The Kalinago Council has announced the development of a groundbreaking permit system designed to regulate access and activities within the Kalinago Territory by non-community members. This strategic initiative represents a significant step toward reinforcing indigenous sovereignty and preserving cultural integrity in the Caribbean region.
Under the proposed regulatory framework, all external visitors seeking to enter or reside within the territory must obtain formal authorization from the Kalinago governing body. The council clarified that this measure forms part of a comprehensive strategy to assert the Kalinago people’s inherent rights as traditional guardians of their ancestral lands.
Council representatives emphasized that the system aims to create a balanced approach that welcomes constructive engagement while ensuring environmental protection and cultural preservation. “Our primary objective centers on protection rather than exclusion,” a council spokesperson noted. “We maintain an open stance toward respectful interaction but must simultaneously guarantee that our community’s welfare, security, and ecological resources remain uncompromised.”
The forthcoming regulations will establish clear guidelines governing entry procedures, duration of stays, and approved activities within the territory. Notably, the system will incorporate streamlined processes for educational programs, research initiatives, and collaborative ventures that align with Kalinago cultural principles and comply with the provisions of the Kalinago Act.
The council is actively engaging community members and stakeholders throughout the policy development phase, encouraging participatory dialogue as the implementation timeline progresses. This consultative approach reflects the administration’s commitment to transparent governance and community-centered decision-making.