Generation Y Dominica

Love Thy Neighbor

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

The full saying ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’ has been shortened, ‘Love thy neighbour.’ As simple and well -known as it may be, it is important to know and appreciate the weight of this valuable phrase.

Hello Gen Y. Let’s quickly explore this essential piece of advice as it applies to this great journey we call ‘Life’.

If an individual were to love his neighbour as he did himself the world would be a much better place, and that is no exaggeration. If human beings treat each other as they expect to be treated the result would be a massive transition towards equality and equity in, race and other key areas of life. Honest.

Unfortunately, human beings may use different approaches outside of this principle to determine how they should treat another human being. Things which people tend to use include, social class, the colour of skin, the texture of hair, facial features, the quality and type of clothes worn, professional and celebrity profile and the list goes on.

In this day and age of reckoning which was thrust into the spotlight by events such as years of political instability worldwide, the most recent pandemic, the killing of George Floyd May 2020 & Breanna Taylor March 2020, the spike in violence against people in the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community and other subsequent and prior reports of unfair killings and or police brutality, it is of utmost importance on this spectrum of the millennium to now ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself‘.

Let’s look at how the saying applies to us here in Dominica first (skipping over anything political, so that we remain politically correct, that is). Interesting to note, this year’s virtual calypso monarch, Daryl ‘De Bobb’ Bobb won the competition with a song titled ‘Go and Love Your Neighbour’, where he sings of better treatment for the Dominican people by those who are able to ensure better treatment is given.

The fact is,no one is too young, old or above learning the importance of the ‘Love thy neighbour’ philosophy. We all begin as children before we become the fabric of society. If children learn this from a very young age; seriously, it will greatly reduce bullying in schools and how they relate to family members and peers. If young adults practice this, it will reduce others feeling ostracized from various social groups and gatherings. If matured and older persons practice this, it will help create a level playing field for those in the workplace and other essential arenas of life.

Moving further afield the ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ strategy can speak to us in a regional context. Just take for example the recent eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent. This event called for the evacuation of thousands of Vincentians from the place they call home. While many of them could stay in shelters on the island, others needed and chose to relocate to other Caribbean islands. CARICOM leaders have stood in solidarity with St. Vincent by showcasing neighbourly love and allowing Venetian nationals to take up temporary residence in their country given the circumstances.

What about from a racial standpoint? The black community is not the only group which needs to experience the ‘love thy neighbour’ remedy, but Asians, Hispanics and all the other ethnicities that have found themselves sharing land,space, culture and economies.

The world has been battling the Corona Virus pandemic and mass violence for several years with no public, clear, real-time resolution. Therefore, protests develop, people are outraged and the reaction seems to be worsening daily. Do you know however, that this can be solved simply by treating others as you would like to be treated? Just think about it.

We don’t expect an overnight improvement and radical change from reading one article (although if we all consciously, really wanted to, this is very possible). It requires deep reflection within ourselves, choosing to follow this strategy and the willingness to change individually and collectively as communities, societies and human beings.. Although a person has being raised or brought up to treat people a certain unwelcoming way, once he or she truly analyzes the saying ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself’, and comes to understand that the way we treat each other upon further analysis reveals an eventual domino effect, well then a change of heart is almost certainly inevitable.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

Sometimes Prayer Alone Is Not Enough

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

Sometimes prayer alone is not enough. Sensitive topic alert!* Now dear readers, before the righteous brickbats come flooding in, please take the time to hear our thoughts on the subject and sink your teeth into the text below.

We live in a time where a majority of the time, prayer only isn’t sufficient to move mountains. Many believe in praying only, until a situation changes, which is fine. And if this change does not occur, what happens then? Most tend to placate themselves by saying “in God’s time”, while others get angry and experience severe spiritual and or moral decline, feeling that God did not ‘come through’ on their behalf.

But friends, we believe that sometimes, prayer alone is not enough and we wanted to share that with you today.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
(James 2:14-16)

‘God helps those who help themselves’. This idiom is not in the bible (although most of us have thought so for several years!), but the expression is known around the world and originated in ancient Greece as “The Gods help those who help themselves” (from Wikipedia.com).

Prayer is certainly powerful and works wonders for those who trust in it. There are decades of records in all cultures, and even to our modern day persons who will testify the same. So we’re not saying prayer has no effect, but are simply recommending that unless it’s a special circumstance, in addition to the praying, you take some decisive action to change your situation instead of sitting around waiting on God to do the full work on your behalf. Why not take the steps possible to show that you’re capable and serious about making changes?

“But God answers prayers!” says the critics. Of course he does, but what if and possibly, His way of answering prayer becomes clearer when you spur yourself into action?

It’s been said quite clearly through inspired writings, that God will open doors for you, when you get up and seek them.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7)

In this world where we need to see instant changes in so many areas, this change starts with us. Let’s side step and take for example the issue of unfair treatment of unarmed black men in America and other countries worldwide. There is no doubt that there have been prayers for decades for change to happen where racial injustice exists. But in addition to the prayers, there has been a journey travelled as black people to effect the changes we have seen over several years. This has born fruit due to the actions and effort of great leaders and supporters of the early black movement.

Another issue on which people would like to see instantly corrected is that of the negative impacts of climate change. No doubt the preservation of the earth and communities being spared from the impact of natural disasters have been offered up in prayer on a regular basis, especially here in the Caribbean and particularly during the hurricane season which runs from June to November annually. Developed countries are well aware of the effects that greenhouse gas emissions have on global warming and climate change. They are also aware that inaction will lead to a worsening situation. This is why heads of state meet on an annual basis to discuss plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in order to make the world a healthier, safer place to live in for current and future generations.

And the list goes on, we could list several everyday examples that will reveal to you, that action is indeed a complement to prayer. It can be challenging to take the first steps to get yourself out of a difficult situation or be the change you would like to see. But remember, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ (even God knows this).

This article has been written not on established fact, but in the nature of a humble opinion and dedicated to our generation, who needs more hope. We’d love to hear from you, let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below!

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

Reading a book is still dope

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

Remember when reading used to be fun? The joy, excitement, the emotional roller coasters and cliffhangers! Come on, I know that there must be some old school ‘Nancy Drew’ and ‘Hardy boys’ fans reading this blog. The question of the day now is, ‘What happened? Does anyone pick up tangible books to read anymore?‘.

Though many people are grateful for the technological advancements which make several things in life easier, there are still others who enjoy the traditional way of doing things, and reading a book is one of them.

Back in the day, us book worms considered going to the Library at least once a week, a pure treat. The experience of entering a building with shelves from wall to wall, filled with all sorts of books, you could only wait to get your fingers on and digest was fascinating.

Yes, things have changed over the years, but there’s nothing wrong with picking up a good book to read today. Yes there are audio books, videos and e-books on a kindle, but we’re here to remind you of the magic of ‘page turning’.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting back into a more traditional approach.

First of all, reading a book increases your vocabulary. I know we’re all adults now but think about it. A lot of time is spent messaging friends and family who use abbreviated forms of the same words over and over again. Imagine how refreshing it would be to read a book which not only uses words in entirety, but also gives you new words to help boost your lexicon. Also imagine how accomplished you would feel throwing in these new words during regular conversation with your family, friends, or colleagues.

Another benefit to reading a book is it expands your horizons. Not only will you boost your word stock but you get to be informed on things you had no idea about, whether it’s a fictional book or not. You can learn about a foreign country, its people and cultures. You can learn about science or business or agriculture, or any new idea that crosses your mind. The sky’s the limit and a book is the ladder to get you there.

Additionally, books help you to take a pause. We live in this fast paced, ‘cray cray’ world where we’re sometimes so busy we don’t even take the time out for ourselves! Picking up a book and putting down the device can help resolve this problem. Shut out the outside world for an hour or two while you indulge in a book. Spending time reading a hard copy can do wonders for helping you to relax, forget the day to day stress of life, get in sync with yourself and much more.

Finally, this last point is for our mom and dad readers. Children imitate what they see. If you want your child to be an avid reader, then you should lead the way by picking up a book. We know there are many benefits for children who love to read. So help them along this path by showing them how and encouraging them to do the same.

I sincerely hope these simple reasons will jog your memory and will help you rediscover or uncover for the first time a love for reading in the traditional sense. Settle into a cozy spot, disconnect from the world and start reading a book right now!

And if you can’t bring yourself to do that just yet, then keep reading our blog. It’s sure to stir up the appetite.

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

Get In On Indoor Planting

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

Each year, April 22^nd is set aside for observing ‘Earth Day’ To draw attention to the state of the planet and serve as a call to action for all countries to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby prolonging the longevity of the Earth for future generations.

When it comes to the issue of climate change, most think that it’s a problem induced and to be resolved by the developed ‘first world’ countries, which have large carbon footprints. But, don’t be fooled. Smaller, lesser developed nations can also play their role in combating climate change and you, individually, can take small steps to contribute as well.

One of the simplest ways to help is by planting a tree. Dominica recognized the importance of this action by launching a tree-planting project back in 2018 as a Reforestation program – ‘1 million trees by the end of 2019’, following the devastating effects on our forests by Hurricane Maria and to contribute to the fight against climate change.

As we’ve heard time and time again, there are several benefits to having a healthy tree population. There are so many benefits and ways that trees help us and protect our planet. To name a few, trees provide oxygen which is vital to life, they also store the harmful carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, therefore, acting as amazing carbon sinks. Plants also create homes for wildlife and produce food to feed humans and animals alike. Not to mention trees play a key role in water resource management.

Very often when one thinks of planting trees, the great outdoors comes to mind or lots and lots of yard space. But, what about planting trees inside your home? Yes! This is also a viable option and practice.

Growing indoor plants not only adds to the aesthetics of the living space, it’s also therapeutic and has numerous health and environmental benefits. Studies have shown that having plants indoors reduces stress, inspires creativity and eliminates air pollutants, creating healthier air for you to breathe. There is much to gain from taking up indoor planting.

Of course, just like with any new initiative, it’s best to do a bit of research before jumping right in. Find out what the best plants are, as some may not be child-friendly or the best for indoors, how to keep them growing healthy and what to do to avoid small pest problems. Also in your pursuit of using this new hobby to play your vital role in reversing climate change, think about making small eco-friendly decisions such as eliminating the use of plastic pots (there are lots of alternatives) and consider using organic or natural fertilizer such as banana peels, eggshells, dried leaves etc. (everyday items found around the home) for your plants’ soil.

Coconut fiber pots.
**Photo credit:** ubeautypotsandplants.blogspot.com

We all can feel helpless at times in the war against climate change. The increasingly hot summers, the vast number of hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and floods, species extinction, and all the other global impacts that we currently face. Isn’t it great to know that by this one small act of indoor planting, we can all make a difference?

Go ahead and get in on indoor planting, give it a try. You’ll discover a healthier and happier you in the process and Mother Earth will thank you for it.

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”
― Warren Buffett

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

The ‘Tender Touch’ Champions

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

Soca music is one of the most popular genres in the Caribbean, and around the world. Soca powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago where the sound originates, has put their stamp on the genre and is home to several well-known Soca artists.

As is typical in the Caribbean, each year a new ‘riddim’ is released into the musical market. It could come from any Caribbean island and in any Caribbean genre. That riddim is then taken up by various artists as a musical experiment to produce a song. One such riddim trending for 2020/21 is the ‘Tender Touch’ Riddim, produced by ‘Advokit Productions’ in collaboration with ‘Julian Promos.’

The Tender Touch riddim has seen the signature voices of Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Hey Choppi, Olatunji, Melly Rose + Skales and man, did they nail it. Each artist brings their own flavor to this delicious musical cocktail.

Let’s look at the top 4 artists who are dominating the Tender Touch Riddim.

First up is Patrice Roberts. This Soca queen and dynamic vocalist has been blazing her way in Soca music for several years and she keeps climbing to new levels, which comes as no surprise since Patrice hails from a strong musical background and community. She currently collaborates with the King of Soca, Machel Montano, in his band Machel Montano HD and Patrice also has close ties with family members who have carved out a name for themselves on the musical scene, such as Bunji Garlin. It is no wonder her melodic voice compliments the groovy Soca Tender Touch riddim as she sings of love, loyalty, and commitment to her significant other in her song entitled ‘Tender’.

Up next is Nailah Blackman. This breakout Soca artist also has music running through her veins. Her grandfather Garfield Blackman, also known as Lord Shorty or Ras Shorty I, a very well-known calypsonian and The Father/inventor of Soca music in Trinidad and Tobago.
Though a young artiste just 23 years old, Nailah has several hits to her name including ‘Workout’, a collaboration with Kes the Band, and ‘Baddish’ where she teamed up with popular female artiste Shenseea out of Jamaica. Nailah sings on the Tender Touch Riddim with her banger – ‘Trouble Wine’.

The next artist to grace the Tender Touch Riddim is Melly Rose Ft. Skales with ‘Shine pon me.’ This song puts a unique spin on the Soca riddim and is perfect for those who need a bit of upliftment, with the catchy hook ‘Let your blessings shine upon me papa God..’. Melly (Melissa St. Rose) who is Trinidadian born and a unique artist herself has released a number of singles which emulates similar authenticity and vibrancy (such as the recent single & music video ‘Body good’ which highlights female body image empowerment), all part of her artist persona. Nigerian-born rapper and singer songwriter Skales featured, adds in more flavor to the song that makes this track on the Tender Touch Riddim definitely worth the listen.

Wrapping up the top four artists who dominate on this riddim is Olatunji (Yearwood). This Trinidadian Soca sensation was born into a family of talent as his father, Edward Yearwood, is a well-known composer in Trinidad and his mother Mairoon Ali an actress and radio personality. The 35 year old artist started out in the music arena during his teen years and by 2015 gained worldwide recognition by winning the International Soca Monarch groovy competition with this piece ‘Ola’. Olatunji continued producing hits over the years and it’s no surprise his voice is among the many on the Tender Touch Riddim. His song dubbed ‘Angel’ speaks to a special woman and the love he receives from her. A true love song which would flatter any female listener.

Though we’ve touched on the top four artists, absolutely all the artists featured on this riddim have delivered phenomenal songs. The Tender Touch Riddim continues to receive widespread airplay across the Caribbean region and internationally. Go check it out if you haven’t!

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

2 Basic but wise investment strategies for beginners

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

Money, money, money. Everyone wants more money. Everyone says they need more money and need it now. But how exactly does someone strategize to get more cash in hand or what steps can someone take to boost his or her financial standing at the very basic level?

We’ve taken into account the possibility that you’re on a shoestring budget and have come across the best first step investments you can make to see some financial returns.

Firstly, you need to be disciplined when it comes to saving money. We know this can be hard and sometimes it is a struggle to choose between needs and wants, but trust me, being frugal with your spending is worth it. If you need more help you can enlist your friends and family to hold you accountable so you don’t spend unnecessarily. With this money you put away you can use it to invest in a venture of your choice which earns some financial rewards.

If you have trouble holding yourself accountable, you can always turn to the bank to help with your savings. Set up a system whereby a set percentage of your salary immediately goes towards a savings account. That way, there is a portion of your monthly income which you can’t touch because it’s safely tucked away. When the time comes you can then access these funds and put it towards a worthwhile investment of your choice.

Now that we’ve gotten the savings aspect out of the way, let’s look at how these savings can be wisely invested. There are numerous avenues for investing, especially in today’s modern world and advancement in technology. This article however shares suggestions for those who have never considered investing in the past and want to test it out at a very basic level first before diving in.

Gain Interest

Since we’ve spoken about the bank being involved in your saving project we’d suggest you take it a step further by ensuring you have a fixed deposit. One key difference between a fixed deposit and a savings account is that a fixed deposit account is a sort of investment, where the money is deposited for a particular period of time and the bank pays interest on the money deposited, unlike a savings account which can be easily accessed for personal use. The interest gained on a fixed deposit is much higher than that of a savings account, and you can acquire this interest at the end of the term of the fixed deposit while choosing to leave the money which was initially deposited, untouched.

Buy Shares

Another great investment is buying shares in a local company. Be sure to do your research on this one first. Choose wisely, see which company generally reports a profit at the end of each financial year then buy some shares in that company. This way you can reap some of the financial benefits from the earnings made by and own a part of – the company.

The payment of dividends to you the shareholder is one of these great benefits. A dividend is the distribution of some of a company’s earnings to a class of its shareholders. These payments can provide you with regular investment income and enhance your return. And you may be wondering : where do I get the money to buy shares in a company? Easy answer: the money we encouraged you to save at the very beginning.

The 2 strategies outlined are routes that will take some time to see returns. But that’s why it’s called a ‘money tree’, it takes nurturing. But growing your money is an important, well thought out process, to ensure you reap maximum benefits.

Warnings about Quick schemes

You may be thinking, even at the basic level isn’t there an easier way to grow my money? Like some super inorganic fertilizer that I can just pump in the soil to make my money tree bloom a little bit quicker? For instance, what about playing the Lottery? Well yes, even that is an existing investment option to gain money quickly; that is if you win. But with every investment there are risks and with these types of investments, greater risks exist. What if perhaps you invest and invest for years but never win more than $10? Also, at what point do you evaluate the money spent vs. the rewards gained? Now I’m not saying don’t play the lottery, but just do so understanding your investment’s risks, having a strategy and being mindful that you may not get the ‘Super Six Jackpot’ for the next few years if ever.

Finally, here are two more words to consider – ‘Pyramid schemes’. A pyramid scheme is a sketchy and unsustainable business model, where a few top-level members recruit newer members. Those members pay upfront costs up the chain to those who enrolled them. As newer members in turn recruit underlings of their own, a portion of the subsequent fees they receive is also kicked up the chain (from investopedia.com). These get rich quick strategies seldom work and come in various packages, but the same concept exists. So, be alert. While it is enticing to be told you can invest fifty dollars and get three hundred in a week (If I had a penny for every time I heard a ‘great’ offer like that), just pause, think for a moment and weigh the pros and cons.

We wish you all the best in your financial investment ventures and hope these tips were helpful in setting you on the right path as a beginner.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Skin Care tips for Caribbean Women (& Men)

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

Photo credit: Milada Caribbean St. Marteen

Isn’t living in the Caribbean lovely? The sun, the sea and the sand are all welcomed benefits of ‘Island life’ (and a dream for those in colder countries).

We are fortunate to have such luxuries at our fingertips, but Island weather still has its impacts. The elements of nature in paradise can affect our skin.

Let’s talk about ‘skin care’ and look at some top tips (for both women & men) to care for your skin while enjoying the Caribbean climate.

Protect your skin from taking in excessive sunshine.

A little bit of the sun’s UV rays are actually good for the skin. It creates vitamin D which the body needs. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body and these nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Too much sunshine however can damage the skin and so should be regulated. For example and just to name a few, too much sun exposure can lead to:

Skin changes. Some skin cells with melanin can form a clump. This creates freckles and moles. Over time, these can develop cancer.

Early aging. Time spent in the sun makes your skin age faster than normal. Signs of this are wrinkled, tight, or leathery skin and dark spots

Eye injuries. UV rays can damage the tissue in your eyes and can burn your outer layer of your eyes called the cornea, blurring your vision. Over time, you can develop cataracts which leads to blindness if left untreated.

Skin cancer.

Tips

Cover up when going outside; wear protective clothing, sunglasses and hats, manage sunshine intake by remembering to take breaks in the shade every now and then and use an umbrella for those unavoidable long days out in the sunshine.

Avoid dehydration

Needless to say an abundance of sunshine and even swimming in the ocean can cause dehydrated skin which can be dry and itchy and perhaps dull looking, too. Your overall tone and complexion may appear uneven, and fine lines are more noticeable.

Tips

Stay hydrated. This is the number one tip for maintaining healthy skin. Consistently drinking water to keep hydrated is an awesome and easy way to avoid dehydration, maintain great skin, flush out toxins and improve your skin tone.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

The sun’s heat dries out areas of unprotected skin and depletes the skin’s supply of natural lubricating oils, thereby reducing moisture.

Tips

Moisturize. aside from using protective measures, try using a moisturizer that restores moisture to the skin and has essential oils and nutrients that are good for the skin, or use natural products. For example, Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it’s often touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity. The fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over skin to hold in moisture.

Bonus **

At final. When it comes to Caribbean skin care, here are a few other island style tips:

Keep your face and body clean: There’s not much explanation needed here. The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense against bacteria. Healthy skin = healthy body. When you wash your skin, full body, face, you are removing impurities like the dirt, grime and oil that build up on our skin through out the day.

Use Natural face Masks & other natural products: Locally made or natural mud masks from volcanic hot springs called Sulphur mud works wonders for the skin. Thanks to the volcanic structure of most Caribbean islands, this is readily available and purchasable. Also, feel free to make use of other natural and organic skin care products found in the Caribbean such as cocoa butter which is very beneficial to the skin.

Eat Right: There is an abundance of natural foods; fruits, vegetables and the like grown in the Caribbean. Having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will not only add an extra glow to your skin. The high water contents of these foods, coupled with the antioxidants, help fight cellular damage in addition to other benefits.

Sleep tight: There’s a lot to be said for beauty sleep, and researchers are correct. Getting the much needed hours of sleep not only improves your mood, energy and overall physical health, but it also shows in your skin. Skin uses the time spent sleeping to repair and restore itself. If you cut back on the amount of time you spend sleeping then it will show in your skin. So be kind to yourself and try to fit in those 6 to 8 hours of sleep when you can.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For Generation Y Dominica

5 things to do when you’re stuck at home and super bored (for adults)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #Tell it like it is, a blog for our generation

Often times you hear people say they wish they could get a couple more hours of sleep, or they wish they were home, especially on a rainy day. However, if you were home and super bored because you’ve had more than your fill of sleep, what would there be to do? Lucky for you, we have some suggestions coming right up. Here is a list of 5 things to do when you’re stuck at home and super bored .

Number one on this list would be reading. This is the easiest thing you can do. A good novel can be exciting and make one go through a range of emotions based on the skillful writing of the author. Reading a good book can make time fly by without your knowledge, and soon after starting to read, you don’t even realize the day is almost done. For those book lovers out there I’m sure there is a novel or two you haven’t touched yet and you are just waiting for the perfect time when you have nothing to do, to devote all your time toward devouring that book.

Another good use of time while bored at home and number two on this list is DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. These can range from something as simple as an arts and craft project, to fixing an actual problem on a section of the house. DIY videos are super easy to find online and this is one way to grow your skill set in an area or discover something new that you’re good at. Once you get engrossed in a DIY project of your choice, you may just keep going and going until your tummy tells you it’s time to eat.

Number 3, get in shape. There are two groups of people out there, people who work out and get fit and those who say they want to work out and get fit. Whichever category you fall into, you can surely achieve that new fitness goal on a few days when you’re home and super bored. As they say, there’s no time like the present right? Well use the time you have on your hands and work up a sweat. If you’re a pro with your equipment at home then great for you, however if you’re a beginner that’s even better. You can ease your way into the stay fit lifestyle by starting off light and easy at home and working your way up the progress bar. Exercising at home is a great way to spend a couple of hours, work up a sweat and feel refreshed.

If you’re looking for another way to burn calories at home, but you’re not exactly a fitness junkie, then here’s an activity which is both time and calorie consuming. Our number 4, Cleaning. You read that right, cleaning. How often do you complain to yourself that there’s so much work to do around the house? Or rooms to clean, old items to throw out, things to tend to around the yard etc.? Well, a good old boring day at home is the perfect opportunity to tackle these tasks. Depending on how thorough a cleaner you are, doing this activity around the house can take anywhere from a couple of hours to more than half a day. And believe me, you will feel rewarded for the effort you put into cleaning your house when you see the end result.

And rounding up the top five list is: Watching TV, or a series, or movies. Now I know for a lot of people this may have come in at number one, but the other stuff was way more beneficial. Still, watching tv is one of the most entertaining ways to pass the time when you’re super bored at home. It’s a great way to teleport yourself out of boredom and into the scenes unfolding before you. Some may use this down time to watch documentaries and educational videos and or to be better informed on a variety of things. Others may use this means to catch up on a show, or follow a new trending series. Whatever you prefer, feel free to set time aside to relax and enjoy a bit of entertainment.

There you have it, 5 things to do when you’re stuck at home and super bored (for adults) and just in time for the stay inside rules and regulations of the day . And yes, we all know that ‘mama said there’d be days like this’ (although mama never mentioned anything about worldwide lockdowns and mutating viruses), but hopefully with all of these suggestions, you can cutback on the boredom and frustration you feel when you’re stuck at home with supposedly nothing to do.

Written by: Andrea Louis

For Generation Y Dominica

Top 5 Dominican dishes that every visitor should try

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

Hungry anyone? I certainly hope you are. Today we’re diving into the top 5 Dominican dishes that every visitor should absolutely try. Tasting Dominican local cuisine is one of the things that complete the Dominica experience and should certainly be added in as a huge part of every visitor’s travel itinerary when planning to visit the Nature Island.

Let’s get right into it!

^{#1 Broth}

A broth or ‘braff’ as we call it locally, is number one on our ‘must try’ list of Dominican cuisines. This dish is a ‘one pot holds all’ sort of meal that consists of a mouth watering soup, flavored with a mix of natural green seasonings and your choice of meat (fish, chicken, pork or smoked meat for a unique taste). This dish is not complete without a few additions of hand rolled dumplings, vegetables, potatoes and or ground provisions of your choice. Dominican broth is more commonly served on saturdays and If you’re looking for a flavor filled way to enjoy the weekend, this is the best choice of local cuisine that’s also notably packed with essential nutrients.

^{#2 Chicken Pelau}

This dish is common throughout the Caribbean, although it may have a different name or can vary in preparation styles. Chicken Pelau is a popular dish which consists of brown rice, chicken, and lentils (peas). The meal’s ingredients are cooked with ‘gravy browning’ which gives it a rich flavor and brown color. Everyone who grew up in Dominica will agree that there’s something about the aroma and taste of chicken pelau that reminds you of your fondest childhood memories. Thankfully, visitors can also have the experience of this delightful meal, by purchasing this from local restaurants when visiting the island (typically available on a Saturday also).

^{#3 Sancoche}

If you’re in the mood to have a party on your taste buds then this next dish Sanchoche, will sure give you what you’re looking for. Sancoche is a cook up of salt fish or codfish stewed in coconut milk, along with green seasonings (particularly onion, black pepper, chive and other condiments). This dish is quite tasty and can easily be eaten for lunch or dinner, made complete with added provisions.

^{#4 Bakes}

Number 4 on our list of delicious delights are bakes (also called Johnny cakes or fried dumplings in other Caribbean islands). These are thin or rounded, fried, golden brown, circular, unsweetened dough treats which can be eaten at any time of day. Once fried, they are served plain or stuffed with codfish, cheese or tuna, which makes an excellent grab and go meal suitable for any time of the day.

^{#5 Fish and chips}

Our fifth and final pick is Dominican Fish and chips. What’s so great about the fish and chips? Well, it’s pretty ordinary in most parts for the island, but if you travel to the south, then you’ll know why this simple yet delicious meal has made our top 5 list. Maybe it’s because the south has a lot of coastal areas and fishing communities, but something about the preparation of fish by southern vendors is definitely to die for. You can get your fish steamed and sautéed in vegetable sauce, grilled or pan fried, doused in onions, herbs and natural seasonings and served along with a side of crispy French fries or salad. Locals and visitors alike drive 5 – 20 minutes south from the capital city Roseau, (depending on how far south you wish to go from Newtown to Scottshead), hoping to grab a bite of ‘the catch of the south.’

There you have it, the top 5 meals you absolutely must try while visiting Dominica. Granted, there are other foods which should be listed, but these are the top 5 that say ‘welcome’ to the visitor and ‘welcome home’ to the returning resident.

Written by: Dilma Bastien

‘Support de Local’

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #Tell it like it is, a blog for our generation

Dominica, our home island, is a nation overflowing with resources. The land has rich and fertile soil which nurtures an abundance of produce such as ground provision, fruits, and other crops. Our beautiful island is also home to its greatest resource, the people. Our numerous artists and musicians have been making a name for themselves on the regional and international scenes.

Dominica has delved into the manufacturing and agro processing industry to get creative with local produce and experiment with the variety of manufactured goods which can come from the island’s natural resources. Artists have also been pushing themselves to get Dominican music out there and garner more foreign support. Despite these efforts and rave reviews of local goods from the regional and international communities, there is an ongoing call for Dominicans themselves to ‘support local.’

Why supporting local is unpopular

Let’s look at the agro processing and manufacturing industry. Dominicans have gone the route of transforming produce such as plantain, banana, cassava, and dasheen into items such as chips, drinks, and flour (especially for those looking for healthy alternatives to white flour). Unfortunately, you would more easily find a Dominican buying plantain and banana chips produced by a foreign company than that produced by a local company. If you venture to ask why this is so, the top answer would be ‘the cost’, as compared to the alternative.

Another reason would be the packaging, which doesn’t seem to be as attractive as that of the off island companies. While it is the content that matters, you can’t deny that packaging plays an important role in the purchase; it definitely counts and is only natural for persons to gravitate towards that which catches the eye. Over the years though, Dominicans have been making strides in packaging products. Just take a look at items like Big G’s pepper sauce (boasting diverse flavors like coffee), or Shaw Life Saver seasoning, you will admit they give international products a ‘run for their money.’

**Graceson John (Big G) & his exotic collection of Pepper sauce flavors. Photo credit:** Gremophoto & DNO

Other concerns which can be raised in ‘supporting local’ are volume and quality. In some areas, the quality needs a little more work to compare to international standards. And when it comes to value for money, if you were to get six candles (from a foreign manufacturer) for $12.00 wouldn’t you purchase that faster than three (locally) produced candles for the same price?

According to local producers, manufacturing items locally is a costly initiative. Hence the reason that the end product is more pricey than that of a product manufactured overseas. Factors which contribute to the high cost of manufacturing and agro processing in the country include: cost of raw material, cost of importing packaging material, and the effort & labor used to create the end product, as they have not yet achieved economies of scale.

Benefits of supporting local productions

Efforts are continually being made to improve local products and to give them wider exposure to the Dominican public. A few initiatives include the ‘Strictly Local Christmas Village’, organized by DEXIA, and ‘Creole In The Streets’, organized by the NDFD. With these attempts, small inroads are being made to boost the popularity of local products among the population and increase local acceptance.

One of the main benefits of purchasing locally manufactured goods is that it contributes to job creation. Another benefit to buying local is that it can help reduce the country’s import bill. However, we understand that people look out for their pockets and try to be practical in their purchases, working with limited incomes & salaries. So while ground is being gained, it is still an uphill battle and there are still other economic actions (such as an increase in minimum wage for instance *just a suggestion*) that can be implemented to make more spending money available to consumers.

The struggle of the artists

Another similar, though less tangible challenge exists for supporting local musicians and artists. These individuals work tirelessly to put out quality material, not just for local consumption but for international audiences (and many out of their own pockets and with limited assistance or resources) but do not receive the adequate amount of support needed. It has been revealed over the years that Dominicans aren’t well versed on copyright laws, royalties and how to monetize their work outside of local show performances, which are all key elements of success in the music industry worldwide. Other concerns of artists have been the treatment at local shows, the pay they get for performing, and lack of support from relevant stakeholders.

The saying: ‘a prophet has no honor in his hometown’, can speak volumes for those in the local entertainment industry as they constantly compare the treatment they receive in other countries to that of Dominica. Also the treatment and compensation of international artists who perform at our music festivals, compared to what they receive is another major issue. Luckily the Association of Music Professionals (AMP), has recently elected a new executive which has vowed to work in the best interest of local artists so they too can see true local support.

**Members of the new AMP Executive Photo credit:** DNO

Benefits of supporting local artists

Generally, the support level by the general public toward local artists has transformed over time. Although it may have started off rocky, we can proudly say that public support has grown tremendously over the last decade. Not only are the original pioneers of Dominican Music and those who came after like TK International being embraced, but new generation artists like The Signal Band, Colton – T, Kalihi, Navy (formerly called Mel) and Tasha P to name a few, who have been ‘putting in the work’ for about a decade or so now are finally being embraced. This is also evident in the support lent by the private sector through sponsorship of various events. Even the government is beginning to play their part a little more by offering stage time to these artists at our renowned ‘ World Creole Music Festival’ . The Discover Dominica Authority, our local Tourism hub must especially be mentioned and commended for its key role in helping and supporting the artists of our time. Supporting our local artists who produce quality work and put in the time and the effort, is something that we highly recommend. Not only does it put our island and culture on the map, it shows a true unity of our island’s people. Their success should be celebrated and uplifted as we proudly boast them as products of Dominica.

Although support for the artist is not yet absolutely perfect or sometimes seems to come full circle, it continues to make these small successful steps; also largely owed to collaboration among the artists themselves to strengthen their industry.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that all goes well for those in the entertainment and manufacturing industries and as well play our role. Because while international based support is great, local support should always be what propels and sustains any locally based field of creativity.

Signing off with this last phrase,‘ Support de local!’

Written by Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica