Dominica Pt 2

 

This week we are looking at a few more facts about the country of Dominica.

Their national animal is the Sisserou parrot, also known as the Imperial amazon or Dominican amazon. It is an endangered species, endemic to Dominica, and appears on the national flag and coat of arms.

The national flower is the Sabinea carinalis, commonly known as Carib Wood or Bois Caraibe. It's also referred to as Bwa Kwaib. 

They have an official national dish called Callaloo soup. This hearty, thick soup is made with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, and often includes yams, peppers, onions, salted meat or crab, and green bananas. It's a staple in Dominican cuisine and is often served during special occasions. 

The coat of arms was adopted on July 21, 1961. It consists of a shield with two guardian sisserou parrots bracing the shield atop of which is a lion passant. The quarters of the shield depict a canoe, a banana tree, a palm and a frog of the native species known as the mountain chicken.

The country has made strides in protecting women's rights through legal frameworks and international commitments, but challenges remain, particularly in areas like workplace discrimination and access to reproductive health services. The government has enacted legislation addressing violence, including domestic violence and sexual offenses, and has ratified international conventions like CEDAW. However, gaps exist in areas like employment discrimination and the availability of emergency contraception.

The age of consent for sexual relations is 16. The law prohibits using children for commercial sexual exploitation, including child sex trafficking, and related activity may be prosecuted under laws against prostitution or trafficking.

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Dominica has a Westminster-style parliamentary government, and there are three political parties--the Dominica Labour Party (the majority party), the Dominica United Workers Party, and the Dominica Freedom Party. A president and prime minister make up the executive branch.

It is considered one of the safest Caribbean countries for travelers. Whether you're a solo traveler, a same-sex couple, or a family with children, the island's progressive laws, including legislation decriminalizing same-sex relations on 22 April 2024, ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all demographics.  However, visitors should exercise caution at all times. Regarding outdoor activities, most beaches in Dominica are safe for swimming and snorkelling.