More Reasons to Love Dominica-Day 5

At times I am mesmerized by the majestic mountain tops of Dominica. They represent grace and strength  to me, because their appearance is simple in design but they are unmovable once they have taken their stand. I am inspired to think higher every time that I see them. From the Roseau Bay, it is very easy to see the coastline of Dominica's magical mountains. 

As I walk through town to shop for a few personal items. I stop for a refreshing juice smoothie at JB's Juice Man Stand. For about 12 years, JB has operated his fruit juice stand at the Old Market Square near the Roseau Bay Front. He is from Pottsville and as a youth he helped prepare  a variety of juices for his mother's restaurant. He then moved to the Virgin Islands where he helped his friend run a juice shop on the beach. This was the first time he had used a blender to mixed the fruits and he took that knowledge back to Dominica.  His spot is very close to the port of call and thus very popular among cruise ship passengers. He can always be spotted with a big smile as he works hard to prepare his delicious fruits smoothies.

JB's future plans include opening up the JUICE MAN RESTAURANT in October of this year just before the Annual World Creole Music Festival. 

The World Creole Music festival is an annual festival that aims to highlight the indigenous musicians of the Caribbean Region. This year marks the 15th Anniversary of the highly anticipated event. On Thursday, a special launching event for the World Creole Music Festival was held at Krazy Kokonuts and the line up of artists included:

Friday 28th October: Cool Bass, Ali Campbell – The legendary voice of UB40 , Jeff Joseph and Grammacks Fame, and WCK.

Saturday 29th October: Kassav, Third World, Jean-Phillipe Marthely and Joceline Beroard supported by Band a Pipo, Carimi and Midnight Groovers.

Sunday 30th October: Swinging Stars, Gyptian, Bunji Garlyn & Faye-Ann Lyons, Alex Catherine, Jocelyne and Triple K Global.

It was announced at the launching that the music festival would cost about $4 million and that the Festival Commission would still need an additional $1 million of in-kind donations in order to meet the budgetary needs of the event. I was surprise to hear that the commission has only been profitable 2 of the 14 years the festival has been in effect. Yet, despite profitability the show must go on.  The festival is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience an integral part of Dominican culture which is its music.





While in Roseau, a first time visitor from the Virgin Islands relates his first impressions of Dominica. Take a listen below.

The weekend promises many more extraordinary experiences.