Dominica: Annette Sanford Breaks Barriers as First Female Kalinago Chief

Dominica: A landmark victory as Annette Sanford is the first female Kalinago Chief ever to be elected in the Kalinago Territory. With a remarkable 693 votes, it was quite a lopsided victory for Sanford, who ousted incumbent Lorenzo Sanford from office.

In her role as the incoming Chief, Sanford will provide leadership within the Kalinago Council and coordinate the management of the 3,000-acre Kalinago Territory located on Dominica’s northeast coast. The position of the Chief is central to advocating for the rights of the Kalinago people and promoting respect and dignity.

In a preliminary count of the ballots, Sanford won by a mile as 19 votes for Kenrick Auguiste, 32 votes for Ideline Burton, 3 votes for Devon Cuffy, 162 votes for Cassius Darroux, and 6 votes for Jumadine Frederick—all lagging behind Sanford’s 272 votes. The final vote counting, and verification was due today, but results will not change from the preliminary results.

Sanford’s victory is a story on its own, offering hope to the young girls within her community that they, too, can realize their dreams. She ran on a comprehensive vision and mission towards the development of the Kalinago Territory.

She anticipates being able to envisage a sustainable economy where the distinct indigenous culture and tradition of the Kalinago people would be kept intact by the year 2029.

She is to manage the territory strategically, so that the economic goals will be in line with the preservation of indigenous culture and protection of the environment.

Sanford also emphasized at a media conference after the swearing-in, that she had no intention of ever using “gutter politics” but rather being open and accessible, urging residents to come to her with their questions and concerns.

Obviously, Sanford must have had a clear vision and commitment to the community. This is actually the thing that has drawn the Kalinago closer to her and therefore has led to the majority vote. Her historic win is going to be a new era in the Kalinago Territory, with prospects of prosperity and cultural enrichment.