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What is the island of Dominica like?(Not the Dominican Republic )? |
Travel Info What is the island of Dominica like?(Not the Dominican Republic )? Travel Tips Dominica is a tropical paradise, she is crowned with many mountains with countless natural resources. Rivers, lakes, many species of fruits and birds. Dominica is an ideal spot for hiking, diving and whale watching. There are also the Carib Indians who are indigenous to the island. They live in a settlement in the eastern part of the island. They are amazing craftsmen and women. And their beauty is like none ever seen before. The nightlife in Dominica is superb. The carnival in Dominica is a world renowned festival that attracts people from all over. The Creole festival around the independence time is also not to be missed. Independence celebrations in October through November is when we celebrate our independence. The independence celebrations include many folk and cultural dances and skits passed down from generation to generation. A piece of advice to any visitor to Dominica, follow the natives they know the best spot to party, the people are very friendly and they love to see visitors enjoy the island so ask them questions they will help. Dominica has a very low crime rate so there is little to worry about in that area. Most tourist who go to Dominica have a hard time leaving. many things I have not mentioned but there is so much to do there have fun. Others Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, another Caribbean nation. The name is pronounced [藢d蓲m瑟藞nik蓹]. In Latin the name means "Sunday", which was the day of its discovery by Columbus. The official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica's pre-Columbian name was Wai'tu kubuli, which means "Tall is her body" The indigenous people of the island, the Caribs, have a territory which resembles the Indian reserves of Canada. Because the island went through a period of French occupation, and lies between two French overseas departments (Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south), the island is sometimes called "French Dominica". It also has the nickname "The Nature Isle of the Caribbean" due to its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. The isle of Dominica is one of the youngest islands in the Lesser Antilles, and it is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. It is a lush island of mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot is featured on the Dominica flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture. History Main article: History of Dominica The island of Dominica's indigenous Arawak people were expelled or exterminated by Caribs in the fourteenth century. The Arawaks were guided to Dominica, and other islands of the Caribbean, by the South Equatorial current from the waters of the Orinoco River. These descendants of the early Tainos were overthrown by the Kalinago tribe of the Caribs. The Caribs arrived on this island by special boats which they are still making at their own territory on the island. Christopher Columbus arrived at this island on Sunday November 3, 1493. He and his crew members soon left the island after being defeated by the Caribs. In 1627 England also tried and failed to capture Dominica. In 1635 the French claimed the island and sent missionaries, but were unable to wrench Dominica from the Caribs. They abandoned the island, along with the island of Saint Vincent, in the 1660s. For the next hundred years Dominica remained isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763. The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a colony in 1805. The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, by 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a Black-controlled legislature. In 1896, the United Kingdom re-took governmental control of Dominica and turned it into a crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978 Dominica finally became an independent nation. Politics Dominica is a full member of the OECS.Main article: Politics of Dominica Dominica is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The President is head of state, while executive power rests with the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. The unicameral parliament consists of the thirty-member House of Assembly, which consists of twenty-one directly elected members and nine Senators, who may either be appointed by the President or elected by the other members of the House of Assembly. Unlike other former British colonies in the region, Dominica was never a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state, as it instead became a republic on independence. Dominica is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Dominica is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98). We were there on a cruise a couple years back. It was absolutely beautiful! We met up with a cab driver who owned a guest house on the Caribe Reservation and hired him for the day to be our guide. What an awesome day we had!! We went to a place called Horseback Ridge that will take your breath away. Any other questions please let me know. I wen on a Cruise on October , Dominica is beautiful , all green , pure fresh air. Waterfalls, horses, the town have an old church very beautiful. You'll enjoy it. Cuba, La Espanola(DOminican Rep. and Haiti), Jamaica and Puerto Rico are called the Greater Antilles (Bigger Islands). Dominica is part of the Lesser Antilles( Little Islands like St thomas, St Croix, St. Barths, St Marteen, Barbados etc.) http://www.holasanjuan.com |
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