The Ministry of Tourism and Culture has commenced construction, restoration and rehabilitation works at the Arawak House of Culture and the Old Mill Cultural Center.
The Arawak House of Culture, one of the main locations for the hosting of cultural events was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria. The extensive rehabilitation project valued at over $900,000 will include complete rehabilitation of the external and internal structures of the roof, stage, seating, flooring, foyer, and air conditioning. The project will also include installation of a new sound and lighting system and artistic indoor and outdoor décor.
In keeping with the Ministry’s vision to develop Heritage Tourism and support of the Arts, the Old Mill Cultural Center is also being upgraded. The Old Mill Project valued at $600,000 includes construction of a permanent stage, restoration of Historic features of the property including chimneys, furnaces, mills and ruins, and installation of interpretation signage.
Chief Cultural officer Raymond Lawrence says he is excited for the commencement of these projects as both these structures are of great importance to Dominica’s culture.
“I’m very, very grateful because Old Mill and Arawak are very important cultural institutions, I would say, like the stadium is to sports, that’s how the Arawak and the Old Mill are for Cultural development in Dominica.”
The Projects are geared at providing support for Arts and Culture and to promote Heritage and Cultural Tourism in Dominica and are expected to be completed by May 2019 to accommodate the DOMFESTA Celebrations.