Generation Y Dominica

The Future (part 1)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

THE FUTURE– Has it crossed your mind lately? Thoughts of the future seem to be on the minds of many, shared in a whisper between friends and a major conversation piece at social gatherings, bars and dinner tables.

It’s pretty hard to avoid this topic of ‘the future’. With talks of bar tending robots serving drinks, Elon musk’s ambitions to colonize the planet Mars in a few years, the potential of xenotransplantation (transplantation of non- human organs into humans) reducing the world’s lengthy organ recipient waiting list, or even the use of A.I image generating apps and tools; it’s undeniable that the last few decades have ushered in a new era which could radically change life as we know it. The future seems to be closing in on us and – fast.

But what really is ‘the future’ and is it as close as we think?

According to the Oxford languages dictionary, the future is ‘a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come.’ This definition sheds light on something we probably hadn’t fully recognized before. The intro, ‘A period of time following the moment of speaking or writing…’ reveals to us with such clarity, that the future has never been very distant. It is ‘any’ period of time after the recognized moment of ‘now’. Whether this is five minutes from now, ten minutes from now, tomorrow or next year etc., the future is always at our doorstep and continually unfolding before us. Not some very distant time that is to come.

The Jetsons were on to something..

Do you remember the The Jetsons ? This popular cartoon series created back in the 1960’s was one of the delightful animated sitcoms enjoyed by members of this generation. Flying cars and owning a housekeeping robot like the Jetsons’ maid ‘Rosie’ seemed unrealistic then – only entertainment. Now, many feel quite differently and that the Jetsons were certainly on to something.

_{Video calls & smart watches depicted in the Jetson’s series.}

Of course the show did not predict everything with complete accuracy. But quite a few futuristic gadgets portrayed in the narrative, are now being enjoyed by our generation today. Curious stuff right?

Thanks to the comfort of a television in almost every home by the 1960’s, these and other imaginations were the highlight of our childhood in the 80’s and 90’s. The future seemed all figured out.

Fast forward to 2024

At this time Gen Y, if we’ve learnt one thing, it’s that everything we thought we knew back then as a child and the thoughts we imagined about our own, then futuristic adulthood, were certainly not 100 % accurate.

In fact, many of these were simply programming; fantasies introduced to our minds and based on someone else’s ideas.

With our former blueprint now crushed into a paper ball, how do we then know what the future will bring to each one of us?

It’s all in the present.

The present is the golden key. Every decision and action we take in the present moment, is the blue print for our future. It’s time for us to build our own carefully constructed realities. It’s time to write our own script (well, as much as we can).

Or, will you sit by idly, allowing life to continue on, without your own creative input? The choice is yours. It takes a little step in every present moment to get you to where you envision yourself to be in the next 10 years or more.

To those who think that they’ve already achieved their own great future, that’s great. But, just to be clear – having successfully lived out your childhood dreams or your parents’ dreams for you, does not fully count as having achieved your desired future. That was a futuristic goal of the child you use to be. You’re now an experienced adult. Dare to upgrade the dream or actively design and pursue a new futuristic goal altogether. You can create your own future daily.

There’s still a great, big, world out there.

Needless to say, daily focus on creating your own future doesn’t imply ignoring the steady progress of the modern world. Trade, technology and communication are speedily evolving. Do not turn a blind eye on the futuristic creations of the day; especially those, which has the potential to radically change life as we know it within the next 2 decades.

Stay updated on all the latest happenings with A.I. technology, digital currencies and all these new revolutionary creations. Do not get left behind. Remain aware of the budding technologies and do your best to understand and educate yourself about them.

Contribute, Contribute, Contribute

““It’s always easier to be a critic than a creator.”
– Nathan Myhrvold

With all that’s been buzzing about, there’s bound to be a few futuristic initiatives that don’t find favour. For instance, some say that the advent of A.I assistant super bots have certainly declared war on the job markets, while promising profitable returns to the business tycoons who adopt them.

On the other hand, there are those who remain excited about what A.I technologies can do for our species. Anyone can become a critic on such matters. But how many are also interested in contributing to our great future?

I believe we have the ability to do just that, Gen Y. We can contribute our own ingenious creations to the ongoing future. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone from our generation created something so insightful that it changes the world as we know it!

I’m excited. Aren’t you?

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

_{(Look out for part 2)}

The reason for the season

(A reflection on celebrating our Independence)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Photo credit WIC NEWS

The older a nation gets, the more generations are added, the more faded the true significance of its Independence Day becomes. To be fair, this can be largely attributed to the fact that those who fought to break the chains of dependency from colonial masters are no longer with us and the conditions under which independence was gained no longer exist.

These two factors, combined with a new generation of people who didn’t have the same fight for freedom, leads some citizens to view the Independence Day, and season by extension, quite differently than the previous generations.

Dominica’s culture and heritage burst to life during the month of October in a lead up to 3^rd November, the day of poignant remembrance as the country severed colonial ties with Britain. For most, the peak of the independence season is the hype surrounding the World Creole Music Festival.

Nonetheless, the culture lives on and youth are made fully aware of the meaning of November 3^rd.The Cultural Division is staunch and relentless in ensuring the various competitions and activities are held, showcasing Dominica’s ancestral, African roots, through song, dance, and music. Other events display the mixed creole heritage through dress and food.

The Nature Isle boasts many emblems of nationhood which serve as reminders of the independent state of the country. The emblems also help to develop a sense of pride among Dominicans for the land on which they live. These emblems include, but are not limited to; the flag (designed by the late cultural icon, Dr. Alwin Bully), the national bird, the national anthem, national flower and national dish.

Dominica’s National Bird https://www.naturepl.com/stock-photo-imperial-amazon-amazona-imperialis-captive-endemic-to-dominica-nature-image01476459.html

Above all Gen Y, it is truly important for us to hold dear the meaning of our independence as a nation, because it serves as a reminder that we still have a nation to build. Dominica, as an independent state, is still considered very young- only forty-five years old in 2023. This means the country has a long way to go and citizens must put hearts and hands together to move the nation forward.

Citizens of an independent country have rights, duties and the power to elect their leaders. Attaining independence is national integrity and is paramount in order for a country to develop.

According to the moving words of the Dominican national anthem, as sons and daughters, we must, ‘toil with hearts and hand and voices, we must prosper sound the call’. In which everyone rejoices, “all for each and each for all”.’

Happy 45^th Independence anniversary everyone!

Written by: Andrea Louis for Generation Y Dominica

10 Life Hacks that could change your life

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

At the beginning of the year (January) is usually the time of year where we apply turbo speed toward implementing our New Year resolutions to better our lives. Most times however, shortly thereafter we seem to lose sight of our goals (typically by March). Fortunately, it is never too late to engage in activities and projects to improve your life. Looking for some life hacks to keep you motivated?

We’ve rustled up a few suggestions on things you could do to change your life for the better in the remaining months of 2023 and beyond.

Here are 10 life hacks that could change your life

Exercise – Feeling sluggish? Try exercise. A healthy person can enjoy life better and make the necessary moves and decisions to improve himself or herself.

Smile – As simple as it sounds, this is so true. A smile can brighten your day and someone else’s day, having a positive influence on those around you which in turn can put you in a better mood and even create opportunities for you to advance in life.

Practice gratitude – Even if some of you may not be where you want to be in life, you still have to be grateful for what you have. This will help you to cherish life more and be grateful when things go your way.

Avoid Comparison – Be kind to yourself and stay focused on what you have going on for you. If you compare yourself to others, you may feel stuck in a rut, or dejected and unfulfilled and who wants that!

Be Optimistic – Don’t let negative situations and people drag you down. Mental health is key to living a better life. Be kind to your mind and look for the silver lining in all situations.

Stay Organized – For some, being messy is second nature. But for those who stay organized they are able to accomplish more in a day and eventually a year. Clear up the clutter and reach for a more productive you.

Enhance your sleep regimen – A well-rested person is ready to take on the day and all its challenges with a clear mind and sharp focus. Sleep is also important to your overall health so make sure you get lots of it (did you know that your body works to repair muscle, organs and other cells during sleep?).

Write Down Your Daily Tasks – Part of improving your life is managing your expectations. By writing down daily tasks you ensure you manage your time properly and engage in a healthy work-life balance.

Leverage your network – Speaking of work, we also have tips for business owners to improve their life, which can also apply to personal relationships. When you utilize people in your network with skills sets to improve your work (e.g marketing) this augurs well for you in the future & saves you a bit of time to do the things you love to do.

Focus time on what works for you – Again this works for both personal and professional development. Cut off any dead weight or anything that does not serve you. Focus instead on the things that bring you prosperity and happiness.

We hope these suggestions help you make the positive changes you want to see for the rest of 2023!

Written by: Andrea Louis

For Generation Y Dominica

Tips credited to

https://aldohappy.com/happiness-hacks & https://www.scoro.com/blog

https://www.cox.com/residential/articles/7-life-hacks-to-improve-your-life.html

15 DIY project ideas for 2023

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

We’re just about to round up the first quarter of 2023, have you considered your DIY projects for this year yet?

Even if you have, there’s always room to add more activities or projects to keep yourself occupied, develop a new skill, or improve your overall standard of living.

Here are 15 DIY project ideas for 2023

If you are into sprucing up your home, here are some activities you can get busy with:

Painting: Pick up a brush and can of paint and get to work brightening up your walls and furniture. .
Update simple fixtures: Change out curtain rods and curtains, doorknobs, or even upgrade your lighting fixtures to give your home some refined finishing touches.
Restore hardwood floors; if you notice squeaking floorboards, save a bundle by restoring the floor instead.
Clean out the gutters/guttering: Grab a ladder or pick up a shovel and get to cleaning.
Tidy up your landscape: Take up the shears or mower and get your greenery in top shape.

If home improvement isn’t your thing and you are more creative, here are some handy DIY projects for you:

6. Woven or knotted home décor items. If you’re good at crochet or knitting, challenge yourself to creating mats, rugs, chair covers etc.

7. Candles. Invest in a candle making kit, experiment and develop your skill to have pleasant fragrances around your house.

8. Paper flowers. It’s a creative way to spruce up a room while saving the money you would spend on real flowers.

9. Tie-dyeing. If you want to add a splash of color to some fabric then this is an easy, hands on, way to go.

10. Jewelry making. Select your materials; beads, resins, pebbles etc., and start making beautiful handmade items to wear and share with others.

Are you a foodie who prefers to be creative in the kitchen? We’ve got you.

11. Homemade yoghurt. With minimal items you can create a healthier product to your specific taste.

12. Nixtamalized tortillas. For a healthier tastier tortilla, try cooking and soaking the kernels in slaked lime for characteristic taste

13. Icebox cheese cake. Use a different type of easy to spread cheese, coupled with crisp cookies to make a delicious dessert.

14. Chocolate chip cookies. This one comes with a twist as you are required to brown your butter and leave the dough overnight before continuing the process.

15. Bread. Simple, yes. But add your own secret recipes to improve the nutritional value or flavor for yourself and loved ones.

Do It Yourself projects come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to learn a skill, earn some extra cash and to challenge yourself beyond your every day capabilities. We hope this list, which you don’t have to follow to the t, inspires you to have an even more amazing 2023!

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Making Your Salary Work For You In 2023

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

It’s finally here – the first quarter of 2023; March. A lot’s happened since we last clinked our glasses at New Year’s Eve and wished for a better year filled with hope and more reasons to celebrate life.

New Year 2023 in hindsight so far has brought us a few surprises worth mentioning:

Famous rapper Kanye West remarried – The celebrity rapper reportedly tied the knot back in January 2023 with Bianca Censori, an architectural designer at his company ‘Yeezy.’

ChatGPT breaks records on the internet – A.l. (artificial intelligence) has become more than science fiction and is rapidly gaining acceptance as a potential key player in the near future, thanks to ChatGpt. For those who haven’t caught on yet, Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence bot developed by OpenAI. It is capable of understanding human speech and producing in-depth writing that is easily understood by humans. Uses of the online bot so far include answering questions, generating codes, writing stories, poems, assisting with research and research papers etc. According to statistics, ChatGPT had generated more than 57 million users in the first month after its first launch in November 2022 and had more than 100 million users as of January 2023, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in a short period of time.

Local artist Trilla G , 23 years old and first timer to the Calypso stage, surprised all of Dominica by capturing the 2023 calypso crown.

Nine time Grammy winner & Barbadian born international song star Rihanna gave a memorable performance at the 2023 Superbowl.

More countries and states are taking renewable energy seriously. The state of Texas for example, is leading the way in renewable energy – Wind and solar, in such a significant way that it puts the state on the grid as a true pioneer.

So far, there have definitely been some very entertaining highlights and a lot to think about for 2023. Everyone still has their eyes on the day-to-day matters of importance as well. Gas prices for instance, certainly continues to be heavily monitored.

But, apart from considering the purchase of an electric car, to avoid any future anxieties over the cost of fuel, many are brainstorming solutions to one ‘other’ little hurdle that has been a challenge over the past few years – making their salary work for them.

It’s no secret that the 15th and the 31st (pay day) conjure up mixed emotions. It’s sort of like the feeling you get when using a dating app to meet potential matches for the first time. You always start off excited, but at the same time anticipate disappointment at the end.

The reality is that even if pay day means a full wallet. The bill statements quickly follow, and the bills do not go away (as a matter of fact, some have increased since 2023). Your beloved salary hasn’t grown an inch either; no matter how hard you wished it would on New Year’s Eve.

Luckily Generation Y Dominica has got you covered.

Here’s how you can make your salary work for you in 2023.

Prioritize saving. It’s high time to toss out that worn out complaint – “I can’t save a dollar in this economy,” because it gets no one, nowhere. We do not add any ‘fluff’ when we say that times are challenging, and inflation is real. But do not repeat that mantra thinking that this excuse is valid enough to not ‘try’ to save – even a little. Be serious about it too and prioritize it at the end of every month, no matter what the amount. You recall that five loaves and two fish have fed five thousand; so too can a commitment to saving a small amount of money every month multiply your bank account over time. Saving even a dollar a day is putting your salary to good use before it disappears.

Intentionally set money aside for leisure activities. We may not be fully paying attention to this, but apart from mandatory expenses like rent, bills, etc. a lot of our overspending is emotional. Emotional spending is when you buy something you may not need, to ease your emotions. These emotions could range from stress and sadness to happiness and celebration. Emotional spending can also be categorized as impulse spending (from http://www.mint.intuit.com). These types of emotions are common, ‘every day’ emotions and it’s easy to find yourself in a cycle of spending past your limit without realizing it in efforts to ‘feel better’.

Spending on leisure after working is a great way to enjoy a hard-earned income, but doing so on a whim is the quickest way to lose it. The trick is to intentionally set money aside for leisure activities at a fixed budget per month. You work hard and you do deserve to spend on leisure; but be responsible. Have cash set aside to be used for the purpose of leisure only – but cap it at a desired limit and when it’s done it’s done; simply look forward to the next month.

Recognize your spending ‘problem areas.’ Not many of us do personal & home budgets, but we should. Budgeting is not a tiresome chore, it actually helps. Budgeting inspires financial discipline, although it may be uncomfortable at first. Set a monthly spending limit for all the ways you spend money (groceries, household expenses, leisure etc.) and record your expenses weekly. You’d be surprised to see week over week, not only how much you spend in these areas, but how quickly you may reach your limit. This can help you to identify your real spending problem areas, so that you can apply more discipline where needed and save a dollar or two.

Invest in something – anything. Believing that you can earn monetary rewards from someone else’s business idea is a wonderful thing. We speak here of investing in something – anything. Launching your own start up business to earn extra income takes dedicated time and effort, which many do not have. But there are lots of other startups looking for investors, or even existing businesses looking to expand. As long as you believe in the idea and its promise for profitability, why not invest or buy some shares? It’s an exciting way to employ a small piece of your earnings in a way that could benefit you directly by earning future monetary rewards.

Be thankful. What is your attitude toward your salary? Do you express gratitude every time you collect it? Or do you overwhelm your thoughts with pre budgeting every last dollar of it, days before receiving it, without a second thought of gratitude. Or worst – do you complain that it’s not enough and think completely negative thoughts.

Dear friends, adopting gratitude as the rule of thumb reaction toward receiving your salary can only bring benefits and contentment to its practitioners. Thanks to two years of lockdown, many of us have stumbled over one ‘Law of attraction’ YouTube video or another. And for those who haven’t, the Law of attraction is a universal principle that says you will attract into your life, whatever you focus on. Whatever you give your energy and attention to is what will come back to you. So, change that attitude to one of thankfulness. While you are working on improving your current situation, what will it hurt to focus on being thankful?

The above tips are helpful and practical if applied- for anyone who desires real change. They may not get you to your ‘first million’ by 2025, but you will see changes like – actual savings, financial growth and a happier and more successful you for 2023.

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

Christmas Feels in ‘The Commonwealth’

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Flag of dominica. Merry Christmas and happy new year background design with glossy round Flag of dominica. vector illustration.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!

For those who are familiar with popular Christmas tunes, this is a line from the 1963 classic Christmas song, by Andy Williams, which to date, still receives a lot of airplay throughout the holiday season.

Here in Dominica, no one can deny it is the most wonderful time of the year. Though we don’t experience a white, or cold Christmas in the Caribbean like the countries closer to the north and south poles, there are still many wonderful feelings to be felt at this time of year.

It is said that ‘Christmas is for children‘. there is truth to this, as many young ones look forward to receiving gifts on Christmas day and many adults go the extra mile to purchase these gifts to put under the Christmas tree, or to deliver to the tiny tots.

But the spirit of giving trickles down further and isn’t only for the children. The less fortunate families, and charitable institutions – which care for vulnerable, look forward to the Christmas season to receive some much needed packages and donations of essential items each year. Thus, the anticipation of receiving these items also brings a feel-good mood among those in need.

Don’t get us started on the food. In the Caribbean the anticipation of a grand meal is not that different from anywhere else. Everyone looks forward to the food and drink specific to this time of year. Here we are talking about – the fruit cake (Caribbean style black cake), sorrel juice, ginger beer, eggnog, ham and turkey etc. Food brings a good feeling to all, especially when it is shared with family and loved ones. After all, Christmas time is family time.

Jamaican black cake (fruit cake) Photo credit:jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com

And while this custom is not as popular as it used to be here in Dominica, the singing of carols, or sewenal is another aspect of the season which brings a joyous feeling both to those who deliver the songs and to those who receive the jubilant melodies.

A little bit on the flips side

Photo credit:aquestionable.faith

Despite the pervasive good feeling of Christmas in Dominica, there are pockets of people to whom the good feelings may not extend. Adults try their utmost to protect children from the harsh realities of life for as long as they can, which is commendable, but the fact is that a lot of people are going through some trying times; especially over the past 3 years.

We speak of those who have lost jobs thanks to the impacts of Covid and other relatable events, who thereby have no stable income for the season or the new year. We also consider the rise in inflation and the impact it has had on the affordability of goods and services. And, just recently there was a gas shortage (even up to Christmas eve) in Dominica which definitely dampened he holiday spirit and there are fears of other shortage looms in the not too distant future; among other things.

All in all the ‘Christmas feels’ in Dominica may vary from household to household. But, let’s all remember ‘The true reason for the season’, which is to be reminded of and be thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ and also to challenge ourselves to make the coming year better for our friends, families, coworkers, and most importantly, ourselves.

Written By: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

The Feels – Creole Season 2022

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Dominicans, the region, and the rest of the world, have heaved a collective sigh of relief as COVID-19 protocols have steadily been relaxed over the past few months.

This change in global dynamic has led to the resurgence of travel, in person gatherings, and money being circulated in economies. Dominica is no different as the country can host its Creole season celebrations in person once again.

The pent-up energy Dominicans, and visitors, harboured for the past two years is evident with the frequency of events, multitude of patrons, and vibe at the gathering.

Dominica’s independence season ends on 4th November, but the five weeks before that are spent celebrating the unique traditional culture with the return of district festivals, Heritage Day, and more contemporary functions like Rize and Wine, Reggae on the Boardwalk and Ti Villaj Kweyol, replacing FLOW’s Creole In The Park.

While people have commented on the increased number of events this year, particularly during Creole Week, there is no denying that there is the population to support it. The major influx of visitors happens mid to late week, the majority coming to witness the country’s signature World Creole Music Festival. And with headliners like Burna Boy, Patrice Roberts, and TK International it is no surprise the country expects a bumper crowd this year.

This has many benefits for the country, primarily the circulation of money through accommodation, transportation, purchasing meals, and attending events, just to name a few.

While Dominica enjoys sharing and showcasing its culture to the world, one must admit there are downsides to the Creole Season, however, citizens rest assured knowing that it is only for a few days.

A major concern among Dominicans is traffic congestion and the increased potential of motor vehicle accidents. At this time of year all car rentals are empty as the rental vehicles are on the streets adding to the congestion and reducing the already limited parking. Another downside is the increased cost of food. Yes, we acknowledge inflation is real, but why pay almost twice the price for a food item or drink inside a venue when it could be purchased for much cheaper off compound?

Despite the unappealing aspects of the Creole season festivities, one must agree the benefits to the country. We implore Dominicans and visitors to enjoy what the country has to offer, while being respectful, courteous and staying safe in the Nature Isle.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Mental Health is Wealth

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

‘The mind is a terrible thing to waste’ is a popular saying by former head of the United Negro College Fund, Arthur Fletcher. This saying can be positioned to mean many things, because the mind really is such an intricate and complex part of the body. Owing to the fact that it is a terrible thing to waste, it is never too late, or too early, to start taking care of your mind and your mental health.

The mind can go to waste in many ways. Just like the body without exercise can lose its desired figure, in a similar fashion, the mind also doesn’t function at its optimal capacity if it is not exercising or engaged in meaningful activity. By exercise we mean challenging your mind through reading, learning, exploring, and discovering new things to keep mentally active and open to new possibilities.

Another way the mind could go to waste is through drug use and substance abuse. The effect of harmful foreign elements on someone’s body is vast and varied and when the mind is affected by harmful substances, it may likely inhibit the person from functioning as an independent and contributive member of society.

Severe mental illness and mental disorders can also affect one’s ability to make the best use of their mind. Here we speak of well known illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, which is characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood that last from days to weeks each or Schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Major symptoms include hallucinations (typically hearing voices), delusions, and disorganized thinking. – Wikepedia.com.

Some of these are hereditary, while others are affected by factors such as genetics, environmental impact, abuse or substance use. Work is ongoing to help make those who are afflicted with these conditions more comfortable with dealing and living with their diagnosis.

Did you know?

Apart from major mental illnesses, there are a number of common mental health disorders which can affect literally, anyone at any time. Just like Covid, these disorders don’t recognize social class, ethnicity, religious beliefs or political preference; they can affect anyone.

Our top six (6) list of these common mental health disorders are:

Depression –Depression refers to a wide range of mental health problems characterized by a loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences, low mood and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms. A lack of libido, fatigue and diminished activity are also common, although agitation and marked anxiety can frequently occur. Typically there is reduced sleep and lowered appetite, but some people sleep more than usual and have an increase in appetite. A loss of interest and enjoyment in everyday life, and feelings of guilt, worthlessness and deserved punishment are common, as are lowered self-esteem, loss of confidence, feelings of helplessness, suicidal ideation and attempts at self-harm or suicide (Cassano & Fava, 2002).

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – The essential feature of GAD is excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring on more days than not for a period of at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. The person with GAD finds it difficult to control the anxiety and worry, which is often accompanied by restlessness, being easily fatigued, having difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and disturbed sleep (Brown et al., 2001).

Panic disorder –People with panic disorder report intermittent apprehension, and panic attacks (attacks of sudden short-lived anxiety) in relation to particular situations or spontaneous panic attacks, with no apparent cause.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – OCD is characterized by the presence of either obsessions or compulsions, but commonly both. An obsession is defined as an unwanted intrusive thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters the person’s mind. Obsessions are distressing, but are acknowledged as originating in the person’s mind and not imposed by an external agency. They are usually regarded by the individual as unreasonable or excessive. Common obsessions in OCD include contamination from dirt, germs, viruses, body fluids and so on, fear of harm, excessive concern with order or symmetry, obsessions with the body or physical symptoms, religious, sacrilegious or blasphemous thoughts, sexual thoughts, an urge to hoard useless or worn out possessions, or thoughts of violence or aggression (Lochner & Stein, 2003).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD often develops in response to one or more traumatic events such as deliberate acts of interpersonal violence, childbirth, severe accidents, disasters or military action. The most characteristic symptoms of PTSD are re-experiencing symptoms. People with PTSD involuntarily re-experience aspects of the traumatic event in a vivid and distressing way. Symptoms include flashbacks in which the person acts or feels as if the event is recurring; nightmares; and repetitive and distressing intrusive images or other sensory impressions from the event.

Social anxiety disorder – Also referred to as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear in social situations that results in considerable distress and in turn impacts on a person’s ability to function effectively in aspects of their daily life.

More on these disorders here – COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS – Common Mental Health Disorders – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Mind your Mind

Taking care of your mental health is essential for you to live a successful life. Mental health equals wealth. October 5th 2022 was dubbed ‘Hashtag’ Day by the Julie Roberts foundation run by founder & Dominican Julie Roberts. This day was selected as a day to raise awareness of mental health disorders by posting hashtags on social media such as – #mindyourmind. The foundation also prepared other activities for mental health awareness day October 10th. Visit them @thejulierobertsfoundation on Facebook.

4 great tips for taking good care of your mental health

Having good mental health is more valuable than gold. The Latter you can always find ways to replenish if it runs out, but the former – fairly irreplaceable.

Generation Y Dominica is more than happy to share with you a few tips for taking care of your general mental health during everyday life:

Get regular exercise. Your schedule may be tight and you may have several commitments, but try to squeeze exercise in for at least 30 minutes in the day. This could be as simple as walking, biking or even swimming. Exercise is great for stress release among other things and you will definitely notice the mood booster.

Eat healthy and regularly and stay hydrated. You’ve heard the term ‘hangry’ in that someone who doesn’t eat is angry or moody. Food plays a vital role in keeping you emotionally balanced. But eating the right foods is even more important. Healthier eating choices equal a healthier body all around.

Prioritize your sleep. Sleep is important. We’ve heard the recommended 8 hours a night. However, if this cannot work for you, get as close to eight hours as you possibly can and be sure to sneak in some power naps. Sleep is extremely important for all your body’s rest, repair, and rejuvenation functions, including those of your mind.

4. Really focus on being positive and maintaining positivity. Doesn’t it seem like it’s easier to be and think negative rather than positive? That’s exactly it. Being and thinking negative is easy so most people pretty much give in to negative thoughts, attitudes, moods and feelings. But being positive is not as far out of reach as one may think.

It may ‘appear’ challenging but once you start changing the question from ‘why me?’ to ‘what is this trying to teach me?’ it’s easier to put into effect. Looking at things from a different angle will help you to realize that there are many things to be grateful for and lessons to learn from experiences. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts. Maintaining positive thinking gives you a greater outlook on life.

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”
– Germany Kent

Perhaps you may have other practices that help you maintain balanced mental health, such as daily meditation and yoga, self help videos and motivational speeches (thank you youtube).

These and more tips available at NIMH » Caring for Your Mental Health (nih.gov).

Feel free to utilize whichever suggestions that best fit your lifestyle. Remember mental health is key in maintaining an overall healthy state of being.

Live healthy, live free, live to the fullest.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

French Vs. French Creole (Clarification)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Language is vital to the development of humans and societies around the world. People communicate, using language, to bring across critical points which in turn have a significant impact on a population. Language, that is the spoken word, is the most common form of communication among people.

Oftentimes when languages are classified there is the standard language, then the derivative, or slang. In Dominica, our official language is English and we do have an English based slang, but there’s also our Dominican Creole. Dominican Creole refers to the island’s informal version of the standard French language.

The Creole is French based because Dominica was a colony which the French and English fought over – and ruled – several times in earlier centuries. If you were to search online, you would find out that a Creole Language is ‘a stable natural language developed from a mixture of different languages.’ In Dominica’s case our Creole consists of French, English, and traces of the native Kalinago and as well African languages. Despite the mix of languages, you can be reassured that creole is a complete language.

The Creole language, which exists in Dominica, is very rich and vibrant. It allows us to communicate among several other countries as well. English as the island’s official language spans across the globe. The French Creole language is – not a dominant language worldwide, and secondly, when French is learnt as a foreign language its Creole version is not taught.

These two features make French Creole more unique in that it is spoken by a special handful of countries and people around the world. For us in Dominica it allows us to easily communicate with our neighbors in the French speaking islands (Martinique and Guadeloupe) as well as St. Lucia, and that’s just for the Caribbean region. Moving further afield, our Creole allows us to interact with people from Seychelles, Réunion, and Mauritius, just to name a few.

Regardless of the unique nature and authenticity of our Creole we must look at it in a practical sense against the official French language.

Firstly, the French language is more widely practiced therefore having a grasp on this language will be more beneficial for global travel. Coupled with that is the fact that many of the countries which do speak French Creole also have French as the official language, therefore there is a good chance that some parts of the population may not know the Creole. Also, if you were to encounter someone who learnt French as a second language that person would not automatically know the Creole version because of its cocktail mix of words from other languages.

Creole, on the other hand, may be described as a more spicy version of French language. The way in which Dominicans deliver clever, witty pieces of advice or information in French creole, certainly gets the point across in a no nonsense manner. However, the Creole language can only truly be appreciated by those who know and understand it. Currently standard French is taught in the schools, with attempts to introduce the Creole language in a structured format. One Of the best ways to learn Creole though, is through having an adult at home speaking the language regularly in a more casual setting.

Therefore as regards French versus Creole, each has its own merit, hence why not learn the two? Having the foundation in French will make it easier to pick up the modified version – French Creole. Also it will allow for you to speak to a wider range of people if you can alternate between the two.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For Generation Y Dominica

Roseau City Dominica. What does the future look like?

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

The city of a country is its heartbeat. The sight, the sounds, even the hustle and bustle creates an addictive buzz that draws everyone in. The city houses several essential services which keeps the economy running and serves as a tourist attraction point.

For such an important central hub of activity & commerce, attractability is a cornerstone quality.

In Dominica and other Caribbean islands who fell under colonial rule in earlier centuries, the capital was established hundreds of years ago and its layout – streets etc. reflects this. It remains in some sense a historical monument of those pre colonial powers.

But in modern day 2022, do these cities support the present, and future, of these islands?

Marlborough Street, Roseau, Dominica, West Indies. Date: circa 1910 from alamy.com
A snapshot the Roseau enhancement project plan proposed in the 2018/2019 National budget- DA vibes

The populations of Caribbean countries have grown and continue to grow over the past years, even amidst the challenges of mass migration and ‘brain drain’, leading to an expansion of the capital in some countries.

Dominica is not exempt from this sort of population increase, but not much seems to have changed with its capital over decades. Due to the current infrastructure of Dominica’s capital city ‘Roseau’ (named by the French after the river reeds that grew along the banks), expanding outward has been categorized – difficult.

But is a huge reconstruction project the only option to breathe new life into this city?

We asked, “What do you think are short term resolutions to enhancing Roseau City in the present and near future? ”

According to the views of surveyed members of Generation Y Dominica, a few impactful changes and economic boosts could do the trick.

Here were the top 5 answers

Better roads and sidewalks. A primary concern among drivers and pedestrians alike is the prevailing state of the roads and sidewalks. Apart from the known issues with drainage, broken sidewalks and damaged roads pose difficulties – from pedestrian safety to daily wear and tear on vehicles. A modern Roseau should consist of well paved roads built for the long term and evenly constructed sidewalks. These pieces of infrastructure should also be constructed to accommodate proper drainage, so that in the event of heavy rainfall the streets won’t be flooded.

Improved parking. There is no doubt about it, that there has been a spike in the number of vehicle owners living in the city and around the island. This is evident in the limited places and parking options. The city is congested, and finding an appropriate parking place in a timely manner is nothingless than a 45 minute task during peak hours. The development of commercial parking lots spaces was a top recommendation for the easy flow of vehicular and foot traffic and will also be a source of economic revenue.

Green spaces. Green spaces in and around cities, collectively known as urban forests, can mitigate regional and local flooding from storms, reduce water scarcity, improve air and water quality, regulate temperature, and aid soil nutrient cycling, all while sequestering carbon – (from eos.org), the benefits are undeniable. Although Dominica is the Nature Island of the Caribbean, there is no reason for the city of Roseau to be short of green spaces, says generation Y. The Botanical Gardens and Peebles Park exist, but they are on the boundary of the city. Green spaces in Roseau could be created by transforming existing empty lots, or transforming the spaces of abandoned buildings or decrepit houses. Additional green spaces are beneficial – people enjoy the comfort & environmental benefits of the green space and the city gets rid of an eyesore in the form of dilapidated buildings.

Rehabilitation/ wellness centers. This one might be a more costly investment at first but compared with the abundant benefits, it’s a worthy one. Vagrancy has been a major and continuous issue. Streets overladen with vagrants and drug addicted persons walking aimlessly are uninspiring, unsafe and do not reflect the seriousness of the welfare of a country’s citizens. Vagrancy also threatens the tourism industry as it severely takes away from the aesthetics of the location and presents a lack of security to tourists. With the introduction of public wellness centers, citizens who have fallen on difficulties, addictions etc. are given a chance to rehabilitate, transform their lives and rejoin the rest of society. The streets are kept relatively free of homelessness, drug abuse and the city remains cleaner / relieved of human waste and squatting. The positive and long term impacts of this far outweighs the initial investment and maintenance costs.

Enhanced shopping & entertainment. “There’s nothing much to do, ” is the reality outlined by this present generation and will no doubt be the tune of the upcoming one. While the modern day face of Roseau is not the exact same as it was in the 1950’s, there is still much room for improvement in the areas of shopping and entertainment. There are hardly any malls or shopping centers available where quality and affordable products can be sourced, and with internal facilities which can serve as ‘hang out’ spots for adults and kids. As it relates to entertainment, the repetitive display of public bars and small snackets becomes quite a bore to a modern generation browsing the city.

Introducing and investing in new shopping centers, malls, kids parks and entertainment centers for the city will not only create ways to positively engage them but will result in an economic boost, job creation and an increased flow of revenue within the economy.

Can you think of more ways to recreate modern day ‘Roseau city?’ leave us a comment, we’d love to hear from you.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica