Ross UniveRsity

school of Medicine

WelcoMes yoU to doMinica

W e l c o m e t o R o s s U n i v e r s i t y

Dear Newcomer to the Ross Community:

Welcome to a new adventure! You have chosen to be a resident of thebeautiful island of Dominica and to be a member of Ross University.Whether you are joining us as a student, staff, or faculty member, we are excited to welcome you and want your time with us to be funand fruitful.

While coming to any new place brings challenges, living on an island and adjusting to a medical school environment brings a unique set of circumstances.Our Ross team has put together a guide with answers to many frequently askedquestions. We encourage you to look through it carefully. It will help you get theflavor of what you are about to experience, make you aware of opportunities youdon’t want to miss, and prepare you for learning new life skills.

We wish you to have many good days with us. Please begin today. Or, as Dominicans may say in French Creole, Bon Jou!

Dean Mary Coleman

Emergency Phone Numbers _______________5

General Information – Dominica ___________6Culture____________________________________6Cuisine____________________________________6The Shacks ________________________________6Markets ___________________________________7Language _________________________________7Do’s & Don’ts______________________________7

Safety Information_______________________8-9Safety Advice ______________________________8Natural Disasters _________________________8-9

Travel _________________________________9-10Important Travel Tips _______________________9Luggage _________________________________10Airlines __________________________________10Airports __________________________________10Ferry_____________________________________10Departure from Dominica __________________10

Housing Information __________________11-12

Children’s Education & Daycare ___________13Ross University Preparatory School __________13Other Area Schools ________________________13

Pets _____________________________________14Traveling with pets ________________________14Pet Food & Supplies _______________________14Veterinary Services ________________________14

Transportation ________________________15-17Buying a car ______________________________15Transports & Tour Guides __________________16Ross Transportation ____________________16-17A1 Taxi __________________________________17Car Rentals _______________________________17

Utility Information ____________________18-21Electricity – Transformers and Converters ______18Purchasing Electricity ______________________18Saving Energy ____________________________19Propane Tanks ____________________________19Water Information ________________________20Telephone Service ________________________20Cell Phones ______________________________20Internet Service ___________________________21TV Cable ________________________________21

Shipping, Courier & Moving Services _____22-23

Campus Services ______________________24-25Cable & Wireless _________________________24The Café _________________________________24Campus Bookstore ________________________24Campus Mail Room _______________________24Campus Organizations ____________________24Counseling Services _______________________24Gymnasium ______________________________24Health Clinic _____________________________25Library __________________________________25National Bank of Dominica _________________25The Physical Examiner _____________________25Religious Groups __________________________25Student Government Association (SGA) _______25Subway _________________________________25Swimming Pool __________________________25

Off-Campus Health Care Services _________26

Banking _________________________________26

Laundry Services _________________________26

Shopping, Restaurants, & Specialty Stores (Listed by Location) ______________27-30

Volunteer Opportunities __________________31

Dominica Attractions __________________32-35Hiking/Waterfalls/Bird Watching _________32-33Beaches _________________________________33Sulphur Springs/Spas ___________________33-34Hotel & Resort ___________________________34Snorkeling _______________________________35Scuba Diving _____________________________35Other Adventures _________________________35

Other Islands ____________________________36

Holidays/Cultural Events _________________37

Additional Resources _____________________38Websites _________________________________38Books and Periodicals _____________________39

T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

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A R o s s C o m m u n i t y P u b l i c a t i o n :T h e P r a c t i c a l G u i d e t o

L i v i n g i n D o m i n i c aFrom 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 andembrace 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 & DrinkWai’tukubuli: The Official Guide to Eating and Drinking Caribbean Style. (See Additional Resources on page 38).

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 MarySeidel. 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.

November 2010 by Kristen Beevers

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Ross Emergency Assistance NumberFor use only in an actual emergency(767) 235-9111 or (767) 445-5911

Ross Emergency InformationRoss Main Directory(767) 255-6500

Ross Health Clinic: open 7:00am – 7:00pm(767) 255-6301

Campus EMTs: For health concerns after 5:00pm(767) 235-7677(767) 235-ROSS

Ross Security Office(767) 255-6234

Chief of Security, Jefferson Ferrol(767) 255-6247

Deputy Chief of Security, Mr. Moreau(767) 255-6378

Ross Front Gate Guard Booth(767) 255-6257

Dominican Red Cross(767) 448-8280

Portsmouth Emergency Information

Police Department(767) 445-5222

Fire Department999Additional emergency fire numbers767-448-5215, 767-448-2889 (Portsmouth)767-448-2890 (Roseau)

Hospital(767) 445-5237

Ambulance Service(767) 445-5215

Director of Counseling767-275-5394

You should register with your embassy forthe duration of your stay in Dominica.

US Embassy (Barbados)1-246-227-4000

Canadian Embassy (Barbados)1-246-629-3550

E m e r g e n c y P h o n e N u m b e r s

Safety Advice: Your safety is a priority to us.Please refer to Safety Information section, pg 8-9, for details.

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G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o nD o m i n i c a

CultureLife in the Caribbean flows at a slow and relaxingpace. Dominica's rich culture comes from its mix ofEnglish, French, African, and Carib people. This isevident in the food, music, dance, language, andhospitality. The people of Dominica are innately friendlyand welcoming. Even in passing, it is normal to greetanyone you see with a, “Good day,” or “OK,” theDominican equivalent to “How are you?” Embracingthe culture here will lead to a very rich and rewardingexperience. Itwill also makeyour life mucheasier if youconverse withpeople beforeattempting todo business.

CuisineDominicaoffers anenticing arrayof Caribbean and Creole cuisine. The French Creoleculture affects many aspects of the culture includinglanguage, customs, and music, but most importantly,the food. One thing that sets Dominican cuisine apartis the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Theopen street markets in Roseau and Portsmouth are thebest places to get fresh produce.

Some of Dominica’s best displays of local cuisine canbe found at the roadside snackettes and small cafés.Barbeques are a common sight around the island, andusually offer appetizing treats such as barbequechicken, ribs or plantains stuffed with salt cod. Roastedcorn is often sold along the roadside. Some commondishes you may want to try include roti, pelau, and braf stew. Callalou and pumpkin soups are delicioustraditional meals. Bakes are a common breakfast farethat are made of fry bread stuffed with eggs andcheese, corned beef or tuna. Seafood is a staple in theCaribbean diet. Each day, fishermen come in withregular catches of tuna, marlin or dorado (Mahi Mahi),and will sell it to you fresh out of the ocean. Fish isoften served with a traditional Creole sauce. If you

decide you want a taste of home, there is a mixture ofinternational restaurants on the island serving French,Italian, Chinese, Indian and American foods.Vegetarians will have no problem finding appealingmeals in Dominica. Some common dishes includetannia ackra, fried plantain, breadfruit puffs, provisionsand macaroni and cheese. Soy is readily available onthe island and is incorporated into many local dishes.Whatever your preference is, Dominica will be able tosuit your needs.

Ross nutritionistEleonoreLambert hasput together a Dominicancookbook thatwill be given toyou as part ofyour welcometo Dominica. It containsrecipes that

use common Dominican foods enjoyed by the locals. Mrs. Lambert also has a shack (Shack #4 “HealthyChoices”) where she sells fish and health-consciousfood every day, including some vegetarian items and fresh yogurt. Mrs. Lambert can be reached at 767-255-6249.

The Ross Spouses Organization has also put together a cookbook for sale containing simple and easy NorthAmerican recipes made with ingredients that areavailable on the island.

The ShacksLocated right next to campus is a small areaknown as “The Shacks.” These small stands servea variety of food including bakes, pizza, fresh produce,local juices, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches, bakedgoods, etc. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks areavailable throughout the day. At least one shack isopen every day of the week (except during semesterbreaks and local holidays). The Shacks are theequivalent of a university cafeteria offering a variety of choices, good prices and friendly service.

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MarketsThe best place to get fresh produce and fish is themarket. There are two main markets: Portsmouth andRoseau. The largest Portsmouth market is open onSaturday, with limited selection available on Tuesdayand Friday. It is located near thewaterfront straight down themain road… follow the crowds!

The market in Portsmouthbegins at 5:30 am and goes to about 12:00 pm. The earlieryou arrive, the more options youwill have. Listen for the conchshell (sounds like a horn) toannounce the availability of fishand lobster, usually for sale righton the waterfront.

Walk past the street vendors and through the pavilionto purchase fresh meat at the market. To attend theRoseau market on Saturday, you can catch the School-scheduled transport at 8:30 am in front of the library.(See transportation section,pgs. 15-17) The market inRoseau offers the best selection and variety.

Haggling for a better price is rarely done at themarkets, though price comparisons are highlyrecommended. Three side-by-side vendors may havethree different prices for the same item. Try and go tothe market as often as possible for the best fresh

produce, meats, and fish. Bringsmall change and a bag for yourpurchases.

The locals love to tell you about theproduce: what it is, when it will beready, how to prepare it, etc. Just ask!There is a variety of exotic fruits andvegetables available; be experimental,you may find a new favorite! Try someof the following: dasheen, bread fruit,or plantains (they look like greenbananas) instead of potatoes; fruits

like papaya, mango, guava, custard apples, sour sop,apricots, passion fruit, star fruit, tamarinds, many typesof oranges, and sugar cane. Immature coconuts are afavorite among the islanders. They will cut them openfor you to enjoy the milk and jelly. Don’t forget to washyour produce. Diluted vinegar works well to cleanproduce, and is highly recommended for leafy produce.

L a n g u a g eEnglish is the official language of Dominica, but most islanders speak with a heavy accent that will take sometime to get used to. Many locals also speak French Creole to each other, but you will not be expected tounderstand it.

D o’s & D o n’t sPlease Do

• Get to know the local people—say, “Good day”• Explore the hiking trails• Swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea—

try snorkeling or scuba diving• Go whale/turtle watching• Soak in a hot spring or spa• Enjoy the rainforest• Try the local cuisine• Experience the flair of the open street market• Respect the island and the culture

(See Dominica’s Attractions, pg. 32)

Please Don’t• Take photos of people without their permission• Litter• Pick flora or disturb wildlife• Go to isolated areas without a certified guide• Give money to children or beggars• Wear swimsuits/revealing clothing in town• Participate in illegal activities

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S a f e t y I n f o r m a t i o nSafety Advice

1. Avoid walking alone after dark. Take advantage ofthe free transportation provided by Ross. (See Ross Transportation, pgs. 15-17.)

2. Carry a flashlight.3. Lock the doors and windows at your apartment.4. Save all emergency numbers on your cell phone.5. Don’t accept rides from solicitors who are not

transports. (A certified driver has an “H” as the firstletter on his license plate).

6. Don’t give rides to strangers.7. Don’t give money to beggars (the government

asks us not to).8. Learn to say “no” to people selling items you

don’t want or when you feel uncomfortable.9. Women: ignore men who catcall or hiss at

you by not looking at them and continue on your way.

10. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or displayitems of value (i.e., iPods, computers, etc.).

11. During holidays, the crime rate goes up. Theft is especially high through the Christmas season.This is a very safe island; however, you shouldstill be cautious, especially during this time of theyear. Just be aware of your surroundings andconscious of what valuable items you may be arecarrying with you.

12. If approached by a thief do not fight back. Take thearticle that they are demanding, throw itaway from you, and run in the other direction.

13. Report any safety incidents to Ross Securityimmediately.

13. Keep electronics, purses, back packs, etc. hiddenfrom view of home and car windows.

Basically, be wary of suspicious situations and act likeyou live here instead of acting like a tourist.

Like any other place in the world, Dominica is not without petty crime; however, there are certain thingswe can do to be safe and keep ourselves out of harm’s way.

�P

N a t u r a l D i s a s t e r sDominica is located within the hurricane and earthquake belt of the Lesser Antilles. Hurricane season runsfrom the beginning of June to the end of November. You will receive an email and a pamphlet at thebeginning of hurricane season (first week of June) regarding safety precautions. Check with your landlordto find out if your apartment is considered safe during a hurricane. If it is not, find a “buddy” who will bewilling to let you stay with him or her for the duration of a potential storm. If you cannot find a hurricane buddy, you may be able to stay on campus.

Prior to a hurricane, Ross University willissue several emails and postings withadvice and instructions pertaining to the storm. Your safety is of great concernto the University, and you should follow these instructions carefully.

It is wise to have enough water and food set aside to sustain you and yourloved ones during a natural disaster. The Ross Hurricane PreparednessCommittee is dedicated to keeping you informed and safe in the event of a natural disaster.

continued on next page

Natura l Disasters , cont inued

For more information on ways to personally prepare for a natural disaster visit:

• For all natural disasters:www.ready.gov/america/index.html

• For earthquake information:www.earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/

• For hurricane information: www.nhc.noaa.gov

• University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center:www.uwiseismic.com. Dominica now has a local earth quakemonitoring as well called the Public Seismic Network Inc.

• Dominica’s website is: www.dominicapsn.freeyellow.com

• Ross Emergency Assistance: (767) 235-9111

• Dominica Red Cross: (767) 448-8280

• Dominica Office of Disaster Management (767) 448-7777

• Radio stations: DBS—104.7 FMKairi—107.9 FM

T r a v e lImportant Travel Tips

Being well prepared is essential for a successful move to Dominica. Some important tips include:

• Make several copies of your passport and/or visa for your personal records(it is also recommended that you copy the contents of your wallet).

• Assemble all your important documents (Ross acceptance letter, plane tickets, hotel reservations, driver’slicense, marriage certificate, birth certificate, record/reference of prior insurance, immunization records) and make several copies of each.

• Bring enough cash and/or traveler’s checks to sustain you for two months(including your rent, deposit, food, electricity, etc.).

• Confirm your itinerary with your airline 72 hours prior to departure.

• Note: Please refer to the Pet section for information on traveling with your pet, pg. 14.

There are several websites that will be very helpful for your transition. You may access thewww.rossu.edu. website for a variety of campus,travel, housing and other resources. The Ross Spouses Organization website atwww.rossmedspouses.wordpress.com providesvarious guides and packing lists.

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LuggageIf you are bringing toiletries in your carry-onluggage, all airlines require you to pack them in a clear, quart-sized resealable bag. Each item inthe bag cannot have more than 3oz. of fluid in it.All liquid items are required to fit in the quart-sized bag. See AA website re: luggage and carryon dimensions.

Small, roll-on luggage that can be checkedplaneside offers the most secure baggagehandling (you will stand the highest probability ofarriving at your destination at the same time asyour baggage).

American Airlines Luggage Restrictions:There is a 70 lb, two bag limit when flying out ofMelville Hall. One of the two bags cannot weighmore than 50 lb. Please weigh your bags beforeyou leave for the airport. If your items weigh morethan 70 lb. and if the flight is fully booked, you willbe expected to empty your suitcase at the airportuntil you have the correct weight. You may not beable to pay extra to carry a heavy suitcase.

LIAT luggage restrictions

Effective from December 1st,2008, the free baggageallowance for all LIAT serviceswill be set at one piece at amaximum of 50 lbs (23 kgs).Further, the maximum overallsize per piece will be 62 inches(157 cms). In addition,passengers will be allowed one piece of cabin baggageinclusive of a laptop at 21 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. Passengers are alsoasked to note that extra piecesof baggage (that is, pieces inexcess of the above allowance) will be subject to excessbaggage charges and will only be accepted on aspace available (standby) basis.

Airlines

Airlines with flights to and from Dominica include:

American Airlines 1-800-433-7300, www.aa.com

• Reservations 1-800-433-7300

• Lost luggage (767) 445-7204

LIAT Airlines 1-888-844-LIAT (5428), (767) 448-3980, (767) 440-2452 www.liatairline.com

• Melville Hall LIAT (767) 445-7242

Carib Aviation 1-800-744-2323 or 449-1060(Canefield Airport), www.carib-aviation.com

Winair Airlines www.fly-winair.com 1-866-466-0410or local agent 767-448-2181/0111

Coastal Air Transport flies to other islands; departsfrom Canefield Airport 767-235-1060

Airports

Melville Hall (Main airport): (767) 445-7100

Canefield (Subsidiary): (767) 449-1199

Ferry

L’Express des Iles--The high-speed ferry connectingDominica to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia.Contact Whitchurch Travel for schedules and tickets,(767) 448-2181, x1144www.whitchurch.com/express.htm

Departure from Dominica

• You will need $59 EC/$23 US for the departuretax to leave Dominica. (Children under 12 years ofage are exempt from the departure tax.) This taxapplies whether you are leaving the island by airplane or ferry. There are no ATMs at theterminals; be sure to bring money with you. Exact change is advised.

• Beverages may not be carried onto the plane. If you buy any drinks at the snackette you willneed to drink them before you board the plane.

• Contact your airline in advance if you will betravelling with your pet. (See section on Pets, pg. 14.)

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One of the most important decisions you will makein Dominica will be where you decide to live. It’s alittle different from housing in the States, but thereare a variety of options available to suit yourindividual needs.

Generally, housing is more expensive for locationscloser to campus. You can find larger places thatare more moderately priced for families a bit furtheraway from campus. The four main areas that arewithin an easy 5 to 10 minute walking distancefrom campus are Banana Trail, Lizard Trail, MooCow, and Picard. Glanvillia is the next closest area(about a 20-minute walk). This location is closer toPortsmouth, so there are more local people living in the area than right around campus.

Several faculty members, staff and a few familieslive in Portsmouth (a 30-minute or more walk).Some of the apartments and homes around thearea are a bit older and can have noise issues (i.e.,music, roosters, dogs, etc.). If you wish to live inone of the smaller villages along the coast, you can get a nice place for a lot less money, but beprepared to make transportation arrangementsfor the longer distance.

Ross University requires that all students obtainhousing prior to arrival in Dominica. You can accessthe University’s housing website through yourmyRoss account and work with the Ross UniversitySchool of Medicine Housing Department to arrangeaccommodations; access is limited to matriculatingstudents only.

The Ross University Housing Database allows you tosearch through a variety of housing types and pricelevels. Apartment prices may range from $275 to$1,000+ (US), depending on the proximity of theapartment to the campus and the amenitiesoffered. All apartments require payment of asecurity deposit in advance and the first month’srent. In most instances, the security deposit is equalto one month's rent. Generally new faculty areallowed two weeks’ to one month’s freeaccommodation in one of Ross’s owned or leasedapartments during which time they are expected to find their own accommodation.

Visit our Website/ Housing Database throughwww.rossu.edu/medical-school/living.cfm.

Although this site covers most of the homes andapartments available, there are often others that arenot listed on the website, so finding them requiresasking other students, faculty or staff. Please notethat if they are not listed on the website they willnot be School-approved. You will be required towork on your own with these landlords.

When you prearrange housing, you will need towork through the housing website to select unitsand contact landlords and follow the processes and guidelines provided by New Jersey and theDominica Housing Department. Be sure to ask lotsof specific questions!

Some of the apartments/houses listed on thewebsite may be older and may not include some of the things that you are accustomed to.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the Ross University Housing Office at: (767) 255-6420 or(767) 255-6262 or email housing@rossmed.edu.dm.

Housing Dept. receptionist (767) 255-6400.

H o u s i n g I n f o r m a t i o n

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Housing In format ion, cont inued

It is good to know what you would like in a place beforeyou go looking for one. Listed on the housing website arethe amenities included in the apartment, such as back-upgenerator, security bars, etc. Here are some things toconsider as you search for housing.

• Location—Transportation might be required if you live outside of the immediate area.

• New construction vs. pre-existing—There aremany newly constructed apartments available, and they are usually more expensive than older housing.

• Security bars on the windows—Petty theft is a common problem, and the security bars are a deterrent.

• External lighting—Good external lighting willmake your home more secure.

• Back-up generator—The electricity goes outoccasionally on the island. It usually isn’t out formore than a few hours, but if you wish to avoid this inconvenience, you might want to look for a place that has a generator.

• Back-up water cistern (or tank)—Sometimes the main water system is shut down due tomaintenance. This is not a common occurrence, but does happen occasionally, so some people find back-up water an important feature.

• Heated water— Ask about how the water is heated, and where hot water is available in the apartment/house (Bathroom? Kitchen?).

• Air conditioning—Most people consider airconditioning a must-have because of the heat (but it is expensive to operate).

• Ceiling fans—You can purchase floor fans at localstores, but ceiling fans work very well to decrease thecost of running the air conditioning.

• Screens—These are very important for keeping outbugs when you want ventilation.

• Dual voltage—All apartments have 220 voltage, but only some are wired for both 110 voltage and220 voltage. If your residence only has 220 andyou’re bringing appliances from the States, you willneed a transformer (best purchased on the island). If the apartment has 110 supplied, it will eliminatethis need.

• Fully furnished—Most apartments are suppliedwith furniture, but ask if this includes bed linens,towels, kitchen pots, and utensils.

• Children or pets—Some landlords do not allow children or pets. Once an agreement isreached, make sure you have documentationsigned noting the agreement.

• Amenities—Many places include maid service,cable, internet, and water in the cost of rent. Some places include additional amenities such as lawn care, washing machine, dryer, etc.

The database is designed to assist you make aninformed decision on housing. Once you have decidedwhat is most important to you, please use the variousoptions to your advantage to find all the informationwhich you need and be certain to ask all the questionsfrom the landlord or the housing department.

Once the process for reserving an apartment online is followed, all Lease Agreements are standard andsystem generated.

If you have questions or concerns, students contact: Ross University Housing Office at: (767) 255-6420 or(767) 255-6262 or email housing@rossmed.edu.dm.

Faculty contact: Carol Antone, Community LiaisonOfficer (767)255-6214 • Fax: 767-445-3457Email: cantone@rossmed.edu.dm

Please alert landlord to any spouse or significant other that may be residing with you. This may effectyour monthly rent quote. Discuss this before your lease is signed.

C h i l d r e n ’ s E d u c a t i o n & D a y c a r eRoss University Preparatory SchoolThe primary purpose of the Preparatory School is to provide children of faculty, staff and students of Ross University, with a North American-basededucation. Two age groups are served. Children underthe age of four are served in the Daycare. School-agedchildren are served in grades Pre-K through eight. Boththe Daycare and the Preparatory School are fully air-conditioned.DaycareThe Daycare provides a program for children up tothe age of four. It promotes a safe, loving, andstimulating environment with early language andliteracy activities. This nurturing environmentfacilitates the growth and development of infants,toddlers, and pre-school age children, promotingschool readiness. It is fully equipped with ageappropriate resources including cribs, puzzles, games, toys, and multimedia learning resources.Preparatory SchoolThe Preparatory School is a multi-grade experiencewith a standards-based curriculum. Report cards will be provided each term for parents to ensure full partnership of their children’s education. It is asmall, warm, creative environment that promotes the holistic needs of children including literacy,numeracy, computer technology, social science,physical education and the arts.RUPS takes full advantage of the unique islandenvironment for enriched learning experiences. The students receive instruction and individual attention from qualified and experienced teachersthat is typical of many private schools in North America.Children attending the Preparatory School reap the full benefits of a small teacher- to-student ratio.The Preparatory School includes a large common roomthat features a computer lab, library, and small kitchen.The summer semester provides a multi-activity daycamp experience including a variety of extra-curricularactivities (e.g., special learning units, field trips andoutings, arts, physical education, cooking, movies,games and more).School hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm with an after-care program available from 3:00 pm to5:00 pm. During the lunch hour, 12:00 pm to1:00 pm, parents take full responsibility for theirchildren. This unique experience allows children

and their parents to share a meal and play together.Considering the intense study schedule, lunchtime is a great way for families to connect and to supporteach other.

Prep school website: www.rossu.edu/medical-school/currentstudents/prepschool.cfm. Pre-Registration for prep school is required before thechild’s arrival to campusDuring semester breaks the day school is not open. Ifparents need a babysitter, please conact Ross SpousesOrganization (rossspousesorg@gmail.com) for acurrent list of baby sitters. Children with special needs: Parents who have a childwith special needs must consult with the principal priorto entering either program. Teacher’s aides are thefinancial responsibility of the parent as the school doesnot provide special education services.The cost for after care is 2.50 USD per hour. Secondary/High School students are to register at thePreparatory School with Mary Grogan (Principal) andshe will work with parents on planning a program forthe student. Please Note: Parents are requested tobring report card from previous school year andalso proof of immunization for your children.For more information or questions, contact Principal Mary Grogan, B.A., M.Ed., (767) 255-6363;cell: (767) 275-5376 or mgrogan@rossmed.edu.dm.Other Area SchoolsSome options include:

• Dominica offers public primary and secondaryschool education.

• The Pioneer School - a private elementaryschool in Roseau. For more information call(767) 449-9500, or email: pioneer@cwdom.dm.

• St. Mary’s Academy - a Catholic school in Roseau.For more information call (767) 448-2496 orwww.da-academy.org/sma.html.

• Orion Academy - This is the secondary schoolfounded by the same group of parents andeducators who started Pioneer School in Roseau.www.avirtualdominica.com/pioneer/

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Semester Fees: Daycare Part-time Prep. (in US dollars) Day Care SchoolRoss Student $600 $300 $400Ross Faculty $600 $300 $450

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P e t sTraveling with PetsThere are plenty of opportunities to obtain pets inDominica. If you are bringing your pet(s) with you, here is some important information:q Obtain an import permit for your pet from a licensed

veterinarian. You will need a permit from Dominica aswell as any other islands you may stop in on the way(Barbados, Antigua, etc.)

q Ensure that your pet has received a D.H.L.P.P. vaccine forrabies, heartworms, or any other diseases that arecommon to your state or country.

q Fax all certificates to Dr. Reginald Thomas at(767) 448-8632 AT LEAST ONE MONTH IN ADVANCEof arrival date. He will fax you the Dominican permit toallow your pets on the island. You will still need all thecopies of your other forms.

q Make sure you have 5 copies of each form.q DO NOT give up your original permit to customs.

Give them a copy.q Be careful – only certain airlines will fly pets. Pay special

attention to connecting airline regulations. Once youknow which countries you will be flying through (i.e., Barbados, Antigua), you will need to obtain a permit form from those countries as well.

q Remember: the attendants at the airline counter willhave the final say as to whether or not your pet will beallowed on the flight.

q Get airline travel crate specifics from the airline, as petstores may sell you one that is too big.

q Bring all medications for your pets.q Call Dr. Thomas: (767)266-3824 or (767) 275-1302

(cell) As soon as you arrive to set up a visit and todetermine the length of quarantine, etc.

Here are three very important links that will provideimportant information on relocating pets. Please review the requirements carefully!! Relocating pets to Dominica can be a lengthy and time consuming process.Ross website: www.rossu.edu/medical-school/documents/AnimalHealthGuidelines.pdfDominican government site:www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/786Testing lab: www.Vet.ksu.edu/depts/dmp/service/rabiesThere are several companies that will assist you in relocating your pets.Airborne Animals, LLC – This company acts as a pet travel agency to relocate pets both domestically andinternationally. They handle all the shippingarrangements, pickup and delivery to the airport,

supply the shipping crates and can often assist with thedelivery on the destination end. Contact:

Sally B. Smith, LVT, CKO 296 Kerrs Corner RoadP.O. Box 368Johnsonburg, NJ 07846Phone: (908) 684-1844 or fax (908) 684-1845,Email: info@airborneanimals.com

(Ross University does not have experience working with this company and therefore cannot endorse).

Action Pet Express, Leeburg, VA – Mr. Jerry Mishler will pick up dogs in their travel kennels from your house (mid-Atlantic states), get them to Miami, and coordinate onwardshipment to Dominica with Bobby’s World in Florida.Bobby’s World in Florida – Jack Russo, (954) 491-8189.They will receive dogs, care for them, and deliver them tothe airport for shipment to Dominica.Amerijet – Amerijet usually flies to Dominica on Tuesday,leaving Miami at 3:00 am and arriving in Dominica at 10:45 am. Dogs must be delivered to Amerijet by 8:00 pmthe Monday evening prior to their flight. Contact:Amerijet Exports Dept.3401A N.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami Fl 33122,Tel: (305) 593-5500.Amerijet, Melville Hall Airport, Dominica,Import/Export Agent Ms. Nicaise Eloi,Tel: (767) 445-7900, email: neloi@amerijet

Pet Food, Supplies & Services• 4-D Ag Centre, Roseau location – they also sell crates• Astaphan’s, Roseau• Whitchurch IGA, Roseau• Brizee’s Mart, Canefield• Jolly’s Pharmacy, Roseau – no food, but sells vitamins, shampoo,

flea & tick powder, antibiotics, etc.• Save A Lot, Roseau – they have a good selection of pet food, treats• G & A Enterprise (Tina’s) – pet food• PAWS (run by students at Ross) - strives to improve the nourishment,

health, safety and well-being of stray dogs and cats in/around the Ross campus. To educate and increase public awareness, minimizeoverpopulation by increasing spaying/neutering and help find lovinghomes (adoption program). Email: pawsdominica@gmail.com;767-295-7697

• Brandy Manor (Boarding Kennels for dogs & cats), call Yasmin at (767) 612-0978 and email: brandymanor@ymail.com. Also you can do horseback riding and a guided hiking tour up to Brandy Falls.

• Home & Pet Security Services, cell: (767) 276-6222Veterinary Services

• Dr. Reginald Thomas, Roseau. office: (767) 266-3824, cell: (767) 275-1302, Clinic number: cell: (767) 245-7243

• Dr. Bryan Birtrand, Portsmouth. Provides house calls, cell: (767) 245-3683

• Dr. Nickey Laurent, Coulibistrie. Provides house calls, cell: (767) 276-9136; office: (767) 446-6435

• Dr. Nausima A.A. Paul, Roseau. Provides house calls, cell: 767-277-4811 and tel: 767-448-5486

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T r a n s p o r t a t i o nBuying a CarThere are a few guidelines you can follow to help youmake an educated choice when purchasing a vehicle andmaximizing your resale value.

• If you live close to campus an older vehicle will besufficient for travel in the immediate vicinity; however,for traveling any distance around Dominica youshould consider buying a 4x4.

• Keep in mind that the processes are a bit differentwhen purchasing a car from an individual as opposedto purchasing from a dealership. The same applieswhen going to a bank for a loan as opposed topaying cash.

• Use common sense when purchasing a used vehicle.Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and research thecar’s value.

• Find a mechanic you trust. Some suggestions are:Hilo Auto Care (Portsmouth): (767) 245-4756Boyd’s Garage: (767) 316-3105Lennox Johnson (near Canefield)(767) 440-1486 (office) or (767) 235-3099 (cell)Glanvillia Auto Care: (767) 225-3835email: trinidwayne@hotmail.com

When the time comes and you’ve decided on the rightvehicle for your needs, you will need a driver’s license,proof of insurance and transfer of ownership (bothparties usually need to be present). If you are getting abank loan you will also need a vehicle inspection form.Most cars are already assigned a license plate, but it is the driver’s responsibility to get or renew the licenseregistration sticker that goes in the corner of yourwindshield. You need proof of insurance and an automobile safety inspection before you are

granted this “license.” Do not let this expire as you will not be allowed to park on campus and will beinconvenienced when flagged down at a surprise policecheck point. License registration stickers are availablethrough the Portsmouth Police Station. Please note:some insurance companies will not offer comprehensivepolicies on cars that are ten years or older, even thoughthe bank requires it for a loan.Insurance Companies:

• First Domestic Insurance Company Limited(Portsmouth) (767) 449-8202; www.firstdomestic.dm

• Beacon Insurance (Roseau) (767) 448-5247 or(767) 448-3394 or (767) 448-5060:www.beacon.co.tt

• Sagicor in Roseau (767) 448-2181• United Insurance Company Limited (Roseau)

(767) 448-2876 or (767) 448-3012; email: unitedinsurance@cwdom.dm

• Nagico (Roseau) (767) 449-8990 or (767) 449-8993;www.nagico.com

Obtaining a Dominican Driver’s License:Bring your current driver’s license to one of the followinglocations to obtain a temporary license ranging from oneto three months. A license for one month is $30 EC/$60 EC for 3 months.

• Portsmouth and Roseau Police Stations• Car Rental Companies• Canefield Airport• Roseau Traffic Department: (767) 448-2222 or

(767) 295-1036

Where to buy:• Carlton Phillips Motors in Fond Cole (767) 448-2650

email: cphillip@cwdom.dm • Auto Trade in Canefield (767) 255-6800 (offers vehicle leasing)

www.autotrade.dm• AL Motors LTD. (Canefield): 767-449-1972; email: almotorsltd@yahoo.com• Astaphan’s (Roseau) (767) 255-2789/2783; email: astaparts@cw.dom • Ask students or faculty who are leaving, campus staff and security, friends,

and neighbors for available vehicles. Also, look on bulletin boards aroundcampus and in the phone book for a few smaller dealers. Preferred vehiclesinclude: Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav-4, Suzuki Vitara or Escudo. Nissans andMitsubishis are also available.

• Alexis Taxi Services (767) 445-6303

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Transpor tat ion, cont inuedTransports & Tour GuidesVehicles that are available for hire are marked with an“H” as the first number on their license plate. To get atransport, stand on the side of the road and wait untilyou see a transport, usually a van, and stick your armout for a ride. They will either pull over for you orhonk/flash their lights to signifythey are full or not for hire. Mostof the transports go to and fromPortsmouth for EC $1.50 eachway. If you want to get a transportto Roseau, you can take the Ross-sponsored bus on Saturday (see“Ross Transportation” below), oron a weekday it is best to go tothe bus stop in Portsmouth andask for the driver who is headed toRoseau. It costs EC $9 to Roseaueach way. Hiring a transport in thisfashion is safe and cheap. Mostpeople find this way satisfactory.A short word on transport fees: theabove fees are standard and willnot change. However, if you gofurther than Portsmouth (i.e.,Cabrits) or have a special request,the driver may charge more.Call Dominica Taxi Association, to verify taxi rates, Roseau. (767) 440-6005 or 235-8648;www.domtax@cwdom.dmIf a driver is driving irresponsibly and you are uncomfortable, don’tbe afraid to ask the driver to stopand get out of the vehicle. You areunder no obligation to finish the trip with any driver you do not feelcomfortable with. Although insome cases you may be asked topay the fare anyway, it is alwaysbetter to be safe than save a few dollars. Many drivers are available forprivate trips, and some are available to be hired forprivate use for the whole day. To do this, simply call the driver of your choice and arrange the destination,

price, pick-up time, etc. This is a little more expensive, but can be very convenient.To get the phone number of a driver, ask for their nameand contact information when you ride with them soyou can call for a private trip when needed. Ross alsogives out a list of several safe transport drivers, some of

whom are listed below. A fewof these drivers are alsoavailable as guides for hikes,so just ask what services theyoffer.Ross TransportationRoss provides freetransportation from the libraryand the annex to your frontdoor after 7:00 pm. The busesrun every half hour from bothlocations and will drop you offat your apartment. Your safetyis important to us, and westrongly encourage you toutilize this free service. Busesare also provided courtesy ofRoss in the mornings to takeyou to classes at 8:00 am.They wait at various locationsclose to campus and takestudents to both the maincampus and the annex.There is also a faculty/staff bus that provides freetransportation between Ross and Roseau. This busruns Monday-Friday andleaves Roseau from the exitbridge at 6:30 am (arriving oncampus by 7:45 am). The busleaves campus at 4:00 pmMonday through Friday;however, there is an extra buson Tuesdays, Wednesdays andThursdays that leaves at 5:00pm from the parking lot in

front of the Administration Building on campus. For more information please contact Titus Francis at (767) 255-6222 or (767) 235-5467.

Recommended Transport and Tour Guide Phone Numbers1. Alexis (767) 235-5326 or (767) 445-6303

(recommended also for parcel pickup)2. Augustine (767) 225-29233. Dorival (767) 235-12844. Eutychus Fabien (767) 445-5048,

(767) 265-29425. Francis (767) 265-50066. Gerard (767) 245-55067. Havis Francois (767) 245-2128, (767) 616-30948. Julius (767) 245-7284 (he can taxi you

around Roseau)9. Maxim (Mr. Mention) (767) 225-152410. Peter (767) 235-615111. Ren (767) 245-494912. Rosie (767) 245-4762 (recommended also

for parcel pickup) (available 24/7)13. Theo (767) 445-4146 (home) or

(767) 235-4743 (cell) (recommendedalso for parcel pickup)

14. Victor Lataille (767) 245-572215. Kenny Marcellin (767) 277-835016. Hillsberg at Faithful Taxi (767) 277-112617. Straford 277-960318. Bones 245-787719. Bruno 225-469320. Jerome 276-915021. Matthew Riviere 245-974422. Lee 265-9820 taxi and works in Roseau,

will pick up things in Roseau area that need totransported to Picard or things in Picard thatneed to go to Roseau

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Transpor tat ion, cont inued

Free transportation is also provided to Roseau forshopping every Saturday morning. The bus leavesfrom the library at 8:30 am and leaves the RoseauBayfront at 12 noon. If you wish to stay in Roseaulonger, you can always head to the bus stop (by thebridge leaving town) and take a regular transport back to Portsmouth for $9 EC.

A1 TaxiA1 Taxi is the main taxi service available in thePortsmouth area. You may contact them at(767) 445-4154. Give them your name, where you would like to be picked up, and where you wouldlike to be dropped off. The estimated time until a driver can arrive shouldbe quoted to you, and ifnot you may request it.Please be aware that theestimated time is oftenlonger than quoted, so plan accordingly.

A1 Taxi features a pool of SUVs, pick-up trucks, and vans. Tour serviceand additional destinationscan also be arranged byphone. Taxi service isavailable 24 hours a day, 7 daysa week with few exceptions (such as Christmas). Yourlandlord’s name and apartment number is usuallyenough information for them to find you. A taxi tripcosts $8.00 EC one-way in the Portsmouth area, anda trip from Picard to Portsmouth where the driverwaits for you and returns you to Picard $12 EC. Thedriver can stop along the route for an additional$2.50 EC (a great option for sharing the taxi with a friend).

Taking a taxi is an affordable, convenient, and safeway to get somewhere, especially at night.

Car RentalsA variety of vehicles are available for rent to take you almost anywhere on the island. A DominicanDriver’s Permit is required and costs about $12.00 US. This can be obtained through car rental agenciesand police stations. Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road, honk frequently and look rightwhen turning out of a driveway!

Car Rental Numbers and Contacts1. Courtesy Car Rental (Roseau) (767) 445-7677; (767) 235-7763; (767) 448-7763. Great rates,

they will deliver your vehicle to you, and pick it up from you as well.2. Easy Rentals (Roseau) (767) 440-21563. Silver Lining Rental (Portsmouth) (767) 445-3802; (767) 445-5502; (767) 225-22844. Sunbeam Rent-A-Car, (Canefield) (767) 449-2776, (767) 225-0818. Great prices and customer service.5. Island Car Rental (Picard, beneath Rituals) 767-445-6679 www.islandcar.dmFor a complete listing of rental agencies, please visit www.newsdominica.com/business/index.cfm.

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U t i l i t y I n f o r m a t i o nElectricity

Transformers and Converters

Dominica uses 220 volts while the United States uses 110 volts. Some apartments are equipped with both,but most have only 220v. Ask your landlord what typeof voltage your apartment has. If you have a lot ofappliances from the States, you may want to rent anapartment that has both 220v and 110v or purchaseindividual transformers already in the apartment. Allappliances from the U.S. will need a transformer orconverter, except for a few things built for travel such as a laptop, electric razor, etc. ALWAYS check whatvoltage an appliance uses before you plug it in becauseyou can “blow” an appliance if you plug it into thewrong outlet. If something starts to spark, unplug it right away, and it may not be ruined.

If your apartment does not havetransformers, they can be purchased atAstaphans in Roseau, Best Buy or Courts in Portsmouth, and other stores with ahardware/ electronics department.Transformers come in many different watts, so add up what you need by checking the backof each 110v appliance to see how muchwattage it uses. Make sure the amount ofwattage being used from the transformer doesnot exceed how much it can produce; otherwise you will blow out your appliances.

Some people get one transformer with a lot of wattagefor their entire apartment and others get a few smallerones for different areas of their apartment. If you chooseto get one large transformer, plug your transformer intothe wall and then plug a surge protector power stripinto the other end of the transformer (make sure thepower strip is 110v also). Then plug your appliancesinto the power strip.

It is possible to simply blow the fuse in your transformer,and the larger styles feature fuses that are easily replaced.Make sure to bring the blown fuse with you to the storein order to buy the right size replacement. It is moreenergy efficient for you to use your 220v capable itemswith the 220v current. (Plugging an appliance capable of220v into a transformer is a waste of money.)

If you have 110v items that just heat up (iron, blowdryer, coffee maker) you can use a converter instead

of a transformer. Converters are cheaper and smallerand usually go between 50W and 1600W. You shoulddouble check that the wattage of your appliance doesnot exceed the wattage limit of the converter.

Almost all appliances you buy in Dominica will be 220vand can be plugged right into the wall. If your applianceis 220v but has the 110v plug, or vice versa, you canbuy an adapter at a hardware store, such as JamesHardware Store. DO NOT use the shape of the plug asan indicator for which type of voltage the item uses.Always rely on the electrical rating printed on the item.

Purchasing Electricity

Your electricity will already be set up in your apartmentby your landlord. It will be either a pre-paid meter or

monthly billing. If your apartment has a pre-paidelectricity unit, you may purchase kilowatts ofelectricity with cash at the RUH office, the bank,the Domlec office, the office above Tina’s store(cash only), Miniyas 7/11, Picard Grocery, andDepex Color Lab or by phone @ Quickzone,

440-2240, with your credit card. Your landlordshould supply you with further information for

purchasing pre-paid electricity (i.e., the number for your meter). Note: pre-pay meter beeps whenkilowatts get low, press back arrow to silence the beep.

To purchase pre-paid electricity over the telephone, call (767) 440-2240 and tell them you want to purchaseelectricity. Give your meter and credit card numbers.You will be asked to call back in 5 minutes and thenthey will give you a code to input.

If your home has pre-paid electricity you shouldpurchase a small portion of electricity to keep for anemergency. Purchase enough to last you 3 days, andthen keep your receipt in a safe place. Don’t input yourcode until the crisis occurs. If you do not have a pre-paid meter, monthly electric bills will come from yourlandlord or your electric company. You will pay yourlandlord or at the bank or Domlec office, depending onyour landlord’s setup. Always check your bill carefullyand your meter (if possible). Always keep yourreceipts!

DOMLEC (Dominica’s Power Co.) 767-448-2681;www.domlec.dm/

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Saving Electricity

• Use your air conditioner sparingly. (Openwindows and use fans to save money!)

• Unplug your transformers when not in use – whentransformers are left on they continue to consumeelectricity, even when no appliance is in use.

• If your appliance is rated for a 240v input don’tplug it into a transformer, use an adapter.

• Use a surge protector for your expensiveelectronics.

• Turn your appliances and electronics off withthe switch on the wall.

• Don’t overwork your fridge. Never put hot foods in the fridge and keep it clean. Clean the seals around the door of your fridge andfreezer regularly.

• Don’t heat more water than necessary. Whenusing a washing machine, only use warm water to wash and cold water to rinse. Do not leaveyour water heater on all day.

• Only iron once a week.

• Use energy saving light bulbs.

Propane Tanks

Almost all stoves/ovens in Dominica are poweredby propane. Unfortunately, there isn’t a gauge on thetank to know when it will run out. When the tankruns out, the flame will disappear. There are two typesof tanks on the island; ask your landlord which type youhave and which stores carry your particular type of tank.

Both James’ and Tina’s sell propane tanks. Topurchase a new one, visit either store and tell thecashier that you’d like to replace your propane tank.You will have to pay for it then, and they will takedown your information (i.e., name, apartmentbuilding number, and phone number).

Tanks cost around $50 EC, and the stores charge a$10 delivery fee. Be sure to ask about the time ofdelivery so that you will be home. When they dropoff your new tank, they will also pick up the old tank.Another option is to call A1 Taxi to help you pick upa new tank and return you home.

Propane tanks are sold at:

• Texaco station (Portsmouth) (767) 445-4581• IGA Wholesale Dept. (Roseau) (767) 448-2181• G & A Enterprises (Tina’s), Picard (767) 445-4865;

(767) 445-6600• James Store, Picard (767) 445-5462;

(767) 445-4840• Sukie’s Gas Bulk Station, Canefield

(767) 449-1992; (767) 449-4427

Barbecue propane tanks can be obtained through:

• Sukie’s Gas, Canefield• Industrial Site Donkey Beach, Canefield –

(767) 449-3834

If you have a pre-pay “Cashpower” box you maymonitor your electricity consumption. To accessor exit the menu, press “i” then press 1, 2, 3. Then enter the appropriate code.

Code Information

000 Meter number

002 Current credit register

003 Total units this counter

006 Current 24-hour consumption

007 Previous 24-hour consumption

008 Current 30-day consumption

009 Previous 30-day consumption

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Water InformationDominica’s water source comes from natural springs andrivers throughout the island. Dominica is in the tropicswhere it rains quite frequently. The rain can cause run-offfrom the mountains, and sediment fills the rivers. But despitewhat you may have heard, drinking water from your faucetis safe! We recommend using a Brita-type filter, but even ifyou do not have one, the tap water is okay to drink. If youare still uncomfortable with this, there is bottled wateravailable at the Shacks and grocery stores. Many peopleprefer to buy large jugs of water and refill the bottles withfiltered water from campus.During heavy rains or the rainy season (June-November),your faucet/shower water may look “dirty.” It usually clearsup within a day or two, but because of this it is wise to keepseveral large bottles of water on hand for drinking andcooking. The water also gets shut off occasionally. Keepseveral large bottles of clean water on hand for drinking,cooking, and bathing. A bucket of water can also be storedfor flushing the toilet. Always inform your landlord of suchproblems, as they may not be aware of the problem and cansometimes fix it when notified.DOWASCO (Dominica’s Water Co) (767) 448-4811www.dowasco.dm/

Telephone ServiceThe vast majority of residents in Dominica use cell phones for their communication needs. Land lines are less commonand more expensive for international calls. Lime is the islandprovider of telephone service (a refundable deposit of $1,000 EC is required for a landline). Installation fee applies of 150 EC plus 15% VAT = 172.50. Please note: a landline isrequired for internet service. If telephone and internet are set up at the same time there is a 50% discount on the 150 EC internet install fee. Total price for phone and internetinstallation outside of the deposit is 250.75. (See InternetService, pg 21.)If you choose not to have a landline, many people usecompanies such as Skype, Vonage, Magic Jack orinternational phone cards for use in contacting areasoutside of Dominica. Research the method you would liketo use and decide what service is right for you. Pay phonesare available in various locations on the island, including on campus. Collect calls to and from the island are very expensive.For more information, contact Lime at 1-800-804-2994 or online at www.cwdom.dm. For telephone directoryassistance, visit www.dominicayp.com/.

Cell PhonesThere are three major cell phone providers inDominica: Lime, Digicel, and Orange (Verizon). Lime is the most commonly used provider among studentsand faculty. You can use a cell phone brought fromhome, but you must purchase a SIM card specific toyour new provider. SIM cards can be purchased atmany locations throughout the island. Minutes aregenerally bought in the pay-as-you-go manner.

Lime (on campus): (767) 225-5121Hours: 10am -4pm Monday-Friday (break 2pm -3pm)

Portsmouth Office: (767) 255-1000Hours: 10am -4pm

Digicel: (Customer Care) (767) 616-3444(767) 616-1100 or (767) 616-1500. Digicel hasoffices in Portsmouth and Roseau and offersspecials on campus at the beginning of the semester.

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Internet ServiceFirst, in order to use Lime’s internetservice, you must have a groundphone line in order to access theinternet through dial-up or ADSL.Many housing options come with a line, or at least the capability ofinstalling one; however, if yours doesnot, you can get one through Limefor a deposit of $1,000 EC.

After you have a phone line, you candial-up with a Lime package, or youcan get higher speed access throughLime or Marpin Communications.Lime occasionally offers specialswhere you can get a free modem atthe beginning of the semester, butto get internet service throughMarpin you must purchase a Marpinmodem. Please see the individualprovider for up-to-date offers and fees.

Note: with Marpin’s high speed internet PING packageyou do not need to have a land line. Installation fees do apply.

Generally speaking, it takes several weeks to actually get your ADSL service installed and running — justaccept this as fact and roll with it! Most of the largeapartment complexes will come with internet accessincluded in your rent. You may want to bring your ownwireless router if you plan on studying and using yourlaptop at home.

Wireless connectivity is available throughout the entire campus. Power outages can interrupt internet

service in your home if you do not have a back-upgenerator, but Ross University has private generatorscapable of supplying the campus with electricity andinternet service when the power is out.

A third option for ADSL access is to share it via a wirelessrouter with your neighbors. This cuts down on cost, butcan make access a bit slower. Talk to your neighbors and see if they are interested in sharing this way.

For more information, please contact one of the two companies: Lime in Roseau and Portsmouth (767) 255-1000; www.cwdom.dm or Marpin Telecomsin Roseau and Portsmouth (767) 500-4107.

TV Cable

Marpin and Sat Telecommunications provide cable service for the island. For more information, please contact one of the following companies:

• Marpin Telecoms in Roseau and Portsmouth (767) 500-4107; www.marpin.dm/about_us.htm

• Sat Telecommunications LTD in Roseau(767) 448-5096 or (767) 448-5097; www.sat.dm

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S h i p p i n g , C o u r i e r , & M o v i n g S e r v i c e sThere are several options available for getting your belongings to and from Dominica. You can ship by sea, air, or courier. Please note: It is cheaper to ship items by barrels/pallets than individualboxes because boxes are charged by weight, whereas barrels/pallets are a flat fee regardlessof their weight. For information on mail services, please see Campus Services-Mailroom pg. 24.

Packages should be addressed as follows:Ross University School of Medicinec/o “Your name,” contact number and email addressP.O. Box 266Portsmouth Campus, RoseauCommonwealth of DominicaWest Indies

The following is a list of some of the companies available for shipping and courier services.Feel free to research other companies in your area that may not be listed.

Shipment by Sea (Allow 14-30 days for most shipments to arrive)

• Tropical Shipping—(305) 805-7400 or 1-800-367-6200 www.tropical.com

• Bernuth Lines—Miami(305) 637-8996; www.bernuth.com

• Whitchurch & Co.— Roseau, shipping supervisor Mr. Peter George, tel: (767) 448-2181, fax: (767) 448-5787, email: shipping@whitchurch.com

• Amerijet’s ocean liner service —1-800-927-6059; www.amerijet.com

• IGA — www.whitchurch.com/shipping.htm

• Laparkan — (305) 836-4393; www.laparkan.com

• Archipelago Trading—Roseau, Mr. Tom Lafond, tel: (767) 448-1744 or Tropical Shipping Lines, West Palm Beach, Florida, tel: 1-800-367-6200 or (561) 881-3900;www.archip.com/index.php?page=shipping-services

• Boxtrotters International—www.ContainerRental.com

• EZone—Picard (767) 445-6625;www.getezone.com – online shopping; shippingfrom Miami through Amerijet. They are a bit moreexpensive, but another good option.

Shipment by Air

• Amerijet—Melville Hall Airport, tel: (767) 445-7900 fax: (767) 445-8350www.amerijet.com

• IBC Inc.—1-888-SHIP-IBCemail: www.ibcinc.com

Bulk Shipment Service (Moving Companies)

• Hollander Moving® Agent: United Van Lines—David Hollander CRP, GMS. email: David@HollanderMoving.comwebsite: www.HollanderMoving.com

• Mayflower Transit—Tel: (847) 439-5400 x104, cell: (847) 514-6688, fax: (847) 437-8650 web: www.mayflower.com

Shipping and Storage Services

• Graebel Northeastern—9 Aspen Drive, Randolph, NJ 07869; tel: 1-800-369-6683; www.graebel.com/Public/

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Shipping , cont inued

Courier Services

• FedEx— Portsmouth (767) 445-4291; packages goes to Roseau then main campus mail roomCork & Old Sts., Roseau, tel: (767) 448-0992 www.fedex.com(Also international express shipment services 1-800-GO FEDEX)

• DHL Worldwide Express—Hanover St. & Kennedy Ave., Roseau, tel: (767) 448-5887

• UPS—King George V St., Roseau, tel: (767) 448-3185

Wholesaler Shipping

• Beach Groceries in MiamiYou may order groceries from an online grocerystore and have them shipped in a barrel or pallet by Tropical Shipping to Dominica.

1. Go to www.BeachGroceries.com and open an account. (305) 681-4573.

2. Order the items you need from the website.

3. Add a barrel to your order by doing a search for it.There is a $50 USD charge for the barrel whichcovers the costs for filling it. Contact Abraham Chein at (305) 681-4573

4. The warehouse address you will need to fill outthe online form is: 1819 West Ave, Miami Beach,Florida, 33139.

5. Contact Tropical Shipping at (305) 805-7400 or 1-800-367-6200 to set up an account with themfor pick-up and shipping. Tropical will charge $50 - $100 USD to pick up the barrel/pallet. Afterthat, you will be charged for the actual shippingcosts from Miami to Dominica.

6. Hire a parcel pick-up service when your shipmentarrives. They will bill you for pick-up and delivery,and will include the customs fees.

This method has been very beneficial to manyfamilies at Ross.

• BJ's Wholesale in Miami (nearest Tropical Shipping)

1. Go to www.bjs.com and make a list of the items you want with the item number and a brief description.

2. Fax this list to BJ’s and they will pack the barrel/pallet for you.

3. Call and confirm the order and make sureeverything is clear. Their phone number is (305) 825-0770.

4. Contact Tropical Shipping at (305) 805-7400 or 1-800-367-6200 to pick up the pallet/barrelfrom BJ’s. Tropical Shipping will charge $50 - $100USD to pick up the barrel/pallet in addition to theshipping costs from Miami to Dominica.

5. When your shipment arrives hire someone to pickit up. Whoever picks up the shipment will becharged customs fees, and will then add those to the price of pick-up and delivery.

• Cost-U-Less in St. MaartenCheck out their inventory online atwww.costuless.com/store030/index.html; Email: culecome030@northwest.ca. All prices are inGuilders. You can then place your order by email andthey will shop for and pack your goods and deliverthem to the boat for free. For payments they will require a credit card number and expiration date, a copy of your ID and a letter stating they are allowed to use your credit card for the purchases requested. Boxes will arrive to Dominica at the “Authorities Longhouse Dock” in Portsmouth.

Pay for your shipping cost at the Gracehill ShippingOffice located in Portsmouth on Grandby Street(first right hand turn after bridge by bus stop area)– Gracehill office is located on the left-hand side ofthe street, contact: (767) 445-4391 (idea of cost is:70 lbs will cost you approx. EC$80 to clear your shipment).

Pick-up boxes at the “Authorities Longhouse Dock”Portsmouth – contact: (767) 445-5118 (bring yourreceipt as proof that the shipment has been paid for).

24

C a m p u s S e r v i c e sCable & WirelessLime has a branch on campus directly across from thebank. You can get a new phone, top up your minutes, orask any questions regarding your phone services. Copies of the phone directory are available here. They can bereached at (767) 255-5121 or online at www.cwdom.dm.

The CaféThere is a small café located near the Subway and the bank on campus. Items sold are school supplies,batteries, coffee/tea. They have a weekly menu postedalong with a variety of sandwiches, soups, drink andsnack items available. Ice cream is also available here.They are open Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm,Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Contact numbers are (767) 245-7525, 445-3863 or 275-2952.

Bookstore is online atwww.universitybooksonline.com/rossmed1- 866-567-2665

Campus Mail RoomUSPS now available. Express mail packages must bepicked up asap or they will be returned to sender. Thecampus mail room is located just past the entrance to the library. Ross ID is required to pick up any parcels or mail. Services include mail delivery of ordinary andregistered parcels, letters and express mail service.Postage is also sold here. The mail room is open Monday –Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed for lunch 1:00pm to 2:00 pm; (767) 255-6307. Customs inspection is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Contact (767) 445-4398.

Campus OrganizationsThere is a wide variety of organizations that have beenestablished on campus. The groups sponsored by SGA arelisted on the SGA website (www.rossmedsga.com). Eachgroup also has a display board located on campus.

Counseling ServicesMoving to a foreign country and attending or teachingmedical school while adjusting to a new environment can be very demanding. As you are adjusting to life on the island it is important to establish your own supportnetwork, whether it consists of students, spouses and otherfamilies, or other faculty and staff members. To help makethese connections we encourage you to look to groupssuch as the Ross Spouses Organization, the Ross Healthand Wellness Club, the Faculty Spouse Organization,

or other SGA-assoicated groups. They are here to makeyour transition as smooth as possible, and offer a helpinghand when you need it most.

In addition, Ross University also offers counseling servicesfor you, your spouse, and your family. They offer a varietyof services, including short-term confidential one-on-oneevaluation and counseling, as well as couples counseling.They also provide support groups for diverse concerns,

and educational programs. The Counseling Center islocated in the Behavioral Science building, which isadjacent to Classroom 1. You can obtain moreinformation or make an appointment by calling themain number (767) 255-6281, or simply stop by theoffice. The Counseling Center is open 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Mondaythrough Friday.

GymnasiumRoss University has a gym open to Ross associates free of charge. The new gym is a recent addition to campusand includes cardio, weight training, and spin cycleequipment. Classes are usually available. A towel, water bottle and your Ross ID card are required.For information, contact (767) 255-6337. Gym Hours:Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 2:00 am Sunday 8:00 am– 12:00 am. The gym is located on the 1st floor of theCampus Activity Center (CAC).

Additional Campus ServicesCampbells printing/computer supply store. (767) 255-6277

Piccolo’s Hotdog Stand, near the National Bank ofDominica/Lime office.

Riverside International Restaurant Stand, on the upperseaside deck.

25

Campus Ser v ices , cont inued

Health ClinicThe Ross University Health Clinic is located on campus acrossfrom the playground. It is open from 7:00 am – 7:00pmMonday-Friday. Appointments are available, and should youneed immediate care you may walk-in. Health care is availableto students, faculty, staff and their families free of charge.Payment for prescriptions and lab tests etc. will be yourresponsibility. Most of the health care available on the island isquite affordable.

To contact the health clinic, please call (767) 255-6301.

• Dr. Dawn Douglas (General Practitioner for students, faculty and staff)

• Dr. Breedy (General Practitioner for students, faculty and staff)

• Dr. Yasmin Burnett (Pediatrician, Director of StudentHealth Services)

• Cuffy McMillan (Counselor)

• EMS (767) 255-6388 (medical emergency after 5 pm and on weekends (767) 235-7677)

LibraryThe library is closed from 6:00 am to 8:00am for cleaning. There are a variety of studyareas in the library. You can make roomreservations and use the print center. Thefaculty lounge is also available here. Thefront desk can be reached at (767) 255-6237. Most people bring their own laptop,but the computer lab on campus is alsoavailable for general use inside the library.

National Bank of DominicaThe National Bank of Dominica has a branchon campus. It is located near the subway,SGA lounge and Lime office. They are openfrom 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday (hours may be subject to change). To contact the bank, please call (767) 255-2394.

The Physical ExaminerCopies of the monthly Ross newsletter are availablearound campus. The newsletter is available on thefirst of the month, and can also be found online.

Religious GroupsThere are several religious groups that meet on campus. Each group has a bulletin board displayed on campus withsome details of where and when they meet. Many are alsofeatured on the SGA website.

Student Government Association (SGA)SGA represents the student body and has three distinct roles: 1) serves as a liason between students, faculty, andadministration, 2) caters to the needs of the student body asa whole and improve upon the existing platform for learning3) indentifies and addresses common concern for thestudents. SGA is located on the 3rd floor of the CampusActivity Center (CAC). (767)255-6320. Visit our website at:www.rossmedsga.com/Ross_SGA_Website/SGA_Home.html

Campus Activity Center (CAC)A variety of sports equipment, DVDs, board games, andvideo gaming systems/video games are available for checkout at the CAC. You can also play ping pong or foosball.There is also a refrigerator, microwave, books, IP phone, large-screen TVs, and pool table in the lounge. There is ancounter at the CAC where you can purchase copies or send a fax. The SGA lounge is located on the 3rd floor of theCampus Activity Center (CAC). Their phone number is (767) 445-4704 or (767) 255-6320.

Campus Life sponsors movies in one of the classrooms on mostFriday nights. Cost for attendance is $5 EC. Food and drinks are allowed. At the beginning of each semester, Ross

University plans somefree or low-cost islandtours at the beginning ofthe semester that includevarious local attractions.Sign-ups are available forthese tours on the 3rd floor of the CAC.

SubwaySubway is located nearthe bank, Lime oncampus. They are openMonday-Saturday

7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.They can be reached at (767) 445-3139.

Swimming poolThe newly resurfaced swimming pool is located near Ross University Housing and is open to all Ross ID card holders.

Ross Connections Newsletter-Connections is a bi-monthlyelectronic newsletter that offers an array of articles about Ross activities and initiatives and shares views, interviews,information on up-to-the-minute news, events,announcements and what's coming in the future. It isdisseminated to students, faculty and staff across the Ross University School of Medicine.

26

O f f C a m p u s H e a l t h C a r e S e r v i c e sHospitalsThere are five hospitals in Dominica. Princess MargaretHospital in Roseau is the main hospital.

• Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau (767) 448-2231 or (767) 448-5720

• Portsmouth Hospital (767) 445-5237 (Provides free x-rays)

• Grand Bay Hospital (767) 446-3706• Marigot Hospital (767) 445-7091• Justin Fadipe Centre (Private Hospital, Mero)

(767) 449-8466 or (767) 235-8466ENT SpecialistDr. Irving Pascal located in Roseau, (767) 448-3551.GynecologistDr. Ruby Blanc, (767) 440-0091 and Dr. Curvin Ferreira,(767) 448-3119 in Roseau.OphthalmologistDr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts, (767) 449-8565 (Roseau).DentistDental hygiene appointments are quite affordable on

the island. Dr. Edwin Alexis, (767) 448-0480 (Roseau) andDr. Nicole Armour-Johnson, (767) 445-5332 (Portsmouth).Dr. Cyril Robinson (767) 449-9550 and Dr. Richard Green (767) 448-2507 are located inRoseau. Dr. Worrel Sanford (Dermatologist) in Roseau (767) 448-5270PediatricianDr. Yasmin Burnett (767) 445-6060 in Portsmouth, Dr. Rhonda McIntyre (767) 448-0870 in Roseau.Dr. Julian De Armas (Orthopedist) in Roseau (767) 440-5740Physiotherapist/Massage TherapyMartine Varlet (physiotherapist/osteopath, massagetherapy+) located in Mero Village, (767) 316-2270.Lindy Balbirnie, Massage Therapist, (767) 276-7623Leeaner (767) 265-9559 (Physiotherapist)Planned ParenthoodLocated in Roseau, open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday. A variety ofcontraceptives are available. Call (767) 448-4043 for anappointment.

BankingThere are several banks located in Dominica, but a branchof the National Bank of Dominica is conveniently locatedon campus. There are two ATMs also on campus. Someprefer to use their banks at home rather than a Dominicanbank, and withdraw money using the ATM. If you chooseto do this, remember your bank will most likely charge aservice fee. Occasionally the ATM’s on campus are out-of-service but are usually fixed within a few days. If you needto make a transaction during this time, the bank teller canprocess your ATM transaction inside of the bank or there isan ATM outside the National Bank of Dominica inPortsmouth. Scotia Bank now has a location with ATMacross the street from the Ross main gate, next to Perky’sPizza. (767) 255-1380/1381/1382; Fx (767) 445-6875; email manager at nina.tavernier@scotiabank.com

• Bank of Nova Scotia Bank (Roseau) (767) 448-5800• First Caribbean International Bank (Roseau)

(767) 448-2571• National Bank of Dominica (Campus, Portsmouth,

and Roseau) (767) 255-2300• Royal Bank of Canada (Roseau) (767) 448-2771

Laundry ServiceNo matter which laundry service you use, it may be wise to keep track of what items you are sending out.

Christine’s Laundry: (767) 445-4695. Located in Picard,across from RUH. Pickup and delivery available.Hannah’s Laundry: (767) 445-5421; (767) 265-1191.Located in Picard, off Banana Trail.Hermina: (767) 276-8278. Pickup and delivery onMonday, Wednesday, or Friday, average 2-day delivery.Good prices.Magdelene/Curvin: (767) 225-8834. Pickup and deliveryavailable.Mr. Clean: (767) 445-5606. Located in Picard, across fromRUH and across the street from Christine’s Laundry. Drycleaning available. Mr. Clean is also available in Roseau;(767) 448-4885. Oceans: (767) 445-6725; (767) 275-5525. Hot dryers,good for sheets and towels.Stephens: Glanvilla) Pick and delivery. (767) 245-7766.Same day pickup and delivery available.Lin’s: (767)448-8988 Dry cleaning and laundry.Located in Roseau at 10 Church St.Eoos Laundry Service: (Picard); (767) 445-3474; BananaTrail; offer laundry dry cleaning, ironing and alterationservices.Safe Home Laundry: (Picard); (767) 445-5423Kirlene’s Laundry: (Picard); (767) 276-2616

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S h o p p i n g , R e s t a u r a n t s , & S p e c i a l t y S t o r e s

Picard Area:

Stores• Advanced Massage Therapy & Esthetic Services

(767) 276-7623, entrance to Banana Trail; locatedacross from Ross main gate. Offers waxing,mani/pedicures, massages, etc. Call for appointment.

• Bull’s Eye Pharmacy (767) 445-3600 (Picard) (767) 449-8600 (Roseau) Locations across from theRoss University main entrance and in Roseau. Sellssome American products, such as Suave shampoo andHuggies diapers. If the campus location does not havewhat you need, and the Roseau location does, theRoseau pharmacy will have it delivered to the locationnear campus free of charge.

• Benjie’s Barber Shop (767) 245-1788. Banana Trail.Call for an appointment.

• D’s Tropical Fruits and Flowers (767) 445-6445 (767)445-6758. Located across from the Ross main gate,sells snacks/drinks, floral arrangements, fruit baskets,souvenirs, fresh fruit, gourmet foods, Cuban cigars, etc.Deliveries available.

• Favors sells snacks/fruits/vegetables (767) 276-9145 or(767) 3806; entrance to Banana Trail; across street fromRoss main gate.

• James Store (767) 445-4816. Located across from theRoss main gate. Sells general groceries, propane, house-hold items, clothing, shoes and toys (be sure to checkupstairs) and fresh bread twice a day at 10am and 2pm

• James Electronic Store (767) 445-5462; (767) 277-5900. Located behind James Store. You can purchasefans, batteries, light bulbs etc… Make sure anythingyou buy works before you leave the store—they do nottake returns or refund your money! Makes copies ofmost keys - $10.00 EC/per key.

• Le Courtyard Grocery (767) 445-3638; across fromSwing 1.

• Miniyas 7-11 (767) 445-3711. Located across the streetfrom the shacks. Sells groceries and electricity. OpenSundays and Holidays.

• Picard Grocery (767) 445-3292. Located near RUHacross from Uptown Diner. Sells a variety of groceries.

• Rosie’s Kitchen (767)285-8976; Grocery & laundryservices on Lizard Trail.

• Shirley’s Beauty Parlor (767) 245-5470. Located onBanana Trail; near A1-Taxi. Waxing, manicures,pedicures, braiding & designs.

• The Glam Spa (767) 445-4332. Above PerkysPizza/Scotia Bank across street from Ross main gate.They offer massage, facials, waxing/threading,mani/pedicures and make up services.

• Whitchurch IGA Supercentre Due for completion inDecember 2010.

Restaurants• Atto’s (767) 445-3868. Across the street from the

shacks near Miniya’s 7-11serving local lunches,sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

• Bob’s Chinese (767) 445-6264. Located across thestreet from the Shacks; deliveries available.

• Cabrits Dive and Café (767) 445-3010 or (767) 295-6424. Located on the Lagoon waterfrontbetween Big Papa’s and Purple Turtle. A beachaccessible café serving all your favorite boutique coffees.

• Che’s Ice Cream Parlor (767) 276-9956. Next toTomatoes Restaurant on Banana Trail. Serves HaagenDazs ice cream and smoothies/shakes.

• De Champ, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar(767) 445-4452. Located at the top of Banana Trailwith a breathtaking panoramic view of the PrinceRupert Bay. An international daily menu with aSunset Special every Sunday. Free transport up thehill - the place to hangout.www.godominica.com/go_dm/go_dm_uk.html

• George’s Chinese food (767) 445-3300. Banana Trail.• Golden Dragon Restaurant (767) 445-5049;

(767) 245-6710. Located in Glanvillia just past Tina’s. A fresh and authentic approach to Chinese food.Delivery available.

• Golden Loaf Bread Shack (767) 448-2244, entrance to Banana Trail; located across from Ross main gate.

• Hai Rong Yuan (767) 445-6612; (767) 225-6879.Located on Lizard Trail. Great Chinese food and deals.Open late and has a bar. Deliveries available.

• Hong Kong Restaurant (767) 445-3232. Locatedacross from RUH. Deliveries available.

Please note: Check expiration dates carefully on all food items! Use common sense when purchasing meatand frozen foods. Restaurants--Call ahead!! Check to see if they will be open and what the menu options arefor that day. Remember, Dominica is an island. There are certain items that are not readily available and aredifficult to obtain. Most stores are not open on Sundays and holidays!

28

Shopping , Restaurants , & Specia l ty Stores , cont inued

• Hope Restaurant (767) 614-7893. 24 hr Chinese fooddelivery services. Delivery is free with order of morethan 20 EC.

• JAHZ Breakfast Café (JBC). (767) 275-4154. BananaTrail.

• Junction (767) 445-4505. On Banana Trail nearMamie’s Sulfur Springs. Coffee/tea/food. Large screen TV.

• Kathryne’s Restaurant & Bar (767) 445-3719, acrossfrom Ross Food Shacks in front of 711 Store. Great localcuisine…they also offer catering.

• KFC. (767) 276-0322. near Moo Cow Trail entrance.• Kurry Culture (767) 613-2233. Indian cuisine.

Across street from RUH• Le Courtyard Restaurant (767) 445-3638.

Across street from Swing 1.• Natural Livity Restaurant (767) 613-4860 or

(767) 265-5912. Specializing in Vegan/vegetarian;by Perky’s Pizza.

• PBH restaurant (Le Flambeau) (767) 445-5142. Email: pbh@cwdom.dm. Located just behind PBHalong the water. Great food and location!www.portsmouthbeachhotel.com

• Perky’s Pizza (767) 445-3281. Two locations, oneacross from campus and one in Roseau. They offer agood variety of pizza! Sells by the slice or whole.

• Riverside International Restaurant & Bar(767) 445-5888 or (767) 613-1800. On Moo Cow Trailgoing toward the Caribbean Sea. Delivery available.

• Rituals Coffee House (767) 445-6842; (767) 445-4223Coffee/tea/smoothies/pastries/meals available. Delivers.Near Moo Cow Trail entrance.

• Sarah’s Snackette (767) 265-1854. Located acrossfrom the main gate on banana trail. Great place forlocal breakfast and lunch.

• Ott’s Fusion Bar & Restaurant (767) 276-7431.American cuisine with creole flair. Across street fromshacks/7-11.

• Subway (767) 445-3139. Located on campus and inRoseau.

• The Potter’s Kitchen (767) 265-1241. Serves localmeat/fish and vegetable dishes. Across the street fromthe shacks, next to Atto’s

• The Tomato (767) 445-3334. Located on Banana Trail,up from the main gate. Serves American cuisine andgreat desserts, such as homemade cheesecake and

chocolate cake! They also sell lunchmeat, cheese,bread, sour cream and chocolate chips, etc.

• Tulips (767) 615-0889. Chinese food. Banana Trail. • Uptown Diner (767) 445-6954. Creole food. Across

street from RUH.• Woody’s Pizza (767) 295-4888. Located at the Shacks,

outside Portsmouth near Blue Bay. They also have a shack on campus and are building a new locationnear the Texaco.

Portsmouth Area:

Stores• Bayside Pharmacy (767) 445-4751. Located across

the street from Courts. Offers full prescription service,and name brand products.

• Best Buy (767) 445-6000 (Portsmouth location).Locations in both Portsmouth and Roseau, sells avariety of products ranging from snack foods toelectronics. The Portsmouth location gives a 10% Rossdiscount with your ID.

• Courts (767) 445-4600 (Portsmouth) (767) 448-7655(Roseau). Locations in both Portsmouth and Roseau.Bright blue and yellow buildings – hard to miss! Sells a variety of home appliances, furniture and electronics.

• Duverneys Grocery (767) 445-5967.• G & A Enterprises (Tina’s) (767) 445-4865. Located

on main road between Ross and Portsmouth. Sellsgeneral groceries and propane, fresh bread daily.Inquiry about delivery services.

• Grand Bazaar (767) 445-4545 (Portsmouth) (767) 448-8006 (Roseau). Locations in Portsmouth andRoseau. General store with some souvenirs. Also sellsmosquito nets! Ross discount of 10% at both locationswith ID.

• Ideal Pharmacy (767) 445-3038. Located inPortsmouth, north of Best Buy

• Island Rock Bakery (767) 276-4668. Located onHarbour Lane, at the very opposite end of the street as Best Buy. Makes excellent bread, and will also dobulk orders if given proper notice. Very helpful andfriendly staff.

• Mini-Cash (767) 445-5604. Located in Portsmouth,receives shipments from IGA.

• Nature 100 Percent (767) 445-4501; (767) 245-8424 Email natureisland@cwdom.dm. All natural, organicproduce, homemade delicacies, local “bush-medicine”and essential oils.

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Shopping , Restaurants , & Specia l ty Stores , cont inuedRestaurants• Aldrons Pizza (767) 245-1020. Located on

Bay Street, Portsmouth.• ADAJ Restaurant (767) 445-6535/(767) 245-3646.

Located on Bay Street, Portsmouth. • Big Papa’s (767) 275-1862. Located outside of

Portsmouth as you head towards Cabrits National Park.They provide a fun atmosphere with Reggae Night onWednesday and Caribbean Night on Saturday featuringlive music after 10:00 pm.

• Blue Bay (767) 445-4985. Located outside ofPortsmouth as you head towards Cabrits National Park,but before Big Papa’s.

• Heavens Best Guest House and Restaurant(767) 445-6677. Cell (767) 277-3952www.heavensbestguesthouse.comLocated in Savanne Paille, reservations suggested.Heskeith and Evelyn Clarke are proprietors, servingbreakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are having lunch,you can use the pool free of charge.

• Iguana Café (767) 277-2535. Reservations required.Located on the main road to Portsmouth, great localdishes and seafood.

• Purple Turtle (767) 445-5296. Located beyond BigPapa’s towards Cabrits National Park. Great local cuisineand burgers!

Canefield Area:Stores• Brizee’s Mart (767) 448-2087. Located in Canefield

(10-15 minutes north of Roseau). Carries manyAmerican products and hard-to-find items andfeatures an ice cream parlor, café and playground for children.

Roseau Area:Stores• 4D Agricultural Center (767) 440-2915. Carries pet

food, gardening supplies, kennels, seeds, etc.• Archipelago Trading Limited (767) 448-3394. (767)

277-2263 (cell). Will deliver items to your home inPicard/Portsmouth. Orders can be placed by email atwines@archip.com. Delivers on Friday; they are verynice and helpful.

• Astaphan’s (767) 448-3221. www.astaphans.comor email at astaphans@cwdom.dm. Located on KingGeorge V Street. Sells grocery items, householdproducts, furniture, clothes, fabric, etc. Delivers bulkgrocery orders to Portsmouth-area homes once or

twice per week. Astaphans also has a “Home &Building Centre” in Fond Cole, just north of Roseau,(767) 255-2768 or (767) 448-3221.

• Big Blue (767) 612-7729. Ladies fashion clothing andaccessories.

• Bijoux Terner (767) 440-7759. Jewelry and fashionaccessory store.

• Caribbean Magic Spice (767) 440-5483. (Ruins RockCafé located on King George V Street, also known as“The Spice Man”). Sells over 100 exotic and localspices, homemade rum, coffee, homemade hotsauce, and pure extracts. Free samples.

• Courts (767) 448-7655 (Roseau) (767) 445-4600(Portsmouth). Located on Old Street in Roseau andright after the first bridge in Portsmouth. Bright blueand yellow buildings – hard to miss! Sells a variety of home appliances, furniture and electronics.

• Events & Things (767) 448-3954 or (767) 225-3954space walks/inflatable jumps rentals.

• Fadelle’s Party Supplies & Flower Shoppe(767) 448-2686. Located on Kennedy Avenue,flowers and party supplies.

• Fond Cole Depot (Canefield) (767) 448-2194. Numberone soft drink company. Owned and operated byJosephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd.

• Fruits Flowers & Gifts (767) 448-7279. Located at 55 Cork Street, Roseau.

• Fruits Plus (767) 448-6811. Located up from Guiyaverestaurant on Cork Street. Imported pasta, cheese,produce, etc.

• IGA - Whitchurch (767) 448-2181. (767) 255-1135.Located on Old Street, near the new market. Sells manyhard-to-find grocery items and some Americanproducts. www.whitchurch.com

• Jollys Pharmacy (767) 448-3388. Two locations inRoseau, on King George V Street and Great GeorgeStreet. Sells some American products, prescriptions,cosmetics, herbal medications and household items.www.jollysonline.com; 24 hour pharmacy; can ordermedications from the US for you.

• Kai-k Boutique (767) 440-6922. opposite cruise shipberth, sells sandals jewelry, purses souveneirs.

• Mac’s Plant Nursery (767) 245-6856. Sells ornamentalplants and landscaping services.

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Shopping , Restaurants , & Specia l ty Stores , cont inued

• Malcolm Stephens Meat Products (767) 448-8709.(767) 448-2423. Located near the bridge leaving town,sells bulk meat, cheese and frozen vegetables. Deliversto The Shacks weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, andSaturday. You must order by 5pm the night before the day of the delivery.

• New Charles Pharmacy (767) 448-3198. Located onCork Street. Bigger pharmacy that sells some Americanmedicine brands, such as Excedrin®.

• Outdoor World Sporting Goods (767) 440-3475.Snorkel gear, beachwear, fishing supplies.

• Pirates Ltd (767) 449-9774. (767) 449-4634. Locatedon Long Lane. Namebrand sunglasses, gourmetcheeses and ham. Sells Dominica guidebooks.

• Save A Lot (767) 448-2241. American-style groceries,nice meat and produce selection, fabrics, pharmacygoods for sale, next to KFC.

• The Muslim Store (767) 448-2811. Sell electronics, on bayfront.

• True Value (767) 448-2390. Hardware store.• Universal Elegance (767) 448-2811. Located on the

corner of Kennedy and Great George Streets. Carrieselectrical cords, connectors, converters, appliances,batteries, watches, grills, sunglasses. A favorite of students.

Restaurants• Ancient Capital (767) 448-6628. Asian fusion restaurant

and sushi on Church St. Cash only. • Cartwheel Café (767) 448-5353. Located on the bay

front, serves Dominican style breakfasts and lunches. Trytheir amazing chocolate cake.

• CocoRico (767) 449-8686. Located bay front. Deliciousinternational flair café serving breakfast, lunch andsnacks. Boutique located downstairs below the café(guidebooks available).

• Cornerhouse Café (767) 449-9000. Located on KingGeorge V Street (upstairs). Great food. Balcony seating.Fun atmosphere.

• Fort Young Restaurant (767) 448-5000. Located onVictoria Street, upscale dining.

• Garraway Restaurant (767) 449-8800. Located BayFront across from Fort Young. Nice place to eat withimpressive atmosphere and ocean view.

• Guiyave Restaurant and Patisserie (767) 448-2930.(767) 448-1723. Located on Cork street. Restaurant,patisserie, and catering services. Make a reservation fordinner; they offer a lunch buffet. Serves “a little bit of

everything.” Serves a seafood dinner Thursday-Monday evenings.

• Kentucky Fried Chicken (767) 440-5325. Located nearthe new market.

• Pearl’s Cuisine (767) 448-8707. Located on KingGeorge St., upstairs for restaurant. Great prices, goodlocal cuisine.

• Pizza Hut Delivery (767) 617-7777.• Rituals Coffee House (767) 440-2233. Located on the

bay front, next to CocoRico. Offers coffee, drinks,pastries, and sandwiches in a modern environment.

• The Garage Bar & Grill (767) 448-5433. Located onHanover St., sells sandwiches based on classic cars.

Other Areas:Restaurants

• Connie’s Mero Beach Bar (767) 449-6513. Located inMero village. Local meals, snacks.

• Papillote Rainforest Restaurant (767) 448-2287.Located in Roseau Valley – just a short walk fromTrafalgar Falls. www.papillote.dm

• Pagua Bay Bar & Grill (Marigot) (767) 445-8888. USDAsteaks, fish tacos, wine tasting with breath taking viewsover the Atlantic; hotel on site; 5 minutes from MelvilleHall Airport. www.paguabayhouse.com/BarGrill.aspx

• Ponderosa Tavern (Bioche) (767) 245-6177. Ribs and chicken.• Red Rock Haven Bar & Grill (Calibishe) (767) 445-7997.

Hotel/beach on property. www.redrockhaven.com• Riverside Café (La Plaine) (767) 446-1234,

(767) 277-9585. www.citruscreekplantation.comDominican/ French cuisine.

• River Rush (767) 295-7266. Sunday Jazz Brunch.www.river-rush.com/

• Silks Hotel (Hatton Garden - Marigot) (767) 445-8846,intimate luxury hotel located near Melville Hall Airport.www.info@silkshotel.com

• Stonedge (767) 449-6536. Located near Salisbury.Wonderful food, crazy ambience. Truly Caribbean,always call first.

• Sunset Bay (767) 446-6522. Located near Coulibistrie.Serves great international and European cuisine, as wellas huge servings of lobster.

• Tamarind Tree Restaurant (767) 449-7395. Located nearSalisbury, serves great Swiss, German or Italian specials.

• Tiffany’s (Canefield) (767) 245-4793.• West Central (767) 613-1961. (767) 449-7979. Located

near Salisbury. Great English cuisine, homemade burgers,fries and amazing platters. Steak and lobster served as well.

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V o l u n t e e r O p p o r t u n i t i e s

• Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens in Roseauare always looking for volunteers. Some of the thingsthey have asked for in the past are help withphotographing the grounds, and writing columns for the group. Contact (767) 440-5251. www.da-academy.org/dagardens.html

• Calls (Center where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve): The objective of Calls is to develop a senseof self-understanding and self-worth, to improve basicskills as a building block for success, and to prepareeach participant for vocational trades and/or self-employment. It is oriented around young people wholeft school with minimal literacy and numerical skills.Contact (767) 445-5406.

• Friends of Espwa Domnik (Hope Dominica): A Palliative Care and Hospice OrganizationThis is a fledgling local organization working toestablish palliative care and hospice services inDominica. Assistance is needed in researchinginternational grants that may be used to develophospice services, along with writing and reviewingdocuments that will aid in the continued developmentof the organization. Community outreach events are scheduled throughout the Ross semester. Email: friendsofhopedominica@gmail.com

• InLightIn: Youth outreach in Portsmouth.inlightindom@gmail.com

• Lambs Table: A food bank for those in need in Portsmouth.

• Northern Home For the Aged (Grange Homefor the aged): This facility offers care for 14 frail and/or elderly homeless people from Portsmouth and thesurrounding districts. Volunteers are needed who will sit with them, talk with them, and generally show acaring spirit. Contact: Dr. Julienne Turnbull – office:(767) 255-6252, Elaine Africa – Home: (767) 445-5284or cell: (767) 613-8719.

• PAWS: Strives to take care of the stray animals aroundcampus, pawsdominica@gmail.com; (767) 295-7697

• Ride the Rainforest: The Rainforest Riding Ranch is located just outside of Portsmouth. Valerie (the

owner) needs help with grooming, feeding and generalcare of the horses. No prior experience needed.Contact: Valerie at (767) 445-3619 or (767) 265-7386,or email at rainforestriding@yahoo.com.

• Ross Spouses Organization:www.rossmedspouses.wordpress.com or emailrossspousesorg@gmail.com

• Ross University Preparatory School: Volunteers arealways appreciated at the Preparatory School oncampus. Volunteer opportunities include: art, music,sports activities, substitute teaching, library services,etc. Contact: Principal Mary Grogan, B.A., M.Ed.,(767) 255-6363, mgrogan@rossmed.edu.dm.

• Salybia Mission Project: Salybia Mission Project(SMP) is a nonprofit organization that providesmedical care to the Kalinago (also known as theCarib Indians), the indigenous population ofDominica. Through the assistance of medicalstudents from RUSM and devoted medical personnelfrom the area, SMP strives to enrich the lives of thedisadvantaged Carib people. Contact: Campus Group,the SGA, or www.Salybia.org.

• Savanne Paille Primary School: Volunteers are neededto work with small groups of children for one-on-onereading, math, and basic literacy. This school has apartnership with the Ross preparatory school, and theyparticipate in combined activities each semester.Contact: (767) 445-5574.

• SHAPE (Society for Heritage, Architecture,Preservation and Enhancement): This is a local, non-profit group that promotes awareness and appreciationof Dominica’s architectural heritage by securing,promoting, protecting and enhancing the architecturalintegrity of Dominica. Contact: (767) 440-3430.

• St. John’s Primary School: St John’s (located inPortsmouth) is in need of people to read to childrenand help in the office doing basic typing, filing, andother clerical jobs. The school is also in need of acomputer specialist and someone to do general repairs.Contact: (767) 445-4548.

There are a wide variety of ways to volunteer your time and talents in Dominica. Community outreach is a wonderful wayto get to know the warm friendly people on the island. You may also have a special talent you would like to share with theRoss community such as giving massages, aerobics instruction, cooking/ baking instructions, or creating a book club.

The following is a list of organizations in Dominica in need of volunteers. (Contact the SGA, Faculty SpouseOrganization, or Ross Spouses Organization activities chairperson for additional opportunities.)

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D o m i n i c a ’ s A t t r a c t i o n sDominica is known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean. It is said thatDominica is one of the onlyislands in the Caribbean thatColumbus would stillrecognize. The destinationson this beautiful island areabsolutely breathtaking.Whether you’re an outdoor

enthusiast or just want to get a glimpse at what Dominicahas to offer, it will be well worth your efforts. The volcanoesthat have shaped the landscape here have provided us withsteep heights, breathtaking valleys, hot springs, cold

springs, rivers andwaterfalls, just to mentionthe attractions that aren’tunderwater! Theattractions listed here are just a briefoverview. For a completelisting and full explanationof the attractions, please see guides such as 100Things to Do in Dominica. (See Additional Resources,pg. 36).

Before you leave, check to see if your destination requires a site-pass. Many national attractions require apurchased site-pass or your Ross ID card. You may purchase a site, daily, or week pass.

Hiking/Waterfalls/Bird watchingThe hiking opportunities are endless in Dominica. Hikescan range from 10 minutes, 1 or 2 hours to full day hikes,the choice is yours. There are over 300 rivers on the island,and a majority of them have spectacular waterfallssomewhere along their length, so these are often thedestinations of the hikes. If you’re looking for a short walk,destinations such as Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls andSyndicate Falls are good options. Middleham Falls is anexample of a 1-2 hour hike, and then there’s Boiling Lakeor Morne Diablotin that will take most of the day. Many ofthe longer hikes require guides, so be sure you know whatyou’re getting into before you take off. If you enjoy birdwatching, Syndicate Falls is one of the best places forspotting Dominica’s famous Jaco and Sisserou parrots.Several of the fresh water destinations are great forswimming. Some examples of these are Emerald Pool,Spanny Falls, Ti Tou Gorge and Middleham Falls.• Bense Heights & Chaudière Pool: Located on the

northeast coast, a natural pool surrounded by high rocks.• Bird watching tour guides: Bertrand Jno Baptiste

(Birdy) Coulibistre, (767) 446-1760, (767) 446-6358,(767) 245-4768; Honore 285-6255 or 617-6169.

• Boiling Lake: Possibly the second largest sulfur lakein the world, the hike to the valley of desolation andboiling lake is challenging – plan at least 4-5 hourseach way. Start the hike early, to finish before dusk.

Some available Boiling Lake tour guides are:Jerome Victor (767) 225-4142 Theo (767) 235-4743Mr. Simon Rolle (767) 265-6246Mr. Peter Green (767) 235-2270Ms. Andrea Bernard (767) 277-1600Mr. Harigon Dorival (767) 225-0014Mr. Alvin Joseph (767) 265-1154

• Cabrit's National Park: Located just north ofPortsmouth. Features the historic Fort Shirley, a smallmuseum, numerous hiking trails, and a great view.

• Dubique: Three waterfalls behind the south coast of Dubique.

• Emerald Pool & Waterfall: Located in the MorneTrois Pitons National Park, the 50-foot waterfallcascades into an easily accessible pool offering a cool swim.

• Freshwater Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Dominica,located in the Central Range near Emerald Pool.

• Horseback Riding at Brandy Manor EquestrianCenter: (767) 612-0978; 15 minutes from campus.

• L’Escalier Tete Chien: Located in the Carib Territory,a volcanic staircase leading to the sea.

• Middleham Falls: A 45-minute hike to the island’shighest waterfall (150 feet).

• Turtle Watching: (767) 616-8684 or (767) 266-3817(wildlife division).

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Dominica ’s Attract ions , cont inued• Morne Trois Pitons National Park: Located in the

south-central interior of the island consisting of 17,000acres of nationally reserved land.

• Morne Diablotin National Park/Northern ForestReserve: Oceanic rainforest, home to the Sisserouparrot, Dominica’s national bird.

• Papillote Wilderness Retreat and Nature Sanctuary:Features the Rainforest Restaurant, retreat, natural hotand cold springs, on-site waterfall, and tours through14 acres of rainforest gardens including orchids,begonias, gingers and fruit trees, home to over 27 species of birds. Call (767) 448-2287 for reservations.

• Penrice: Two waterfalls about 10 minutes from each other.

• Sari-Sari Waterfall: Located 45 minutes from the east coastvillage of La Plain, waterfall withpool at the bottom.

• Spanny Falls: Located near Emerald Pool, secludedwaterfall with pool.

• Syndicate Estate and Waterfall: In the Northern ForestReserve at the foot of Morne Diablotin (the highestpeak on Dominica), and the best place to see parrots.For bird-watching tours, please contact Bertrand &Nella Jno Baptiste home/office (767) 446-6358 or cell (767) 245-4768 or Mr. Lambert Charles (767) 225-9754; cell (767) 612-5627.

• Ti Tou Gorge: Located near the aerial tram, at the footof the trail for Boiling Lake. Swim up the gorge

to the waterfall inside. It is a 5-minutetrail to the gorge from the road.• Trafalgar Falls: Twin falls locatednear Soufriere, inland from Roseau.• Victoria Falls: Largest waterfall onthe island (not tallest), located in thesoutheast near Grand Bay.

BeachesAlthough Dominica does not featurewhite sand beaches, there arebeautiful golden and black sandbeaches around the island.Fortunately for us, Ross is located onthe longest beach in Dominica!• Batibou Beach: Located on the north side of the island

near Hampstead, this lengthy stretch offers a fabulousview, fine sand, and beautiful water. Hodges, Pirates (or‘Number 1’) and Woodford Hill beaches are alsolocated nearby.

• Coconut Beach: Beach in front of Coconut Beach Hotel& Restaurant, next to PBH beach, the SGA social afterthe first mini is usually held there.

• Mero Beach: Located on the westcoast, Connie’s Mero Beach Bar islocated on the North end of thebeautiful beach.• Portsmouth Beach Hotel Beach: Half

a mile south of Ross University by the PBH apartments.• Purple Turtle Beach: Just north of downtown

Portsmouth and before Cabrits National Park.• Secret Beach: Secluded beach just south of Coconut

Beach Hotel, only accessible by motor boat, sail boat or kayak from Coconut Beach - ask for rental optionsand prices.

Sulphur Springs/Spas/Eco-Retreats There are also numerous hot springs around the island providing you with a warm, relaxing soak. Wotten Waven is themost common area for natural springs, and it features an abundance of hot sulfuric water and mud.• Soufriere Sulfur Springs: Just south of Roseau• Ti Kwen Glo Cho: Located in Roseau Valley. Features a private hot water tub, waterfalls, sulfur mud pool, Glo Cho,

private fish pond, African Fire, and bird watching. Contact Henry & June George at (767) 285-9131 & (767) 612-9761.• Screw’s Sulphur Spa: Located in Roseau valley. Features large bathing pools of varying temperatures, lava

scrub and mud wrap. Also has a bar. Contact: (767) 440-4478.• Tia’s Bamboo Cottages: Has a charming pool and quiet rooms located on the river. Contact: (767) 448-1998 or

(767) 225-4823.• Mamie’s Sulfur Springs: (Picard) Call before going (767) 445-3417.• Brandy Manor Guest House: 235-4871.• Jungle Bay Resort & Spa: (767) 446-1789. www.junglebaydominica.com

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Dominica ’s Attract ions , cont inued

Hotel & Resort• Comfortel De Champ (Picard)

http://www.godominica.com/go_dm/go_dm_uk.html 445-4452.

• Heaven’s Best Guest House (Savanne-Paille)http://www.heavensbestguesthouse.com/rooms.htm(767) 445-6677

• Portsmouth Beach Hotel & Cottageshttp://www.picardbeachcottages.com/1-888-790-5264.

• Rosalie Bay Resorts (Rosalie)http://www.rosaliebay.com/ 446-2010.

• Silks Hotel (Marigot) (767) 445-8846http://www.silkshotel.com/index.html.

• Sunset Bay Resort (Coulibistre)http://www.sunsetbayclub.com/sunset%20hotel/ENG/index.htm (767) 446-6522

• Red Rock Haven (Calibishe)http://www.redrockhaven.com/about_red_rock_haven.php 767-445-7997.

• Pagua Bay House (Marigot)http://www.paguabayhouse.com/Default 445-8888.

• Fort Young Hotel (Roseau)http://www.fortyounghotel.com/index2.cfm448-5000.

• Garraway Hotel (Roseau)http://www.garrawayhotel.com/ (767) 449-8800.

Sulphur Springs/Spas/Eco-Retreats• The Glam Spa: (Picard) facials, waxing, nails (767) 445-4332.• Syndicate Nature Reserve Nature Isle Summit Experience: (767) 615-9795; (767) 446-6898.• Crescent Moon Cabins: www.crescentmooncabins.com in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, (767) 449-3449.• Coffee River Cottages: ” (near Marigot) (767) 613-4696. www.coffeeriverdominica.com.• River Rush: (Stonefield) www.river-rush.com ; (767) 295-7266.• Calibishe Lodges: (Calibishe) www.calibishie-lodges.com/ (767) 317-1843.

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Dominica ’s Attract ions , cont inuedSnorkelingSnorkeling around Dominica is world-class, and you don’thave to go far to find it! There are small reefs visible alongPBH and Coconuts Beach, and great snorkeling is availablearound Secret Beach, Douglas Bay, Toucari Bay and theCabrits dock. One of the most memorable snorkeling areasis Champagne Bay, located south of Roseau. The volcanicgases underneath the area create small bubbles that comeup through the rocks. There is an endless variety of sea lifevisible here, and the bubbles that make the water look likechampagne are absolutely gorgeous. Just one note toremember about snorkeling—watch out for sea urchins!

These long spiky sea creatures live among the rocks andreefs, and if stepped on can be very painful!• Champagne: Located south of Roseau near Soufriere.

Incredible snorkeling among constant streams ofbubbles that come up from the rocks below.

• Secret Beach: Secluded beach just south of CoconutBeach Hotel, only accessible by motor boat, sail boat orkayak from Coconut Beach — ask for rental optionsand prices.

• Scott’s Head: Southern point of the island where the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea meet. Greatsnorkeling on the Caribbean side.

Scuba DivingDominica is consistently rated among the top 10 sites in theworld for recreational SCUBA diving. The nutrient- richwaters teem with life including sponges big enough for a grown man to sit in, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles,whales, and reef creatures straight out of Jacques Cousteauvideos. Apprehensive beginners will be happy to know thatsharks are rare here, and to see one is lucky. Many peoplecome here having no dive experience, others with moreexperience, but those who spend anyamount of time divingin Dominica find it to be very rewarding and exciting!• Anchorage Dive Center (767) 448-2638 in Roseau.• AL Dive Scuba and Watersports (one mile south of

Roseau ) (767) 440-3483.• Cabrit’s Dive Center (767) 445-3010 is located near

Ross University on Lizard Trail. The shop offers special

rates for faculty/staff, students and spouses on allcourses and dive packages. Every course and packageincludes full gear if you don’t own your own.

• Dive Dominica (767) 448-8710 in Roseau.• East Carib Dive (767) 449- 6575 in Salisbury.• Irie Safari at Champagne Reef (767) 440-5085.• Sunset Bay Club Ltd. (767) 446-6522 in Coulibistrie.

Other AdventuresThere are a variety of other ways to see Dominica besides the ones already listed. Call ahead for prices and availability when planning any of these activities.• Aerial Tram: Inland from Roseau, call to be sure they are open, (767) 448-8775 or www.rainforesttrams.com.• Botanical Gardens: Located in Roseau Park, beautiful native flora. Morne Bruce is situated on the eastern side

of the botanical gardens. Take a trip to the summit for a beautiful view of Roseau.• Carib Indian Territory: Last remaining settlement of the original habitants of the Caribbean, located on the east coast,

south of the airport.• Dominica Museum: Located Bay Front in Roseau – shows history and culture of Dominica.• Extreme Dominica: canyoning and hiking trips; www.extremedominica.com.• Highride Adventures: ATV tours and horseback riding, located about 25 minutes past Roseau towards Bellevue/Chopin.• Indian River: Just south of Portsmouth, right off the main road. Take a guided boat tour up and down

the river; there is a small restaurant at the far end. Guide Paul (767) 265-9595.• JC Ocean Adventures: (Mero) (767) 449-6957; www.jcoceanadventures.com/; sport fishing, whale/dolphin watching,

coastal cruises.• Kabuli Water Sports: (767) 275-3639.• Wacky Rollers: Offers ATV riding, zip-line, river tubing and more for groups. (767) 449-8276, (767) 440-4386;

after hours 616-8276. Kayaking. www.wackyrollers.com

O t h e r I s l a n d sAlready being in the Caribbean presents a great opportunity to visit some of the other islands! The two mainways of getting to other islands are via plane or ferry. If you are going to fly, we recommend that you check on-line at the Liat website (www.liat.com) for cheap tickets. Also, check Winair website (www.fly-winair.com) forcheap tickets It is also wise to check at Whitchurch Travel, (767) 445-4331, in Portsmouth for information onvacation packages, as these can often be much more economical and inclusive.Dominica’s neighboring islands are Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique and St. Lucia to the south.These three islands are accessible via ferry (L’Express des Iles) for about $118 US round trip per adult. All ferriesleave from Roseau, and advanced tickets can be purchased from Whitchurch Travel in Portsmouth. The ferry ridecan be quite rough. If you suffer from motion sickness take appropriate medication (i.e., Dramamine) before departure.

GuadeloupeGuadeloupe is a Francophone country and issignificantly more developed than Dominica. Various businesses around Dominica will occasionallyhost a day trip to Les Saintes, the southern most island of Guadeloupe where you can enjoy good food,a change of scenery, and additional shoppingopportunities. Guadeloupe is about 2 hours away by ferry, 30 minutes by airplane. Don’t forget toexchange some money into Euros before departure.MartiniqueMartinique is the Francophone country to theimmediate South of Dominica. Martinique is more developed than Dominica, and is about 2 hours away by ferry. Don’t forget to exchange some money into Euros before departure.

St. LuciaSt. Lucia is similar to Dominica in landscape andgeology, but is more developed and has some amazing

tourist packages available, including multipleall-inclusive resorts. The ferry stops in Martinique on its way to St. Lucia, the total trip from Dominica isapproximately 6 hours. Travelling to St. Lucia by air takes about 40 minutes.Many people ferry to these islands or fly to otherislands to broaden their access to foreign airlines.Antigua offers service for US Airways, Continental,United Airlines & British Air (Antigua is about a 20 minute flight to and from Dominica). ContactWhitchurch Travel for more information.For many members of the Ross community, someother popular islands to visit on semester breaksare Antigua, Barbados, and St. Maarten. Theseislands are cheap and easy to fly to. Here you canfind casinos, fine dining, good shopping, and niceaccommodations. Search the Liat website for prices or see a travel agent.

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H o l i d a y s / C u l t u r a l E v e n t s

JanuaryNew Years Day/Merchants Day

February/MarchCarnival celebrations

AprilGood Friday/Easter Monday

MayDOMFESTA

(Dominica Festival of the Arts)Giraudel Flower Show

May Day

JuneCockrane Rabbit Festival

Hike Fest

June/JulyDive Fest

Pentecost Monday

AugustNational Emancipation Hike“August Monday” Holiday

SeptemberCarib Week

Titiwi Festival (Layou)

OctoberCreole/Heritage Day

October/NovemberWorld Creole Music Festival

NovemberIndependence Day Celebrations

Ross University’s Art, Craft, & Food FairCommunity Day of Service

DecemberChristmas DayBoxing Day

Contact the Dominican Festivals Commission (448-4833)

or the following websites for further information.www.wcmfdominica.com

Each holiday listed is a national holiday and/or religious holiday. Most businessesincluding banks and grocery stores are closed on each of these days unless otherwisenoted. Always check if a business is open on a holiday, if you’re unsure. Transports donot usually run on holidays.

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A d d i t i o n a l R e s o u r c e sWebsitesThe internet is a valuable source for information on Dominica. Some of the most useful sites available include:

www.rossu.edu/medical-school —This is the official Ross School of Medicine website. Everything fromapplications and scholarships to a list of faculty membersand an informational video on campus life are availablethrough this site.

www.rossmed.edu.dm—The official Ross School ofMedicine Dominica Campus website. It contains links tocurrent news, financial aid, traveling, preparatory school,health insurance, housing, banking, campus groups, andfaculty and staff emails. This is a website you will accessover and over again during your time with Ross.

www.rossmedsga.com —This site is run by the StudentGovernment Association. On it you can find informationon the SGA members, a list of the Friday night movies,local weather and blogs for your respective semester.

www.dominica.dm—The official Dominica governmentwebsite.

www.dominicawatersports.com—If you’re a diver,snorkeler, kayaker, river tuber, or whale watcher then this is the site for you. (767) 245-6505.

www.piratesdominica.com—A site devoted to theDominican filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 and Pirate Master on CBS.

www.visit-dominica.com—This site focuses heavily onthe tourism side of Dominica. The interactive map can be especially useful for planning your adventures on the island.

www.rossmedspouses.wordpress.com—A wonderfulforum for student spouses. You can find information oncurrent activities as well as helpful articles like Meg’s guidefor families and Caskie’s packing list. Email: rossspousesorg@gmail.com

http://liquidguru.com—This is a fantastic source forunderwater photography and videos on Dominica. Youcan find full length dive videos as well as “creature clips”to aid in your fish identification.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dominica—Probably the mostencompassing website on all facets of Dominica. It’sessentially a virtual page right out of a travel book.

www.historic.dominica-weekly.com—A great blog on Dominican culture, indigenous tribes and architecture.

www.DiscoverDominica.com—A complete guide to travel in Dominica. Features information on touristdestinations, hotels, and attractions as well as upcomingevents and opportunities.

www.louisiana2dominica.wordpress.com —Blog of aRoss faculty spouse residing in Dominica since 2008.

www.ruwc.weebly.com/index.html —Ross Wellness.

www.Ultimatedominica.com — Forum for all thingsDominican

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Books/PeriodicalsAlthough we have included a lot of information in thisguide, there is much more to learn about Dominica.There are several great resources available that go farbeyond what we could include here. Feel free to pick upa few of the following publications.

Dominica: 100 Things To Do—A yearly publication by100+Things to Do, Leopold House, Roseau, Dominica.Call Paul Toulon with Digicel Design (767) 448-1974.These are available free of charge from the TourismOffice in Roseau or can be purchased at local souvenirshops and bookstores.

Dominica—Written by local resident Paul Crask andpublished by Bradt Travel Guides. This is the onlydedicated guide to the island and includes details on all aspects of life in Dominica. It can be purchased at Pirates (duty-free shop), and other bookstores. See also www.bradtguides.com.

2008 Dominica Food & Drink Wai’tikubuli—The First Annual Edition published in 2008 by LeewardConsultants (Global) Ltd. This is a complete resource on Dominican cuisine. It is available free of charge at the Tourism Office in Roseau or can be purchased atlocal souvenir shops.www.foodanddrink-caribbean.com/index.asp

Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association (DHTA) —www.dhta.org, (767) 445-3938 or (767) 440-3430

Dominica News Online— www.Dominicanewsonline.com

Charlies Post Ross Classifieds — www.charliespost.com

Greg German’s faculty spouse website —http://www.dominicaliving.com/

Hike Dominica—Published by the Discover DominicaAuthority. It provides information on a variety of thehikes available in Dominica. Visit Tourist Information onthe Bay Front (opposite the cruise ship berth) in Roseauand ask for a free copy.

The Dominica Story— Written by Lennox Honychurch,a native of Portsmouth, Doctor of Philosophy, andmember of the House of Assembly between 1975 and1979. This book provides a thorough reference to theisland’s history, written in a fictional style. Look for avariety of other educational books for adults, childrenand visitors about Dominica. He has a website availablewith more information at www.lennoxhonychurch.com.

Experience Dominica — (767) 448-2638/2639;www.experience-dominica.comEmail: info@experience-dominica.com

Please note: Most travel guides for the Caribbean will have a shortsection on Dominica. These guides are very useful sources ofinformation, especially if you are planning on exploring any otherislands during your time in the Caribbean.

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Addit iona l Resources , cont inued