UNDP Donates WiFi equipment to Kalinago Territory

The handover event took place on January 9, 2023.

The donation was presented in partnership with the SSLR Project – (India-UN Partnership Development Fund and the UN Office of South-South Collaboration) as well as the Guy/Dom project – (Government of Japan) and the EnGENDER project – (Government of Canada – Global Affairs Canada and UK Government – Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO).

Only 55% of the Kalinago previously had internet access–a result of a post-Hurricane Maria free internet project. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for reliable internet connectivity was highlighted even more by the thrust toward online education, employment, and social interaction. In order to bridge the opportunity gap, the combined efforts of UNDP and various governments and bodies have ensured that all eight hamlets of the Kalinago Territory will receive coverage.

“Access to internet, interconnectedness, and access to first-class digital equipment is a tremendous opportunity to further the Kalinago heritage and traditions in both Dominica and the rest of the world, helping spread the Kalinago story, which will foster increased awareness and support the sustainability of the community,” stated Limya Eltayeb, Resident Representative UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

During the presentation, held at the Barana Aute, Kalinago Chief Lorenzo Sanford said the equipment, consisting of 12 nodes, will go a long way in making the island’s original inhabitants bounce back in case of an event of the magnitude of Hurricane Maria takes place again.

“It will give us the opportunity so that we may put ourselves out there,” he said.

He pointed out that the people appreciate the work being done by the UNDP in the community.

“The equipment that is being given here this morning, I definitely see and know that we the Kalinago people will appreciate it,” he said.

“And I do hope the UNDP itself will continue to do such great work within the Kalinago community.”

He gave the promise that the donated equipment will be well taken care of by him and his council for the benefit of the Kalinago people.

Minister for Kalinago Upliftment and MP for the Salybia constituency, Cozier Frederick said despite its resilience, Dominica is prone to natural disasters, and partnership and support are needed both on the financial level and in building human capacity.

“So it is important to have partners like the UNDP, ” he stated. “And also ensuring that the resources that are given to us in that partnership can be used in a meaningful way.”

Frederick added that the Kalinago people are excited about the partnership with the UNDP and emphasized the importance of access to the internet.

“Not only connected to have simple conversations but connected to have access to information,” he remarked.

The Kalinago project is one of the inaugural efforts in a wider initiative by UNDP to bring Dominicans into the fold of the digital economy. This includes consulting with the government concerning the implementation of a USD 27 million dollar World Bank Loan, in order to develop Dominica’s Digital Transformation strategy.

As a part of the first official visit by the Resident Representative to the island, she participated in the handover ceremony in the Kalinago Territory, also holding meetings with key players, including the Prime Minister, in order to address pertinent areas such as empowering youth and enhancing resilience.