Laurent, FM5BH will be active as J79BH from Dominica Island, IOTA NA - 101, 17 - 24 January 2024.
He will operate on HF Bands, CW, SSB, Digital Modes.
QSL via ClubLog OQRS.
Dominica Island. Country Information
Dominica (Carib: Waitu kubuli), officially Commonwealth of Dominica is island country in the Caribean Sea.
Motto: After God is the Earth.
Capital- Roseau.
Official language- English.
Independence from United Kingdom- 3 November 1978.
Currency- East Caribean dollar XCD.
Time- UTC -4.
International phone code- +1-767.
Internet domain- .dm
Popular sport- cricket.
J79BH Dominica Island. Information for Radio Amateurs
DXCC country- Dominica.
WAC continent- North America.
WAZ zone- 8.
ITU zone- 11.
QTH Locator- FK95.
RSGB IOTA reference number- IOTA NA-101.
Dominica
Dominica is a tropical island and country of the same name, located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The official name of the state is the Commonwealth of Dominica. The island neighbours Guadeloupe and Martinique and is the largest in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The area of Dominica is 751 km². Today there are more than 70 thousand people living here, among them only 500 representatives of the indigenous population. The official language is English, and the local dialect of Creole is also widespread. Thanks to its unique landscapes, unique ecosystem and warm climate, this island is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful on the planet.
Colonial history
Little is known about the ancient history of the island. Archaeological finds and rock paintings show that people lived here thousands of years ago. But there is no written evidence about the pre-European period of Dominica - the continent learnt about it about 500 years ago. Immediately after its discovery, the island became a "tidbit" for European conquerors. France was the first to declare sovereignty over Dominica. But already in the middle of the 17th century the island was returned to the Caribs, who owned it for a century. At the end of the 18th century Dominica became the property of the British Crown. The country gained independence only in 1978, which led to an economic crisis. Today, the state earns money from tourism, exports of tropical fruits and speciality Caribbean rum.
An island of unique waterfalls
Dominica is an island of stunning beauty and fabulous scenery. There is a lot of greenery, trees and rare plants. Local flora deserves special attention. Colourful flowers, exotic fruits and dense forests annually attract thousands of travellers from different corners of the planet. This is due to the mild climate and abundance of freshwater springs. Dominica is blessed with 365 rivers, and lush tropical thickets hide dozens of waterfalls.
One of the most impressive and photogenic waterfalls on the island is the world-famous Victoria Falls. It is located in the Morne Trois Piton National Park, which is strictly protected by island laws. At one time the forests of Dominica were subjected to active logging, due to which the ecology was significantly affected. Environmental organisations have made every effort to restore it. Victoria Falls is formed by the White River, which cascades over the cliff into the warm pool below. This river does not have such a name for nothing - the water in it is really not transparent. The special chemical composition due to the concentration of minerals gives the water a milky white colour.
One of the most famous sights of Dominica is Trafalgar Falls. Many people have probably seen its photos - this spring cannot be confused with any other on Earth. Trafalgar Falls is popularly called "twin". In fact, it is a combination of two waterfalls called "Mum", which is on the left, and "Dad" (on the right). They form deep pools and small hot springs nearby.
The virtues of Shaman's Beach
Diving is one of the top activities in Dominica. Both beginners and experienced divers can dive here. For those who want to enjoy the scenery of the seabed, experienced instructors offer their services. There really is a lot to see - Dominica is beautiful not only on the island itself, but also close to it. Shaman's Beach Reef is the most famous diving and snorkelling spot. It is located in a marine reserve off the south-west coast of the country. The water here literally bubbles like soda from a bottle. Geothermal activity causes thousands of bubbles to emerge from beneath the rocks a few metres from the shore.
You won't see large mammals on Dominica, except those that have been introduced to the island. Such animals are mostly used for domestic purposes, and poultry is the main breed. On the land sometimes appear small representatives of fauna - rodents and spiders. But in the water you will find a real abundance. The variety of underwater inhabitants amazes the imagination. Frogfish, flying gurnards, squid and seahorses are just some of the species that inhabit the warm waters of Dominica.
"Purple Turtle"
There are many things that are unusual in Dominica. The Purple Turtle Beach, which is popular with tourists, is no exception. It is located in the north of the island and is quite different from other coasts. It is covered with light-coloured sand, which looks like a carpet of perfectly even structure. Near the water grow palm trees and tropical shrubs. In the morning you can watch flocks of colourful birds - ornithologists from all over the world come to Dominica to enjoy this spectacle. There are traditional Caribbean restaurants and diving equipment hire shops on the beach. Locals are happy to chat with foreigners, offering them rum cocktails and souvenir jewellery. The coves along the coastline deserve special attention - they look exactly like the bungalows from the cult film Blue Lagoon.
Developed infrastructure
Dominica has a well-developed transport system that dates back to the British rule. Some roads are well paved, but in the provincial areas they are mostly in very poor condition. Driving here, as in Britain, is left-handed. The most popular and affordable transport in Dominica is the taxi. The most convenient way to get to another city is by bus. To rent a car on the island, you must have a local provisional driving licence. There are also two airports in Dominica, Melville Hall and Canefield, which accept domestic airline flights.
Symbiosis of cultural traditions
Dominica's colonial history has not been without its cultural traditions. Caribbean customs have blended with French and British customs - today they are inseparable, making the island even more attractive as a tourist destination. Every year, Dominica hosts the World Creole Music Festival. Fishing experts come to the country on a regular basis to compete in local championships. The most popular sporting activities are diving, hiking and cycling.
The island has something to please fans of gastronomic tourism as well. Local recipes differ little from the culinary traditions of other Caribbean countries. But in each dish there is a flavour of Britain, though they look exotic. The cuisine of Dominica is a combination of Indian, Spanish, French and English traditions, flavoured with local peculiarities. Poultry and seafood are often used for cooking. Local specialities are made from the meat of iguanas, possums, agouti and small fish.
The island's fertile soil produces a rich harvest of fruit and vegetables. Among the wide range of alcoholic beverages, local rum is considered the most popular. A variety of cocktails are prepared on the basis of rum, among which everyone will find an ideal variant for themselves.
Video Dominica Island