Dominica: The Nature Island of the Caribbean.
3 min read
The country of Commonwealth of Dominica is a beautiful nation in the heart of Caribbean Island. The country which has a population of 71,991 according to the 2020 census has great potentials for tourism. From time to time, several Nigerians have visited the island and will continue to visit. From the first time I arrived the country, I felt totally at home because of the tropics of the island. The weather is like a typical Nigerian weather. At times, this gives a nostalgic feeling that you are in the West African super nation.
From some reports I gathered concerning how the country is governed, the Commonwealth of Dominica is a typical sovereign island state with a Parliamentary system of government. The constitution which largely explains how the country is being governed among other theories and set of laws was adopted in 1978. In the country, you find terminologies such as Chief of State which means the president and Head of Government, which means the Prime Minister. There are other top positions found in the government of the island.
From historical submissions I gathered, the Great Britain arrived the island in 1763 after the Seven Years War, occupied the island as its colony and finally established English as its official language and for over 200 years until the island gained its independence in 1978. The independence brought Fred Degazon as the first indigenous president of the island. The country has since then, produced 11 presidents till date.
In Nigeria, many confuse the Commonwealth of Dominica with the Dominican Republic. When you tell them that they are two different countries, they get more confused and try to inquire more. The Commonwealth of Dominica is and has never been the same as Dominican Republic. Commonwealth of Dominica is a sovereign state that is found in the Windward Islands in-between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Some geographers and tourists have also described the island as halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, while the Dominican Republic is in the island of Hispaniola of the Greater Antilles. The island is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations but rather, it became a sovereign republican state on independence. The island from available facts is a full member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
For many Nigerians who would like to travel to the island, just be prepared to meet your “brothers” who were sold to slavery several centuries back. They are very homely, accommodating and hospitable. Crime rate in the country is very low and social disorganization is very low. The country’s passport can enter over 125 countries visa free, including Nigeria.
Charles Savarin who is a member of the Dominica Labour Party is the current president since 2013. He has been trying his best to fix the country. Charles Angelo Savarin who is married to Clara J. Savarin is in the good books of many citizens on his country.
Chiamaka Prisca Akojuru Ferdinard is the Umuaka Times correspondent in Caribbean Island.
