DOMINICA

DEEP TROPICAL RAIN FORESTS, mountains and isolation have preserved the wild beauty of Dominica (Dom-in-EE-ka), reminding visitors of an ear­lier, less commercial Caribbean. What the island lacks in nightlife, duty-free shops and white sand beaches, it makes up for with the natural splendor of its volcanic mountain ranges swathed in the rich green of towering trees, exotic ferns and flowers. Fed by the ample rainfall in the island’s interior, numerous rivers wind through Dominica’s primordial forest, which is home to such endangered species as the imperial and red-necked parrots.

So named because Christopher Columbus dis­covered it on a Sunday, Dominica was a strong-hold of the Carib Indians, who were the dominant indigenous group found on many of the Caribbean islands. Although the Carib popu­lation on many other islands was severely de­pleted, and in some instances wiped out, the Caribs on Dominica frustrated the efforts of the French and British to successfully colonize the island. in the 18th century the island became the scene of fierce battles between the French and the English for outright possession. It was not until the turn of the 20th century that the British, who had become Dominica’s rulers in 1805, fi­nally forced the Caribs onto a reservation.

Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1978, Dominica has carefully nurtured its pris­tine resources. Rather than depending on high­rise resorts and glittering casinos for its economy, Dominica relies primarily on the export of produce. The island government also is encouraging tourism and light industry.

Handcraft centers in the Old Market Plaza in Roseau and on the Carib Indian Territory offer handmade items, including finely woven baskets and Dominica’s unique grass mats; also in the marketplace is the Dominica Museum, which is open Mon-Fri. 9-4, Sat. 9-noon. There are sev­eral boutiques in Roseau and at some hotels throughout the island. Other buys include soaps made locally from fresh coconut oil, other toilet­ries, leather goods, cigars and cigarettes and cas­sette recordings of the traditional jing-ping folk music.

Duty-free shopping is available throughout Roseau. Colombian Emeralds International, (767) 448-7533 is in the Fort Young Hotel on Victoria Street. Whitchurch Ashbuny Duty Free Shop, (767) 448-2181, is in the Garraway Hotel on Bay Front.