BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Two islands in the Caribbean have been named in the top 10 ethical tourism destinations among developing countries across the world.
In a recent release, the California-based non-profit organization Ethical Traveler announced that Barbados and Dominica had joined Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Latvia, Lithuania, Palau, Poland and Uruguay on its list in its 2011 report on The World’s Best Ethical Destinations.
The release explained 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.
In citing environmental protection reasons for Barbados and Dominica’s placement on the 2011 list, Ethical Traveler stated: “Dominica was the recipient of a Green Globe for sustainable eco-tourism. We also applaud Barbados for organizing the Caribbean Green Economic Conference for 2011, to discuss opportunities and challenges to developing a green economy in the region.”
In terms of social welfare, Ethical Traveler highlighted that they consulted the 2009 Human Development Report, compiled by the UN Development Program (UNDP), for input into that criteria and Barbados was the highest ranked Ethical Destination country on that UNDP index this year.
However, Ethical Traveler did acknowledge that the two Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, like the others on the list, were not “perfect”.
“In Barbados and Dominica, homosexuality remains criminalized. Normally this is a deal-breaker for us, but the laws do not appear to be zealously enforced. We sincerely hope that our vote of confidence will persuade these countries’ leaders to repeal these backward laws.”
The organization also called on Barbados to step up its efforts even further to halt sex trafficking.
and with all that garbage lying around, indiscriminate dumping and a litter bug mentality. Stop the littering.
THUMBS UP FOR SWEET DOMINICA…..
This is very good news for Dominica. However we cannot let our guards down. Too many of us continue to be litter bugs and continue to be insensitive to mother nature. Let’s continue to do the right thing by being responsible stewards of the environment.
By the way the Prime Minister’s call to plant trees and beautify the environment is very positive and we should embrace this idea through out the year and beyond.
We also have a very positive social welfare program; yes we care, care for the elderly, free medical care for children and seniors, housing assistance etc…
In terms of Human Rights we do have a relatively healthy Human Rights environment. That being said, there is still room for improvement.
Congratulations to all the people of Dominica for achieving this milestone.
they already doing there thing in secret. but to put it in the open..jah! a man and man or woman and woman…see how God being good to us..lets be careful wat we doing eh boy!
is it true that you can’t pick up your dollar if it fall down in Barbados? anyway i do agree that homosexual should be de-criminalised.. before you all start.. NO i’m not a gay!
I would like to congratulate my country on making one of the top ten in the ethical destination. Dominica you make me proud. We have so many things that we should be proud. Let us continue to look out for each other and to continue supporting each other. Let we dominican continue to build our nature isle of the caribbean. We will alway have different opinions, but let us continue to respect each other.
we claim this is a christian country. but what brand of christianity? we talk about a god, but which god? we neglect to recall that muslims, jews and carib indians live here. each have/had their own gods that they worship. not because the majority are christians/catholics does that give credence to the things they profess being real/right/truth. we fail to realize that our opinions do not encompass all knowledge and truth. such is the stain of religion on this land.
now, i may not like what two consenting, grown adults of the same sex do with their time, but that does not give me the right to deny them their rights to pursue happiness (so long as it does not hurt me or someone else). homosexuality is a victim-less crime. so why should it deserve punishment? because your god said so? first, prove this god then we shall discuss this matter of the act of homosexuality being a crime. you have a long way to go.
I do think that you are the one who is a bigot. As it is stated, it takes one to know one.
In years gone by there were no Muslims or Jews residing in Dominica. Please inform me and other readers since when are Jews and Muslims residing in Dominica? What is their purpose of living in Dominica? Beware of the enemies of Christianity.
Actually, Dominica was a predominantly Catholic Christian country, worshipping God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit – Three in One. It did not have a Synagogue or a Mosque why should these people even consider residing in Dominica? What made them decide to reside in Dominica?
My wish is that Dominica remains solely a Christian country as it was in those days.
As for your homosexual issue, are you a Christian or not? Are you not aware that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord and punishable by eternal fire in Satan’s everlasting cauldron? It is a grievous offence to God. Those who legislate it, condone it, applaud it, give credence to it will follow the same route as God is looking on.
In your opinion it may be a victim-less crime but it is a grave offence to God, a mortal sin.
Look here! I am unable to comprehend your manner of thinking and all those who support this type of lifestyle. If people want to live an ungodly lifestyle it is obvious their preference and right. God gave them a free mind. This free mind will either save them or condemn them.
They should not expect the government to legislate this type of lifestyle which is abnormal and what which God did not ordain. God created Adam and Eve. He did not create Adam and Steve. People chose the path which they want to follow, either God or Satan.
We do not need to prove this God to you. You should have known that God exists since childhood. Are you another one who has gone astray? If you cannot see the difference between right from wrong you have a major mortal and spiritual problem. I pity you.
As Frank Werfel who wrote The Song of Bernadette which is a movie: “To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.” It appears that you fall in the latter category.
Beware of offending God and blaspheming Him. God is not amused. Those who do will warrant His wrath.
I pray that God will enlighten you. Otherwise, woe to you.
Shame on you, disgusting comment in a time like this. That is not the type of thinking we need in our Dominica showing intolerance to other people simple because they do not share your religious beliefs, it nice to know that we have a Country where everyone is entitled to freedom of religious Practice. Did you read what you wrote, very sad, what a twisted sick mind with your religious beliefs, the mind of a fanatic. Every time you write you are just showing your true colors. I do not like calling people names but this time i lost it . It is a good thing the inquisition is gone, but i guess you are one of those who would like to see it come back, but i tell you this think again. There is so much i would like to say about what you wrote, i will just live it there and say to you prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart.
The above reply is aimed at Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
My reply is aimed at you who do not comprehend when others are doing good and stating what which is good. It depicts a warped and sinful mind.
I do not speak or write nonsense. Some of us are spiritually minded, a grace given to them by God.
When you stand before God for your judgment you will find out. May you not wail and gnash your teeth for all eternity. I urge you to read and study Holy Scriptures specifically the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Words and Teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and also the Epistles of St. Paul.
Those who stand up for the truth are not being prejudice. They love everyone and want what is good for them. They are sharing the Good News. They proclaim the faith without being shy or ashamed of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They acknowledge Him before all people. They do their utmost to lead souls to God. This is a Christian obligation. No one is forcing you to believe. Chose your path. God, the Heavenly path or Satan, the eternal path of perdition.
Our Lord said that those who are ashamed of Him and His Word, He will be ashamed of them when He returns with His holy angels and those who do not acknowledge Him before all people (and His teachings), He will not acknowledge them before His (Our) Heavenly Father. He also said: “When he returns will he find faith on earth?” These are the words of the Lord.
Heaven is a place of love, purity, joy, peace and unity. Those who do not possess and live those virtues will not enter God’s Kingdom for as St. Paul said: “No one who has one stain of sin will ever enter God’s Kingdom. Likewise murderers, be it from the heart – those who also hate others for speaking the truth of the matter and insult them. Our Lord said: “The insults of those who insult you fall on Me.” Study the words and teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and you will be a happy and peaceful person.
It appears to me that you are devoid of church teachings, religious instructions and what is contained in Holy Scriptures. This occurs to those who do not practice the faith and those who have ceased practicing it. It is all your fault. You allow the devil to govern your heart, soul, mind and body. Woe to you if you prefer not to pay heed. As I write this my Catholic Radio is on. God enlightens.
i happy for my country.waw waw.
I must say, for a change, I love the majority of comments which are positive. Stand up and speak out for the truth, most importantly for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Homosexuality is an abomination. Woe to those countries that have decriminalized it. Another time I will comment on this “backward law” as they state, calling Dominica backward. It is an insult!
No comments yet on the beauty of the picture?
Sweet Dominica the land of beauty…
My first thought when I saw the picture was, it is beautiful and out of this world. Dominicans have much to be proud of, i.e. especially those of you who reside in Dominica.
Dominica is a beautiful island with lush greeneries and beautiful sceneries. The weather is warm, rather hot, all year round. You can go to the river. the sea and the waterfall at any time. Appreciate what you’ve got. This reminds me of some words of one of Mighty Sparrow’s songs: “You never miss the water until the well run dry.”
Another scenery I love is the Layou River which can be seen to the right and/or left while driving by. It is a beautiful scenery.
It is stated that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I have some post cards which I purchased on a visit to Dominica. One is the waterfall at Emerald pool. The top of this waterfall looks like the top of a candle when lighted. The water flowing straight down depicts to me the rest of the candle.
Another one was taken at the Forest Reserve Fall – A Pagaya Fall. The water is flowing and below it the water has separated in two, depicting “two open hands”. I attribute this to “The open Hands of Our Lord”, saying come to Me all ye who are weary…
Another Waterfall – Dublanc River looks like a woman wearing a veil and a long flowing dress. The veil branches out into the dress. Below there are two stones and water from that scenery is flowing between them. This one I attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Those pictures are so beautiful! God has indeed blest Dominica when considering those sceneries and others. They are picturesque.
I placed them in an album. I call them my treasures. Inside the front of the album I placed a small map of Dominica which I got from a huge Webster dictionary at the office. On another page I have the picture of the Sisserou on a stump of a tree, followed by a few women dressed in the National Costume. Then the market place, the Roseau Cathedral, a picture of the Town of Roseau, and followed by the other post cards of sceneries of Dominca.
I would not part with this album or sell it, if you know what I mean. I treasure and guard it that no one borrows it of all.
Does this not sound paradoxical ETHICAL vs HOMOSEXUALITY. By the way who are these people who call themselves ETHICAL TRAVELLERS. Are they the ones who organise and promote the GAY BOATS filled with Gay tourist
Great point.
what that have to do with the prize of cheese in doninica. :mrgreen.
thank you
.
way to go dominica,our land we love
The political parasites are trying to make us believe that Dominica is something it’s not. That we are ruled by a dictator and human rights & democracy does not exists; but here it is, independent non-bias, non-political observers see us in a better light than the parasites and their supporters would allow themselves to admit.
Two of the 3 categories, social welfare and human rights. In a dictatorship these things DO NOT exist!!
To John Brown
Your observation is the reason I will hold on to my instincts about our Dominica, for I believe that they are perceptions given to me by the Ruler above!
its interesting when unbiased ppl right good things about dominica. you labour supporters always quick to swallow no questions asked nut when those same unbiased ppl write negative things about dominica such as how corrupt it is then you have all sorts of questions as to how they went about collecting data etc.
A person can only maintain one sentiment, that is true to him/her, about a particular subject. If that person think positive about that subject then so it is to him/her. And the same goes for the negative thinking. But if that person think both positive and negative about the same subject, then contradiction arises, causing others to think twice before they accept that person’s opinion.
Pertaining to the article above, the opinion of corruption would not fit that well, or the article is misleading. I am saying that if corruption, it would come from a different opinion. But most people are looking for the complete truth or the complete positive.
Lizavier4Jesus
Well said, wow
sodom amd gommorah were very prosperous very. But it rainned fire and brimstone because the men of thar great city chose men wow
Backward Laws???!!! Buggarmen run things in the world today.What an ABOMINATION.
Fairplay
Do you know what destroys people and the world today ignorance, hatred bigotry and intolerance. Here you are showing symptoms.
We dnt want no Barty bwoy in our country yo develop it
What we do not want is hatred and intolerance.
I am not Dominican, but I have been hearing real good things about Dominica, 1st Health care, now Ethical tourism….u guys have a lot to be proud of….
To caribean chica
On behalf of those of us who love and are indeed, proud of our Dominica, I say thanks, to you
Enjoy the Yuletide Season, and all the best for the New Year.
we can do one of two things follow the crowd which must humans do because we belive majority is always right which is totaly false or standup and be diffrent from the crowed . I donot hate homosexuals as a people but i dispise the actions and we if we truly are a God fearing people should hate their actions as well, therefore we must fight to see that domininica keeps it as law that homosexuality remains against the law . if it was God intention for a man to have sex with a man or a woman with a woman then he would have just made man alone or woman alon but for this reason he made male and female he said to the male and the femal together b fruitful and mulitiply. if its no problem for man to have sex with man or woman with woman then it should also be ok to have sex with animals
To harles
Still for all, most of us do not know that God planned to allow His authority to work by His spoken Words through us, the way we would be fruitful and to multiply.
For example He created the world by speaking the ideas of His minds through Words. “Life” is the profound creation of God Almighty, as He said: “Let there be Light”. This Life starts in us, “human beings” by our faith in Jesus Christ. “In Him there was “Life” and the “Life” was the “Light” of men”. Jesus was born in human form, of a woman, but He tells us “I have come that they might have “Life” and that might have it more abundantly” Why would He say that to people who were breathing, moving about, seeing, hearing, speaking, eating, and drinking, with Him?
Sexual conducts–the actions that takes place below the waist–is lust, a hunger of the flesh. But the lust of the flesh is not of the Father, it is of the world. At the beginning God blessed Adam and Eve with Life, as He planned to do His work of Love through them. But through their disobedience they chose death and the curses of death. Our sexual desire of the flesh is one of those curses. No wonder the conduct is so currupt.
Jesus said: “It is the Spirit that gives Life, the flesh profits nothing”! Adam and Eve died spiritually before God began to cause them to be fruitful and mulitiply by the control of His Holy Spirit, hence He allowed them to bring us into this world in human form–the same death condition–that He would restore us the “Life” He created us in by His Word. Mary was a virgin, but she accepted her conception of the Son of God Most High, when said to the Angel of God, “Let it be done to me according to your Word”. And the Angel left her.
Jesus said: You must be born agan! Flesh gives birth to flesh; but Spirit gives birth to spirit. We are born again of Love by our faith in God, through Jesus Christ. Following this birth experience, God begins to transform us, as by His Holy Spirit He works to renew our mind, that we might exist with the mind of His Holy Spirit–the Mind of His Love in Jesus Christ–to practice “Life” the traits of Love.
And in the resurrection, they will neither marry nor are they given in marriage; for they will be like the Angels, who live in Heaven. That is to tell you that there is no “sexual conducts” taking place in Heaven. We have to accept that truth through our existence in this world, and before our days come to an end here.
so decriminalize homosexuality but the marijuana staying illegal hhhhmmmmm interesting,,,in economic sense wat benefits would homosexuals do for d.a n even if we’d proudly reject it,,,but we can always plant marijuana n sell to the u.s n europe n reap benefits,,,,yes the healthy n naturally grown plant not the one’s grown in sheds lol,,,well i guess that makes us the fastest growing corrupt n natural ethical destinations lol,,,,we taking the records as they come good or bad
You got to be making sport…homo illegal in Barbados! Pupa gad! They have a whole street for dem man dey… Oh shoot…
We sincerely hope that our vote of confidence will persuade these countries’ leaders to repeal these backward laws.” are they saying we put you on the list so repel gay laws? stick a fork in it that’s some food for thought
i don’t understand why a law must determine what gender a person chooses to have sex with. They’re not hurting anybody as long
STDs can be spread by both men and women!
thats an ignorant, outdated law
people do are doing much worst in dominica
“a promise is a comfort to a fool” and that is exactly what the homosexual laws on the books are comfort for fools. Look at the heirachy of our island plenty more gay men than you think, it even have classes, upper, middle and lower, and the upper like the lower but in the dark, look out for when them big transport come and park in the dark and they jumping in the back seat. I say lets respect each other once you not trying to Burger me you can Burger all you want. The law can stay, it not preventing no body from burgering, it just there like i said as comfort to fools.
It is amazing how we can so conveniently, adopt the expression “A God fearing country.” Yet, while we claim to be God fearing, while we claim to be christians… we are still filled with hatred. Christ’s message and gospel was a gospel of love! He said, ” love the Lord thy God with all your mind, with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself!” If we are such good christians, why do we hate homosexuals? According to Jewish law, anyone caught in adultery should be stoned to death. An adulterous woman was brought to christ, and rather than having her stoned to death, you know what he did? He showed her compassion, and love! Every year, in the US, thousands of young men commit suicide because they are not accepted by society or by their family members! Our young men and women are strong, thats why the same thing is not happening at home! Lets be honest, are we really a God fearing country?
To Positive Vibes
“God fearing people” cannot accept the conducts of homosexuality, for that conduct is an abomination before His nature of Holiness, Love, and Truth.
I love my son very much, and if I should find out that he is a homosexual, I am sure that I would not love him any less. But the thought of knowing that he is out there having sexual conducts with another man, would be a pain, that I would not know how to deal with it. However I would not expect my friends to carry this awful pain with me, and to accept my son’s conducts.
I have a cousin in Dominica who is a homosexual. We–including my sister and his brother–grew up together in love. He is same age with me. And he had the attitude and conducts of a girl from since he was a child. When they told me that he was a homosexual, I understood why he was so girlee as a child. Do I hate him today? Of course not! But should I accept his conducts because I love him? No!
What I am saying is that I do not think anyone hates the person of homosexual conducts, but only the relatives and close friends of that person will put up with that pain and hurt, to try to sympathize with them. If homosexuals feel that they have the right to choose their lifestyle, they should also expect that society have the right to accept or not to accept the way they live. But not accepting what they do, does not mean that society hates them as individuals.
A lot of people do not accept people who give their lives to God, much more for those who give their lives to Satan.
Answer this for me; the act of fornication, sex before marriage, isn’t that a sin? To put it in your own words “that conduct is an abomination before His nature of Holiness, Love, and Truth.” Yet, fornication is very well accepted in our society. Its okay for couples to live together even if they are not married! So if its the godless act of homosexuality that we hate, why are we as a society in favor of another godless act? Are we just a bunch of hypocrites or are we genuine in our christian profession?
To Positive Vibes
Wake up from the trance you were put under by religion, no wonder you are so confused you are showing the classical signs of what religion can do to the Human mind with what it teaches people to believe and accept.
What is marriage? Western Society/Christianity has made marriage into something that it should not be. In the old testament we hear many man took women and make them their wife. I never saw that is was ordained by a priest or minister. Men in the old testament had many wives, and children with other women.
you seem to be forgetting that christ distroyed sodom and gomorrah because of that same homosexual thing. its not to say he hated the ppl, he just hated the act of hommosexuality. fire burn batty bwoy and it have nothing to do with hate. all who crying is hate all you gay
The destruction of sodom and gomorrah was inevitable because of their wickedness: the desire to have sex with men, only took place after the Lord had sent his angels to examine the evils of the people of sodom. With each passing day, we perform so many acts that God hate or dislike, yet God allows us to live freely. And for your info, standing up against discrimination does not mean that I am gay. I am simple a person who has sort to educate myself. Why don’t you try doing the same? Christ couldn’t have destroyed sodom and gomorrah, this destruction took place way before the birth of Christ.
To Positive Vibes
You mention that society accepts bla bla bla bla; but it is not what society accepts, it is what gives delight to Almighty God, in His Person, Jesus Christ. Yes, the conducts which you mentioned are sinful as well, before our God, of Holiness, Love, and Truth. But do you know why we are not being destroyed for those conducts, because He is a Holy God? It is because of the suffering, bleeding, dying, burrying, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said: “I did not come to destroy the Law, I came to fulfil it”. Jesus is saying that He was the only Person, of flesh and blood, who was able to obey God Almighty’s–Eternal Spirit– commandments to complete perfection. He did that on behalf of mankind. “Father, it is not my Will to be done, but Yours” Jesus perfomed the Father’s Will to the grave, that mankind might recieve “Life” by faith in Him.
I am telling you that the world would not exist without the Love of God Almighty in His Person, Jesus Christ. That is why we are asked to repent. As human beings we are all guilty of one gruesome sin or another. But God knows that we are doing wrong things without awareness of our disobedience to Him; so he provided a condition, that we might turn to Him by our faith in His Son, and He will not hold our sins against us.
At the end of this worldly system of existence, those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will not be judged for sins, but Jesus will asked them: What did you do with the seed of Love–the Gift of Salvation–which I received from the Father, Almighty God, on your behalf.
We, who declare to be saved by the faith, and claim to have the Life of Love. must also produce conducts and attitude–the Fruits of the Spirit–the traits of Love. Striving not to commit the sins which we committed in the past, knowing they were wrong, is one of those demonstration of the conducts of Love. Once a person has allowed Jesus’ blood to wash away his/her sins away, no one can condemn him/her of sins. But Jesus said, “go and sin no more”. As far as those who continue to allow pride and arrogance to take control in their minds, well they will discover their outcome at the White Throne Judgment Seat of God. But!
The apostle Paul advise us to love each other like brothers and sisters, but hate the bad things they do. If you condone–agree with or accept– to any kind of sexual immorality and other bad habits or wrong attitude and conducts among friends or people around you, then you do not love them.
To mouth of the north east
Wow, that thing they call religion and it effects, is doing exactly what it is suppose to do. Very sad when you can make a comment like this showing justification for believing something, Religion has done a very good job in robing you of your God given gift to think as a Human Being, You are giving away one of your prized gifts given to you by the Creator and that is to think well i guess if you do not use it some will. Your comment quote ” that Christ destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah” Oh ! boy more absurdities.
“In Barbados and Dominica, homosexuality remains criminalized. Normally this is a deal-breaker for us, but the laws do not appear to be zealously enforced. We sincerely hope that our vote of confidence will persuade these countries’ leaders to repeal these backward laws.”
Wow! Dominica is indeed Nature’s Paradise….Cudos to the group for the vote of confidence, but it is interesting that this group, as they put it, wants D/CA leaders to repeal these backward laws.” They want Dominica to legalize Homosexuality….Dominica will remain nature’s paradise without the homosexual touch….
Ethical + homosexuality = homosexual paradise
Dominica is as beautiful as it is because of the blessings bestowed on her by the Almighty in spite of the challenges. Rain everyday, water flowing in abundance! Food growing all over.
We have enough stress with crime and politics. We don’t need to convert her into a homosexual paradise just to end up on anyone’s good list. Thanks but no thanks. All bulllerz should remain discreet.
Big up to the Nature Isle…but in terms of beauty and esthetics…we need to be more vigilant wit the clean-up of existing rubbish falls and as always the World appreciates the country but what about its inhabitants…???…we can be #1 on that list
That is a plus for Dominica and Dominicans, that shows you are making an effort to keep the country clean, I am very proud of you, keep it up.To those who feel we should accept homosexuality I do not agree with that. We are a God fearing people and lets keep it that way.
“The group focuses on three general categories: environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.”
—————————————————-
Social welfare and human rights? Hmmm…Guess they didn’t get the memo that we’re under a dictatorship!! Maybe Brisbane could write them a letter?
I like that.
I really do not know where they get their statistics from. Just the other day i was reading about the high abuse rate especially sexual abuse among children we have in Dominica and they are talking about social welfare and human rights. Hummmmmmm.
So the long and short of it is that they are dangling a carrot infornt of us and telling us to legalize homosexuality, in our good Christian Country I might add! I wonder how some of our religious leaders willl react to this; never mind the Politicians! Am listening.
Way to go. We must also focus on the positive when it comes around. DA land of my birth. You are gorgeous.
Lets keep that focus on the positive.
I am loving these articles today @ DNO admin. I hope we can vow to make the headline news in 2011 primarily positive, the negatives can always be hidden in the lower part.
Making Dominica like Heaven in 2011
ADMIN
Thanks, but we don’t determine the actions of people, we report on their actions.
“Nice” comments made me laugh out loud. “Keep the negatives hidden in the lower part”, eh? This cannot be done. DON gives everyone a chance to comment and to vent what is in their mind and heart. The comments appear according to the timing.
I am still laughing.
I have noted that there are some of them who dictate to DON. They are rather bold too.
Life is such that there will always be negative and positive even though we do not appreciate the negative. People possess different minds, characteristic and personality traits. This is why there are negative comments as well.
Thanks for the kinds words but our BACKWARD law shall remain as we are God fearing people.
yet still fornication and other sin runs rampant in the country
smh
Records after Records……. GO Dominica GO
That say alot for dominica
that why we have to preserve our lovely dominica,educate our youths and adults about the importance of keeping our island clean.we have so much to offer in our lovely island
Good they have us on their Ethical list. But the homosexuality law shall remain.