Hi
They call her the NATURE ISLAND of the Caribbean, Kairi, Waitikubuli andDominica. She is The Commonwealth of Dominica. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on November 3rd, 1493 when he named it Dominica for the day he found it which was a Sunday, translated from the Latin form of the word. The Commonwealth of Dominica is located in the Caribbean in the Lesser Antilles between two French countries, Guadeloupe in the northwest and Martinique in the south east. Dominica became independent in 1978 after she was ceded from France's possession to the UNited Kingdom in 1763. Then in 1805 she became a colony when the United Kingdom set up a government. In 1834 and 1838 during the emancipation of African slaves throughtout the British Empire, she became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by an African majority and in 1896, the United Kingdom took governmental control of Dominica once more, turning her into a Crown colony.
The Flag
The flag of Dominica was adopted on November 3, 1978, with some small changes being made in 1981, 1988, and 1990.The flag, adopted in 1978, features the national bird emblem, the sisserou parrot, which also appears on the coat of arms granted in July 21, 1961. This parrot is unique to Dominica. It is an endangered species; only a few pairs remain. The green field represents the lush vegetation of the island. The cross represents the Trinity and the Christian faith, its 3 colors recall the native Indians, the fertile soil, and the pure water, the 10 stars stand for the 10 parishes ( St. Andrew, St. David, St. George, St. John, St. Joseph, St. Luke, St. Mark,St. Patrick, St. Paul, and St. Peter) and the red disk represents social justice.
The Coat Of Arms
The Coat of arms is widly described in these words:
Quarterly Or and Azure a cross fillet, in the first quarter on a Rocky Mount Stands a Coconut Tree.
Fructed proper in the second quarter is a Dominica Crapaud(The National Frog).
Also proper in the third quarter, on Water Barry wavy in base is a Carib canoe with sail set.
Likewise proper in the fourth quarter, on a Rocky Mount also sable a Banana Tree fructed also proper and for the crest.
On a Wreath Argent and Azure above the crest is a Rocky Mount Sable thereon a Lion Passant guardant Or and for the Supporters.
On either side stands proud the Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperials) proper beaked and membered or together with this motto APRES BONDIE C’EST LA TER (After GOD the Earth).
The Bird
Dominica's national bird is called the Sisserau Parrot or the Amazona Imperalis. The parrot is the pride and joy of the people. It is featured on the national flag, the coat of arms, the public seal, the mace of the house of assembly and Dominica's honors of meritorious service to the country. The parrot is one of the oldest species of Amazon parrots in the world. The Amazona Imperalis can only be found in Dominica.
