1978 Constitution || Constitution Review

(Dominica is remarkable for the beauty of its mountains and the amenity of its verdure and must be seen to be believed.)

		Dominica is an island for travellers and adventurers rather than for those who like their pleasures manicured and tamed. As a visitor, one participates in the life of the islands and enjoys its natural gifts of sea, river and mountains as the islanders do, whether on foot, by bus or car. In this way each new vista becomes a personal discovery rather than a programmed slot on a package itinerary. Here there is time to compare your impressions with those of the chroniclers who have been this way before. The Kalinago (ISLAND CARIBS) padding northwards up the chain of the Antilles one thousand years ago, came upon the rugged southern shoreline where steep canoes raised sharply out of the raging sea and they christened this new island Wai'tukubuli: 'Tall is her body'. We have no record of the impressions of the Arawakan-speaking Igneri who had arrived another thousand year earlier, nor of the Ortoiroids who were visitors even more distant in times. From Nicolo Syllacio, chronicler of Christopher Columbus second voyage to the Indies, we get the first written description of the island. Writing of the event which occurred on the 3rd November, 1493 when Columbus first sighted Wai'tukubuli and renamed it Dominica. The island is well known for its cultural events such as Carnival, World Creole Music Festival and Independence celebrations surges from the sea with soaring peaks that seem to be courting the heavens. Virgin flora covers these dramatic mountains, creating swaths of verdant landscapes. The residue of the fiery forces that created the island thousands of years ago, as part of the Caribbean Ring of Fire, bellows in several hot springs, valleys of steaming earth, and a boiling lake which is the second largest in the world. Along with geothermal wonders come natural coolants: hundreds of pristine rivers and streams web the island's lush terrain. Pure rainwater sets brooks and cascades into motion by rushing down picturesque cliffs. The next time that you are thinking of a vacation, Dominica is recommended for the spot of relaxation in nature's paradise.  Bobofindit Now    Bestdating365    Today's Models    Calypso  Real Estate    Buy Music Online    Caribbean/USA Connection  Faith & Truth Apostolic Church      MultiMix Radio       Whodiedtoday

Dominca is situated at the northern end of the Winward Chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is the largest of this island grouping, lying between the two French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Roughly rectangular in shape with rounded projections at each end, it is 46 kms(29 miles) long by 25 kms(16 miles) wide. Ruggedly beautiful and volcanic in origin, Dominica's narrow coastal shelves, towering green mountains covered in dense tropical forests, deep valleys and countless streams provide magnificient scenic views. Agriculture is the mainstay of the island's economy, with bananas being the main crop. Dominica is perhaps the most naturally beautiful and different of all the Caribbean destinations. Dominated by towering mountains and primordial rain forests, crisscrossed by rivers and waterfalls, Dominica offers 'a once in a lifetime' opportunity to experience the last spots on earth, where nature,so unchanged and unspoiled, flourishes in abundance. On Monday 17th September, 2012 his Excellency Eluid Thaddeus Williams was sworn in as the seventh President of Dominica at the Parliament Building. Mr. Williams hails from the village of St. Joseph. He replaces President Dr.Nicholas Liverpool. who resigned due to ill-health and will serve out the remainder of Dr. Liverpool’s term. President Williams has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Batchelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of the West Indies. President Williams has spent most of his career in the Public Service and has been involved in public education programmes throughout the OECS. On September 14th 2012 he was bestowed with Dominica Award of Honour which is Dominica’s highest award. Eluid Thaddeus Williams 2012 President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL 2003 to 2012

	To us, she is the oldest person in the World, Elizabeth "Pampo" Israel, Born: January 27, 1875! Our ladies are naturally beautiful and the creativity here, you just can't match. This island is so enjoyable !

Did You Know That Dominica's "MAIN-DISH" is cooked using the Crapaud, more commonly known as the ?

Among the reptiles there is the common zandoli, and in the scrub forest the much larger, blue dotted abolo lizard. the dragon-like, bright green Iguana is not all that common, and favours the hot west coast as its habitat. At night, the ugly Gecko lizards go on the prowl for insects. We call them Mabouyas, which is the same name given by the ancient caribs to their evil spirits. Added to these geckoescackle in a deep, ominous tone: 'cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk.

Luckily, Dominica has no poisonous snakes, and three of the five species here are very small. The largest is the Tete chien, a boa constrictor which can grown to eight feet long although most are about half that size. The mere sight of these strikes terror into the hearts of Dominicans, and there is a fanatic passion to kill them immediately. Infact they do not attack unless aggravated. In all my years of walking the forest, I just divert slightly when coming upon them, and leave them alone.

National Anthem

Isle of beauty, isle of splendour, Isle to all so sweet and fair, All must surely gaze in wonder At thy gifts so rich and rare. Rivers, valleys, hills and mountains, All these gifts we do extol. Healthy land, so like all fountains, Giving cheer that warms the soul.

Dominica, God hath blest thee With a clime benign and bright, Pastures green and flowers of beauty Filling all with pure delight, And a people strong and healthy, Full of godly, rev'rent fear. May we ever seek to praise Thee For these gifts so rich and rare.

Come ye forward, sons and daughters Of this gem beyond compare. Strive for honor, sons and daughters, Do the right, be firm, be fair. Toil with hearts and hands and voices. We must prosper! Sound the call, In which ev'ry one rejoices, "All for Each and Each for All.

Play National Anthem [1.03.8 sec]

THE FLAG and our other National Emblems
by former President
HIS Excellency
Sir Clarence A Seignoret

Our National Flag is the proudest emblem of our Country. It is the sign by which we are known to all the world. It is the People's flag; and it is the flag to which we pay homage from Independence onwards.

	The Nation's Flag		It is the universal custom to display the national Flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs outdoors; these should normally be painted white. However, on important ceremonial occasions when it is desired to produce a patriotic effect, the Flag may be displayed in the open after sunset when it should be floodlit if possible. A National Flag may be displayed inside a building at all times.

The important thing to remember is that our National Flag represents a living country, and is itself considered a living thing. No one should ever desecrate our Flag by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning or trampling opon it. It should not be printed or otherwise impressed on anything intended for temporary use and discard. It should not be used as any part of a costume or any description.

The National Flag should be of regulation appearance and should not be faded or bleached . A torn flag should be mended before it is hoisted, but generally speaking such flags should not be flown on any occasion. When the National Flag becomes unfit for display it must be disposed of by burning. On no account should it be left lying about with other unusable articles.

	The National Bird - "Parrot"		A National Bird is not legislated for. However the Sisserou Parrot is generally accepted as the National Bird of Dominica. This Parrot figures prominently on the Coat of Arms, The National Flag, The Public Seal, The Mace of the House of Assembly and Dominica's Honours for Meritorious Service to the Country.

The Sisserou Parrot, probably the oldest species of Amazon parrot in the world, is protected and it is found only in Dominica.

The Sisserou the largest of the two parrots of Dominica is a heavy bodied bird, well proportioned with coloured feathers.

	The National Flower		The plant honoured as the National is a wild one known scientifically as Sabina Carinalis, commonly known as Carib Wood or Bois Caribe, it was legislated as the National Flower in 1978. When in bloom, it displays precocious bright scarlet flowers along the whole length of its branches and is found growing along dry coastal areas.

Distribution in the wild is low, but it is an extremely hardy plant. When grown at high elevations, even in good soil, "Bois Caribe" will be bushy and will not flower profusely. Around April when in full bloom, the plant presents a magnificent spectacle.

The origin of our State motto -- Apres Bon Die c'est la ter - has to traced back to December 1945 when a common labourer composed a song and dance effort and had his effort recorded by historian Fr. R. Proesmans. Raphael Vauclean, then in his fifties, performed a simple song and dance entitled "La Terre" unknowingly copying the world-wide theme of the binding relationship between man and nature of Mother Earth. Adapting, too, to the patois

"Before God and all mankind, pledge allegiance to the flag of the Commonwealth of Dominica and to the Sovereign for which it stands; my love, my loyalty and skills, in the service of Dominica and my fellow Citizens. I promise to work diligently and help build a prosperous and peaceful Nation."