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Dominica
is called the "Nature Island of the Caribbean. Without
a doubt, the rolling hills, energetic rivers and beautiful
forests contribute to that name. Ready to get physical?
How about a 3 hour hike  over vhallenging
terrain to Boling Lake? Of course there is the 3 hour
hike out as well. If that's not challenging enough, there
is always an excursion to the peak of Morne Diablotin
(Devil's Mountain) in the Northern Forest Reserve (4747ft.)
Or you can do nothing at all. Miles of secluded beaches
beckon. Take a leisure cruise on a bike and enjoy the
wonders of the contryside at your own pace. Take in some
shopping at the numerous little shops offering arts and
crafts of the island. Or sample the many restaurants offering
local creole cuisine, fresh fruits, and of course home
made ice cream.
History
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized
by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of
the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain
in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980,
two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved
when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced
by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime
minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for
15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica
are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the
eastern Caribbean.
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Dominica
At A Glance
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Language:
English, Creole (A language primarily based on French
with Carib loan words and West African syntax)
Government:
Parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth
Capital:
Roseau
Size:
289 sq. miles (749 sq. km)
Location:
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North
Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto
Rico to Trinidad and Tobago
Climate:
Average daytime temperatures range from 75-85 F, with
cooler temperatures in the mountains. Dry season is from
January to April. Rainy season is from July to October.
Electricity:
220/240 volts. A transformer is required for all appliances.
Outlets are three-prong European-style. Adapters may be
needed. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US Standard) works
satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide
dual voltage shaver units. An adaptor plug is necessary
for small appliances.
Currency:
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the currency used
locally. At the banks you will get EC$2.67 per US$1 cash,
and EC$2.68 per US$1 travellers’ cheques. United States
dollar, British Pounds and the Euro currency are acceptable
everywhere on the island.
Driving:
Driving is on the left side of the road, a local drivers’
permit is required and can be obtained from the airports,
car rentals agencies, and the Traffic Department on High
Street in Roseau, (Monday-Friday) 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Fees
are US$12.00 or EC$30.00 for one (1) month, and US$23.00
or EC$60.00 for three (3) months.
One must be between the ages of 25-65, have a least two
(2) years driving experience and present a valid drivers’
licence when applying for a permit.
Car Rentals:
There are a handful of small, usually family-owned car-rental
companies, the condition and price of whose vehicles vary
widely.
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