A view of Scotts Head, Dominica.

With its lush green surroundings, breathtaking waterfalls and 365 rivers, Dominica is an island of untold beauty. Trinis would enjoy a river lime there, and tourists would like the snorkelling and whale and dolphin safaris, while the mountainous terrain would attract any hiker. In an effort to enhance its image as a tourism spot, The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has taken on a project to develop the Waitukubuli trail, which means “tall is her body.”

The project consists of 14 discontinued segments around the island. This project not only aims to increase the number of tourists visiting the island, but also benefit nationals as it will create jobs for people in the targeted communities. Dominica is an island where everything is preserved and appreciated by its people, right down to the rocks of the river.
Though it took the media three planes to arrive in Dominica, as there are no direct flights to the island, it was worth the wait.

Old and new meets
As we approached the Melville Hall Airport, large coconut trees winked from the tall mountains, just before the plane landed on the short air-landing strip. It was then off to the Fort Young Hotel located in the town of Roseau—an hour and a half drive. Up we drove on the winding narrow road, all the while taking in the incredibly bright green natural environment, passing through the rainforest. The island is the youngest in the Caribbean and most of the natural environment is untouched. An island with little in the way of development, agriculture and tourism are its main sources of income. The town of Roseau is small and quaint and the ocean roars within walking distance of the hotels and guest houses.

At Fort Young Hotel, the media got a taste of the Ocean Front view for the entire trip. We were wooed to sleep by the soothing crashing of the waves no more than two feet away. For T&T, a place where forts are well-known, the hotel gives a feeling of historical importance. Walking into the hotel felt like going back in times. The hotel was destroyed in 1969 by Hurricane David. Ten years later it was rebuilt and part of the original fort remains. Walking from the reception area (located in the ancient part of the hotel) to the modern rooms felt like travelling through time—from the 1700s to 21st century. For those who wish for a simpler experience, smaller guest houses line the coastlines, no more than five minutes away from each other. On our first official day of exploring the island, the media was taken to Scotts Head to begin a hike on an 1,800 foot trail up a mountain at Waitukubuli. Ashton, our tour guide, called it a moderate hike, which he said he could finish in one hour.

It took us two and a half hours to arrive atop the mountain at the French Quarter, as we stopped along the way to gather information. The media was told that most of the trail existed as Carib Kalinago paths, which were cut by Dominica’s indigenous people. Along the way, there were terraces created with rocks, which now form sturdy walls. There was also a large area where coal was made. Strangely enough, there were cows grazing atop the clearing of the mountain. And apparently natives climb the mountain to tend to them. Dominica, rich in culture, has a story to tell to all who visit her shores.

•The Sunday Guardian, two members of another T&T media house and a tour operator, were treated to a familiarisation trip by the Discover Dominica Authority from June 18 to 22.