Somebody once said that if Christopher Columbus were alive today, Dominica would be the only place in his New World that he’d recognize. A verdant protuberance of mountains and rainforests in the middle of the sea, the island is unimaginably unspoiled.
Every bit of this volcanic Caribbean island, located between Martinique and Guadeloupe, is a testament to self-preservation. This is a place where the people thrive on their land, culture and traditions—a mix of Carib Indian (Kalinago), African, French and English influences that meld into a diverse, lively, but peaceful, existence.
In fact, Dominica is the fourth happiest country in the world, according to a 2006 study by British think tank New Economics Foundation. Perhaps that’s why Dominica is home to an unusually high proportion of centenarians, as well as many artists and nature lovers.
WELL I ALWAYS KNOW DA IS NICE….BUT IF ALL U WANT TO RETIRE THERE, ALL U BETTER BUY THE LAND OR THE HOUSE NOW…BECAUSE PEOPLE OF OTHER NATIONALITIES ARE BUYING HOUSES IN DA LIKE IT GOING OUT OF STYLE….
Making me miss there even more love you my sweet DOMINICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great article.
Whilst I appreciate dominica and all it’s natural beauty…90% of the people on this island make it an ugly place with their attitudes and ignorance. We may be the most beautiful island but we surely competing for the ugliest people.
lets hear it 4 d/a
Great story.. great place. If only the people’s heart and mind were as beautiful as the country what a great world that it would be. But I guess we can’t ask for it all.
Perhaps it is unspoiled because of its under population… not enough ‘man’ to taint its virginity so to speak… the quite a nice piece… flatulent…but nice…
Brilliantly written about a beautiful island. Great use of words- I like it. Blessings should check this out.- “A verdant protuberance of mountains…” Alex Bruno should also be congratulated for his efforts in documenting the life stories of our centenarians. The article ends with Alex’s assessment, “They give a lot and expect little. Just like Dominica.” Perhaps it is time that we start expecting more from those who are expected to produce in light of the response to the question- “How to get there (Dominica)? American Eagle provides service via San Juan”. This cannot be all the advice on access to this paradise that we are prepared to give those who wish to be in pursuit of happiness in the nature isle? And for how long, considering the pending discontinuation that service from San Juan into Dominica? Perhaps our Minister of Tourism could entertain and amuse us in song as the jester that he has become and tell us why we should be the only island in the Caribbean without proper air access.
great article..makes me miss home more and more
I LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES,THE BRONX TO B EXACT AND I THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCIES BUT WHENEVER I THINK OF MY LOVELY DOMINICA I GET A CERTAIN FEELING IN THE PIT OF MY STOMACH,I MUST ADMIT THE OPPORTUNITIES OF A BETTER LIFE THAT I SOUGHT FOR MYSELF AND KIDS I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED BUT I HAVE COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE WORLD LIKE DOMINICA,BECAUSE THE QUALITY OF LIFE THAT I NEED IS ONLY IN THIS LAND.GOD BLESS DOMINICA I HOPE DESPITE THE HARD TIMES SOME OF THE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THAT THEY REALIZE WHAT THEY HAVE TRUST ME I HAVE,I JUST PRAY THAT ONE DAY I WILL GET TO LIVE THERE AGAIN.
Nice depiction. Glad you mentioned Christopher Columbus, but he and his gang were tiff, liar and canibal!
They wrote accounts of their rampage labeling others as such, and taught to us in schools.
VERY INTERESTING. I WILL SURELY GO BACK TO MY
BIRTH LAND WHEN I RETIRE FORM MY JOB IN NY.
Well for me the first aspect of happiness in my Life is being in a place where everybody knows my name and eventually, my face.
Although I have lived in Toronto, Canada for twice as long, as I lived in Dominica, it still seem so much that I am a stranger here, living among strangers, in that the person or people I meet today, I might never see them again for the rest of your life.
In a place like Toronto a person can feel separated from their own adult child, when the move out on their own. The reason is because of its size and diversity of people. There are people whom you will never get to know because of the differences in culture.
But most of all, in a world where it is beginning to seem as if telephone and computers can be the only alternative to stay in touch with loved ones and friends, I have opted on that lifestyle, because I personally, do not have to live itm if I don’t want to.
So Dominica, be on the guard! I am coming back home to you, where everyone will know my name and they will see my face come what may. That is my happiness! I will never understand why I gave it up for so long. Good heavens!
This is my exact “quote” when telling Folks about my island. I am in the Hospitality Industry and there is not a day goes by that someone is not intrigued with my Accent and so leads to my many converstaions about the NATURE ISLE. it is just a bit sad (but more humourous at times I must admit) to read of the many discouraging remarks of things or issues taking place in this small but wonderful island. I really want to come back home soon !!!!!!!!!!
Great article..interesting read
One of the reasons I plan to someday move back home…in pursuit of happiness!!!
yea right, heard that too may times
that,s always our wish, to come back;but it takes so long to gather the money, alot of us die hoping.do yourself a favor and make the trip while yo have it (good health)so doe die trying, and left with the memories that you knew as a kid.my bro/sis dominica is not near like we knew it as kids, yet it is still a beautiful place. put dominica in your prays.
Well written article. First sentence was an eye catcher.