cultural icon.
“As of now everything is in place, funding, contracts, to effect the final improvements of the Arawak, and once we do it- and I have to speak to the family before Arawak House of Culture will be renamed after our Cultural Icon,” the Prime Minister said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E Chu Maoming for providing the funds necessary for the roof renovation.