Dominica

Dominica rests in the Windward Islands between Guadeloupe and Martinique. The island was originally inhabited by the Carib Tribe. Columbus came upon the island in 1493, and it was jostled between the French and English for 400 years. Not much care was given to colonizing or caring for the island. Much of the time Dominica was left to its own devices. It achieved independence in 1978.

There are two main people groups on the island: the Carib Indians and the descendents of African slaves. The official language is English with Patois, a French derivative, widely spoken.

The Catholic Church is the most established church on the island. The country is in economic crisis with poor health care and high unemployment. Alcohol and drug abuse statistics are high, yet the crime rate is low.

The Church of the Nazarene
The Church of the Nazarene, though present for a number of years, is still in its formative stage. There are 7 churches on the island: Bataca, Gaullet River (both in the Carib territory), Roseau, Gallion, Pichelin, Bioche, and St. Joseph. The climate on the island is hot and humid. The temperatures are generally between 76-86 F (25-30 C). The rainy season is July—October with hurricane season from June—November.

The currency used is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. There is an exit tax of $50 EC=$20 U.S. from the country. The most convenient airport to fly into is the Melville Hall airport (by Amerijet-American Airlines). A bus (van) would need to be rented for each team of 10-12; the cost is $100/day U.S. Because medical facilities are poor or non-existent, a traveler should bring his/her own medications including such things as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough medicine, etc. There is one flight that leaves Dominica each day so that needs to be kept in mind for any medical emergencies. We do not advise those with pre-existing conditions such as heart problems to travel to Dominica.

Sources:
Parker, J. Fred. Mission to the World: A History of Missions in the Church of the Nazarene through 1985. Nazarene Publishing House, Kansas City, MO, 1988.
Rev. Bob Tattrie
Dr. John Smee

Missionary:

Rev. Dan & Mrs. Brenda Hopkins

email: dhopkins@missiondominica.org
Phone: 767-445-8051