Australian Luke Gillian has been arranging cricket tours for fans of his home team since 2001 and through his company ‘Waving the flag’ he has over 30 international tours under his belt.
But what the veteran tour operator experienced in Dominica during the third and final Digicel Test, which ended here last Friday, appeared to have left a lasting impression on him.
In a series of entries written on his company’s Facebook public page Gillian was straightforward in how he felt and what he saw.
For one, he was very impressed with the massive crowds which showed up at the Windsor Park during the five days of the Test. This is what he wrote on the final day of the match:
“A massive crowd turned up on day 5 to see the Windies go down by just 75 runs. In fact, a massive crowd turned up everyday in Dominica. I was stumped to see a Monday to Friday Test attract 80+% capacity each day. That’s pretty good considering there are only 70,000 people on the island. Dominica is great for West Indies Cricket and should become the ‘Lord’s’ of the Caribbean, meaning every team should play here and then let the other 9 venues argue the rest of the schedule out for themselves.”
And he was equally impressed with the Windsor Park. On the first day of the Test he wrote:
“I’ve found my new favourite cricket ground (sorry Harare Sports Club, you held a very long mantle). Filled with colour, character, live music, BBQ’s, in-seat service and shade all day (if you want it) from tall open stands looking at lush mountain backdrops, Windsor Park, smack in the Roseau town centre, is brilliant. When a venue inspires you to walk around taking photos of places and people within, such as Dominica’s #1 cricket lover here in her Flag Mumu (see photo), you know you are in a grand place. If we don’t play here in 4 years time I will be very disappointed.”
On the fourth day of the match he wrote:
“Catering at Windsor Park, Dominica, is the region’s greatest. You don’t have to go to far in any Caribbean venue to find a smoking BBQ, even the smallest of coal holders such as this little beauty toasting chicken thighs (see photo), but with chicken patties (flat pies), doubles (roti bread,
chickpeas, & chicken), salt fish & johnny cakes (West Indian savoury doughnuts), goat water (soup), cow foot soup, breadfruit, rices, and countless other delights on the menu, there’s no need for breakfast especially when the ground is less than 10mins from home! We love Dominica.”
Upon arrival in Dominica, Gillian wrote:
“Arriving into any Caribbean island is always filled with excitement for another culture, geography, beer, and distilled sugar cane. With a very windy 2 hours drive cross country from Dominica’s Melville Hall Airport to Roseau, a rum shack halt was necessary, and there is no more quirky than ‘Isle View Bar’. Grandma distills her own rum and lines the shelves with a wealth of unexpected infusions such as garlic, mango, carrot, spinach, golden apple, cocoa, coffee, and mint to name a few. A 30mins break became a 2 hour sampling fiesta. It was tried, and that’s all we need know while sitting at the hotel with plenty of refreshing Kubuli beer!!”
After he visited the Titou Gorge, Gillian wrote:
“It was a remarkable day out highlighted by TiTou Gorge. Paddling into a dark tunnel to find oneself swimming in 5m deep crystal waters running through 10m high narrow volcanic rock walls, canopied by lush rainforest to a gushing waterfall was worth the effort to reach Dominica before a ball has even been bowled.”
I am an Australian who visited Dominica in between the cricket matches in Barbados. Unfortunately I did not see any cricket at Windsor Park, but saw the huge lines waiting to buy tickets on sale.
The people I met in Dominica have such a positive spirit. I did notice some discontent with lack of development, and locals leaving the island for larger ones, but the people live life to smile and in 5 days there, I fell in love with Dominica.
I met some fantastic people in Roseau, and my Boiling Lake hike was a life highlight.
I met Luke Gillian in St. Lucia and am so glad to see he also experienced such joy in Dominica. You have a great country, and with work it can be even better. Stay happy.
I totally agree with Luke. I was there for the cricket and Dominica impressed like no other place in the Caribbean, actually it impressed like none of the other 60 countries I have travelled to. The people of Dominica were so beautiful and welcoming, they were so proud of their country and of themselves. It was our favourite place.
Excellent feedback. Wow is all I could say. Dominica is on track and we should appreciate these positive feedback.
I am going to thank Luke for his kind words. If you want to also I have listed his facebook and twitter below, where he has many more comments and pictures of Dominica.
facebook(dot)com/lukegillian
twitter(dot)com/#!/wavingtheflag
Replace the (dot) with a .
In all great review.
So fols you see its not all about our winding roads..Like I have stated on numerous ocassions.. Tourist like natural beauty and Dominica offers that and much more….This could be a stepping stone for an Australian investor or 2…God Bless Dominica.
Thank you Luke for this. To all of the persons making negative comments here, maybe when and if you ever live our of Dominica you will realize what we have here. I have traveled extensively and have lived for a few years in Trinidad, Florida, Virginia and New York, and I tell you, there is not place like Dominica.
I just wish our people would appreciate and preserve it better, and that we as a people would be much more positive that we are presently.
The schedule for the NZ tour is out. Two games will be played in BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA USA. The other games will be played in Jamaica. St. Kitts and Antigua. ARE WE EXPANDING TO THE US
All of this would not be possible without….fill in the blanks
without the chineee, lol
Si yi bon dire yi bon. Well written article. I am still in goose bumps. wow wow wow. That young man experienced nature to the core. The words came out very deep. This is an eye opener for us here who just dont want to open our eyes to see the goodness of the Lord to us by blessing us with such a unique natural environment. This article has surely airlifted dominica and i say no dropping back. Foraward we go DA. May God bless all those whom he has called to lead us. Spiritual and secular leaders feel blessed by that article.
Love and peace to all dominicans.
Thanks sir you have spoken your mind and thats very healthy for you.I endorse every thing you have said about My country Dominica.I wish other vistors who were present for the third and final test between Austrailia and WestIndies would have shaered their true and unbiased opinion.I hope the powers that beare reading this article, and that we meaning Dominica will get not just a test match but also an ODI and a T20, WI vs Aus.We are happy that you enjoyed our country, come again,we love you all.
It’s all fun and games till someone get’s robbed and beaten at gunpoint.
We are against crime, but let’s stay positive here. This is very good publicity for Dominica. Shamefully, most of us don’t appreciate the treasure that we have in this God-blessed island!
Such a wonderful and well written review for D/A Glad you enjoyed it. Shows we have passion for sports.
Some of us are so negative we will not see positive even when it is right in our face.
GROW UP AND BE POSITIVE
THIS GENTLEMAN WHO HAD NEVER BEEN TO DOMINICA BEFORE, ON HIS FIRST VISIT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT DOMINICA SHOULD BE THE 1ST CARIBBEAN VENUE FOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET BEFORE THE LIKES OF THE BIG GUNS OF BARBADOS, TRINIDAD, JAMAICA AND GUYANA.
READ THAT…THINK ABOUT THAT…
THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES FOR OUR LITTLE COUNTRY AND THE BENEFITS TO FOLLOW.
GROW UP AND LEAVE POLITICS AND PARTY OUT OF THAT.
GUYANA…..
THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH FOR YOUR MISHAP WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN INDEBTED TO YOUR FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY.
BUT AGAIN SOME ARE SO NEGATIVE THEY MAYBE DID NOT EVEN GET TO WATCH A GREAT GREAT CRICKET MATCH AND EXPERIENCE THE PRIDE OF A DOMINICAN….. YES DOMINICAN SHANE SHILLINGFORD BREAKING A 46 YEAR OLD RECORD
Gillian has spoken the truth;and nothing else but the TRUTH…At least there is one person that can give Dominica a good name.Thanks Sir for the compliments…
love the review that was well put together Dominica one love
THANK YOU SIR WHO JAH BLESS NO MAN CURSE
OH THX MR GILLY FROM ASSIE. THANK YOU FOR TELLING DOMINICANS HOW FORTUNATE THEY ARE. THESE PEOPLE ALWAYS COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERTHING. THEY ARE STILL COMPLAING ABOUT THE WINSOR-PARK, OMG THANKS AGAIN MR CRICKETRER FROM AUSTRALIA.
Appreciation is the key signs of positivity and gratefulness. This my friends are coming from a stranger. Looking at the comments made by CONCERN. I am very supportive to it and would ask all Dominicans to PLEASE stop being ungrateful and endure what GOD gave us in return-Nature and Hospitality.
well done Dominicans
Am not home but soooooo proud that we were put futher on the map in such a grand day. So So proud
well said sir well said thanks to you and the cricket board for giving us that chance and as for the rest please don’t let the chines take over our country because they see the same thing the australian see beauty beyound all other ,thats my Dominica keep the good work ,also when you go back to australia tell your people to come and visit our Dominica they will love every part of it thanks again sir for your comment on our Dominica keep them coming
WINDSOR PARK IS THE LORDS OF THE WEST INDIES
This are the good things i want to hear about dominica and its people thanks to all the people that came to dominica at this time of fun and hope thay will find some time to come back .and to all loving dominicans thanks to you all for being bless we know how good we are to people is just 2% of the people that want to take dominica and its good people down but we the bless dominicans are not going to let this happen no not in d/a we must stop them now the ones that are doing bad to the people that comes to our sweeeeet dominica must be happy at all time one love to all GOD BLESS DOMINICA I LOVE YOU DOMINICA
“that show signs of a sporting and wealthy nation,later on we will learn how much min.of finance will be seeking approval of the “house” by way of supplementary estimates to pay for the tickets of his supporters….the amount I saw stamped Govt.of Dominica;what sweet in goat mouth will be sour at the rear.
Some Dominican’s are So damn Negative, can’t enjoy a bit of good if their lives depended on it.
Massive,but first we have terminate those who commit crimes against visitors and law abiding Dominicans.
great great great review and exposure for my island….im happy!!!
DNO, I like your style for putting all the negative comments in red, lol.
dominica the chosen island by god…to god be the glory for great things he has done…way to go the island of dominica
Respect
Am proud to be Dominican. Thanks for the great reviews sir.
Can’t wait for the next cricket event
thank you mr gillian!!!
Quote from Australian Luke Gillian: “Dominica is great for West Indies Cricket and should become the ‘Lord’s’ of the Caribbean, meaning every team should play here and then let the other 9 venues argue the rest of the schedule out for themselves.””
West Indies Cricket Board….please TAKE NOTE of this.
Dominica Cricket Association….please take note of this too.
He could not have said this any better.
“….Dominica is great for West Indies Cricket and should become the ‘Lord’s’ of the Caribbean, meaning every team should play here and then let the other 9 venues argue the rest of the schedule out for themselves.”
Of a truth dat! I hope the WICB is reading this!
you still need two more weeks to visit. you’ve not been to screws and the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve(SSMR). you’ll be just as thrilled to see the underwater.
Thanks for the great review sir. My country is beautiful indeed. I love my Dominica and no matter where I go in the world I must come back home cause Dominica is where my heart is.
Wow! Brilliantly writeen. I am still flattered after reading many of his paragraphs at least twice. Word of mouth is the best of advertising there is.
thanks for your report on dominica. god has blessed us with a beatiful island and we as dominican must preserve that.MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS DOMINICA. AND MAY OUR PEOPLE BE THANKFUL FOR HIS BLESSINGS.
stupid Dominicans, they tell every country the same. Why should i be proud of a country that is last in everything?
Better to be last and proud that we went and did the best we could. Some prefer to say no and criticize the others that try….so stop being a hater WE ARE PROUD TO BE DOMINICANS. THIS IS OUR HOME
I smell jealousy, who vex lost
This is only what an idiot will say. probably you don’t even know your own country. Take some times to think, explore and experiment the abundance of what mother nature has given to DOMINICA. Stop being an enemy towards positive and forward undisputable development. Be creative and innovative to see what you can do for Dominica and stop being like a volkswagon.
Love Dominica
you remind me of the person who does not give credit where it is due. I wonder if u r a dominican urself, HATER.
MY ADVICE TO YOU HATER: GO TO HE… DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS.
Brilliant!!! Thanks DA.. I am a proud Dominican today.. I cant wait for the day when i will return to my sweet Dominica!!!
That is why you should hold on to Dominica and prevent it from being overrun by prospectors and speculators who see so much potential which dominicans are seating on.
Dominicans hold on to your land and resources use them wisely don’t allow others to come in and take it away from you, or destroy it for you. Once it is gone it will never return.
Thank You Sir, as a Dominican I am proud.
it been long time I never been to DA but reading what the man wrote give me a filling that I was there at the windsor park stadium watching cricket also,I am missing my island
Thanks for the great reviews.
one and only baby…home sweet home…we will be together again some day…great review
My island is the greatest.My people are the greatest, love you guys.
so proud of my country
mannnnnnnnn u dont even no it
May our lovely land remain & prosper the way you described it.
Thanks for visit!!
My sentiments as well
God is good! We appreciate ur comments and Dominica is really great.
i felt shivered while reading this i am so proud to be a Dominican.i aint leaving my Dominica for no one.
Not you alone .
Great comment. I love it
I LOVE YOU DOMINICA………… I REALLY DO.
OMG…..i shivered reading this..absolutely lovely
I am Dominica……I’ll always be Dominican.Ain’t leaving my Paradise!
Now that is what I am talking about. Thank you
I HOPE THEY GIVE MR. LUKE GILLAN CITIZENSHIP TOO.
He needs a diplomatic passport as well. That’s our best way of showing appreciation!!!
Bye Hater!!
Bajan just shut ur mouth…..allu have rihanna runnin all over the world and made her a youth ambassador ….didnt hear you complaint bout that…..saqua sort
Bajan you cannot be serious to write that nonsense. Barbados made Rihanna a youth ambassador and she is there running 22knee all over the world. Was that a good way to show appreciation of what amount of money she’s making for herself?……PLEASE JUST SHUT UP
Shut the hell up bajan, i would make him an ambassador every day over Rihanna great role model that rihanna selling her soul to the devil to sell records.
It’s a shame how foolish some of us can be, even when our country is being so positively highlighted and promoted. Who benefits from what he has said? We and our children.
Those making such negative comments should be ashamed of themselves.
Proud of what Dominica can do. Let’s take this as a lesson to soar.
that makes me happy
Y-E-A I love that man……I could kiss him for those kind words. Now he should encourage more of his people to visit and experience for themselves.
What a raving review of my people, country, and Windsor Park Stadium!!! What more can we ask for? Let’s just continue to build on that!!! Let’s go Dominica!!! Dominica we are on the right track. Thank you sir, for your honest, vivid and straight forward report. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends back. It was great to have all of you. Thanks again.
One can just imagine what the stadium would look like with a test march starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Sunday….WOW!!!
Dominicans take note… Feel inspred because we have something to feel proud about. Dominica is the number home !!!!!!!!!!!! Even though West Indies lost the game, but Dominica WON big time. Shane Shillingford wonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. Sammy and others made us proud, they fought hard and brought back that fighting spirit..
Sebo, I know you feeling bad because you didnt want him selected but God is good all the time and all the time God is good. You cant hold a good man down remember. Lesson No 1.
#No place better than Dominica
Totally agree! That’s why we have to send a clear message to those “wanna be” thugs that there is no place for crime on our nature isle.
I’m Proud! Loved it!!!!!
Thanks for appreciating our country so much. We in Dominica need to do the same and stop crying Dominica down. Other people love it, we should love it too and more.
Other people need to live in it. Not just for two weeks. Thank you.
Maybe you in need to live out of it to appreciate what’s in it.
Every country has its issues, but when things are positive we should support it. It is such negativity that hinders development.
Amen To That