By-Government Press Secretary
The Government of Dominica on Monday signed an EC$7.6 million contract with local firms OYO Construction Inc. and Virtuoso Architects Ltd (Joint Venture) for the construction of the Kalinago Territory Multipurpose Center and Emergency Shelter.
The facility is a key component of the “Building Resilience and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change and Disaster Risk in the Kalinago Territory” project, which also includes the development of a Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Plan, as well as an Inclusive Public Awareness and Education Campaign on Disaster Risk and Climate Adaptation for the Kalinago Territory.
The project is co-financed by the Government of Canada through the Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Government of Dominica. An amount of EC$5.5 million in grant funding is provided by the Government of Canada while counterpart funding of EC$3.0 million is provided by the Government of Dominica for implementation of the project. The figures reflect the total financing envelope for the project, Building Resilience and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change and Disaster Risk in the Kalinago Territory.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit said the facility is another example of the Government’s commitment to building resilience and empowerment among the Kalinago people.
“I am very happy for the Kalinago people. This is a major investment and is part of our Government’s commitment to their development. What a way to start the New Year as the Indigenous people of Dominica, with this major gift of this facility that will certainly enhance the resilience of the people; and enhance the architectural beauty of the area- because this will be a true architectural masterpiece that will serve as an embodiment of the Kalinago people, their history and their traditions.”
Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick said the center, located in Bataca, will be a fully functional space, which will promote long-term recovery from disasters, resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“I am really happy to be part of a government that continues to honour the heritage of the Kalinago people. It should not only serve as an emergency center but also as a cultural gathering space where we showcase the arts and crafts of the Kalinago people. We shall experience and immerse ourselves in our culture in that particular space,” he said.
The facility will feature essential amenities such as dormitory space for 125 beds, washrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, food and material storage spaces, general offices, an emergency operations office, a first aid center, a library, and a computer room. It will also include a garage, garbage collection area, and parking spaces, including designated spots for persons with disabilities. Backup systems for communication, 18 kW solar power generation supplemented by a standby diesel generator, and a 15,000-gallon water storage capacity will ensure the building’s self-sufficiency during emergencies. The building is designed to withstand seismic activity and category-five wind loads, aligning with Dominica’s commitment to building back better and stronger and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events brought about by climate change.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment Mr. Lucien Blackmoore recognized the significance of the project to Dominica’s overarching goal to become the first climate-resilient nation in the world.
“The construction of the Kalinago Multipurpose Centre and Emergency Shelter is a very tangible action and significant milestone in the building of Strong Communities. It is more than just a project; it is a symbol of progress, resilience and collaboration,” he declared.
The design is considered an architectural masterpiece as it encapsulates eco-friendly features such as passive ventilation, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, the architecture draws inspiration from Kalinago cultural heritage and folklore, in particular, the L’Escalier Tête Chien, Majini Pea,k and traditional basket-weaving patterns.