It was a very busy night, the 1st/2nd October, in the small, independent, but strategically situated, Caribbean island of Dominica. Limousines and other fancy cars spilled from the carpark of the Masonic Lodge in Roseau and onto the road. My source says that the brothers in attendance included government ministers, politicians, bankers, judiciary and cashed-up businessmen.
Early the next morning (though some say earlier), Eddie Toulon, the head of the Festivals Committee, the peoples favourite and reportedly, their choice for the next Premier, officially died very suddenly and unexpectedly from an Asthma attack.
Very many Dominicans suspect that he was murdered. Mr Toulon, it is claimed, died in Princess Margaret Hospital. Mr Toulon was said to have socialist leanings.
The Ist/ 2nd October seems extremely unlucky for Dominican high-fliers. Especially those who promise to tackle crime and corruption. Last year at the same time, ex-Premier, Roosi (Roosevelt) Douglas died very suddenly and unexpectedly after returning from a trip to Libya and Jamaica. He had only been PM for 9 months. Mr Douglas, who came from an influential Portsmouth, Dominica family was at one time a student in Canada. Left-leaning and black, Mr Douglas was banged up and then bounced out of Canada for 'activities not compatible for being a student.' Roosi Douglas's parting shot went something like, "I will return, and when I do you will welcome me with open arms." They never did. He was 58 when he died.
It is not generally well known that Dominica is an American State. Well, I didn't know anyway. But it must be, you see it has a branch of the Organisation of American States, in Roseau it's capital city. It's head swans about in a car with the registration number, CD 001. This number plate and another, TB 333 were reported to be amongst the burgeoning traffic outside the previously mentioned Masonic Lodge meeting.
On Monday 8th October, Columbus Day and the day after LUMIA (Let Us Massacre Innocent Afghanis) Day, the Attorney General, David Brunnie (sic) resigns out of the blue and without plausible reason.
More interesting landmarks near Roseau.
Atop Morne Bruce (Mount Bruce), there are a number of interesting features, including the Presidents residence and government installations.
Mount Bruce towers over Roseau and has always been utilised for its commanding position. This old canon still points out towards Prince Rupert Bay. The motif (roll cursor over picture) is interesing.
Christianity is still a potent force on the mainly Catholic, island.
Dominica has attracted a sizeable Syrian population.
"It is fundamental that governments exist to serve human beings and not to deal in abstractions. Let us release the energies of the people of this region in this ever expanding world of trade liberalisation and globalisation by freeing them to live and work wherever they choose."
Roosi Douglas, Prime minister of The Commonwealth of Dominica at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of he Caribbean Community.
Roosevelt Douglas was elected on 2nd February 2000 (Interesting numerology - 2 - 2 - 2)
