Dominica - Cabinet of Ministers to be Sworn in on Monday

The swearing- in of ministers and parliamentary secretaries of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica following the December 18th 2009 General Elections will take place on Monday, January 4th 2010.

The Administration of the Oath of Office will be administered by the President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, D.A.H., O.C.C.

The magnificent Windsor Park Stadium will be the venue for the most keenly anticipated event of the New Year. The ceremony will begin at
4:00 pm. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Dominica Labour Party Manifesto 2009

THE PLAN...Taking Dominica to the Next Level...!!!



Courtesy of: Together We Must - DLP MANIFESTO 2009...!!!

Dominica - Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s Acceptance Speech Following Victory at the General Elections

Fellow Dominicans, friends and well wishers…To God be the glory…Great things he hath done!

We have come to the end of a necessary, but arduous process of electing a new administration, to manage the affairs of government for the next five years. I am grateful, but humbled, that you have once again reposed your confidence in the Dominica Labour Party. On behalf of the candidates of the Dominica Labour Party, and also on behalf of the officers and members of that great institution, I would like to thank you, most sincerely, for your vote of confidence and endorsement. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Central

Dominica Labour Party Has Won The 2009 General Elections

The Dominica Labour Party has won the 2009 general elections. The announcement was made at the electoral office earlier tonight.

Though all the results have not been counted or officially released, preliminary results say that the party has already won 15 of the 21 seats up to present time. The DLP has most recently unofficially won the Soufriere, Roseau North and Petite Savanne and St Joseph seats. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online
Courtesy of: Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica - 2009 ELECTION RESULTS...!!!

Dominica Represented at Climate Summit in Copenhagen

Roseau, Dominica – December 6, 2009 ........ The Commonwealth of Dominica will be ably represented at the all important December 7-18th climate summit which gets underway in Copenhagen, Denmark tomorrow.

The Dominica delegation includes: Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations, His Excellency, Crispin Gregoire; Director of the Environmental Coordinating Unit(ECU) Mr. Lloyd Pascal; Mr Colin Guiste, ECU; and Miss Sherianne Gregoire representing the Non-Governmental community.

The two weeks of talks are aimed at paving the way for a new global treaty on climate change. Any agreement is intended to supplant the 1997 Kyoto Protocol aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

On the eve of his departure to Copenhagen, Director of the Environmental Coordinating Unit, Mr. Lloyd Pascal explained that because Dominica is a contracting party to both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, it is important for Dominica to be present when discussions are taking place and decisions are being taken.

The majority of the world's governments and successive scientific reports, most notably those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and British Scientist, Sir Nicholas Stern state that planet earth faces catastrophic climate change unless action is taken now to reduce significantly greenhouse gas emissions. cont./

Courtesy of: Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica
Courtesy of: Dominican Net
Courtesy of: BBC Caribbean

Studies Reveal Dominica Has The Largest Geothermal Potential In The Caribbean

Roseau, Dominica – December 3, 2009........ The Government of Dominica has reached an important stage in its quest to harness and exploit the country's geothermal resource in the Wotten Waven area.

Comprehensive geological, geochemical and geophysical and related environmental and feasibility studies have revealed that the Commonwealth of Dominica, situated between the two French Departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique, has the largest geothermal potential in the Caribbean.

This information was revealed by Geologist, Mr. Herve Traineau of CFG Services (Subsidiary of BRGM) at a Project Steering Committee Meeting of the Interreg IIIB financed component of the project entitled: "Preparation of a Geothermal-based Cross-Border Electrical Interconnection in the Caribbean" in Roseau recently. Work on this component of the geothermal energy project in the Wotten Waven resource area started in April, 2008 and was completed in November, 2008. cont./

Courtesy of: Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

20 Pledges in 24 Months Says UWP - It’s Contract With the Dominica People

On Sunday, the United Workers Party (UWP) told its supports at a grand rally in St.Joseph that it was ready to bring a new kind of politics to Dominica and outline twenty pledges “that would create real change in the lives of the people.”

Party leader Ron Green said that “Dominica needs politics without corruption, without lies…but with more jobs, more opportunities for our youth, more transparency and accountability.

Standing before thousands, each of the twenty candidates contesting the December 18th 2009 polls on the UWP ticket swore to uphold and fulfill their pledges. Candidates pledged cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Central

Dominica - Second Party to Release Manifesto

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) was Thursday preparing to formally release its manifesto, becoming the second political party to do so in the lead up to the December 18 poll.

Speaking ahead of the official launch at the weekend, DFP leader Judith Pestaina touted her party’s 19-page document as “a manifesto with a difference” while dismissing the ruling Dominica Labour Party’s (DLP) 48-page programme that was unveiled last week as “a set of bullet points on different sectors with no clear plan on how the objectives will be achieved.

“In fact, it’s like a déjà vu,” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) in an interview.

Pestaina also said there was “no magic” to a set of 20 “guidelines” recently released by the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), which is yet to unveil its manifesto. cont./


Courtesy of: Caribbean Daily News

Dominica - Ruling Party Unveils Manifesto

CMC – The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) says it will continue improving the climate for foreign investment, further improve the agricultural sector and develop the information and technology sector so as to modernise the local economy over the next five years.

The party, which is seeking re-election in the December 18 general election, is also promising Dominicans that it will construct a modern state of the art cruise ship berth as part of the efforts to develop the tourism industry that “has emerged as one of the main sectors contributing to sustained economic growth and job creation”.

The DLP launched its manifesto on Thursday night in the rural village of Du Blanc, telling voters “this is not the time or the circumstance to tinker with our development”.

“The momentum is there for continued growth, development and prosperity,” the party said in the manifesto titled “Taking Dominica to the next level”. cont./

Courtesy of: CARIBARENA Antigua & Barbuda







DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY MANIFESTO 2009...!!!

Dominica - Sixty-Two Candidates to Contest the December 18, 2009 General Elections

The Electoral Office has reported that at the close of nomination day on Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009, sixty-two candidates presented themselves for nomination for the December 18, 2009 General Elections. This figure has increased by nineteen (19) over the forty-eight of those who contested the 2005 General Elections.

Members of the Dominica Labour Party, Dominica Freedom Party, the United Worker’s Party, the People’s Democratic Movement, the People’s Progressive Party and independent contenders were all nominated on Wednesday.

Chief Electoral Officer, Merina Williams broke down the candidates by constituency. The following table gives a breakdown by constituency of those nominated. cont./

Courtesy of: Government Information Service

Dominica Labour Party Rally Grandbay on Tuesday

The Dominica Labour Party launched the final of its new candidates in Grandbay on Tuesday Night. Justina Charles, the wife of the late Prime Minister. Justina Charles will contest the constituency for the DLP. She will go up against the United Workers Party’s Lynthia Louis and the Dominica Freedom Party Harian Henry. Grandbay has traditionally voted Labour and Ms. Charles is widely favoured to win that seat cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Central

Salisbury, Dominica - DLP Launches Bentley “Tolo” Royer

The son of a former Dominica Freedom Party parliamentarian is the 2009 Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate for the Salisbury constituency.

Bentley “Tolo” Royer, the son of James Royer, told Salisbury, Morne Rachette and Coulibistrie constituents that he is a man of service, humbly seeking their “cross” and “vote”.

Royer, a teacher by profession, outlined some of the projects he would undertake as parliamentary representative for the Salisbury constituency including road infrastructure, enhancement of sporting grounds, rehabilitation of feeder roads and community service projects cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Homeward Bound: Caribbean Returnees

They moved to Britain half a century ago, found work, had families and built new lives. And now they're moving back…


Eustace Maxim thought I might be the cable technician. An appointment had been made for no definite time, so there was nothing to do but wait. But from the vantage point of his veranda in Jimmit, with its panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, there are worse places you can watch the world go by. When he thinks of what he'd be doing now if he'd retired in Plaistow, east London, he says, "If I was in England, all I would be doing is staying home and watching television."

Instead he is back on the island of Dominica, the place where he was born, which he left and to which he has now returned. The end point on a lifelong project across oceans, aspirations, cultures and generations that has landed him pretty much right back where he started. His story is a common one. "I left Dominica when I was 23," says Maxim, 72. "Going to England was a means to an end. I never intended to spend so long there. I wanted something better for my children, and everyone was going at that time." cont./

Courtesy of: Guardian

Dominica Inks Water Deal With Colorado Company

A United States-based company has confirmed that it has signed a deal with the Dominica government for the shipment of billions of gallons of river water to parched countries around the globe.

Telluride, Colorado-based Sisserou Water Inc. said over the weekend that it signed the deal with the Roosevelt Skerrit-led government in Dominica to collect drinking water from the volcanic island’s interior and ship it to countries as far away as the Middle East.

Sisserou president Tim Jilek said the company will invest US$32 million to build a pipeline, terminal and storage tanks in Dominica’s rugged north.

"This is an island that gets 300 inches (760 centimeters) of rain each year, and the water comes out totally clean," Jilek said, adding that the business will generate revenue and jobs for Dominica cont./

Courtesy of: Caribbean Life News

Dominica to Vote in Yuletide General Election 2009

Dominica General Election Day Announced 18th December, 2009...

ROSEAU, Dominica, November 20, 2009 - Dominicans will go to the polls just a week before Christmas to elect a new government.

Following speculation that an early election would be called, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told supporters attending a Dominical Labour Party (DLP) political meeting last night that the date has been set for December 18th.

Elections are due by May 2010.

"In accordance with the powers vested in me as Prime Minister of this country under Section 54 of the Constitution of Dominica I have today instructed His Excellency the President to dissolve the Parliament of Dominica with immediate effect and to issue a writ for the calling of general election in Dominica," Skerrit said, adding that Nomination Day will be December 2nd. 2009 ELECTION RESULTS...!!!

Courtesy of: Caribbean360

Dominica Books - Nature Island Literary Festival on Facebook

In an effort to further promote and improve our annual Nature Island Literary Festival and encourage & support our local writers and poets, we have created a Facebook page.

If you are a Facebook user then please "Become a Fan" and join us, if you haven't already http://www.facebook.com/NatureIslandLiteraryFestival

Two sections in particular to draw your attention to:

1. To raise awareness of our local literature, we have started a photo album of book front cover images, called "Local Literary Work".
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=122748&l=a2265a6801&id=175372073696


2. Under the "Discussions" section, please share any ideas you have on ways to improve the literary festival and increase awareness and participation
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nature-Island-Literary-Festival/175372073696?v=app_2373072738#/topic.php?uid=175372073696&topic=10564

Looking forward to seeing you on facebook.

Posted by: Celia Sorhaindo

Dominica - Independence Celebration Photos 2009

I love this time of year, the celebration of our Independence, cultural history & traditions. I especially love to see the kids getting involved.

A Big Thank You to all the people behind the scenes who make these events possible cont./

Photos from the various events:

Posted by: Celia
Courtesy of: TropicallyTied

Dominica - President's Independence Message 2009

Independence Message from
His Excellency, The Hon. Dr. Nicholas J. O. Liverpool, D.A.H. O.C.C
President of the Commonwealth Of Dominica

November 2009
Roseau

Fellow Dominicans,

I greet you on the commemoration of the Thirty-First Anniversary of our Independence.

As we proudly celebrate this event we need to give thanks to Almighty God for bringing us thus far and to congratulate ourselves for the progress that we have made in our social, political, cultural and economic development.

We should remain resolute in our determination to continue to work hard to build on our accomplishments; and always remember that the true meaning of independence must come from within ourselves – from our dreams and hopes for our country, and the kind of society we wish for ourselves and our nation.

We as a people and nation should be proud of the advancement which we have made in the last 31 years in the area of education where every child is given the opportunity to access secondary and tertiary education; in the area of health where senior citizens 60 years and older and children below 18 years have free access to health care; in the implementation of the "Yes We Care Programme" which makes allowance to provide improved care for our abandoned senior citizens, just to name a few. We must always remember the hard work of our farmers, families, the public and private sectors, non-governmental agencies, community based organizations, volunteer groups, and the efforts of our past leaders who paved the way for a better Dominica and made it possible for us to enjoy these 31 years of political independence cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Government

Dominica Independence Day 2009

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Dominica as they celebrate 31 years as an independent nation on November 3. The bonds of friendship that unite our two countries are based on a shared commitment to democracy and development. The United States values our broad partnership with Dominica that enhances the security and prosperity of all our people. As Dominicans gather to enjoy the festivals that mark this occasion, I offer them our warmest wishes and best hopes for a bright future cont./




Courtesy of: USA Government

Dominica - Independence @ Military Parade 2009

Saluting Dominica's Independence @ Military Parade...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

Windsor Park Stadium Dominica


Turning the Wheel of Change @ Military Parade...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

An excellent take on turning the wheels for change. Dominica's Military Parade, Windsor Park Stadium.


Dominica’s Wheel of Change...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

Creating the wheel of change for Dominica, as we march to Forward we go…Are you a part of the change?


Fire Department@ Dominica Military Parade...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

Our heritage, our pride, our culture. Celebrating all that is great about Dominica.


Cadet Core at Dominica Military Parade...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

Dominica’s proud youth: Cadet Core at Military Parade, Windsor Park Stadium, Dominica


St. Lucia Salutes Dominica...

Find more videos like this on CaiVideos

One Caribbean, one flag. Dominica’s Military Parade @ Windsor Park Stadium. A different take on the idea of the Military Parade. We could learn so much from each other.

Videos Courtesy of: CaiVideos
Courtesy of: Government Information Service

Dominica - World Creole Music Festival 2009 - Day Two

The World Creole Music Festival (WCMF)was conceived out of a need to provide a stage for Dominican Musician and musical expressions, and to increase Dominica’s visibility overseas.

Held during the last weekend in October, and now in it’s thirteenth year, the 3-night festival has grown to one of the only truly indigenous music event in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean.

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

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Dominica - National Wob Dwiyet 2009 Title Goes to Marigot for First Time (photo gallery included)

For the first time a young woman of Marigot has won the title of Miss Wob Dwiyet in the person of Samantha Yankey.

Yankey also walked away with the Best Performing Talent Award.

The first runner-up is Kerna Joseph of Massacre (west), and second runner-up is Cady Angol of Grand Bay (south).

Joseph won the best speactacular wear award, while Angol secured the best in wob award cont./


Courtesy of: Dominica News Online
Courtesy of: Dominica News Online - UPDATE

Dominica - World Creole Music Festival 2009 Highlights Day One (photo gallery included)

Vin and Alan Cave opened night one of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), giving the patrons a taste of a mixture of Compas and Zouk music.

Swinging Stars, celebrating 50 years as usual gave the audience something to talk about, with front members Daddy Chess and Tasha Peltier on the vocals. The crowd was very responsive and followed the commands from Daddy Chess when he sang his famous song “Forward We Go”.

French band “La Perfecta” with its band members all dressed in white put on a very entertaining French performance.

The highly anticipated Kassav band did not disappoint, rather left fans well satisfied and begging for more, as they delivered the high quality music which they are known for. The band members were well coordinated and in sync with each other throughout their performances. The band’s guitarist and keyboardist both had their solo moments in which they showed the crowd how talented and skilled they truly are cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Dominica - Roseau Market Day with a Difference Prime Minister Skerrit Talks Healthy Living

In his address at the Roseau Market Day with a Difference this morning he said we should thank God for blessing the country with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and meats, which are available at the Roseau Market for the nutrition of the entire population.

“As a Government we are concerned about the increasing incidents of diseases and related non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and certain cancers among the population. We encourage a higher level of consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet of families,” PM Skerrit advised.

He asked persons to exercise due diligence in the foods they eat, recognising that the practice of eating fruits and vegetables can have a measurable impact on the population’s health status cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online
Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly

Dominica - LIME Creole in the Park 2009 – Day Four

Thousand of music lovers packed the Botanical Gardens Thursday for the forth and final day of the 2009 LIME Creole in the Park.

It’s been an amazing four days of Creole Food, Art & Craft, Creole Music and Culture, there were a few challenges this year including the weather.

The final day kicked-off with performances by Genesis Steel Pan, Karifuna Cultural Group, Nature Boys Band, and Dominican reggae artist Harry Mo cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: LIME Creole in the Park - LISTEN LIVE
Courtesy of: Dominica Source

Dominica - LIME Creole in the Park 2009 - Day Three

The crowds continued to pour into the Botanical Gardens on day three of LIME Creole in the Park as local reggae band Caribbean Vibes, Midnight Groovers, Claudette “CP” Peter and Taxik Band out off Antigua were set to the stage.

Day three started off with performances by the Cool Steel, Pointe Michel Cultural Group, Kros Vybes, and the Waitukubuli Dance Company. cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: LIME Creole in the Park - LISTEN LIVE
Courtesy of: Dominica Source

Developments in Dominica for 2010

1. The Waitukubuli National Trail set to raise the bar for Caribbean activity holidays.

The opening of the Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail within the next two years is set to attract a new wave of hikers to the Caribbean and boost the region’s credentials for adventure travellers.

Dominica’s Waitukubuli National Trail covers the length of the island from north to south, totalling 115 miles due to the mountainous landscape. It will take walkers around two weeks to complete the route. The trail is divided into 14 sections that vary in length and difficulty, with the longest segments involving walks of approximately eight hours. The segment divisions will allow walkers not wishing to hike the entire length to dip in and out of the route or just hike particular segments cont./

Courtesy of: Breaking Travel News

Dominica - Heritage Day in the Twin Communites of Giraudel & Eggleston

The twin communities of Giraudel and Eggleston-the Flower Garden of Dominica- hosted Heritage Day this year on Sunday. Community Development Minister Loreen Bannis said the communities are well placed to host the activity. A number of activities including a church service, flower show and cultural gala highlighted the event. The iconic cultural figure 82-year old Anthony Harve was also recognized as the 2009 Cultural Elder cont./


Courtesy of: Dominica Central

Dominica - LIME Creole In The Park 2009 – Day Two

Despite heavy rainfall in the earlier part of Tuesday morning, day two of LIME Creole in the Park when on as scheduled.

Day two started with a cultural performance by Paix Bouche Jing Ping,and was followed by one of Dominica’s young and upcoming bands - SOS Band cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: LIME Creole in the Park - LISTEN LIVE
Courtesy of: Dominica Source

Dominica - LIME Creole In The Park 2009 – Day One

Day one of LIME’s Creole in the Park is officially over as the Fanatik Band brought down the curtains with a fantastic performance to what is considered to be the largest turn-out on day one since the event started seven years ago.

Creole in the park (”An Explosion of Creole Food, Art & Craft, Creole Music and Culture“) was created from the need for a day event during Dominica’s National Independence Celebration, but now in its seventh year the family oriented four-day event has grown into an experience beyond words and day one was no exception cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: LIME Creole in the Park - LISTEN LIVE
Courtesy of: Dominica Source

Dominica - Cultural Finals Results & Cabrits Pictures

Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth in Portsmouth was the stage for the last final of this year's independence cultural dance competition, which took place last night.

Large crowds have attended this year's finals, which is an encouraging sign that Dominicans are still very much attached to their culture.

Both Ashton Riviere, acting mayor for Portsmouth, and Ian Dougles, minister for tourism representing the honourable minister for community development, spoke of the importance of culture.

"Culture defines a people", Riviere stated, "... and culture must be passed on."

For his part, Douglas spoke of the event as "a celebration of the richness and uniqueness of Dominica culture" which, he said, we should "try and preserve for posterity."

He reminded the Dominican people that each person is a "link in the chain that builds Dominica" and the country's most precious asset it is human resources.

Ashton Riviere also emphasized the importance of young people participating in these events: "young people need to be involved for culture to survive for generations to come." cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Dominica - FEATURE: Ophelia Marie the Great Lady of Creole Music

Ophelia burst on the music scene in 1979 with her seminal hit "AIE Dominique" like a rocket from NASA. Though she had always been singing since she was a small child in Curacao where she was born, it was after she married McCarthy Marie that her career moved to another level. In fact "AIE Dominique” was written for the Creole song contest of 1975 which she handsomely won. Believe it or not but the beat was not a four to the bar cadence beat, but a 3/4 waltz time! It was Gordon Henderson of Exile One who suggested just before the recording in Paris in January of 1978, that the song should be done as a cadence...cont./


Courtesy of: Dominica News Online
Courtesy of: Dominica News Online - UPDATE











Wikipedia
Courtesy of: ChezOphelia
Courtesy of: Ophelia
Courtesy of: Ophelia Marie MySpace
Courtesy of: Ophelia Marie Facebook
Video Courtesy of: Lady of Song Ophelia

Dominica - $100 million West Coast Road Project Set to Begin Before Year End

Official Signing of Contract...

Roseau, Dominica – October 13, 2009………Minister for Public Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, acting on behalf of the Government of Dominica, has signed a contract with a Chinese construction firm, China Railway 17 Bureau Group Co. Ltd for the construction of a modern highway from the Capital City of Roseau to the Town of Portsmouth.

The signing ceremony for the construction phase of the road - approximately 44.877 km in length- took place at the Financial Centre in Roseau last Friday, October 9th 2009.

According to information revealed by officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructural Development, the cost of the project will be in excess of ECD $100 million. It is anticipated the project will take about twenty-three (23) months to complete... cont./

Courtesy of: Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

Dominica - LIME Launches 7th Annual Creole in the Park - 2009 Lineup

Well, Creole in the park fans, it’s that time of year again; the 7 Annual Creole in the Park has announced the lineup for this year’s festivities.

With a main stream lineup, which includes Internationally acclaimed Jamaican reggae artist Cecile is set to headline the 7th annual LIME Creole in the Park from October 26 – 29, 2009 at the Botanic Gardens.

This is the first Creole in the Park is staged under the company’s new brand as LIME which was launched approximately one year ago on the last day of CITP in 2008.

Other regional acts scheduled to headline the number one daytime event in Dominica during the Independence celebrations include...cont./

Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
UPDATE: LIME Creole In The Park 2009 – Day One
UPDATE: LIME Creole In The Park 2010 * * * * * * *

Dominica - Banana Growers Story

In the Windward Island of Dominica in the Caribbean, 900 smallholder farmers produce17,000 tonnes a year of top quality bananas for export to the UK...

UK Supermarkets Warned Over Banana Price War

As growers in the developing world go out of business, fears are growing for the stability of some small economies dependent on the crop...


It started as a skirmish between supermarkets, of interest only to those in the grocery trade. But Asda's decision to repeatedly slash the price of its bananas now threatens to undermine the fair trade movement and spells catastrophe for those who work in the industry, according to leading organisations representing fruit growers.

Renwick Rose, the chief executive officer of Winfa – the Windward Islands Farmers Association, whose 4,000 banana farmers export almost exclusively to Britain, has described the price war as "a scandalous way of doing business at the expense of farmers" and warned it will plunge banana growers into a "race to the bottom" that will benefit no one in the long term.

He was speaking after Asda cut the price of its loose bananas to 38 pence a kilo, its sixth cut in six weeks and a move that placed acute pressure on rivals to follow suit...cont./

Courtesy of: Guardian
Courtesy of: BBC
Courtesy of: Fairtrade
Courtesy of: Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

Salisbury Enhancement Committee Presents Fete Bawi 2K9 Once Again

Sugar Fire La Peau Kabwit Band entertained a jouve' last year...

For the second time the Salisbury Enhancement Committee will stage Fete Bawi 2k9 slated for October 02 to 04.

The celebrations will kick start with a church feast at the St. Theresa Catholic Church on October 01 at 7 p.m. in Salisbury. The homilist is Father Nigel Karam.

A ‘Free up Friday’ activity will be held on the Salisbury beach at 8 p.m. with Club DVD and DJs Gold Finger and Spoiler providing entertainment.

On Saturday morning, the community will take to the streets for a jouve' jam supported by the Sugar Fire La Peau Kabwit Band. Following that farmers and vendors will gather in the village for a Journe la place Bawi (Market Day in Salisbury). Awards will be given to the best dressed vendor, the best decorated stall and the vendor with the most variety of produce. A ceremony with addressed from the Minister of Culture and Community Development Loreen Bannis-Roberts and a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture will also be held at 8 a.m. during the market day.

The Triple Kay International Band, Club DVD, DJ Gold Finger and Mr. Mixx will be featured on Saturday evening at the Salisbury Beach starting at 9 p.m

On Sunday Fete Bawi culminates with a grand finale on the block with Nite Force Sound Band from 4 p.m.

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online

Salisbury, Dominica - Fete Bawi 2009

Fete Bawi 2K9 - 1st to 4th October...



Courtesy of: Bawi Link Up - SEC Inc

Dominica Independence Celebrations 2009: Official Opening Ceremony

Dominica Celebrates Thirty-One Years of Independence...

September 26th, 2009 marked the official opening of the celebrations of the 31st anniversary of its independence in Dominica.

Under the theme of “Progress and Development,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister for Community Development, Culture, Gender Affairs and Information, Loreen Bannis-Roberts, addressed the crowd gathered at the Old Mill Cultural Center to participate in the opening ceremony cont./



Video Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Government Information Service

Dominica - Botanical Gardens

Established in 1891, these well-appointed gardens in Roseau also contains an aviary with Sisserou parrots, plus the famous 'crushed bus' - victim of devastating Hurricane David.

It is also home to offices of the Forestry Dept. and various other related departments.

The idea of establishing the Roseau Botanic Gardens was conceived in 1889 by the British Crown Government. It wanted to encourage the supply of properly propagated seedlings of varied tropical crops to the island farmers. The Government bought the site from William Davies, then owner of Bath Estate, and the planning and planting of the Gardens began in 1890.

Dominica - Rain Forest Aerial Trams

For the first time, visitors to Dominica can enjoy a unique rainforest experience. Transported in a hanging gondola, which seats up to 8 people, the journey is through approx. 1 mile of protected tropical montane rainforest bordering the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. A narrow corridor through the trees allows close observation of the diverse plant and bird life to be found in this enchanting habitat.

Dominica - Horseback Riding

Discover Dominica on the Ultimate Nature Adventure!

Enjoy fully guided Eco-Adventures through the tropical rain-forest on our private estate and certified organic farm.

Mountain trails weave through emerald green rain-forest canopies where nature comes alive!!... talking bamboo, whispering pines and birds in song!

Diving & Whale Watching in Domnica

The Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean...

Over the past few years, Dominica has earned the reputation as one of the top five dive destinations in the world. In addition to unique dive sites like "Champagne" which features a bubbling, underwater hot spring, Dominica's reefs are full of gorgeous multi-coloured hard and soft coral, an abundance of reef fish and fascinating marine critters such as seahorses and frogfish.

The underwater terrain is unique and diverse, providing dive sites suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to the very experienced.

Dominica has also earned another moniker - the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean.

Dominica - Indian River, Portsmouth

Indian River…

Running from Portsmouth deep into Dominica's Morne Diablotin forest reserve, the Indian River is a mixture of fresh and salt water and dominated by the spectacular Butressed Bwa Mang trees.

The best way to experience the river is in a paddle boat with a knowledgeable guide, who will happily enlighten you on the incredible flora and fauna en route.

Dominica - Cabrits National Park, Portsmouth

Cabrits National Park...

Located on a scenic peninsula just north of Portsmouth, this national park is best known as the site of Fort Shirley, a large 18th-century British garrison which once housed 600 soldiers. Some of the fort's stone ruins have been partially reconstructed; others are half-hidden in the jungle and are fun to explore. There are fine views of Prince Rupert Bay from the ruins of the Officer's Quarters. The park encompasses the peninsula, the surrounding coast and coral reefs, and the island's largest swamp.



Cabrits National Park...


Fort Shirley...

Dominica - Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Morne Trois Pitons - World Heritage Site...

In 1998, UNESCO recognised the unique beauty and value of our Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and designated it a World Heritage Site.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park, established in July 1975 by an act of Parliament, was the first of Dominica's National Parks to be legally established.

In 1997, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site - the first enlisted Natural Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and its inauguration was also marked with a Regional conference on The World Heritage Convention.

The Morne Trois Pitons National Park includes numerous attractions:-

The Boiling Lake & The Valley of Desolation...


Boeri Lake...

Freshwater Lake...

Titou Gorge...


The Emerald Pool...


Middleham Falls...


Trafalgar Falls...

Dominica 'Home Again' Featured on Thinking Allowed BBC Radio 4 Programme

September 2nd, Wednesday, at 16.00 hours UK time BBC Radio 4 programme "Thinking Allowed", hosted by Prof Laurie Taylor, will be discussing reverse migration and will hopefully feature the book "Home Again" (stories of Dominican returnees)

The program will be available on-line to listen again for seven days and there will also be a podcast.

Courtesy of: BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed
Courtesy of: Dominican Diaspora

PS Please use the 'Search Blog' field via the top left hand corner of this blog, to search for all blog post relating to Home Again...

Dominican Cameron Pierre Trio @ Charlie Wright's

Time: August 27, 2009 from 8pm to 11pm
Location: London
Street: 45 Pitfield St, N1 6DA
City/Town: London - Shoreditch
Website: http://www.charliewrights.com
Phone: 020 74908345
Event Type: Concert
Organized By: Charlie Wrights

Courtesy of: Dominican Diasopra

PS Please use the 'Search Blog' field via the top left hand corner of this blog, to search for all blog post relating to Cameron Pierre...

Dominicans in Europe Paris Reunion 2009 Scheduled for October

A group of Dominican citizens residing in Europe have planned an event expected to unite Dominicans here and in Europe.

The “Dominicans in Europe Paris Reunion 2009” is being held for the first time in Paris, France from October 2nd and 3rd.

“I decided that perhaps Paris would be a great place to have it and from there we decided to create an event to showcase Dominica,” said Natasha Henderson Executive Programme Coordinator of the Dominicans in Europe Paris Reunion 2009.

The highlight of the reunion will be the awards gala and dinner where several Dominicans are expected to be recognised.

A concert featuring leading Dominican artists here and abroad including Ophelia, Gordon Henderson and Exile One will also form part of the festivities.

Courtesy of: Dominica News Online


Find more videos like this on Dominican Diaspora


Courtesy of: Dominican Diaspora

Finland Established Diplomatic Relations With Dominica

Ministry for Foreign Affairs...Press Release 211/2009...20.8.2009 9.14....

To intensify the country’s international relations, Finland has established diplomatic relations with the Commonwealth of Dominica. Following the decision on diplomatic relations taken by the President of the Republic, Ambassador Jaakko Laajava, the Finnish Ambassador to the United Kingdom based in London, and Acting High Commissioner Agnes Adonis of the Commonwealth of Dominica signed the joint communiqué ratifying diplomatic relations.

In line with Finland’s foreign policy principles, the intention is to establish diplomatic relations with all states recognised by Finland. Finland has recognised the Commonwealth of Dominica, which became independent in 1978.

Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Dominica was a British colony for more than 200 years and is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has an area of 754 square km and a population of 73 000.

Trade between Finland and Dominica is still modest, but it is hoped that deepening of official relations will also bring diversification of bilateral trade and other contacts. Dominica, with its tropical rain forests, strives to promote tourism on the island as well.

Courtesy of: Finnish Government

Dominica - Island Nature

Can ecotourism help preserve one of the world’s greenest—and most beautiful—countries? Bill Donahue reports from Dominica...

Flying down to the small Caribbean nation of Dominica, I see at once why the place markets itself as the Nature Island. Beneath me, the 4,000-foot mountains are verdant and craggy, the near-vertical slopes dotted with trees and crowned with mist. The plane circles, and I glimpse a few of the 365 rivers that flow through the rain forest that blankets two-thirds of the island. And then we start to drop, rapidly. The plane sweeps and cuts, kamikaze-style, through clouds and between looming rock faces—how else are you going to land on the Caribbean’s most mountainous island? We corkscrew madly, wings rattling, then we skid to a halt on a short runway, and I have arrived in what promises to be a natural paradise.

Courtesy of: Sun Beach Travel
Photo Courtesy of: Max Kim Bee

Dominica’s Elegant 1930s Retreat

Pointe Baptiste is an atmospheric holiday home built in the 1930s by a Scottish adventurer and novelist...

Few holiday homes in the Caribbean are as atmospheric as Pointe Baptiste, says Polly Pattullo in the Guardian. Perched on a promontory on the north coast of Dominica - "that wildest of Caribbean islands" - it was built in the Thirties by the "remarkable" writer and "adventurer" Elma Napier. She was a Scottish aristocrat who fell completely for the island's "mysterious charm", as she called it, remaining at Point Baptiste with her husband and children until her death in 1973. There, she wrote novels, got involved in politics (she was the first woman ever elected to a Caribbean legislature) and reflected on island life in articles for the Manchester Guardian.


Courtesy of: The First Post

Dominica - World Creole Music Festival 2009 Lineup

Well, Festival fans, it’s that time of year again; 13th annual World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has announced the lineup for this year’s festivities. With a solid stream of performances by international and local artists - running from October 31st to November 1st, 2009 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, there’s something there for just about every musical taste.

But wait, you say you don’t like creole or zouk music? There’s actually way more going on than just creole and zouk music. There’s a night with reggae vocalist MAXI Priest - who’s best known for singing Reggae music
with an R&B influence and reggae giants Morgan Heritage known for their mellow, RB-influenced, vocals and Rastafarian lyrics.

Photo Courtesy of: Africa Sounds
Courtesy of: Dominica Weekly
Courtesy of: Dominica Central Newspaper
Courtesy of: WCMF Dminica

UPDATE...World Creole Music Festival 2009 Highlights Day One (photo gallery included)
World Creole Music Festival 2009 Highlights Day Two (video included)