DOMINICA
History | Food & Drink | Sports & Recreation | Sightseeing

Dominica's History
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So named because Christopher Columbus discovered it on a Sunday, Dominica was a stronghold of the Carib Indians, who were the dominant indigenous group found on many of the Caribbean islands. The carib Indians frustrated the efforts of the French and British to successfully colonize the island. In the 18th century the island became the scene of fierce battles between the French and the English for outright possession. It was not until the turn of the 20th century that the British, who had become Dominica's rulers in 1805, finally forced the Caribs onto a reservation.

Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1978, Dominica has carefully nurtured its pristine resources. Rather than depending on high-rise resorts for its economy, Dominica relies primarily on the export of produce. The island government also is encouraging tourism and light industry.

Dominica reminds visitors what a less commercial Caribbean island once was. Deep tropical rain forests, mountains and isolation have preserved the wild beauty of this island. What the island lacks in nightlife, duty-free shops, and beaches, it makes up for with the natural splendor of its volcanic mountain ranges swathed in the rich green of towering trees, exotic ferns and flowers.

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Dominica's Food & Drink
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The local delicacy available from September through March is the frog. Other specialties include freshwater crayfish, black and red crabs, syrups, jams, and locally made rum. Sea moss is a seaweed shake with milk and sugar or ginger beer.

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Dominica's Sports & Recreation
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Dominica's many streams and rivers shaded by giant ferns attract both swimmers and canoeists. A few northern beaches offer swimming. Fishing on the island is good, but you must bring your own equipment. Spectators can enjoy cricket, soccer, netball, tennis and basketball in season.

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Dominica's Sightseeing
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Dominica is famous for the exotic flora that grows wild around its river pools and rain forests. Morne Trois Pitons National Park, covering 17,000 acres, preserves much of this natural beauty in its primitive state. The park's nature trails offers one of the best showcases for viewing the various plant and flowers. The triple waterfalls at Trafalgar in Roseau Valley offer an ideal setting for a picnic within reach of wild orchids and tropical rain forests.

Carib Indian Territory on the east coast is where you can see the Indians practicing their own culture and continue the craft of basket making.

Whale-watching is a popular activity with occasional sightings of sperm, pilot, and melon-head whales, as well as dolphins.

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