Dominica offers hard core service work in a Third World 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, and 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 with numerous hot springs on land and underwater vents that bubble offshore. And yet for all its tranquil beauty and wealth of natural resources, Dominica is one of the poorest Caribbean countries.

VISIONS's site is on the northeast shore in the 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 most accomplished seafarers of pre-Columbian America, arriving centuries before Colonial European ships. Once proud nomadic warriors, today the Carib people live quietly on their small Reserve where public facilities are primitive and resources few. Carib dances, music, foods, crafts and medicines are still practiced, but many traditions are quietly slipping away between generations.

Our home base at Salybia School is encircled by the homes of Carib families. Local children are ever present and always ready to play. We may have dinner with Karifuna or Korina, local cultural groups who practice drumming and dancing just over the hill from our home base, perhaps visit for an evening with members of the Carib Council who meet in a nearby building renovated during previous VISIONS programs. Mangoes, bananas, and passion fruit grow on the surrounding trees and are free for the taking. At night the sound of the ocean crashing against the rock beach below drifts up to the school grounds where we often gather with our Carib friends. Life is simple and rustic on the reserve where even electricity and reliable plumbing should not be taken for granted.

In Dominica your service will be varied. You may construct a pre-school building or renovate a home. You might paint a world map mural on a school wall, clear land for a community greenhouse, build bus shelters or organize a summer day camp for Carib children. You could assist a grassroots health education initiative, take part in 'green' building projects or improve the small home of a disabled worker. Past VISIONS participants have accomplished all of these projects and more.

We take exploration seriously in this lush tropical environment. We swim and walk isolated beaches, tour the capital city of Roseau, hike through the oceanic rain forest to Victoria and Trafalgar Falls. At the end of almost every workday we relax at the nearby swimming holes of Melville Hall and Basa Majo. Our Carib friends will guide us on these and other outings in a setting of unspoiled beauty and simplicity where friendship is freely given.