Nathan & Beth's Medical School Adventure
Life in Dominica Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. To the north/northwest lies Guadeloupe, to the southeast Martinique. Its size is 754 square kilometres (291 sq mi) and the highest point in the country is Morne Diablotins, which has an elevation of 1,447 metres (4,750 ft). The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated population of 72,500. The capital is Roseau.
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake. The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many very rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot, the island's national bird, is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture.
In the next hundred years after Columbus' landing Dominica remained isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763. The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a colony in 1805. The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by blacks. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental control of Dominica turning it into a crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation.
We have found the Dominicans to be a delightful people. A common saying is "everyone knows everyone" and we have quickly found that to be true. It's funny, most of the shops and resturaunts are named after the owner, for example the main "department" store near campus is named "James Store", where you will frequently find James working the register. Also "Rosies Cafe" where she is clearly the sole employee/owner/operator/bartender/chef and hostess. The locals are gracious, helpful, and exceedingly patient when dealing with highly needy American and Canadian medical students.
Interesting Efficiency Innovations on the Island:
1. Electricity: Each residencial dwelling is equiped with a "pay as you go" meter, meaning that you are required to buy electricity in advance at any one of multiple power retailers throughout the city. These power retailers give you a "code" which you input into the meter, and it credits you X number of "units".
2. Hot water: We have seen no traditional hot water heaters on the island. All residences are equiped with a solar powered heater on the roof, which heats water to a temperature that is plenty hot for any normal person. The only drawback is it does tend to run out of hot water occationally.
3. Diesel: almost all vehicles on the island are diesel powered. Common cars are the diesel-powerd japanese vans. They are 12-15 passenger vans equiped with a small diesel engine with low gears.
4. Cell phones: Here is a perfect example of a "leap frog technology". Very few housholds have/have ever had telephone service because the island doesn't have significant landline infrastructure. A few years ago, cell phones became a viable, relatively inexpensive way for Dominicans to communicate. Now, nearly every islander can have a phone with minimal additional infrastructure construction. To give you an example of the affordability, we were able to purchase 2 phones with a pre-paid "minutes package" for $40 US total. Amazing.
