Ross Practical Guide to Dominica
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ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE WELCOMES YOU TO DOMINICA FROM THE EDITORS WELCOME TO THE ROSS COMMUNITY! As visitors to this unique Caribbean island we have an opportunity to experience Dominican culture, cuisine, and the treasures of the “Nature Island.” Your experience in Dominica will be largely influenced by your state of mind. Keeping a positive attitude will be easier with the following in mind: • Island life runs at a slower pace. You cannot change this, it’s part of the culture! • You are a visitor here. • Look to other students, spouses, faculty and staff members for resources and support. We’ve been through the transition and are happy to help. • Get involved. You have a lot to offer no matter what your background may be. Being involved will help you feel good about yourself and will help provide you with new opportunities. We hope that you can use the information in this guide to adjust to and embrace island life. The guide has been put together with the help of many people over many semesters. It includes the information considered to be of the most help to you in your new environment. Various guidebooks are available in Roseau with amazing information about Dominica. Watch for copies of Dominica, 100 Things to Do, a tourism guide, Dominica by Paul Crask, and Dominica Food & Drink Wai’tukubuli: The Official Guide to Eating and Drinking Caribbean Style. (See Additional Resources on page 43). Please keep in mind that you are not alone, but part of a close-knit community. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, family member or spouse, we are here to support each other during this unique cultural experience. Sincerely, Katrina Campbell, Ralna Wade, Megdalynn Fisher, Carol Antone, Elisabeth Butler, Mark Sheakley and Mary Seidel. A special thanks to Mary Taylor and Laura Welke for final editing assistance. Acknowledgements to Dr. David Vogel and Dr. Gerald Grell for their original idea of this booklet. TABLE OF CONTENTS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS .......................3 TELEPHONE SERVICE ...............................20 GENERAL INFORMATION – DOMINICA .................4 CELL PHONES ......................................21 CULTURE ...........................................4 INTERNET SERVICE .................................21 CUISINE ............................................4 TV/CABLE .........................................21 MARKETS ...........................................5 SHIPPING, COURIER & MOVING SERVICES .............22 LANGUAGE .........................................5 CAMPUS SERVICES .................................24 DO’S & DON’TS .....................................5 CAMPUS MAIL ROOM ..............................24 SAFETY ADVICE .....................................6 CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS ..........................24 NATURAL DISASTERS ................................6 COUNSELING SERVICES .............................24 TRAVEL ............................................7 GYMNASIUM ......................................24 IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS ............................7 HEALTH CLINIC ....................................25 LUGGAGE ..........................................7 LIBRARY ...........................................25 AIRLINES ...........................................8 NATIONAL BANK OF DOMINICA ......................26 AIRPORTS ..........................................8 RELIGIOUS GROUPS ................................26 FERRY ..............................................8 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) ........26 DEPARTURE FROM DOMINICA ........................8 SWIMMING POOL ..................................26 HOUSING INFORMATION ............................9 OFF-CAMPUS HEALTH CARE SERVICES ...............27 CHILDREN’S EDUCATION & DAYCARE ................11 BANKING ..........................................27 ROSS UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL ...........11 LAUNDRY SERVICES ................................27 OTHER AREA SCHOOLS .............................12 SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, & SPECIALTY PETS ..............................................13 STORES (LISTED BY LOCATION) .....................28 TRAVELING WITH PETS .............................14 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES .......................35 PET FOOD & SUPPLIES ..............................14 DOMINICA ATTRACTIONS ...........................37 VETERINARY SERVICES ..............................14 HIKING/WATERFALLS/BIRD WATCHING ..............37 TRANSPORTATION .................................15 BEACHES ..........................................38 BUYING A CAR .....................................15 SULPHUR SPRINGS/SPAS ...........................39 TRANSPORTS & TOUR GUIDES .......................16 HOTEL & RESORT ..................................39 ROSS TRANSPORTATION ............................17 SNORKELING ......................................39 A1 TAXI ...........................................17 SCUBA DIVING .....................................40 CAR RENTALS .....................................18 OTHER ADVENTURES ...............................40 UTILITY INFORMATION .............................18 OTHER ISLANDS ...................................40 ELECTRICITY – TRANSFORMERS AND CONVERTERS ....18 HOLIDAYS/CULTURAL EVENTS ......................42 PURCHASING ELECTRICITY ..........................19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ...........................43 SAVING ENERGY. 19 WEBSITES .........................................43 PROPANE TANKS ...................................20 BOOKS AND PERIODICALS ..........................44 WATER INFORMATION ..............................20 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS ROSS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NUMBERS FOR USE ONLY IN AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY (767) 235-9111 OR (767) 445-5911 ROSS MAIN DIRECTORY (767) 255-6500 ROSS HEALTH CLINIC OPEN 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (767) 255-6301 CAMPUS EMTS FOR HEALTH CONCERNS AFTER 5:00PM (767) 235-7677 (767) 235-ROSS AMBULANCE SERVICE 999 OR 911 ROSS SECURITY OFFICE (767) 445-5215 (767) 255-6234 HOSPITALS CHIEF OF SECURITY LYNELL NOLAN PORTSMOUTH HOSPITAL (767) 255-6247 (767) 445-5237, (767) 445-5016 DEPUTY CHIEF OF SECURITY PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL MR. MOREAU (767) 448-2231 MAIN DIRECTORY (767) 255-6378 (767) 266-2105 ER ROSS FRONT GATE GUARD BOOTH DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING (767) 255-6257 (767)-275-1385 DOMINICAN RED CROSS EMBASSIES (767) 448-8280 IT IS ADVISED THAT YOU REGISTER WITH YOUR EMBASSY FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY IN DOMINICA. THAT WAY PORTSMOUTH EMERGENCY INFORMATION YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE EVENT ANY NATURAL DISASTER TAKES PLACE. POLICE DEPARTMENT 999 OR 911 US EMBASSY (BARBADOS) (767) 445-5222 1-246-227-4000 CANADIAN EMBASSY (BARBADOS) FIRE DEPARTMENT 1-246-629-3550 999 OR 911 ROSEAU: (767)-448-2890, (767)-448-2888 FOR OTHER WORLD EMBASSIES: WWW.EMBASSYWORLD.COM Your safety is a priority to us. PLEASE SEE THE SAFETY SECTION ON PAGE 6 FOR MORE. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS | 03 GENERAL INFORMATION DOMINICA One thing that sets Dominican cuisine apart is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The open street markets in Roseau and Portsmouth are the best places to get fresh produce. Some common dishes you may want to try include roti, pelau and braf stew. Callalou and pumpkin soups are delicious traditional meals. “Bakes” are a common breakfast fare, made of fried bread stuffed with eggs and cheese, corned beef or tuna. Seafood is a staple in the Caribbean diet. Each day, fishermen come in with regular catches of tuna, marlin or dorado (mahi-mahi), and will sell it to you fresh out of the ocean. Fish is often served with a traditional Creole sauce. CULTURE If you decide you want a taste of home, there is a mixture Life in the Caribbean flows at a slow, relaxing pace. of international restaurants on the island serving French, Dominica’s rich culture comes from its mix of English, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and American foods. French, African and Carib people. Dominica’s French Creole heritage is evident in the food, music, dance, language and Vegetarians will have no problem finding appealing meals hospitality. in Dominica. Some common dishes include tannia, ackra, fried plantain, breadfruit puffs, provisions and macaroni- The people of Dominica are innately friendly and welcoming. and-cheese. Soy is readily available on the island and is Even in passing, it’s normal to greet anyone you see with incorporated into many local dishes. “Good day, or “OK,” which is the Dominican equivalent to “How are you?” Embracing the culture here will lead to a Whatever your preference, Dominica will be able to suit your very rich and rewarding experience. It will also make your life needs. Ross nutritionist Eleanor Lambert has put together much easier if you converse with people before attempting a Dominican cookbook that you will receive as part of your to do business. welcome to Dominica. It contains recipes that use common Dominican foods enjoyed by the locals. Mrs. Lambert also CUISINE has a shack (Shack #4, “Healthy Choices”) where she sells Expect an enticing, exciting array of Caribbean and Creole fish and health-conscious food every day, including some cuisine during your stay here. Some of Dominica’s best vegetarian items and fresh yogurt. Mrs. Lambert can be displays of local cuisine can be found at roadside snackettes reached at (767) 255-6249. and small cafés. Barbecues are a common sight around the island; they usually offer appetizing treats like barbecued The Ross Spouses Organization has also put together chicken, ribs or plantains stuffed with salt cod. Roasted corn a cookbook for sale containing simple and easy North is often sold along