Dominica - A Hidden Jewel In The Caribbean
84The History
It was 30 years ago this year in 1978 that the beautiful island of Dominica was granted independence from Britain "The Mother Country"
France was a big part of this island back in the 1600s, my surname "Corriette" is French and my grandparents and great parents born within a French heritage.
The island became a British "possession" - because people dared to think they could posses people - in the late 1700s and so the island grew up speaking a French dialect with a very British education.
Add to that mixture the fact that most of the inhabitants were Carib Indians and African slaves and the mixing pot grows even more diverse.
Flag Of Dominica added with permission from the Translation Site
Click thumbnail to view full-size
With Thanks To The Translation Service
Dominica Information from the Translation service(have to include this so I can use the flag and map images!)
An introduction to the beauty that is Dominica
A Move To "The Mother Country"
My parents left their small island and headed for England in 1948.
They - and all the other islanders - found themselves being rejected by their "mother"
Unfairly treated, low paying jobs, unable to enter the Christian churches that had "converted" them and living many to a room just to survive.
But they still had fun! They knew how to laugh, dance, eat and enjoy, life and that determined spirit made the way for their children - like me! First generation Black British
My mum and dad got married in 1960
A Confusing Personal History
I always see myself as English. Never thought anything else, so when Enouch Powell gave a speech about us "going home" it was a little difficult to know where "home" would be!
My first trip to Dominica at the age of 14 made me realise that I definitely wasn't a Dominican. They let me know that, and yet it seemed I wasn't totally British either.
So my fear always was "If we have to "go home" where will I go?"
A history and tradition I want to know more about!
It was thanks to Hurricane David in 1979 that I made my first and so far only visit to Dominica. The place had been completely flattened, nothing worked and compared to being in England life was a little more "basic"
I was there for a total of 8 weeks and discovered boys... well at least I discovered that boys were for more than just hanging out and playing cricket with (I was a tomboy... what can I say...)
Now it really is time to go back and I would love to take my mum with me. She is in severe stages of diabetes and is losing her eye sight so I want to be able to take her there and enjoy the 30 years independence fun, food and partying.
I will see if my work online (and God) can help make that happen for me!
Kalinago Barana Aute
The Kalinago Barana Autê offers a unique experience, sharing history and traditions of the Kalinago people (caribs) from hundreds of years ago. It is located along the banks of the Crayfish-River near the Isukulati Falls in the Carib Territory of Dominica.
Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493 the Kalinagos (Caribs) were self-reliant people. The kalinagos (Caribs) survived mainly by fishing, hunting, and farming.
For more than two centuries, colonial forces attempted to gain control of the island but the Kalinagos (Caribs) met them with fierce resistance.
In 1763, the British gained full control of Dominica. The Kalinagos were given 232 acres of mountainous and rocky shoreline in Salybia. In 1903, the amount of land was expanded to 3700 acres and was called the Carib Reserve; in addition the Carib Chief was officially recognized.
To visit the website go to
http://www.kalinagobaranaaute.com/
Past Carib Chiefs 1800 to present
(6) Chief Jules Benjamin Corriette 1916-1926
The Karifuna Cultural Group
Images Of Dominica (click to forward)
Click thumbnail to view full-size
With Thanks
I wanted to thank Joanna Moses and Erickson Fabien from the Dominican Diaspora Social Network for allowing me to use their images
The Boiling Lake
This is a wonderful video that gives you an idea about the heat from The Boiling Lake. I remember the smell and the heat just watching it!
It seems the Boiling Lake was discovered by two British men in 1870.... because I am sure in the thousands of years that the Carib Indians were there they never once managed to come across it!
Sarcastic.... moi... as if :-)
Dominica's Boiling Lake
What To Do In Dominica
Here is a list of some of the things you can do when you visit Dominica
- Absolutely nothing... just chill and enjoy the atmosphere
- Diving & Watersport
- Get married - A great place to have your wedding
- Culture & Heritage - Visit The Indiginous Kalinago Tribe
- Enjoy the fesitvals and events
Diving in Dominica
Backpacking in Dominicia
More Information On Dominica
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Back packing in Dominicia Video 2
The People & Traditions
Friendly is definitely a word that is used alot when it comes to describing the people of Dominica.
As with many caribbean cultures celebrations that involve music and food take place during the year.
Every October the Creole music fesitval takes place and the yearly carinval takes place in February.
Each village will also have it's own feast to celebrate their community. Its a great way to stay connected.... I met a woman on the street a few weeks ago who thought I had just moved in - I have lived in my hourse for 15 years and she has lived in hers for 9 years! - and that was the first time we had met!
So maybe we could do with some of that "village feasting" here in England!
Links Worth Visiting
- Dominican Diaspora
This group is for anyone who lives in Dominica, who is from Dominica and lives around the world, has family from Dominica or even if you just went there and loved it! On Feb 17th 2010 it became 2 years old - Dominica Overseas National Association
This group is based in London UK - Dominica Radio Stations
- Caribbean Music Online - Download Soca, Bouyon, Reggae, Dancehall, legally.
Buy Caribbean music online - Soca Reggae Dancehall Caribbean Music Songs available for download - Invest Dominica
Information about investing in Dominica and starting a business - The Chronicle
Local news of Dominica - Artists of Dominica
Whitney and Wyatt - World Info Zone
Information on Dominica - History of Dominica
Wikipedia history - History of the Caribs
The Caribs are the indigenous people of Dominica and have been there for thousands of years - Information about The People Of Dominica
- Geography of Dominica
- Dominica on Wikipedia
Loads of great information here - Dominican Embassy London
Dominican Embassy in London UK - Dominica Visa Information, Dominican Visa Application Form, Dominica Visa Requirements and Other Dominican Consulates in UK.. - Dinner Party Ideas: Dominican Dinner Party
Dinner Party Ideas: Dominican Dinner Party - Kalinago Barana Aute
The Kalinago are the indigenous people of Dominica and have created the Kalinago Barana Aute. A place to go to find out all about them. "Chief Jules Benjamin Corriette 1916-1926"
The Corriette Clan On Facebook
Social networks are powerful places to be. You get to meet new people from around the world.
When I joined Facebook I never thought I would end up meeting half my family from around the world!
Growing up I only really knew a few immediate family members, my dad's sister and her family (in the UK) and my mum's brother and sister and her family.
That was it so it was really amazing when a friend met someone with the Corriette surname who's married to a Corriette and then I "met" her daughter on Facebook.
This wonderful woman started a group on Facebook called the Corriette Clan and we are now 24 members strong I believe! Chances are I would have never met them if it wasn't for Facebook!
Caribbean Cooking
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Greenpeace Urges You To Consider Dominica
Greenpeace have made a video about Dominica's decision to SAVE THE WHALE.
You can send aTHANK YOU email to Prime Minister of Dominica by CLICKING HERE
Check out the video below
A Dominican Dinner Party
Dominica's food is very fresh and healthy and is often cooked in a Creole style featuring a spicy sauce or dish made especially with tomatoes, peppers, onion, celery, and seasoning.
Whilst most of the cooking on Dominica is island Creole, you can also enjoy Continental and North American cuisines too. Fresh fish and seafood are found on every menu.
For ideas on how you can hold aDominican Dinner Party with your friends visit
I hope you enjoyed my virtual trip to Dominica
For now my visits are virtual ones, through video, photos and community sites I get to read, learn and find out more about this place in the sun.
I started this hub page at 10pm and it's now 3am and it's time to hit the "publish" button! That's me all over... never like to start something I don't finish.... or never know when to stop!
Hopefully later this year I will be adding my own photos here after spending 6 weeks on the island....
Sponsorship greatefully received :-)
An Update Since Creating This Hub
I think the most significant update is the fact that I decide to create a social network for people from Dominica (or with family from, or who have been there and loved it). I called it Dominica Diaspora.
I created it on Sunday February 17th 2008 and we had 148 people from Dominica or of Dominican heritage join in our first week, and 2 members who just love Dominica!
Update July 2009 - There are now over 7,500 members!
Update February 2010 and the network is now 2 years old and has 8081 members. As a gift for all my work Dominica Tours have given me a free 2 week holiday staying in their accomodation with a guest (my mum won't come with me and is now just about blind so I missed out on my dream of taking her - I think she is too afraid to fly) and as my children are going on holiday with their dad it means its just me. All I need to do is pay the £850 flight fees!!!
I have started a second hub that will eventually include details about my trip in July
Commonwealth Of Dominica
Dominican Diaspora Social Network
Dominican Diaspora First Birthday
Dominican Diaspora will be celebrating it's first birthday on February 17th 2009 and members are looking at running events in their local area with other members. Even if there are only two of you a cup of coffee at Starbucks is just as great as having a big party!
For those that can't get out we will also be on the online chat catching up with everyone. There are over 6,500 people in this networks so you are bound to find someone to celebrate with.
http://www.dominican-diaspora.com
I started this network after creating this hub. The day after creating this hub I woke up and my inner voice said "you need to start a social network bringing Dominican people together!" and that's what I did.There's an interview I did below that shares more.
Dominica. The Nature Island. Waitikubuli.
An interview with Gregory Rabess
Dominichen My Nature Island Blog
- Loving this new I am Dominica Video
I have decided to make new plans to get to Dominica. Its time. Since my last visit was 2010 and I didn’t get as much time as I wanted this time it will be for four wonderful weeks. I love … Continue reading → - 2 days ago
- Che mwe ouve
Che mwe ouve (my heart is open) My heart is open My heart is free It thinks of you Your warm embrace It aches for you Your loving touch It remembers you and the secrets we share It touches me … Continue reading → - 2 months ago
- New music from lapwetpointmichel
Fya Bryte and the Dungeon Lionz have been busy making more music for us. Its great to hear authentic music from the Nature Island. You can checkout their YouTube page which is getting more and more visits from around the … Continue reading → - 3 months ago
- My talk at the University of the West Indies Dominica in 2010
I do believe the expression is better late than never! I spent some time last week looking through my videos taken while in Dominica and putting some of them up on my Youtube page – I think I took more … Continue reading → - 5 months ago
- Cameron Pierre Radio Jumbo
Dominican music artist Cameron Pierre has a new album out called Radio Jumbo which is a brilliant mix of Caribbean sounds with a jazz harmony. In the video below Cameron gives an interview about the album – the name of … Continue reading → - 5 months ago
Leave a comment if you enjoyed this hub OR if you are from Dominica add something I have missed outLoading...
Hey Diane,
Great Hub!
I went on a Caribbean cat sail trip 10 years ago. Sailed the islands around Guadeloupe and explored Dominica. Anchored at Portsmouth and took a tour up the Indian River to Trafalgar Falls, and drive along the north coast of the island. Lots of great little local fruit and handmade items stands and friendly smiling faces.
One of the undiscovered gems of the Caribbean!
Your'e doing a great job on your hubs...this one on Dominica is quite explicit. Can't wait to view the pix/videos on you. Keep it up Diane...welldone.
Diane, This is Awesome!!!!!!
I bookmarked it. I wil come back more often. And share it with other friend I know her parents also came from Dominica.
This Paradise, (I call Dominica The Paradise Island in the Caribbean), will be my future home, you know that.
I hope you'll have lots of success with your IM biz and that it will allow you to take your Mum with you to celabrate the 30th year independence on your Paradise Island.
See you at WIM.Net
Deana
Hey Diane, with the info you compiled here you could contact the Tourist Board for Dominica and sell them the idea of managing and maintaining a site that make others aware of what the country has to offer. I know you will enjoy your trip there. Note I didnt say if you go, you will be going LOL, and this time around lets hope you dont discover boys LOL.
Thanks Lemor (the boy comment was funny!)
I did start a ning group because doing this made me want to know more. It took alot of research just to get this information together so I am sure if I explore more I will find other places.
I actually set this up as a way of keeping me focused on the goal of being there. I have listened to that first video about 10 times already. I just have it playing in the background and listen to the music and his wonderful voice!
Now all I need is a really great camcorder to record it all.... ;-)
Diane,
A wonderful hub on Dominica. It is full of life color and fascinating information.
Great hub on Dominica, a place I didn't know too much about. Hope you do more.
I have just spend 10 minutes enjoying this fascinating site. It is written with such passion that I will definitely come back and go through the videos again plus read it again.
Thank you Diane - because this has been a real eye opener for me. I sincerely look forward to hearing about your trip back with your mother.
AnneMarie
hi Diane, was raelly to pack my bags and headover there
Thanks the journey
cheers
Rowan
Diane, what a fascinating article! I'd heard of Dominica, but I didn't know much about it. And the information on your family is so interesting. I know you'll be able to take your Mom back to visit. Enjoy yourselves!
Wow, diane, great job!
I've been to the Caribbean several times but knew nothing of Dominica. As I look out onto the 6 feet of snow cleared from my driveway, I hear the Islands calling me!
Anne
Nice Hub on Dominica, looks like a beautiful place.
Nice Hub on Dominica, looks like a beautiful place.
Diane,
After viewing this Hub, I may have to get my tired fanny away from the computer and visit Dominica, especially for the dolin and whale watching. Well done! I hope you get your Mum there for a visit soon.
Brennan
Thanks everyone. I felt the same Rowan..... wanted to pack my bags and go there now!
Am so happy to be introducing you all to the wonderful Dominica. Just the images show you what a beautiful place it is.
Brennan... if you only knew what a "fanny" is in the UK (hehe hehe hehe hehe)
Maybe I will start a retreat for computer addicts and I will probably be my biggest customer :-)
I rang my mom today and told her that she has to pray every day for me to earn enough to take her, me and 3 kids to Dominica. She said she is willing to go which is a miracle in itself because she stays in alot!
I am so glad I created this page. I had no idea it would have this effect on me LOL
Wonderful and very beautiful Hub Diane. Keep Hope Alive!Be Blessed always...Peace! God Is Love, God Is Good, God Is One! Hallelujah! Follow-up, Follow-up! Call-in Number: (347) 327-9068Date / Time: 2/18/2008 4:00 PM Central Standard Time
Next Level Viral Marketing Illustrated to Spreadthe word of God Using the Internet - Being Salt In the earth. Come and Help Us! Be Blessed alwaysOur Motto:"Together We Stand Blessed"Hallelujah!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/VisionSphere
Thanks for this hub page Diane. Dominica is a beautiful island. The images reminded me of a trip that I made during mu honeymoon many moons ago. Off to Digg this now.
Very informative hub. One of the better ones I've seen around. Great job!
Great Hub! Nice to find out more about the country my ancestors are from!
I've wanted to visit Dominica now for several years. I always hear wonderful things about it--mostly that's it's still natural and sooo beautiful. Thanks for a great hub.
I a fantastically interesting place! I had no idea of the rish history, I will certainly be on my places to visit list
Diane, thanks for the lovely look at your family's homeland. I know the feeling of being conflicted about where "home" really is. The thing to remeber is this: we're all Earthers!
Diane,
Great Hub and vids... particularly liked "Maybe that will be me one day....!"
~ Peter :-)
Wow - this place is definately now on my list of places to visit! It looks and sounds a sensational place!
I really hope you get to enjoy the Dominica celebrations with your mother and family this year! You deserve it! Randa
P.S. I'll have to do a Dominica dinner party idea on my blog..
Very nice hub! I hope to go there for vacation with my family sometime.. soon. Thanks for sharing this, it's always good to be recommended places to travel.
WOW - your 'home' country looks so inviting - such a fantastic hub!
Thank-You, Thakn-you Thank-you for shring your life and background with all of us.
WOW what a Hub. Very nice going over your family history and Dominica. The country is beautiful ! Thank-You Diane for sharing this :)
Wow!! I've ne3ver thought about going to Dominica, but now I want to!
Look forward to hearing about your trip there in June...!!!!!!
Very impressive hub. With all the hard work you're doing, I do hope you find the time to take the trip you've planned.
Wonderful hub Diane! Having been to Dominica I know it's a country with a lot to offer. Yes, it doesn't have the beaches that draw so many to the Caribbean, but it truly is a treasure. The rivers are amazing, and you can find lots of refreshing pools for a dip and relief from the heat.
I think you've done a wonderful job in raisning awareness of a country that is very much overlooked.
Superb, Diane. This really makes me want to visit Dominica. Great having such informative stuff together all in one pace. Really well organised site. Researching my Dominica trip now using your links.
I am soooo glad I found my way to this hub. It does such a great job of introducing Dominica - I never knew! Thanks for the rich information.
Jason
Good one.
Thanks for sharing
MY PARENTS WERE FROM DOMINICA{ BOTH ARE NOW DECEASED } I HAVE ONLY BEENERE ONCE 20 YEARS AGO AND STAYED FOR 3 MONTHS. I AM ARRANGING TO GO THERE FOR INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR{WAS AT THE TRAVEL AGENTS TODAY} I ASSIMMILATED INTO THE DOMINANT JAMAICAN CULTURE AND HAVE BEEN THER 7 TIMES IN THE PAST 17 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BUT I CANNOT DENIEY MY ROOTS AND CULTURE. I PLAN TO STAY IN A HOTEL AS MY PAST EXPERIENCE OF STAYING WITH FAMILY WAS NOT GOOD...LETS JUST SAY THESOCIAL ETTIQUETTE IS DIFFERENT TO THE ENGLISH CULTURE.
Beautiful country, thanks for the videos and pictures, it sounds awesome. Well done, it is like a Wikipedia article full of details about Dominica.
Diane I think you made an awesome job with this blog, it is very interesting and the images are magnificent, this definetly creates awareness ,and will grow. Dominica has been waiting for a moment and I think you may just be the one , Keep up the good work!.
hello dianne...i wanna say great job for wat u did...i am indeed a true dominican...born n raise in the beautiful country....n 15 yrs of my life ive been waitin for someone to step up n promote thier country and guess wat u did....im proud of ya...i know im jus a child but i have plans for my country dominica
Love what you did here I have a passion for dominica
Thank you all for your comments. Since creating this Hub so much has happened to connect me to this wonderful island and with God's grace I hope to visit in 2009 (because it didn't happen in 2008) and take some photos of my own to add.
If you are from Dominica make sure you join our social network at http://www.dominican-diaspora.com
Hi Diane
Just went thru your hub and this indeed was very interesting. I found some of the answers to the questions that I asked you. I want to congratulate u and all the others who founded this site. Besides being technocrat in using Excell, Word Processing and a lot of Accounting programs (I am an Accountant by profession), I guess I will have to let my son guide me where I fall short to be able to do websites etc or upload photos etc. I am also a member of the Bellot Family and found and rediscovered may of my relatives. Talking about School friends - I have found quite a few . Keep up the good work. Happy Birthday DD and today (Feb 17th) is also my Spritual Birthday and Saturday 14th was my physical Birthday. So as long as the Heavenly Father gives me life DD and myself will share a special relationship.
God Bless and keep up the good works. Luv to all the other founding members.
Blessings and Praises
Dorothy
I lived in Dominica from 1959 to 1963 when i came to England on the Banana Boat Geest MV Brunseck a Boat chartered by Van Geest from W Bruns Hamburg , I arrived in Barry Docks south Wales in June of 1963 and went on to Manchester in the north west of England I was in bed for a week with nose bleeds and a cold due to the temperature and climate change but soon adjusted form there i went to College and then into Engineering travelling the world, I now live in the South of England close to the sea in Christchurch ,Dorset . I still remember people in Dominica i lived on the Morne overlooking Roseau and Point Michel. I was friends with the Buntings from the Roseau Valley , some of the Shillingfords the Greens Astaphans and the Harris Familay from Casataways Hotel and many more . I have lots of fotos from those years some a little ragged but ok anyone wishing to contact me can at mitchell126@msn.com its been nice to read some of the comments and find them most interesting yours sincerely Barrie
so there is a naturalist unspoilt unpolluted piece of land with genuine people and genuine emotions-i really like dominican island
wonderful, i usually cant read
such long stories but i loved it
truly interesting.. thanks..
Jack Humphrey 4 years ago
Wow! This is one of the best "places" hubs I've seen. Very nice - great videos!