This is Dominica

I've been trying to come up with different ways to write this without coming off as too annoyed. I've lived on this island since birth and have been totally baffled at the number of instances where our rugged little mass has been mistaken for the Dominican Republic, that is, if even recognized as part of the map at all. I can't tell you how often my postal mail has been sent to the Dominica Republic in error, which I'm sure countless of my Dominican counterparts have experienced at least once. In light of this I've opted to make this piece about the different things that distinguish this lovely Caribbean island from the rest of the world.

The Commonwealth of Dominica, commonly known as Dominica is largely covered by rain forest and is home to the world's second largest boiling lake. The island is currently headed by the youngest prime minister in the world. Roosevelt Skerrit was born in 1972 and has held the seat for the past three (3) years). We've been noted for having the oldest living person in the world (at one point) in Elizabeth Israel aka Ma Pampo, who was the daughter of a slave and we are one of the last remaining Caribbean islands still inhabited by the native Kalinago People.

The sweet sounds of Cadence-lypso originated from Dominica which was refined by the dynamic Exile One. Other original sounds include Bouyon and Jing ping. In Dominica many of the older folk still speak the traditional Creole language which is sometimes handed down to the youth, so much so that we are home to the only Creole Music Festival on the planet. It is an island that has remained quite pristine. Lack of five star hotels and large highways make it easy to appreciate this natural encasement. Here the beaches are black sand and very private.

Dominicans are treated everyday to water from a lush of 365 rivers, so its needless to mention, offcourse, we make some of the best beer in the world.

Cheers

Dominica through the eyes of ancients

I recently went down to the Carib Territory located on the east coast of the island where I was given a tour of a Carib Model Village which the Kalinago people ( Native Caribs) have recently implemented.

I had been hearing a lot about the site and finally made it down there for a visit. It really blew my mind at how professional and informative the tour was not to mention the way the incorporated the environment into the whole thing. From the onset they gave a historical account of the Carib people and their alternate way of life and after a brief round of questions we set off on tour which is where I was most impressed. Many of the historical landmarks at that part of the island were weaved into the tour and other cultural emblems (trees, plants, animals ect.) were also introduced along the trail. I got to see the structure where the Caribs held (and still hold) official ceremonies, the ancient dwelling spaces & crafts.

The majesty of the L'Escalier Tete Chien (snake’s stairs) and the way the ocean licked at the Windward Coast left me with a deep-seated awe.

Even after I left the village I was treated to some sweet cassava bread, roasted over coals in an iron pot. I felt my earth-self manifest in that moment. We take so many little things for granted, the intricate things that define who we are. The whole experience reminded me that there is something bigger than us all out there and that the mysterious terrain of the island is still a force to be reckoned with. The ground breathes, the ocean sneezes, the Kalinago people of the Commonwealth of Dominica endures - out of time. Here are a few more photos from the experience: