Thursday 23 December 2010

Dominica Top 10: Best Ethical Destinations for Your Vacation in 2011


BERKELEY, USA – ( Travel-newswire.com – December 9, 2010 ) – As the ecotourism movement continues to grow, making a vacation choice that respects the Earth is becoming more and more important to travelers.

To assist vacationers with their travel decision-making, the nonprofit organization Ethical Traveler has just published its 2011 report on “The World’s Best Ethical Destinations.” Ethical Traveler conducts an annual study of developing nations from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe to identify the best ethical tourism destinations. The group focuses on three general categories: environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.

The 2011 list (in alphabetical order) includes: Argentina*, Barbados, Chile*, Costa Rica, Dominica*, Latvia, Lithuania*, Palau, Poland* and Uruguay. To read the full report including methodology, cont./

Courtesy of: Ethical Traveler

Sunday 19 December 2010

Dominca - Christmas Cards

'A Shot of Love' from Dominica aka The Nature Island or Waitukubuli...

cont./

Courtesy of: Tropical Ties Dominica

Arts and Crafts in Dominica

In Dominica I often hear artisans lament that they struggle to compete with cut-price, lower quality, mass produced imported items, and that these days it’s almost impossible for them to make a living solely from their craft. But this issue is not unique to Dominica, nor is it a recent occurrence.

Since the start of the industrial revolution and mass consumerism, skilled craftsmanship has been rendered almost obsolete with the markets flooded by cheaper, machine-produced items. Globally craftspeople and support for arts and crafts in general have been on the decline and the current economic climate and lack of appreciation for original art and craft, has compounded the situation. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Dominica Done Naturally

An eco-tourism pioneer colors her island world green...

Sharon McDonnell
Jewish Exponent Feature

A half-century ago, a frustrated Miami marine lab researcher craved a more fulfilling lifestyle. "I wanted to be someplace where I could be free to pursue my interests and contribute in a meaningful way," Anne Baptiste told me.

Fast-forward to today: Now in her mid-80s, the New York Jewish native is credited with pioneering eco-tourism on Dominica, an extremely lush, mountainous Caribbean island with few sandy beaches that draws mainly adventure-seekers and nature buffs.

She opened a nature lodge, Papillote Wilderness Retreat, and created a botanic garden with a mind-boggling variety of tropical plant species from scratch that looks sprung from Arthur Conan Doyle's "lost world" that's one of Dominica's main tourist attractions, Papillote Tropical Gardens. cont./

Courtesy of: Jewish Exponent

Dominica - Screw’s Sulphur Springs

This being my first visit to this part of the world, I didn’t really know what to expect. Like everyone else, for a long time I thought Dominica and the Dominican Republic were the same. However, I soon learned that The Dominican Republic shares an island with Haiti and is near Puerto Rico and Dominica is in the southern Caribbean near Grenada.

A land of many wonders, but one of the most enjoyable would have to be Screw’s Sulphur Springs. Nestled in the rain forest near Trafalgar Falls, a visit will bring relaxation, refreshment and take away five years of stress.

Traversing the hilly,steep winding roads can be quite a feat, I can’t imagine there would be more treacherous roads anywhere,fortunately high speeds are entirely out of the question, therefore the the risk of an accident is minimal.

Having spent the morning driving through the rain forest and hiking the long trail to Ti Tu Gorge, it was now time to relax and enjoy a nice sulphur swim. cont./


Courtesy of: Best Artical

Dominica - Scuba diver wins top prize in Frommer's Favorite Travel Moment Photo Contest

Peter G. Allinson, M.D., an avid scuba diver from Maryland has won the top prize in the Favorite Travel Moments Photo contest presented by Frommer's. Allison's image of a diver and a sperm whale was captured while he was holidaying in Rousseau, Dominica, in the Caribbean.

An avid diver, Allinson, said that he and his friends obtained a permit and charted a boat, known as the "whale whisperer" in order to make sure that they would be able to interact with the local population of sperm whales. He said: “We located the whales and were able to swim, photograph and play with them on multiple days. This is a photo of my friend Jeff thanking one of the whales, known as Scar, for posing with us. Interacting with and making eye contact with these huge gentle intelligent creatures was the most memorable moment of my life.” cont./

Courtesy of: Examiner

Dominica - Top 10 Dives

By Gil Griffin

This volcanic island in the southeastern Caribbean is an overstuffed treasure chest for divers, with a wealth of sites offering healthy reefs, bright colors and a myriad of macro life. With its volcanic structure and its location at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Dominica offers divers walls, pinnacles, swim-through caves and a wide variety of marine life attracted by the nutrients the currents stir up. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more appealing destination. cont./

Courtesy of: Scuba Diving

Friday 10 December 2010

Dominica - House of Hope


The House of Hope in Delices, Dominica, is a home that provides loving, 24 hour care to persons with severe physical and mental disabilities. It was started by a small group of women in the village of Delices when 2 severely disabled women in their community lost their elderly mother. Without her to provide care they were stranded without anyone to help them, or any kind of facility to take them in. Since then, the House of Hope have raised the funds to build a larger facility with a garden and they now have six female residents including the original two women. They are ages: 6, 8, 14, 38, 40 and 52 years old. The facility gets some money from the government, but the rest comes from donations. They are in constant need of supplies. cont./



Courtesy of: You Grow Girl

Dominica - Waitukubli National Trail


Destined to quickly become one of the great walks of the world, Waitukubuli in the Caribbean is “opening soon” … though some hikers have already pieced it together, unofficially. cont./




Courtesy of:
Best Hike

Dominica - 'Don't Call Me Carib!'

Indigenous Dominicans want name change...

ROSEAU, Dominica - The indigenous peoples of Dominica, the Caribs, say that they no longer want to be referred to by the “archaic and outdated” term “Carib” and are urging the Dominica government to help facilitate the change.

In a letter sent to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and copied to the Ministry of Carib Affairs, the Carib Council said it wants the term ‘Carib’ officially changed to ‘Kalinago”.


“While the Council awaits for such changes to be enacted officially, it announces that beginning today it will no longer use the term “Carib,” and instead, will refer to the lands of the Reserve as the “Kalinago Territory,” the governing body as the “Kalinago Council,” and its head as the “Kalinago Chief,” The Council said. cont./

Courtesy of: Jamaica Observer

Tuesday 30 November 2010

Dominica Cricket - Windsor Park to Debut as World s Newest Test Venue in Packed 2011 Schedule


St John's, Antigua - Windsor Park in the Caribbean nature isle of Dominica will debut as the world’s newest Test venue in July 2011 when it hosts the Third Digicel Test between West Indies and India.

For the packed 2011 season of cricket in the Caribbean, West Indies will host Pakistan and reigning world Test champions India for a total of two Twenty20s, ten One Day Internationals and five Tests.

West Indies and Pakistan will clash from April 21st to May 24th in a T20, five ODIs and two Tests.

The Caribbean team will then go up against India in a T20, five ODIs and three Tests from June 4th to July 10th. cont./

Digicel Test Series:

June 20 – 24: First Digicel Test – Sabina Park
June 28 – July 2: Second Digicel Test – Kensington Oval
July 6 – 10: Third Digicel Test – Windsor Park

Courtesy of: West Indies Cricket

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Dominica - Floods of Christmas Toys off to Caribbean Children


A consignment of Christmas toys were shipped off for the island of Dominica last Tuesday thanks to the generosity of Thames Water staff.

The employees collected new toys to send off to the needy children who live on the island in the Caribbean.

The toys will be distributed to the children by the charity Helping Hands at their Christmas party.

Reading-based haulage company QTR, in Tessa Road, Central Reading, carried the toys from Reading to Portsmouth free of charge.

Meredith Williams, of Thames Water, who co-ordinated the project, also thanked the Thames Water Charities’ Commission for its generous help. cont./

Courtesy of: Get Reading

Monday 15 November 2010

Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2010 Defies Hurricane Tomas

Dominica, or the Commonwealth of Dominica, to use its official name, was once more host to one of the world’s most exciting music festivals from October 29 to 31. Now in its 14th year, the Annual World Creole Music Festival—originally scheduled for three nights until hurricane Tomas cancelled the show scheduled for the second night—brought together artistes representing various musical genres, such as zouk, kompas, cadence-lypso, and other indigenous styles from East and West Africa, which are intertwined with other sounds of the Caribbean, namely: reggae, soca, calypso and rhythms. For the nature lover, Dominica is the ideal location. When you add more than an ample dose of the best music in the world, the nature island personifies the word, paradise. Before the start of the musical fare, attendees at the festival were able to take advantage of some of the most natural and untouched sites to be found anywhere in the world. cont./

Courtesy of: Guardian T&T

Sunday 14 November 2010

Dominica’s Independence Day 2010

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 1, 2010



On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Dominica on 32 years of independence this November 3. The broad partnership between Dominica and the United States is based on a shared commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting sustainable development that widens the circle of prosperity to more people in more places. As you gather to enjoy festivals and celebrate your rich history, I wish all Dominicans a safe and happy Independence Day. I look forward to a future filled with friendship and cooperation between our countries.

Courtesy of: State Government

Friday 29 October 2010

Dominica – Miss Wob Dwiyet 2010

After 21 years “I’ve brought it back!” – Miss Wob Dwiyet 2010...


Commonly known as the “cultural capital” of Dominica, some would say that Grand Bay has lived up to its name.

Nadege Roach of Grand Bay, an 18-year-old chemistry, biology and physics major at the Dominica State College, told reporters following her victory in Thursday’s Miss Wob Dwiyet pageant that she had confidence coming into the competition because she began preparations in 2006.

“I always think it’s all about mind over matter so I came into the competition, [even] before I registered, saying that [that title is mine and I’m taking everything],” Roach stated.

“… In 2006, I went up for the Miss Convent Wob Dwiyet, won there, and it was my backbone to come up for the show. I wanted to go up last year, but my school work was a little bit overbearing so I decided this year I’m on break, I’m taking it all,” Roach said frantically.

The youngest in the competition this year, Roach proudly said: “It’s been 21 years since we brought that title back to the south. I’ve brought it back!” cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Thursday 28 October 2010

Dominica - LIME Creole in the Park 2010 Day 3

Day Three of LIME Creole in the Park was somewhat of a bittersweet occasion; whilst there were a few entertaining performances throughout day, it also marked the imminent end of Day 3 of CITP and with it one of the most disappointing final acts I’ve have experience since the event started.

The Day started off with performances by the Breezee’s Steel Pan, Karifuna, Machine Creole, and the Point Michel Cultural Group.

Following the Point Michel Cultural Group was Natural Vibes - one of Dominica’s Up-and-coming reggae bands.

Their assorted brand of somewhat conscious roots-reggae music, but with hint of R&B dominated the stage and whatever else was going on around the park at the time. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Lime Creole in the Park - WATCH LIVE...!!!

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Dominica - LIME Creole in the Park 2010 Day 2

LIME Creole in the Park suffered a somewhat poor turnout on Day 1, and Day 2 got off of a similarly slow start.

But with the Midnight Groovers, Swinging Stars, and the Carib Calypso Connection featuring some Dominica’s most popular calypsonians to hurrah on the main stage later in the day, day 2 ramped up to an awesome high note.

A sunny to partly cloudy weather forecast seemed to keep many people home until mid-afternoon. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Lime Creole in the Park - WATCH LIVE...!!!

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Dominica - LIME Creole in the Park 2010 Day 1

LIME Creole in the Park kicked off yesterday at the historic Botanical Gardens. Although there were some concerns over the weather in the early part of the day, but it actually worked out OK.

Strange sound mixing issues continued to plague the performers, and there was a definite absence of that ‘Creole in the Park’ vibe on the opening day.

Whether that will remain true for tomorrow’s show, offering a more stacked line up headlined by Swinging Stars and the Carib Calypso Connection performance remains to be seen. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Lime Creole in the Park - WATCH LIVE...!!!

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Dominica's New Coast-to-Coast Walking Trail

Our very own explorer is one of the first visitors to tread a walking new trail which runs the length of Dominica, through virgin rainforest, over mountainous ridges and to a boiling volcanic lake...



Friendly jungle. Isn't that an oxymoron? But as we stand beside the vast buttressed trees, each festooned with entire ecosystems of bromeliads, creepers, orchids and vines, Eric is adamant. "No poisonous snakes, no nasty spiders, no creature more dangerous than a guinea pig."

"They do bite."

He grins. "But rarely kill."

Columns of sunlight come stepping down from above, and each leaf that they touch becomes a brilliant glorious emerald. A yellow land crab scuttles off through the forest litter. Underfoot everything is either bursting with vitality, or busy with decay.

I reach up and take hold of a liana. Putting my weight on it, I find it gives a few inches then holds firm. I have a small experimental swing, then a bigger one, and bigger. When I come back to earth, I scramble back on the path and catch up with Eric. "You like the path?" he asks. A hummingbird thrums past, heading for a patch of yellow and red heliconia flowers.

"I do."

"It's an old trail that was used by runaway slaves – the maroons – who came up here in the mountains to escape the coastal plantations. Some old people in the village told me about it." cont./

Courtesy of: Guardian

Friday 1 October 2010

Wednesday 29 September 2010

Dominica - Whale Friendly Nation is Now Demonstrating Global Leadership by Going Green

You may have heard of the small island nation of Dominica. A couple of years ago, they stood up for the protection of whales by no longer supporting Japan's agenda of reestablishing commercial whaling. Now, I’m excited to share that Dominica is about to launch a comprehensive effort to transition their nation into a truly green and sustainable future. You might now be asking yourself what the heck does that mean, a truly green and sustainable future?

Well let me tell you: it means becoming self sufficient with renewable energy production, organic farming for both local consumption and export, clean water for all citizens, modern sewage treatment, a transition to and support for non polluting industries, universal heath care, better education opportunities, maintaining and protecting their nature environment on both land and sea and the list goes on. Let’s hope all goes well for Dominica with this precedent setting effort and Dominica becomes a model for the world – a green future is a legacy to be proud of.

Courtesy of: Greenpeace USA

Dominica - The Origami Whale Project

The origami whale project in Dominica...

Origami Whales Project from Elisa Buller on Vimeo.



Courtesy of: Green Antilles

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Dominica - Creole in the Park 2010

Dominica's 8th Annual Creole in the Park 25th - 28th October, 2010...


Internationally acclaimed, Jamaican roots reggae superstar Queen Ifrica will headline the 8th annual LIME Creole in the Park™ in Dominica from October 25 – 28, 2010. Other regional acts joining Queen Ifrica on this year’s exciting line-up include Peter Ram from Barbados and Kompa Kila from the neighboring French territory of Guadeloupe.

Dubbed the biggest daytime event on the island during the independence celebrations, this event brings together the island’s culture, different genres of music, local arts and craft, food, and people from all walks of life in one location at the scenic Botanic Gardens in Roseau.

The formidable Triple Kay International, Bouyon pioneers WCK, Derek ‘Rah’ Peters and his Riddim & Heat Band together with the Fanatik band and the Original Serenade band will provide the entertainment required to get the crowd in party mode. Caribbean Vibes, Sub Urban and Natural vibes will handle the reggae music lovers, while Freddie & Friends, Shades of Green, and Marie Claire Giraud will satisfy the tastes of those who prefer the jazzy, lighter side of musical entertainment.

The Kings of cadance Midnight Groovers are back, and so too is the longest serving band in Dominica, the Swinging Stars. They will also provide musical accompaniment for ten calypsonians including reigning monarch Karessah, former kings Dice, Hunter, Observer and Daddy Chess. The calypso composition also includes Sye, and Tasha P, Soul Puss, and Prosper, all making their debut on the CITP Calypso Connection stage.

There are also three young and upcoming bands who are elated to be given the opportunity to perform at this year’s LIME Creole in the Park for the first time. They are Digital Vibz, Xtreme Band and Machine Creole. cont./

Schedule of Performers at LIME Creole in the Park™ 2010


Courtesy of: Creole in the Park 2010
Courtesy of: Lime Creole in the Park - WATCH LIVE...!!!

Dominica - World Creole Music Festival 2010

Dominica's 14th Annual World Music Festival 29th - 31st October, 2010...

The establishment of the Dominica World Creole Music Festival by the Dominica Festivals Commission ushered in the newest music festival in the Caribbean. This festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music event in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean by extension.

This festival, held the last weekend in October, was conceived out of a need to provide a platform for Dominican musicians and musical expressions, and to increase the island's visibility overseas.The annual World Creole Music Festival was created in 1997 as a means of boosting tourist arrivals to Dominica (during its Independence celebrations), and to increase revenue from stay-over visitors coming to the island for this celebration. The introduction of the festival was also expected to broaden Dominica's tourism product base and to promote creole music as a major musical art form.

The World Creole Music Festival has attracted some of the most renowned musical groups and soloists from the creole-speaking world. Groups such as Kassav, Tabou Combo, Exile One, Gramacks/New Generation, WCK, Ti-Vice, First Serenade, Zouk Machine, Magnum Band, Zin, Taxi Creole, Carimi among others as well as solo artists like Ophelia, Tania St. Valle, Sakis, and Franky Vincent have thrilled festival audiences over the years.


The festival in its formative years has given special focus to those musical genres that have their roots in various forms of musical fusion from the countries of the creole-speaking world. To date, musical forms that have gained exposure and dominance at the festival include Cadence-lypso, Kompas, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon, Zydeco (from the US state of Lousiana).In recent years, the festival has taken on a new dimension with the addition of a few fringe activities, i.e, Creole in the Park and Zouk on the River, two initiatives which encouraged participation from the local private sector.

Since the festival is held around the time of Dominicas Independence celebrations, patrons and visitors to the island are afforded numerous opportunities to sample the local cuisine and get an appreciation of the rich cultural attributes of The Nature Island. The popularity of the festival is seen through the rapid growth in the number of patrons attracted each year since 1997, hailing from North America, the French Caribbean, the USVI's, the UK and from OECS and CARICOM countries. From an initial 10, 000 paid patrons at the first production, the festival witnessed a total attendance of well over 25,000 in 1999. This has meant a subsequent increase in hotel occupancy, government taxes, visitor expenditure, and important linkages to the various sub-sectors of the tourism industry, including the restaurant, transportation, art and craft among others.

Courtesy of: WCMF Dominica

Dominica - Night Landing

Night landing officially takes place in Dominica on Monday, September 20, 2010...

Monday, September 20, 2010 will now be recorded in Dominica’s history as the day air access into Dominica was enhanced significantly with the introduction of night landing at Melville Hall airport in Marigot. LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport) and WINAIR (Windward Island Airways) conducted inaugural flights into Melville Hall on Monday night officially commissioning night landing into Dominica.

The path to night landing began almost immediately following the Dominica labour party’s entry into government in 2000; the process began in 2001.

Hon. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who was instrumental in securing the new facilities for Dominica, told those gathered at Melville Hall that September 20, 2010 represented the day when Dominica brought its air access to a higher level. cont./

Courtesy of: GIS Dominica

Friday 24 September 2010

USA - St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP), Friends Of The Poor® Walk 2010

SVDP USA Annual Friends Of The Poor® Walk - September 25, 2010...

The third annual Friends of the Poor® Walk to benefit the needy and suffering who are served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is scheduled to be held across the country on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010.


Anyone interested in making a pledge, your contribution is greatly appreciated in helping us to assist the poor in our area. Some of the needy and suffering have no money to pay light bill, water, and rent.

Please click this link to make a pledge.

Thanks...

Courtesy of: SVDP

Monday 30 August 2010

Dominica 2011 Population and Housing Census

On August 18th 2010 Dominica Officially launched its 2011 Population and Housing Census following an official launching ceremony at the Fort young Hotel

Census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording of information about a population and is normally the largest data taken by the Government of a country.

The 2011 Population and Housing census will provide vital information including the complete count of the population size and distribution, age structures, educational attainment, development management and other socio-economic status.

This vital information is use for developing government polices and programs, and for determining the growth and distribution of a country’s people by comparing the previous census with the current census statistics. cont./

Courtesy of: Search Dominica

Thursday 26 August 2010

Dominica - Government Says All Clear Given For Night Landing

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica government says it has been given the green light by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation (ECCA) to commence night landing after a series of test flights.

“Based on discussion with the director of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, (ECCA) this week we will get certification for landing and take-off paving the way for commercial activity thereafter… We are hoping to have an inaugural flight in due course,” Ports Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said on Tuesday.

In April, Blackmoore said that the night flights would commence in May, but that did not materalise. However he told reporters Tuesday that he had received information that all requirements set out the by regulatory body had been met, clearing the way for aircraft to begin night time schedules. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Dominica Steps Out to Celebrate Unique
Hiking Trail

Islanders from the Caribbean isle of Dominica will be stepping out in celebration later this month to mark progress in the development of a unique national trail.

The Waitukubuli National Trail will run for 115 miles from the south to the north of 'The Nature Island' when fully opened next year. Meanwhile, on August 29, a Summer Adventure and Hike Media Event is set to highlight to both Dominicans and visitors to the island the project and its importance to the tourism economy. cont./

Courtesy of: Easier Travel

Funding Banana Recovery in Dominica


The government of Dominica has launched a programme of assistance to support both the recovery of the banana industry and diversification into other crops:

The Dominica government on Monday outlined a new package of assistance, amounting over time to about EC$4 million, to help revitalise the banana industry as well as the agricultural sector. cont./Green Antilles

Courtesy of: Green Antilles

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Dominica - Dash for Geothermal Energy

Eastern Caribbean nations are pushing ahead with plans for geothermal exploration as they seek to decrease their reliance on imported energy...

Dominica, Nevis and now St Lucia are keen to extract energy derived from the natural heat and water resources within the earth, such as volcanoes and hot springs.

Most Eastern Caribbean countries are volcanic in origin and are believed by experts to have the potential for geothermal power generation. cont./

Courtesy of: BBC Caribbean

Dominica - Salisbury Reunion 2011

A mesage to Salisbarians here and abroad...

Dear fellow Salisbrarians and Friends

The Salisbury Reunion 2011 Committee extends sincere greetings to you. We are endeavouring to celebrate this reunion from July 23rd to August 7th, 2011. It is our hope that by making you aware early of this reunion it may help you to generate an interest and afford you time to plan your trip.

To date we have identified a total of 188 available beds in Salisbury and its periphery, which are Mero and Batalie. We have also identified several car rental companies in the event that you may wish to rent a car and invite all those who wish to rent accommodation and or transport to log on to our website for further information.

In addition, there are programs of the activities for your interests and hopeful participation. These activities are geared towards engaging returnees, and first time visitors alike. A market and project day, history night, village fetes and community project days are just a few of the activities planned. There will be ample opportunity for us all to get involved, to learn more about our community, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Under the theme “With Pride and Unity keep Salisbury Ahead”, it is time we as a people should unite and bring back the Salisbury spirit and camaraderie. We must all remember when this reunion is over, that we still have a community to develop, so let us integrate all our efforts and resources to push Salisbury ahead.

Feel free to contact us at salisburyreunion@gmail.com

WELCOME ONE AND ALL!

THANK YOU.

Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up - SEC Inc

Dominica - Salisbury Clean Up


Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up - SEC Inc

Friday 13 August 2010

Dominica - Book Drive Update

People on Island of Dominica to get more than a ton of books...


RHINELANDER - Several communities on the island of Dominica are one page closer to getting more than a ton and a half of books!

Sue and Brent Hanson of Rhinelander began collecting books in the Spring for their daughter Beth, who's working in the Peace Corps in Dominica.

Sue and Brent recently took the books to Wausau where the Good News Group stored them.

In October, the Air Force will fly the books for free to the island, and the people of Dominica should get them in November.

Sue says, "The people there have, you know, school supplies and reading, but this is going to be just something for the children to have on their own, to take home. They don't have a lot of personal books."

Sue says most of the education in Dominica is in English.

Courtesy of:
WJFW TV-12

Dominica - Literary Festival 2010

I was in Dominica this weekend past to attend the Dominica Literary Festival. It is an event put on by a handful of bibliophiles and patriots led by Alwin Bully, a Caribbean treasure, like Lennox Honeychurch, people with a sensibility and sensitivity directed towards the soul of this region. It was quite an intimate affair, expected to grow as the festival builds visibility and a following.

This two and a half day festival had its highlights, the Jing Ping band, the Choir led by Pearl Christian- hear those young people sing in patois, dancing updated folk. Also an interview by Alwin Bully of Ian Randle who spoke to his life in publishing. Lennox Honeychurch gave a powerpointed talk on private and public libraries- ’Archiving Treasures’. cont./

Courtesy of: Roots & Rights

Thursday 5 August 2010

Dominica - Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair 2010

INNOVATIVE LOOK TO THIS YEAR’S NATURE ISLAND LITERARY FESTIVAL AND BOOK FAIR. New voices…new technology…free books!

The third Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair runs this year from Friday 6th August to Sunday 8th August at the UWI Open Campus, Elmshall Road, Roseau. The children’s festival takes place on Saturday morning at Alliance Francaise. All events are free.

Chairman of the organizing committee, Alwin Bully, says that this year’s festival will be both innovative and enjoyable. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Dominica - Goodwill Reunion 2010


Courtesy of: Goodwill Reunion

Dominica - Budget Address 2010-2011

Hon. Prime Minister Skerrit presents a four hundred and forty million dollar budget for the 2010-2011 financial year...

On Tuesday, 13th July, Hon. Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit presented a 440.3 million dollar budget to parliament when parliament met on that day. In his budget address themed, “Pathways to a Higher Level”, the Finance Minister outlined his reasons for his choosing of the theme based on three points.cont./

Courtesy of: GIS Dominica
Commonwealth of Dominica - BUDGET ADRESS 2010-2011...

Saturday 3 July 2010

Dominica - LIME Partners With Salisbury Groups

Telecommunications Company, LIME, the Salisbury Enhancement Committee Inc. (SEC), and the Salisbury Fisheries Group collaborated on Saturday and Sunday to uplift the Salisbury beach and its surroundings.

The project involved painting the fishermen building, painting the basketball scoring house, fixing and mounting of the north end rim, placing of garbage bins along the beach and a general cleaning of the beach.

This project was a long awaited one given that SEC has been seeking assistance with development of the area for a while. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Dominica - Salisbury Royalties Netball Team



Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up

Thursday 24 June 2010

Monday 12 April 2010

Dominica - Salisbury Reunion 2011 Tentative Schedule - July 23rd - August 7th

Reunion Theme: WITH PRIDE AND UNITY, KEEP SALISBURY AHEAD!!

Next meeting of the Reunion Executive Committee will be the Wednesday 21st April, 7:30pm at the Salisbury Govertment School.


Persons are encouraged to contribute in any way they can. Just send us an email, and we would be happy to hear from you! Once again salisburyreunion@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. A TENTATIVE schedule of activities for next years reunion.

LOOKING FORWARD to hearing from you!

Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up

Monday 29 March 2010

NINDA Fundraising Dance Easter Sunday 4th April 2010

DOMINICA AGAIN! Marcia Baptiste Captures Miss Caribbean World Title in Tortola

Outgoing Miss Caribbean World and former Miss Dominica Marah Walter crowning new Miss Caribbean World Marcia Baptiste of Dominica.

Miss Dominica’s Marcia Baptiste was crowned Miss Caribbean World 2010 when the show ended in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the Multi-purpose Complex in Road Town.

Baptiste, who is winning her first regional crown since being crowned Miss Carnival Queen (Miss Dominica) title earlier this year, follows in the footsteps of compatriot Marah Walter who won in 2008 – one of three regional titles Walter captured during her reign as Miss Dominica in 2008. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Monday 22 March 2010

Dominica - Salisbury Reunion is Oooonnn...!!!


Tell your friends.. 23rd July 2011 - 7th August 2011...!!!

Keep abreast with the latest plans on Bawi Link Up starting this weekend. Schedule of events and opportunities to contribute in cash, kind, and ideas are also available.

For more info, please email: salisburyreunion@gmail.com cont./


Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up

Saturday 27 February 2010

Dominica Sailsbury - Mas Bawi 2010

The Salisbury community reports a successful and peaceful carnival celebration during Mas Bawi 2010. The Salisbury Enhancement Committee Inc., a community based organization, owes the success of the event to the individuals, organizations and businesses that offered their support and sponsorship by in cash or kind during the carnival activities. Sponsors of the events were the Government of Dominica, Jolly's Pharmacy Ltd - agents for Monster, H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co Ltd - agents for Carib Beer, Josephine Gabriel & Co Ltd - agents for Heineken, Best Deal Car Rental, Concept Technology, West Coast Cooperative Credit Union, and Public Works Cooperation. cont./

Courtesy of:
Bawi Link Up

Friday 26 February 2010

Dominica - Carnival Season Photos 2010

A photo showcase of our unique "Nature Island" Carnival

Feel free to share these links of various websites with images from our 2010
Carnival Season with family & friends and all involved.

A BIG THANK YOU to all the organisers, especially the people behind the scenes and those who came out to watch and participate in the celebrations.

Posted by: Celia
Courtesy of: Dominican Diaspora
Photos Courtesy of: TropicallyTied - CARNIVAL QUEEN SHOW 2010
Photos Courtesy of: TropicallyTied - CALYPSO FINAL 2010
Photos Courtesy of: TropicallyTied - CARNIVAL MONDAY 2010
Photos Courtesy of: TropicallyTied - CARNIVAL TUESDAY 2010
Photos Courtesy of: Hyacinth Lawrence - CARNIVAL PARADE 2010

Wednesday 17 February 2010

Dominica - Carnival Tuesday 2010: Costume Parade

The 2010 Carnival Tuesday Costume Parade started late — nearly two hours from the scheduled nine “O” clock start. But many Parade watchers say the wait was well worth it.

Much like last year, this year’s Costume parade was diverse, fun, colourful, political, and commercial; but most importantly it was LOUD and it was ORIGINAL!

A special shout-out goes to all the Queen Contestants, Teens, Princesses, Costume Band Organizers, and everyone else who helped organize and make the parade such a great success.

Here are some photos from Carnival Tuesday: Costume Parade…Enjoy!

Courtesy of:
Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Dominica - Live Carnival Streaming



Courtesy of: The Real Mas - LIVE CARNIVAL STREAMING...

Dominica - Carnival Monday 2010: Photo Highlights



Dominica Carnival Monday 2010 kicked into high gear early Monday morning with the traditional J’Ouvert Morning Street Jump up, Ole Mas Parade, and ended with the annual T-shirt Band.

The weather cooperated this year and provided the requisite tropical heat to go along with the saucy dancing and the all rum drinking.

All in all, Carnival Monday was a day of smiles and good vibes. I can’t wait to see what happens on Carnival Tuesday — should be exciting!

As always, we will be posting/sharing photos and videos…so stay tuned.

Here are some fun scenes from Carnival Monday:

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Sunday 14 February 2010

Dominica - Karessah Retains Calypso Crown 2010

Karessah has retained his calypso monarch title.

Daryl ‘The Bobb’ Bobb got first-runnerup, Tasha ‘Tasha P’ Peltier got second runnerup and Dave ‘Soul Puss’ Pascal got third runnerup.

The other participants were: Davidson ‘Observer’ Victor; Chester ‘Daddy Chess’ Letang; Marja ‘Lady Star’ Jeffers; Cecil ‘Checker’ Burnette; Murphy ‘Sye’ Jno Jules; and Joey ‘Explosion’ Lloyd.

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online
Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Dominica - Marcia Baptiste is Miss Dominica 2010 (random photo gallery added)

Marcia Baptiste of Portsmouth has been crowned Carnival Queen 2010 following the show at the Pottersville Savannah Friday night.

Second runner-up went to Kristelle Fagan and first runner-up went to Dana Augustine.

“Thanks to God for everything. I’ve worked hard and I’ve kept true with God and I would like everyone to do the same and have a blessed 2010,” Baptiste told DBS radio following her victory.

Baptiste said she plans to join the diabetic association that started in Portsmouth. Diabetes was the theme of her talent performance. Baptiste also won Miss Photogenic award, Best Performing Talent and Best In Evening Wear. Cont’d photo gallery

Photo Courtesy of: Edona Jno Baptiste
Photo Gallery Courtesy of: Anthony C. John
Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Dominica Carnival 2010 - Opening Parade



Dominica Carnival 2010 kicked into high gear Saturday afternoon with music, floats, and the annual parade that piled thousands of Dominicans and visitors alike along the street of Roseau.

Spectators couldn’t of asked for a better day, the weather as incredible and provide the requisite tropical heat to go along with the all masquerading going on .

Despite the limited resources for this year’s carnival, due to the global financial situation, many of the bands and gangs did turn out to take part in the opening parade. Flag Wavers, Bwa Bwas, Sensays, HiFi Bands, Mercury Band,and the seven beautiful Carnival Queen Contestants including reigning Calypso King “Karessa” and the reigning Carnival Queen Kayan Toussaint were all in attendance. All in all it was a great opening parade…can’t wait for carnival Monday and Tuesday. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Dominica Carnival - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Dominica - Wind Farm Selected in First Selection of Clean Energy Projects

A wind farm in the Caribbean island of Dominica is one of the first three projects to receive US funding under the ‘Energy & Climate Partnership of the Americas’ announced by President Obama at the 2009 Summit of the Americas…

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has selected three initial projects under the Low-Carbon Communities of the Americas (LCCA), a programME launched in June 2009 to help countries in Latin America with sustainable energy market transformation initiatives.

Through LCCA, DoE invited countries to submit proposals for collaboration in renewable energy development and other areas, which will receive technical assistance from DoE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories.

“DoE is committed to advancing clean energy technology development and deployment globally,” says energy secretary Steven Chu. “The Low-Carbon Communities of the Americas initiative offers an opportunity for the department to work closely with our neighbours to reduce energy use, increase energy security, and promote a low-carbon future across the Western Hemisphere.”

The wind project proposed by Dominica would prove the viability of smaller, distributed wind generation as an alternative to traditional utility-scale turbines. Efforts will consider available technologies and economics to identify and model appropriate wind turbine technologies under 250 kW of capacity. cont./

Courtesy of: Renewable Energy Focus

Dominica PM Targeting Tests for Windsor Park

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he is focused on repositioning the country as a Test venue by the year 2015, as part of his new Cabinet's overall development plan for the Nature Isle.

Stressing that it was time to take Dominica to the "next level", Skerrit emphasised his desire to see the country transformed into a major player on the Caribbean cricket landscape.

"We are meeting this evening in the Windsor Park Stadium, a sporting and cultural facility that is second to none in the English-speaking Caribbean. Cricket is our passion here in Dominica as it is elsewhere in the region," Skerrit said on Monday at a ceremony that saw him and his ministers take the oath of office.

"My first assignment to the new minister of sports (Justina Charles), with the assistance of the minister of tourism (Ian Douglas), will be do whatever is necessary to make Dominica a Test-playing cricketing nation within the next five years."

Last year, Dominica staged its first-ever international match when West Indies and Bangladesh contested back-to-back one-day internationals (ODI) at Windsor Park, the country's premier sports venue.

The venue will again take the spotlight this year when it hosts the third and fourth ODIs between West Indies and South Africa in May. cont./

Courtesy of: Jamaica Gleaner

Dominica - (WICB) Cricket Schedule 2010 - 2 ODI at Windsor Park

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced a change to the itinerary for the Digicel Series 2010, to be played in the West Indies from May 19 to June 30. The two teams will now play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals. On the original schedule there was just one T20 International but the two boards have agreed to the change to the schedule.

The two T20 Internationals will both be played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. The ODI series starts in Trinidad with two matches, followed by two matches at Windsor Park in Dominica and the fifth and final match at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The first Digicel Test will be played at Sabina Park; the second Digicel Test at Warner Park, St Kitts and the final Digicel Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados.


Please see below the schedule for the Digicel Series 2010 -- West Indies and South Africa:-

Mon, May 17 – arrive in Trinidad Wed, May 19 – 1st Digicel T20 International at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Thu, May 20 – 2nd Digicel T20 International at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Sun, May 23 – 1st Digicel ODI at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Tue, May 25 – 2nd Digicel ODI at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Fri, May 28 – 3rd Digicel ODI at Windsor Park, Dominica

Sun, May 30 – 4th Digicel ODI at Windsor Park, Dominica


Thu, June 3 – 5th Digicel ODI at Sabina Park, Jamaica

Sun June 6 to Mon June 7 – warm-up match at Chedwin Park, Jamaica

Thu, June 10 to Mon, June 14 – 1st Digicel Test Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Fri, June 18 to Tue, June 22 – 2nd Digicel Test Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts

Sat, June 26 to Wed, June 30 – 3rd Digicel Test Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

July 1: depart from Barbados

Courtesy of: West Indies Cricket

Saturday 13 February 2010

Dominica - The Good News Project : Building of a Library



Chances are you can walk into any local school and find a library.

But believe it or not, for some kids in the world, libraries are a relatively new concept.

Thanks to Wausau's Good News Project, hundreds of children in the West Indies now have a library of their own.

A few years ago Patti McInerney moved from Detroit, Michigan to Castle Bruce, Dominica.

An avid reader, one of the first things she set out to find was a library.

"The library used to be at the village council building. It's a small place in the village and I guess it needed more room to expand so they brought the library here to this extra classroom," says Patti.

But what Patti found at the Castle Bruce Primary School was disappointing.

She says, "What I found here was not a library. It was just a storage room for books. It wasn't a used library."

Once locals introduced Patti to Good News volunteers, it was only a matter of time.

"With the help of the Good News people, donated the paint and the wood and my husband building the shelves and the children helping to paint and organize the books, we're getting there," says Patti.

Since Good News came in and helped organize things a bit and brighten things up, the kids, who never knew what a library was before, now know what it is and are finding they like it.

"When I first opened the library, just a handful of kids would come, but now," she says, "We get about 30-50 children weekly."

Courtesy of: Wausau

Dominica - An Interview With Polly Pattullo of Papillote Press


Polly Pattullo is the cofounder of Papillote Press, a small publishing house based in Dominica and in London. Papillote Press publishes a range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, including children’s books, from Dominica. The titles all reflect the island’s rich culture and literary heritage and a number of them have received critical acclaim.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean between Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica is known as the Nature Isle because of its abundant and largely unspoilt natural beauty. Publishers are few and far between in this part of the Caribbean, which makes Polly Pattullo’s decision to set up shop there a courageous one given that small presses and bookstores in the region face tremendous odds as they try to discover and nurture home-grown talent.

In addition to being a publisher, Polly is a published author and a journalist who worked for many years with the Guardian newspaper in the UK. Her books include Last Resorts: the Cost of Tourism in the Caribbean, a critical assessment of the economic, environmental and cultural impacts of tourism development in the region. She is also a co-author of the Gardens of Dominica and Home Again, both published by Papillote Press.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Polly via email during which she spoke about her experiences as a publisher and the challenges Papillote Press faces in trying to win an audience for its writers.cont./

Courtesy of: Caribbean Book Blog
Courtesy of: Papillote Press

Dominica - The Snake King of the Kalinago–

Kalinago Children Celebrate their Culture...


A group of Kalinago children from Dominica has done something quite remarkable. They got together and wrote a storybook based on an ancient Kalinago legend which, from all accounts, is receiving rave reviews, even from fans as far away as the UK.

The book is called The Snake King of the Kalinago and it was written by students from the Atkinson Primary School with illustrations by teenagers from the Carib Territory in Dominica. The Kalinago (erroneously called Caribs) are descendents of Dominica’s first indigenous settlers. They live on a 3,700 acre territory on the island’s east coast that was set aside for them in 1903. They number approximately 3,500 and elect their own chief who holds the position for 4 years.

The Snake King of the Kalinago tells the story of Bakwa, a great diamond-crested snake with magical powers which slithers out of the sea and goes to live in a cave in the mountains of Dominica. When Maruka, a Kalinago farmer goes to see him, Bakwa uses his powers to grant Maruka his wishes. Then strangers arrive and everything changes.cont./

Courtesy of: Caribbean Book Blog

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Dominica - New Cabinet Sworn into Office

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The new 15-member Cabinet of Prime Minister Roosvelt Skerrit was sworn into office on Monday comprising a mixture of new and old faces, including Ambrose George, who had been dismissed on two occasions from previous governments.

Enthusiastic crowd at the Windsor Park Stadium for Monday's swearing-in ceremony/Sean Douglas photo

George has been given the responsibility for the new portfolio of Constituency Empowerment in addition to Information and Telecommunication.

All the ministers, including Skerrit, took the Oath of Office before President Nicholas Liverpool at a ceremony held at the Windsor Park Stadium that was also attended by Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson. cont./

Courtesy of:
Dominica news Online

Soufriere, Dominica

Soufriere, Dominica

The Boiling Lake, Dominica

The Boiling Lake, Dominica

The Boiling Lake, Dominica

The Boiling Lake, Dominica

Freshwater Lake, Dominica

Freshwater Lake, Dominica

Boeri Lake, Dominica

Boeri Lake, Dominica

Trafalgar Falls (Mother), Dominica

Trafalgar Falls (Mother), Dominica

Trafalgar Falls (Father), Dominica

Trafalgar Falls (Father), Dominica

Middleham Falls, Dominica

Middleham Falls, Dominica

National Park, Dominica

National Park, Dominica

Morne Trois Piton National Park

Morne Trois Piton National Park

'Screws' Natural Sulphur Spa Bath - Wotten Waven, Dominica

'Screws' Natural Sulphur Spa Bath - Wotten Waven, Dominica

'Screws' Natural Sulphur Spa - Wotten Waven, Dominica

'Screws' Natural Sulphur Spa - Wotten Waven, Dominica

Screw, Wotten Waven Dominica

Screw, Wotten Waven Dominica

Scotts Head, Dominica

Scotts Head, Dominica

Rock Beach - Beau Rive, Dominica

Rock Beach - Beau Rive, Dominica

Portsmouth Beach, Dominica

Portsmouth Beach, Dominica

Kalinago Barana Aute, Kalinago Territory

Kalinago Barana Aute, Kalinago Territory

Kabet 'meeting people', Kalinago Territory

Kabet 'meeting people', Kalinago Territory

Kalinago Baskets

Kalinago Baskets

Kalinago making Cassava Bread

Kalinago making Cassava Bread

Kalinago

Kalinago

Kalinago

Kalinago

East Coast, Kalinago Territory

East Coast, Kalinago Territory

L'Escalier Tete Chien, Kalinago Territory

L'Escalier Tete Chien, Kalinago Territory

St Theresa's Church, Salisbury, Dominica

St Theresa's Church, Salisbury, Dominica

Church - Soufriere, Dominica

Church - Soufriere, Dominica

Cabrits National Park, Dominica

Cabrits National Park, Dominica

Cabrits National Park, Dominica

Cabrits National Park, Dominica

Cannons at Fort Shirley, Dominica

Cannons at Fort Shirley, Dominica

Paradise Flower, Dominica

Paradise Flower, Dominica

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Dominica

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Dominica

Large Caterpillar, Dominica

Large Caterpillar, Dominica

Sisserou Parrot, Dominica

Sisserou Parrot, Dominica

Peacock, Dominica

Peacock, Dominica

A Dominican Dish

A Dominican Dish

National Costume, Dominica

National Costume, Dominica

National Costume, Dominica

National Costume, Dominica

Mangoes & Guava

Mangoes & Guava

Kenip

Kenip

Selling flowers, Roseau Market

Selling flowers, Roseau Market

Roseau Market, Dominica

Roseau Market, Dominica

The Botanical Gardens, Dominica

The Botanical Gardens, Dominica

Indian River, Dominica

Indian River, Dominica

Indian River, Dominica

Indian River, Dominica

View from room, Dominica

View from room, Dominica

Palm Line River, Dominica

Palm Line River, Dominica

Batibou Bay, Dominica

Batibou Bay, Dominica

Mountain Stream, Dominica

Mountain Stream, Dominica

Emerald Pool, Dominica

Emerald Pool, Dominica

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