On June 14, prime minister Nadie Tonge unveiled and dedicated a statue to Carib leader Francis Chalmenny (d. 1787) in George and Elizabeth Square, Independence City. In her speech, Tonge told the story of how Chalmenny brokered a three-way peace accord among the Maroons and Caribs of the hills and the French on the coasts. Chalmenny’s actions are considered the beginning of Antillia becoming the island of harmony it is considered today. “Little known today, Chalmenny deserves to be remembered by every Antillian,” said the prime minister. “Our Carib citizens especially should be proud.” The cost for the statue was borne by the Josette Robinson Memorial Foundation.
