LocationsUNDP project lays groundwork for long-term resilience in Kalinago Territory
January 23, 2026
From left to right: Permanent Secretary Mr. Ryan Anselm, Ministry of Agriculture; Ms. Alice Dalrymple, Kalinago Development Officer; Mrs. Gweneth Frederick, Ministry of Tourism; Permanent Secretary Ms. Lisa Valmond, Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment; Mr. Sukhvinder Malik, Attaché, High Commission of India; Mr. Wayne Rossie, representing the Kalinago Council; Mrs. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Cluster Lead for Prevention, Recovery, and Resilience, UNDP; Ms. Sawana Fabien, Project Analyst, UNDP; Ms. Tracy St. Claire, Project Associate, UNDP; and Mr. Justin Shone, Head of Project Office Dominica, UNDP.
Kalinago Territory, Dominica - 14 January 2026: The Strengthening Community Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SCR-K) project convened its first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the St. Cyr Resource Centre, formally establishing governance and oversight arrangements for the initiative aimed at enhancing climate-resilient agriculture, forest and watershed restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.
The project is funded by the Government of India through the United Nations Office of South-to-South Cooperation and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica through the Ministry of Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and the Kalinago Council.
The meeting brought together senior Government officials, community leadership, donor representatives, and UNDP staff. Participants included the Attaché, High Commission of India, Mr. Sukhvinder Malik; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment and Senior Beneficiary of the project, Ms. Lisa Valmond; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ryan Anselm; and Mrs. Gweneth Frederick, representing the Ministry of Tourism. The Kalinago Council was represented by Mr. Wayne Rossie, standing in for Kalinago Chief, Ouboutou Mrs. Annette Thomas-Sanford.
The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Prevention, Recovery and Resilience Cluster Lead with UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with participation from Mr. Justin Shone, Head of the UNDP Dominica Project Office, and Ms. Sawana Fabien, Project Analyst at UNDP.
Senior Government officials, donor representatives, community leaders, and UNDP staff during the Project Steering Committee meeting in the Kalinago Territory.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Valmond underscored that the meeting took place within an important national context where development priorities are framed around resilience, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
“The Kalinago people have long demonstrated strength, cultural pride, and resourcefulness, and this project speaks directly to those values,” she said. “We are grateful for UNDP’s continued support and leadership in championing initiatives that align with national priorities, sector strategies, and the Ministry’s objectives, while empowering the Kalinago people as leaders and agents of change.”
She expressed appreciation to UNDP for its continued support and to the Government of India for investing in a project that is both timely and critical.
“The benefits of this initiative extend well beyond activities on the ground, reaching into resilience, livelihoods, and sustainable community empowerment within the Kalinago Territory,” Ms. Valmond noted. “While the Kalinago people are beneficiaries of development, they are also leaders and agents of change—shaping outcomes and sustaining benefits beyond the project lifecycle.”
Ms. Lisa Valmond, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Ms. Charles-Soomer underscored the importance of strong governance and partnerships in delivering results.
“This first Steering Committee meeting lays the foundation for effective coordination, accountability, and results-driven implementation,” she said. “UNDP remains committed to working alongside Government, the Kalinago Council, and development partners to ensure this project delivers lasting, community-led impact.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Cluster Lead for Prevention, Recovery, and Resilience, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
Representing the donor, Mr. Malik highlighted the project as a reflection of the strong partnership between India and the Caribbean.
“This project is a signing testament to the enduring bonds of friendship between India and the Caribbean region as a whole, particularly empowering the indigenous communities. This project is on improving resilience in agriculture, enhancing forest and watersheds restoration and strengthening indigenous tourism. These things, they not only address the vulnerabilities they also enrich the rich cultural heritage of the Kalinago people. It ensures that resilience is built on a foundation of tradition and innovation”
Mr. Malik also emphasized the importance of capacity building as a core component of the project, noting that members of the Kalinago community may benefit from targeted technical exchanges, including opportunities under the Government of India’s- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
“Together, we are not just building resilience,” he added. “We are nurturing hope, prosperity, and a brighter future — not only for the Kalinago people, but for Indigenous communities and Dominica as a whole.”
Mr. Sukhvinder Malik, Attaché, High Commission of India
During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the project’s objectives, governance structure, and proposed 2026 work plan, with an indicative budget of approximately 888,000 USD (2,350,000 XCD). The Steering Committee concluded by reaffirming its commitment to results-oriented implementation and agreed on key next steps to accelerate delivery in 2026, expressing confidence that the project will lay a strong foundation for long-term resilience and inclusive development in the Kalinago Territory. Following the formal session, participants took part in a guided site tour of the Kalinago Barana Autê (KBA) Model Village, showcasing traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and livelihood activities. The site visit demonstrated how the SCR-K project will enhance existing visitor experiences in line with the Government’s strategic vision to integrate traditional knowledge with modern innovation, strengthen individual and community capacity, stimulate local economic activity, and support sustainable livelihoods.
For more information, contact:
Sawana Fabien, Project Analyst – sawana.fabien@undp.org
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/barbados or follow on social media @UNDPBarbadosEC.
