FrontLine Bookstore, Dominica

FrontLine Bookstore, Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

I think I heard that after 27 years, today will be the last day for the Frontline Bookstore in Dominica. If so this is the second bookstore which has closed in recent months (Pages bookstore also closed this year).
For me this is a sad occassion. When I used to come on holiday to Dominica, I could not go back without at least one visit to FrontLine and being back it became a regular Roseau stop.
I could always get the latest books by local authors and poets, the latest CD by our musicians, find out what cultural shows, poetry readings, art exhibitions, hikes etc were taking place or just stop for a chat.
So I wish Sealey, Zenith and all the others I used to meet at Frontline the very best. It will certainly be missed.

I read on http://thedominican.net that the Frontline Cooperative Bookstore was founded in 1982 by Eddie "Izzar" Toulon, Gabriel Christian and others.

Crazy Cat and Boa in Dominica

Crazy Cat and Boa in Dominica
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

The other night I was driving home and came across a snake in the middle of the road. I got out to shoot it (we have no poisonous snakes in Dominica but I was still keeping my distance) and this crazy cat started stalking the snake...I had to admire its bravery...or stupidity

Anniversary back in Dominica

All set for England?
Originally uploaded by TropicallyTied

In September 1976, when I was 8 years old, my father said we were leaving Dominica for England. To be honest I had no idea what he was talking about. All I knew was one minute I was coming to terms with the end of mango season and trying to decide which halter neck top and bell-bottom combination to wear, and the next, my halter necks were replaced with thick woolly jumpers, I was getting off an aeroplane at Heathrow wondering what on earth just happened and wondering what language people in Ipswich would speak.
My journey back home probably began at that very moment and ended on September 8th 2005, nearly 30 years later.
We hear about migration all the time. It has completely changed, and will continue to change, the global social landscape. It has had huge and complex consequences for countries and individuals, sending ripples down generations.
The majority of Dominicans are likely to have been touched by migration in one way or another. Our own history as a people begins with forced and voluntary migration.
I have always been interested in the human element, the impact on individuals; those who leave, those who remain and those who return, the children and grandchildren down the generations. The impact on things like identity, culture, belonging, family units, the place you regard as home.
I recently read an article about reverse migration or return migration and how the economic situation has prompted some Latin American migrants in the US to return home. It will be interesting to see if this reversal becomes significant and if it causes any unforseen issues.
Nation's economic woes prompt reverse migration
Stories from returned Dominicans:
Home Again Book