This Caribbean Island Is Back From the Brink—and Ready To Share Its Treasures With the World

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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.

The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.

The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.

A child dials 911 seeking assistance from police officer.

Generally, we tell our kids to call 911 if they ever need help. But one child took the lesson to a completely new level!

The child was experiencing problems with his homework, so he made the decision to call for help. Since 911 was the only number he knew, he took up the phone and dialed it. Is it true that the people listed on this number are ones that need help? Indeed. I think he was right someplace, too.

The operator who was answering began asking the standard questions. Following a lengthy period of miscommunication, the operator discovered that the child truly had difficulty with math problems.

The entire phone call they had is available below. We were really amused by this and laughed a lot. The YouTube video is also available at the conclusion of the article.

Operator: emergency 911

Boy: I do require assistance.

Operator: What’s wrong?

Boy: Using my arithmetic.

Operator: Using your lips?

Boy: Not using my math. I must complete it. Are you going to assist me?

Operator: Alright. What city do you reside in?

Boy: I can’t do the math.

Operator: You’re right, I understand. But where do you live?

Boy: No, I’d rather have a phone conversation with you.

Operator: I’m not able to do it. I can dispatch another person to assist you.

Boy: Alright.

Operator: What type of math problems are you having trouble with?

Boy: These are my takeaways.

Operator: You must complete the takeaways, I see.

Boy: Certainly

Operator: Okay, so what’s the issue?

Boy: I need your assistance with my math.

Operator: Alright, explain the arithmetic to me.

Boy: Alright. What is 8 minus 16?

Operator: You inform me. How much do you estimate it to be?

Boy: I have no idea, 1.

Operator: Not at all. What is your age?

Boy: I’m just four years old.

Operator: Four!

Boy: Certainly.

Operator: What’s the next issue? That was a difficult one.

Boy: Well, this one’s here. Five things to take away.

Operator: Five minus five, what do you think that is worth?

Boy: five

Female: Johnny What are you doing, exactly?

Boy: I’m getting help with my math from the policeman.

Woman: Did I mention that I was going to call you?

Operator: The mother is here.

Boy: You told me to call someone if I needed assistance.

Woman: The police aren’t who I meant!

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