Dominica: The Cradle of Caribbean Democracy

Synopsis

"Dominica: The Cradle of Caribbean Democracy" by Irvin Pascal reclaims a vital, yet largely forgotten, chapter of history: the island's pioneering role as a site of Black democratic self-governance long before full emancipation. This eBook moves beyond Dominica's 'Nature Island' persona to reveal its profound significance as a birthplace of Black political agency in the Americas. Pascal meticulously unearths how free Black citizens in Dominica actively exercised their right to vote, held public office, and shaped community institutions from the ground up, establishing a precedent for self-rule decades before the formal abolition of slavery. This is not merely a historical account, but a profound act of remembrance and reclamation, designed to reignite pride and a sense of ancestral sovereignty among Dominicans at home and in the diaspora. The book serves as a decolonial counter-narrative, offering educators, youth, elders, and land stewards a powerful, locally rooted understanding of their identity and civic power. It bridges the past to the present, demonstrating how historical self-governance informs contemporary issues of land stewardship, community resilience, and regenerative sovereignty. By centering the lived experiences of those who actively built democracy, Pascal invites readers on a journey of "homecoming in print," transforming historical amnesia into an ancestral compass. This work positions Dominica as a beacon of Black civic innovation, providing a foundational text for those seeking to understand and build the next era of Caribbean self-determination, grounded in the truth that true stewardship begins with memory.