Many times , it is said the younger generation should act more responsibly , display a higher level of maturity and be more proactive . The youths ’ rebuttal may be that the more experienced , older generation is not willing to embrace 21st century ideas , but are oftentimes determined to hold on to the things with which they are more familiar . Can there be a meeting of the minds with the young and old collectively contributing towards a meaningful pursuit ?
The Kalinago Territory in Dominica has a youthful population , and in 2019 , a 22-yearold man emerged with purpose from within the ranks of the youth . His objective was clear . He had the aptitude , intelligence and vision to be a leader , and his goal was to lead his Kalinago people . It was no chance undertaking . Even while attending Castle Bruce Secondary School , leadership qualities were evident . In 5th form , he became head boy and president of the student council , affording fellow students a glimpse of what was to come . After completing his education , that young man whizzed around the Kalinago Territory on his bike , visiting people in their homes , holding frequent conversations with the elders , listening , learning , seeking advice on the ways they perceived the Kalingo
Territory could be preserved and enhanced . He represented the younger generation , but was wise to identify that the knowledge and support of the older generation was necessary . Identification and acceptance of the benefits to be derived from a marriage between old and new , a willingness to behave responsibly , to display maturity and be proactive resulted in this young man being elected to lead his people . His name is Lorenzo Sanford , and he is the Kalinago Chief .
The now 24-year-old Chief and his team of 6 Council members continue to make the preservation of their Kalinago community , its culture and traditions a priority . As he explained , the entire Caribbean region once belonged to his people and they travelled freely from island to island . Around 1200 AD , they journeyed from Guyana , moving up the archipelago taking from the land only what they needed for survival . When certain things were depleted from the land , they moved on to the next island , again using only what they needed to survive . Where once they had free reign over that region , colonialism arrived and they were forced into settling on one island , Dominica . This little island was further ‘ invaded ’ and they were restricted to an even smaller area of a mere 3,782 acres which they now call home .
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