The Top 5 ‘Creole’ Foods To Enjoy For Dominica’s Independence Season

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

persons displaying variations of Dominica’s National wear Image credit: pintrest.

Dominica’s Creole Season is here. Prior to these Covid times, every year from October to early November this period was once the most vibrant season. There’d be creole festivals, creole wear constantly on display, creole décor in almost every public institution and the most memorable, delicious ‘creole’ foods. Indulging in traditional creole foods around this time annually, is something that locals and visitors alike would look forward to.

Something that makes food so delectable at this time of year, is its seasonality or limited availability. You read right. Some of our most delicious creole foods are seasonal. While you may argue that we can have ‘codfish and bakes’ at any time of year, this is not the same for local crab back and other seasonal meats. These are the components that really add flare, flavour and the unique Dominican quality to food.

The Hunting season in Dominica opens its doors just in time for these foods to be available during the months of October and November.

Because of the catastrophic Hurricane Maria that shook Dominica back in September of 2017, the wildlife population had been dealt a near death blow. The Hunting Season that year, and the following year, had been closed to give local wildlife some time to recover and replenish. 

Here in 2021, in spite of existing pandemic restrictions, Dominica has launched its Independence celebrations calendar of activities as of October 1st and many people can say ‘Thank God,’ now that the season is open so that they can enjoy the mouth watering, seasonal treats.

Here are the top 5 creole foods to enjoy for Dominica’s Independence Season

Crab back – This food is a must on everyone’s menu. This is especially so on Creole Day, which in Dominica is the last Friday in October, and the island’s official Independence Day on 03rd November. although one of the priciest creole meals, it’s also one of the most delicious. This delicacy sells out like hot cakes, and to some it  is well worth the price to have crab back on their plate for independence celebrations.

Crab backs. Image credit: Dominica Chronicle

Agouti – have you had a broth with smoked agouti meat? This animal ranks high on the list of foods which makes the Creole season what it is. This meat is best enjoyed in a one pot such as a broth or ‘agouti water’. But stewed agouti with rice, ground provision, and peas is just as delicious. 

Stewed agouti. Image credit: sidechef.com

Manicou – The Manicou can fall in a similar category as the agouti, but don’t get it wrong, it is not a replacement meat. Each of these foods has its own unique texture and flavour. A true connoisseur can easily tell the difference between agouti water and manicou water. This tasty meat is a healthy addition to any Creole dish. 

Callaloo Soup – This is actually Dominica’s National dish, which became the country’s national dish in 2013. There are many variants of this dish across the region but Dominica’s callaloo is made from young dasheen leaves. A good bowl of callaloo is a filling meal for anyone. This soup contains ground provision, vegetables and guess what? It can also hold crab, agouti, or manicou meats! I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous crab callaloo.

Dominica’s Callaloo soup. Image credit: Dominica Gourmet

Sancoche – ‘Sancoche’ is another popular dish at creole time. Saltfish is a staple food around the Caribbean, it’s origins tracing back to the days of slavery. This ‘one pot hold all’ meal consists of saltfish boiled down in coconut milk with anything else you want in the mix (ground provisions etc.).

Dominica’s sancoche. Image credit: Dominica Gourmet

The ban on hunting remains in place for birds, freshwater fish, mountain chicken (or crapaud), and iguanas.Most in Dominica can remember having the mountain chicken (which used to be our national dish prior to 2013) as a delicacy at this time of year. 

However due to the critically endangered label on the animal it is off limits for now. The temporary lifting of the ban on hunting truly makes Dominica’s culture peak in the months of October and November. We must also use this ban to reinforce the need to take care of the environment, not just for ourselves and future generations, but also for the wildlife which play such a key component in our traditions and culture. 

Dominica’s Independence is officially celebrated on November 3rd. We wish a happy Independence season and independence day to Dominicans everywhere, and happy ‘independence season eating’ to all.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

#MissingWCMF

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

Image credit: DAVibes

Well, It’s official. There’s no W.C.M.F (Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival) this year… again.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the announcement in September but did leave the population with a glimmer of hope as he explained that $400,000 had been set aside to host a show with local artistes.

While this has not yet been finalized, we assume that’s due to recent updates with the current COVID-19 pandemic and the possible reallocation of finances, we just have to wait and see.

This is the second consecutive year Dominica will not have a W.C.M.F due to the pandemic, and by now we know there are people itching for the festival.

But what does it really mean to miss The W.C.M.F this year more than missing one of the most dynamic festivals in the Caribbean?

The impact of no Festival for two years in a row is far reaching and affects just about every sector of the economy.

 The tourism and hospitality sector is deeply impacted and will miss the Festival the most. In the hospitality sector things are already on the rocks since the pandemic forced the international movement of people to come to a standstill in 2020. This resulted in several hospitality and tourism employees losing their livelihoods. And although to date the numbers are picking up, we are nowhere close to what they used to be. So you can just imagine how much they particularly miss the festival.

Farmers and fisherfolk are also in the category of those who miss the Festival.  The weekend-long event resulted in increased crowds on the island from all over the Caribbean and the world. Masses of people mean more food, which means more produce being purchased from those in the agriculture sector. No festival means that anticipated spikes in these sales are no longer expected for the farmers and fisherfolk.

What about the various business owners? The list goes on of the number of businesses who profit from the event. From clothing stores (got to get those outfits right) to hair and nail salons, the absence of the W.C.M.F hits home. The crowds which were drawn to the island by the festival as well as locals would, in turn, cause more activity at the various stores around the country. Another year of no festival means that these same businesses have no rise in revenue to look forward to.

Self employed individuals, or those who work multiple jobs to make ends meet will also miss out on the benefits of the Festival. Those who pick up extra shifts doing security work, liaison work, or even preparing food at the Festival won’t profit from that additional source of income this year.

In the spirit of optimism, some are still looking at the very microscopic bright side.The at surface level party goer may think that he or she may have wasted lots of money purchasing three outfits for that weekend (It’s go big or go home for this event). And a patron may think that he saved hundreds of dollars in the absence of the Festival. But for us World Creole Music Festival – Aholics the bright sides are very dim (or non- existent). 

While we understand the reason for canceling the Festival once more, we must admit it does have extensive effects on the people of Dominica. Nonetheless, we remain committed citizens knowing that the health of the population comes first.  

Still… #missingWCMF and looking forward to greater expectations and those notorious ‘3 nights of pulsating rhythms’ for 2022.

Written by: AndreaLouis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Work Smarter Not Harder

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

The importance of money has been drilled into us from a very young age. Earning money is directly related to having a job. For some, having a job means working hard to ensure you get your money at the end of the month, or every fortnight. We have also been taught if you put in the effort and work hard those higher up will see this and promote you, or reward you appropriately.

While we can’t ignore the significance of working hard we must also be aware of the value of working smart. Lately the phrase ‘work smarter not harder’ has been gaining popularity, and rightly so as there are several benefits to working smarter.

Working smarter in this sense simply means developing a strategy whereby you prioritize and stay focused while on the job. This plan of action will reduce the chances of you feeling overwhelmed and overworked. Prioritizing your tasks will help you accomplish what you need to within the given timeframe. It also cuts back on the  chances of taking work home with you or leaving the office several hours after closing time.

You may  be thinking: I already prioritize at work and still feel like I’m drowning, what more can I do?

Here are a few useful tips on how to work smarter to incorporate into your usual work routine and see if you notice a difference:

1.  Say ‘no’ more often: this one might be tough. Who wants to say no to their boss or co-worker right? But hear me out, saying no will allow you to manage what’s on your plate and help you complete your tasks more efficiently. The lesser your workload the easier it is to prioritize the main tasks and get them done within a reasonable time.

2. Set realistic deadlines: instead of allotting the entire day to completing your tasks, set reasonable blocks of time within which to finish a specific task. Thereby you work towards that deadline and have more time for other tasks to follow.

3.  Prepare for the day: this one simply requires you having the knowledge of what the following day entails and deciding how to tackle each activity. This can easily become your evening routine or your pre-work departure routine. Map out what has to be done and in what order you would handle each one. That way when you get to work you won’t waste precious time trying to figure out what there is to do and in what order to do it.

4.  Note the progress made: Be sure to cross things off your to-do list as you knock off the items one by one. Seeing your progress in shortening your list will motivate you to keep going throughout the day. This method is much more encouraging as it also helps you gauge the time needed to complete these tasks in the future.

Now, I’m not saying if you implement these measures you will automatically leave work early, or never feel frustrated. I completely understand that due the dynamic nature of the work environment things can happen which will set you back, for example a faulty computer, or equipment, a customer who takes longer than usual to assist, or delays which are beyond your control. Apart from these workplace incidents try your utmost to take things in stride and work smarter not harder and enjoy  being productive in the workplace.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Crypto currencies – How it works (An Intro)

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

We are, no doubt, in the digital era.  The modern day climate has called for a move to doing business, schooling, and other activities online and it looks as if there will be no turning back.

In addition to more of our business and financial transactions being conducted online, we are now being made more aware of digital currencies. Currencies which we can’t hold in our hand, or physically put in the bank, called cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency, or crypto for short, is a digital currency where individual coin ownership and records of transactions are stored in a ledger existing in a computerized database using strong ‘cryptography’.

Crypto is different from traditional money in that what we use is disseminated by a Central Bank whereas crypto exists only in digital form and is generated, or created by computers and decentralized.

The most commonly known crypto currency which most people have heard of is Bitcoin. This is however just one type of crypto currency and there are several types of digital currency out there eg. Ethereum and Cardano.

The following is a basic introduction to crypto currencies and how it works, only for beginners who have probably heard the term before but would like to know how it works and or for those who have never heard of them at all before. 

Owing to the fact that crypto currency is gaining traction on the global market, we figure we’d help you better understand how this works at the very core, so that you can decide if it’s something you want to invest in.

Now, bear in mind that crypto currency is fairly new hence still volatile, in that its value is not steadily pegged to the US dollar hence it fluctuates a lot. But on the flip side, you can convert crypto to cash and make (traditional) money off of it, which makes it worth exploring.    

Firstly, in order to buy crypto, you’ll need a ‘wallet’ which is typically an online app that can hold your digital currency. There are also offline Wallets and it’s good to explore all the options for safely storing your cryptocurrencies. Basically you create an account on an exchange then you can transfer real money to buy cryptocurrency.

The term ‘exchange’ means a Crypto exchange platform or a broker. Kraken, CoinEgg, and Gemini are examples of some exchanges you can look into to create your digital wallet.  

Now, the most direct way to get crypto is simply to purchase it on the Exchange and store in your digital wallet. Another way in which you can get digital currency is by mining. This is more time consuming and may not be as fruitful for some, but it still worth a shot. Bitcoin Mining or crypto mining is performed using sophisticated hardware that solves an extremely complex computational math problem. The first computer to find the solution to the problem is awarded Bitcoins or the currency you’re mining.

So,how do you earn real money now that  you’ve purchased your crypto, or mined it? 

You can trade your crypto for other crypto or for traditional money. A very simple  straightforward way to get cash in hand, or currency in your account. Trading currencies is something that you will need to learn a little bit more about and there are platforms and tutorials available on the web for beginners to help you understand this process.  

Also, you can lend, or stake, your crypto. By this we mean you secure your digital currency and the platform pays you something similar to how a bank would give you interest on your savings.

There is also the ‘buy and hold’ strategy, where you hold on to the currency until its value increases. That way you get significantly more conventional dollars for your crypto.

There is much more to the world of crypto than meets the eye and it’s more than you can learn in this one article. The good news is there are platforms and even schools out there to take you through understanding this new world if you have the time and interest to dive into it. 

We sincerely hope this little taste has stirred up your appetite and helps you decide on your future involvement in crypto currency.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

With A Grain Of Salt

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

The world ground to a halt, when coronavirus stepped into the spotlight. Mass hysteria ensued when testing showed large numbers of ‘cases’ predominantly determined by the use of the infamous PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests, which essentially can detect almost anything microbial, no matter how tiny, but it cannot determine how much of the microbe is there. Early on, these PCR tests were blamed for creating false positives. Many who questioned the validity of these tests were labelled ‘conspiracy theorists’, and the global populace urged to ‘trust’ the science, while the critical thinkers were considered ‘misinformed.’ 

Now, after a year of fear mongering which brought the world to its knees before the pharmaceutical giants, the CDC has declared that they will, “after December 31st, 2021, withdraw the request to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorisation of the CDC-2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, the assay first introduced in February 2020 for detection of SARS-CoV-2 only”. In other words, PCR tests will no longer be recognised as a valid method for determining COVID-19 infection. The CDC is encouraging “laboratories to consider adoption of a multiplexed method that can facilitate detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses”. Consider the situation in New Jersey where PCR testing produced 902,870 positive test results, compared to 131,363 confirmed positives using the ‘more’ reliable antigen testing method. 

Additionally, in a communication dated June 10th, 2021, the Innova Medical Group SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Qualitative Tests used to determine if a person had an active COVID-19 infection, was revealed to have not been approved, authorized, or cleared for use in the US by the FDA and had been recalled. 

The alarm created by puffed up numbers of COVID cases, and most deaths written off as related to the pandemic, the demand for salvation in a vaccine grew intense with the top companies waiting in the shadows to step forward with their experimental new technology, and investors anxiously tallying up profit estimates. Despite the initial phase out of the vaccine experimentation scheduled for 2023, administrations across the world still made moves to protect corporate oligarchic interest and on 23 August 2021, the FDA announced its official approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  

This move completes the final hurdle, for Pfizer is in the process of expanding further with an impending acquisition of Trillium Therapeutics Inc – a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer. In an article on globalnewswire.com – “Trillium’s portfolio includes biologics that are designed to enhance the ability of patients’ innate immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells”. The article revealed that Pfizer invested $25 million in Trillium in September 2020 as part of the Pfizer Breakthrough Growth Initiative (PBGI). PBGI was set up in June 2020, with the goal to fund scientific research as well as access to Pfizer’s experts to ensure continuity of clinical programs that could be of potential strategic interest for Pfizer. At present, Pfizer Oncology has an industry leading portfolio of 24 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars across more than 30 indications, including breast, genitourinary, colorectal, blood and lung cancers and also melanoma. It is undeniable that Pfizer is ‘one of the world’s premier biopharmaceutical companies’.

The report of a study conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where pieces of lung tissue preserved from 58 victims of the 1918 pandemic, and autopsy reports of thousands of victims was published online by the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2008. It was discovered that, “Histological and bacteriologic evidence suggests that the vast majority of influenza deaths resulted from secondary bacterial pneumonia” – report by David m. Morens, MD, Jeffery K. Taubenberger, MD, PhD, and NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MD. From an article dated August 19, 2008 on the National Institutes of Health website explains –

“A future influenza pandemic may unfold in a similar manner, say the NIAID authors… [they]conclude, comprehensive pandemic preparations should include not only efforts to produce new or improved influenza vaccines and antiviral drugs but also provisions to stockpile antibiotics and bacterial vaccines as well”.

Also of concern is the proliferated use of cloth masks. A 2015 study by the University of New South Wales, found “the widespread use of cloth masks by healthcare workers may actually put them at increased risk of respiratory illness and viral infections and their global use should be discouraged”. 

A holistic approach to adapt and mitigate the fallout of this crisis is vital. We must find sustainable solutions in nature – our health is inextricably linked to the quality of our food, water, and environment. Rollo May cautioned, “science, Nietzsche had warned, is becoming a factory, and the result will be ethical nihilism”.

Written & Contributed by: Farah Theodore

Gen X & Gen Y – Working Together

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

Image credit: wordpress.com

In a world that is getting increasingly smaller thanks to technology, lines are being blurred between demographics as all people learn to work as one for the betterment of the planet and future generations.

We are Generation Y, the Millennials (born between 1981 – 1994). In this present day we have a lot going on for us, and are coming into influential positions to move the world in the right direction. But we can’t do this alone. The purpose of this article is for us to consider that we will need to work with those who came  before us in order to not repeat mistakes of the past – i.e. Generation X. 

Generation X (1965 – 1980) speaks to those born after the baby boomers Generation and before Generation Y. So we are looking here at people 41 – 56 years of age. Although Gen X is seldom overlooked, this demographic is actually the first digital savvy generation and has contributed to our current world in significant ways (e.g. Gen Xers invented Google).  

Image credit: visualcapitalist.com

Gen X-ers are at the point where they are approaching the middle of their working careers and potential peak earning years and there’s a lot that we can learn from observing and working with them. On a personal and professional level it is good to stay in touch with Gen X-ers to get tips and advice on how to advance in the workplace, or even how to attain some personal goals. Looking at the bigger picture which is the future for all mankind, collaboration between our generations is key.

We can start with a mentality shift. Gen X-ers were raised to compartmentalize issues and be exclusive on certain matters. But with the emergence of Gen Y, the Gen X-ers may be in for a rude, yet needed, awakening. Millennials are different, a bit more liberal in their thinking and can help Generation X see the world in a different light and realize that things are not so black and white. You see, Gen Y is more of the belief that Inclusivity is the way to go as we live together, work together, share the same resources and make the most of life on this earth.

Generation X and Generation Y working together can realize a similar purpose in life. In the workplace, collaboration is key to help the company thrive. In the wider world collaboration is key to help raise awareness on societal issues and take action to tackle social injustices. With the generations working together to tackle, and reverse trends such as climate change, domestic abuse, racism and other forms of injustice in society, the world would indeed be a better place and heading in a more positive direction – quicker. 

So let’s actively try to collaborate or at least start to seriously consider, foreseeing all the benefits. Let’s also work with patience, understanding the differences between our generations may put up barriers at first, but will eventually create a beautiful working and living relationship. Bear in mind this practice will need to continue. In the near future Gen Y will need to work with Gen Z and vice versa to continue preserving the earth and working towards the best future for humanity. 

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Happiness and Health Are Directly Related

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

Usually when someone mentions the word ‘health’, the word ‘happiness’ is not second in mind. To most people health means physical health – something which may be determined by the absence of pain or normality with which the body parts function. But health and happiness are so inextricably linked, you can’t have one without the other.

Primarily, happiness is important for your mental health and this is a main aspect of overall health which is easily overlooked. For some reason mental health has been somewhat of a taboo subject in Dominica and the wider Caribbean region. Luckily the importance of mental health and happiness are now being greater recognized. Your mental health ensures you function properly as a person. Research indicates that being happy reduces your chances of stress and helps with other aspects of health.

Here are some ways in which someone’s well-being can benefit from the person’s happiness:

1. Being happy will push you to make healthy lifestyle changes which will improve your overall health. You may feel the need to eat healthier, work out more or even spend more time doing things which are fun and relaxing, all which are good for your mental and physical self. 

2. The body’s immune system is responsible for combating illnesses which can threaten its health status. Research has shown that being happy boosts the immune system thereby reducing your chances of catching a cold or becoming unwell.

3. Maintaining a level of happiness also reduces stress. Some of the many effects of stress are – going gray very early, losing or gaining weight easily, eating unhealthy, heart disease etc. Being happy combats the change in blood pressure and hormones associated with stress.

How can I be happy if I’m stuck in a bad mood?

If you realize you aren’t a happy person, or for reasons you have a negative outlook on life, here are some things you can try to improve your mood:

Be thankful – this may seem a simple inefficient action but it helps a lot to take note of the things, both big and small, that you have to be grateful for.

Increase activity – Exercise, get involved in a sport, take on a new project or start taking walks/strolls. Being outdoors and having a change of scenery will help improve your mood.

Sleep well – a good night’s rest will help you approach the new day with a positive attitude and  in turn discover more things to be happy about.

Do something that makes you happy daily – Nothing makes us happy like doing something we love or being with the ones that we love spending time with. These are the important things in life that are sure to bring in happiness by the ounces. The way of the superior man by David Deida suggests ‘Spend at least one hour a day doing whatever you simply love to do—what you deeply feel you need to do, in your heart—in spite of the daily duties that seem to constrain you..’

Of course if you find other ways to be happy you are surely encouraged to follow them. After all, a happy healthy life depends on you and can also positively influence those around you to lead happier, healthier lives. 

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Choosing The Best Business Venture For You

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

This one is for those of us who don’t fit into the 9 – 5 routine and know that quite well. In reality,  we’d prefer to be working on our own objectives rather than contributing to another individual’s enterprise (aka: a job). 

The world events of the past two years (2020/21) have been an inspiration to step forward toward that goal of owning your own business venture. With the instability of global economies and thousands of jobs lost worldwide due to the current pandemic, it seems like an opportune time to consider going into business for yourself. 
Branching out into the world of entrepreneurship for the first time can seem a bit scary. There is a lot to think about, start – up money and funding being principal among them. But aside from this, there are important questions too; where do I set up my business? What challenges will there be? and of course WHAT sort of business venture do I go into? (this list of questions can go on and on).

Choosing the right business venture for you is the first step and is definitely not a ‘one size fits all’ sort of thing. It can be simple especially if you follow your passions. If you put your all into your business idea and it’s something you truly believe in and desire to work towards, then you’ve got the first step figured out. 

For those of us who don’t have an idea in mind, this first essential step can pose a real challenge. It may seem a little overwhelming just to get started, but If you certainly can’t work for another individual, have a burning desire or deep seated passion to be creative, prefer to be your own boss and be in control of your economical future, stay right here. 

Here are tips I hope will help you with Choosing the best business venture for you.
  1.  Hone in on your skills, experience, and passions. 

You can take a minute to reflect and meditate on what you are really good at, what you are really passionate about and what you feel in your gut you want to pursue. Turn your passion into payment, Have you found it yet? Good, let’s continue.

  1. Assess the time factor

Ask yourself how the work you want to pursue fits in with the lifestyle you want to have. Are you the type of person who wants to spend several hours at home and with your family? Do you want to have a lot of time to yourself to relax, rejuvenate, or pursue other projects? These are important questions to ask. Starting a business requires a lot of time, effort, and energy. For most start ups, you need to be willing to put in at least a 60 hour work week at the start in order to see the results later on. If you are up for this then you are on the right track.

3. Test your idea. 

Now that you’ve found the business idea you’re passionate about and you’re willing to put in the work, but you have to know if this will be financially beneficial for you. For instance you may ask: is there enough demand for the product or service you’re offering? What challenges will you face? (you can find this out by talking to other entrepreneurs in the same field). Will this be profitable to me?.

Starting a business is a very intricate process and we’ve only just touched the surface. But rest assured if you are determined and driven (all characteristics of a great entrepreneur), with a strong support system, then go ahead and take the steps needed to turn your dreams into reality.  

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Does Race Matter To Generation Y?

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

Image credit: pintrest.com & Zaimisolmos visual arts

RACE. Definition – Each of the major groupings into which humankind is considered (in various theories or contexts) to be divided on the basis of physical characteristics or shared ancestry. 

By definition this word seems simple enough to understand. Human beings make sense of their world, by grouping, and naming things, places, animals, plants, people etc. But why does this particular 4 letter word carry so much weight and stir up so much emotion universally? And what does it all mean to Gen Y?

In 2020/2021 racial tensions peaked. People were ‘fed up’ once more of being categorised and treated differently based on how they looked or the colour of their skin. Fed up of being attacked based on racial stereotypes, which triggered huge movements globally, in the quest for freedom and change. 

Now ‘What exactly does race have to do with me?’ This is the question that most age groups of generation Y think on; Most hardly think about race at all – We naturally ‘see no race, hear no race, think no race,’ outside of what’s imposed on us from birth and published in the media.  

In the Caribbean there are diverse people. While our populations are predominantly from African ancestry, there are also thousands of Kalinago, Chinese, Indian, French, Spanish, and Caucasian Variants just to name a few. Based on experience and observation growing up in Dominica, it is fair to say that race does not have a huge impact on how our generation chooses to interact with each other. Previous generations certainly, but ours, not so much. We do not choose friends and associates purely based on skin color, but personality, ability and valued qualities.  

Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that there is never any racial tension. After all, the trickling post colonial mindset and habits have been so deeply woven it’s not like they don’t carry on in some ways and stereotypes.  But for Gen Y, it’s just not as important and for the most part we all get along.

‘We, the Millennials’, born in the years ranging from 1980 to 1994 have been spearheading change in just about everything under the sun, spreading our open minded and inclusive nature.

We also understand that prior to this generation, race mattered due to the fact that so many countries and Caribbean countries experienced significant trauma from colonialism and were coming into their own as regards to political independence from these colonial powers. However, so many decades later following the break away from the colonial system, Gen Y does not seem to be as consumed with race so much as previous generations.  We accept the fact that there are different cultures, traditions and practices and try to incorporate this into the national landscape. What we see is that, ‘Racism is very real, not race.’

Our parents too must be commended for discoursing racist practices and beliefs among their children. Parents play an integral role in ensuring children see everyone as equal despite their racial background. This could be because a majority of Generation Y today, is the product of interacial love and marriages, and as some countries report, ‘The most diverse generation in history.’ 

To be honest, aside from all this, practically speaking, it just doesn’t add up. How does skin color even determine hierarchy in a modern world? Melanin, Haemoglobin and Dietary carotenoid (the biological composition of skin color) determines my opportunities in life? Huh? It just doesn’t make sense and seems so silly to Gen Y. 

That’s why millions are taking to the streets as part of the recent protests brewed in light of Americans bringing to the spotlight, not just violent acts against Black Americans but also against people of colour,  those in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community who are also unfortunately seeing a record high increase in racially motivated acts of violence. It is this violence that we protest, as we seek to play our part in eliminating decades of undeniable senselessness. 

Overall, it is safe to say that race does not entirely matter to Generation Y. Which is a great thing because thanks to technology, our world is becoming smaller, the global village is becoming more integrated, and it is amazing the things you learn when you meet people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Our generation must be applauded for being open minded and accepting of people of all races. 

Happy Emancipation Day Dominica (August 1).

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

(A piece based widely on observation, with supporting evidence.)

For: Generation Y Dominica

Becoming A Local Tourist

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

Mero Beach Dominica. Photo credit: trip advisor

The Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica, is just one of the sparkling gems on the necklace of islands which make up the West Indies.

True to its name, ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’ Dominica is a paradise for adventure lovers, boasting a wide range of natural sites and nature based activities for visitors to enjoy.

Becoming a Local Tourists in Dominica

Oftentimes hearing the term ‘tourist’ instantly provokes the thought of a foreigner or visitor to a place. But this is not always the case. It is quite possible to become a ‘Local tourist’ and discover one’s own country!

Especially in light of the Covid 19 global impact on travel, local tourism has become a go to for many countries and their residents. You too have probably been considering this unique exploration. 

Our data shows (after speaking to a vast number of people) that for a lot of local residents, there are places and activities which are experienced by tourists visiting the island that they have not yet been fully or even partly aquatinted with. For instance, we’ve discovered that there are many residents who haven’t yet been canyoning/rappelling off a cliff with Extreme Dominica, or whale watching on the open sea with local certified operators; both popular & bucket list activities of many visitors.

The timing could not be more right to become a local tourist yourself.

Canyoning with Extreme Dominica. Photo credit: Discoverdominica.com

Preparing for your new Local tourist adventure

We plan for almost every aspect of life – from breakfast and dinner to our education and careers. These days to remain fully functional, our life’s activities mostly need to be planned from day to day.

Preparing to officially ‘hop on the bus’ of Local tourism will need you to put those same skills into play – plan.

Start by scouting a few brochures and special maps that charter out the best sites and locations in your country. The type designed for the virgin eyes of visitors to your shores.

Check mark, circle, and or criss – cross any site or location that hasn’t been explored by you, and begin planning from there. Rank them by interest and there you have your first group of locations for your weekend, ‘local tourism adventures’. Next step, get some friends on board. These things are a lot more fun in groups.

As you go along you’ll diversify into joining organized tours, making even more plans – including activities along with the sites, joining in with other adventure groups and more.

Feel free to stir it up by throwing in some less popular but not so common sites. 

Bwa Nef Falls in Penville for instance, which is in the north east of the country. Bwa Nef Falls is a very easily accessible waterfall and extremely child friendly. The entrance to the falls is right next to the main road and a fifteen minute walk through healthy Dominican vegetation, to the waterfall brings you into paradise. Walking to Bwa Nef Falls is something which can be easily ticked off your to-do list.

Bwa Nef Falls Penville Dominica. Photo credit: Trip advsior.com

The Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica is rich with hidden treasures and sites. Do yourself a favor, grab a map, grab a friend, and head out to become a local tourist and discover your country today.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica