Going Green in Dominica

Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, verdant green valleys and lush mountainous interior. Dominica also has been called “the Gem of the Caribbean” and “the Water Island”– all monikers which evoke strong sentiments of its natural heritage and the endless possibilities for living in harmony with nature.

Living green in Dominica just got a little bit easier.

In an effort to reduce the use of plastic bags on island and to help keep Dominica’s environment “clean & green” a new cloth grocery bag is now available.

This environmentally friendly carry-all is a top-of-the line cloth grocery bag with many great features:

• Extra-Long Sturdy Straps for comfort & security
• A Sturdy Base (folds flat for storage) making packing and unpacking a breeze
• Light-Weight and Water Resistant Material

This Green Bag has a Dominica Logo, making it a great souvenir or gift from the Nature Island.

• Visit GreenDominica.org for more details about the Dominica Green Bag - Online Purchase available!
  

Dominica Footballers Do Us Proud!

Dominicans came out by the thousands last night to cheer on their National Football Team in the first FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match held in the new Windsor Park Stadium.

 

Save!

The steady drizzle of rain throughout the evening did not put a damper on anyone’s spirits. The fans were as ready for this match as the Football team. The first half was marked by a quick pace and exciting play. The crowd roared to their feet as one when Dominica Striker Richard Pacquette scored the first goal at just 20 minutes in. But Barbados was able to equalise just before halftime.

Goal!!

The second half brought more severe rain, but the team did not give up. The pace slowed down and as the ball slogged across the wet pitch, neither team could manage the winning goal.

Spectacular saves by Dominica’s Goalie Glenson Prince were the highlight of the match for this football fan - and gets him my vote for Man of the Match!

Dominica will play Barbados in a return match to be held in Barbados on March 26th. See you there!

Carnival Slideshow - Dominica

Here’s a snapshot of Dominica’s Carnival 2008

Dominica Carnival 2008 - Carnival Monday Costume Parade

Monday February 4th, 2008

Dominica’s Carnival celebrations began at 4 am Monday morning with the annual J’Ouvert Celebrations. Although it was a bit cold and rainy at that early hour, many revelers turned out to kick-off The Real Mas.

By the time the Costume Parade began the sun was shining and drying off the streets of Roseau. The King & Queen were at the head of the parade: King Dice and Queen Marah Walter (Photo at left).

Dominica’s 2008 Carnival was full of colourful, vibrant costume bands.

For more about Carnival and Calypso in Dominica, visit avirtualDominica.com

For more photos of Dominica’s Carnival, see Steve’s Flickr Carnival Set here.

Dice Does it Again! and again, again… #4 for De Dice!

Dennison “Dice” Joseph is the 2008 Calypso Monarch and Carnival King of Dominica!

After finishing fourth in last year’s competition, Dice was back in full strength last night and bang on form. His stunning performances at the Calypso Monarch Competition (held in the stadium) proved that he is still at the top of his game. His songs “Roll de Dice and See” and “On My Own” were clearly crowd favourites, but he also satisfied the Judges’ criteria: Lyrics, Melody, Rendition and Presentation.

Scrunter and Daddy Chess gave Dice a good chase, but despite the overwhelming popularity of Daddy Chess’s “Forward We Go” and the unveiling of his previously un-released second song “Amazing Grace,” he did not manage to out-perform De Dice.

In addition to the ten Calypsonians performing their songs, there were also award presentations made by the Diaspora of South Florida to recognise those who have contributed to the artform of Calypso over many years. Norman Letang, Ossie Lewis and Patrick Pemberton all received plaques to honour their efforts.

• For the full list of winners, visit Calypso on avitualDominica.com

Marah Walter Captures 2008 Carnival Queen Title

Miss Marah Walter of Paix Bouche is the winner of Dominica’s 2008 Miss Dominica Pageant.

She begins her reign as Carnival Queen for the upcoming year, taking over from Leandra Lander, Miss Dominica 2007. Mara earned her title by out-competing six other Queen Contestants at the Windsor Park Stadium on Friday night. Congratulations to Marah! (Photo (c) DFC)

Congratulations also go out to Kari Panthier, winner of the Miss Teen Dominica Competition.

• For a list of 2008 Carnival Season winners, visit avirtualDominica.com.

Daddy Chess is Soca Monarch!

The Soca Monarch Show last Saturday gave Dominica a new Soca King: Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang. His winning song “That’s the Way We Like It” rocketed Dominicans to their feet in a frenzy of unity and exuberance. Now Daddy Chess can move on to the Calypso Monarch Competition with some additional confidence under his belt… Forward He Goes!

And another Big Up to Daddy Chess for capturing the “King of the Tent” title at Stardom Calypso Tent this year!

Don’t miss the finals on February 2nd in the new Stadium.

For more information on Calypso, visit avirtualDominica.com’s Calypso page

A Football First in the New Stadium

On Sunday, January 20th, Earsan Fontaine became the first Dominica footballer to score a goal in the new Windsor Park Stadium.

Fontaine, a striker for Dominica’s national football team, was playing with his Premier League team Sagicor South East, facing off against Portsmouth. Despite the thrill of his initial goal, his team could not pull out a victory and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

The second game of the night matched Harlem United against Kensbro, with Harlem walking away the winners 3 - 2.

• Don’t miss Dominica’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier Match against Barbados on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008. Right here in Dominica in our new stadium at 7 pm - see you there!
• Ticket Prices: EC $20 Adults / $10 Children — Buy them in Advance!

Calypso Final 9

Saturday Night at Newtown Savanne, Dominica’s Calypso Semi-Final Competition was in full swing. The competition was tough this year, with four former Calypso Monarchs among the competitors.
The final nine calypsonians who will compete against reigning King Hunter for the 2008 crown are (in no particular order):

• Tarina
• De Webb
• Dice
• Scrunter
• Caressa
• Sandy
• Daddy Chess
• Sye
• Observer

The Calypso Finals will be held in the new stadium on Saturday, February 2nd. See you there!

• For more information about Carnival & Calypso in Dominica, visit avirtualDominica.com.

“The Dutchess” is Dominica’s 2008 Junior Calypso Monarch

Dominica’s Junior Monarch Competition was held at Harlem Plaza on Thursday evening, January 17th, 2008.

Twelve youngsters, ranging in age from 11 to 16, performed their songs to an appreciative crowd. But it was Donna Lee “The Dutchess” Peters who took home the crown for the third straight year with her song “True Reflection.”

At the young age of 16, Donna Lee has been crowned Dominica’s Junior Monarch four times: in 2003, 2006, 2007 and now 2008.

Congratulations to all the young Calypsonians - each of whom received a participation plaque. We all look forward to seeing The Dutchess compete in the adult Calypso Competition in 2009!

For more information about Calypso in Dominica:

• Showdown Mas Camp’s website
• a virtual Dominica’s Calypso page