Visions Service Adventures

Dominica is hard core service work in a West Indies country. The Nature Island of the Caribbean is one of the purest of paradises, relatively untouched by tourist hordes. Nearly two-thirds of English-speaking Dominica is undeveloped. Its 365 rivers and streams are mostly usable by boats no larger than canoes. So abundant is fresh water that Dominica exports it to neighboring islands.

In the volcanic mountain range running the length of the island is the world's largest oceanic rain forest, alive with exotic birds and animals. Evidence of Dominica's intense volcanism is everywhere in hot springs and underwater vents that bubble offshore. Yet for all its beauty and rich natural resources, Dominica is one of the poorest Caribbean countries.

VISIONS lives on the northeast coast in Carib Territory. The Caribs are the sole surviving early inhabitants of the Caribbean. Originating in the delta forests of South America, they journeyed in dugout canoes up the Caribbean chain, migrating from one island to the next. They were the supreme seafarers of pre-Columbian America, arriving centuries ahead of European ships. Once proud warriors, the Carib people live quietly today on their small Reserve where facilities are primitive and social services few. Carib dances, music, foods, crafts and medicines survive, but many traditions are quietly slipping away between generations.

Salybia School is our home base. Children are ever present and always ready to play. Mangoes, bananas, and passion fruit are free for the taking. At night the sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the rock beach drifts up to the school grounds where we habitually gather with Carib friends. Life is simple and rustic on the reserve where electricity and reliable plumbing should never be taken for granted.

Service projects vary. VISIONS participants have built pre-schools, classroom additions and traditional thatched huts at Tuona Village. We have painted world map murals on school walls, cleared land for a greenhouse, built roads and bus shelters, roofs, foundations and drainage systems, renovated homes, and assisted local health education initiatives. Every summer we organize a day camp for Carib kids.

In such a lush tropical environment, exploration is a must and always done with our Carib friends. We swim isolated beaches and fresh water rivers, tour Roseau (the capital) by foot and venture to Marigot's colonial forts. We hike through the oceanic rain forest to Trafalgar Falls. Most work days end at Melville Hall and Basa Majo, local nearby swimming holes.