Charlotte Valley Great House was a centre piece of an old 18th Century Plantation that was named aftr Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England.

Situated just south of Roseau the house maintains  many tradional West Inidian architechural features such as a wide verandah, high ceilings for ventiliation, large kitchen, wooden hurricane shelters and steep pitched roof.

 

It was the first house in Dominica to be constructed with a combination of steel and cast concrete and has withstood every hurricane the island has had. It was constructed by Phillip Rolle the first Dominican elected member of the legislature.

 

The present owner has restored it to its former grandeur  and it is a beautiful example of  Dominican architecture at its finest.For more details http://www.safehavenrealestate.com/details1.cfm?id=541

DOMINICA  AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

 

Dominica is uniquely placed to be a standard bearer for the use  of renewable energy resources in the Caribbean . It has numerous rivers because of it high annual rainfall, wind, sunshine and geothermal resources.

 

The Dominican Government has stated its objectives for the energy sector are

1)      to minimize the cost of energy,

2)      diversify energy sources,

3)      reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, and

4)      conserve energy, while at the same time, reducing emissions of green house gases.  

The  Government  states that  its short-term goal is to have at least 25% of all electricity generated in Dominica from renewable sources by the year 2010, while encouraging and promoting the need for energy efficiency and energy security.

On April 24, 2009 Minister for Public Utilities, Energy and Ports, Hon. Charles Savarin  stated at a Multi Sector Stakeholder Consultation in Roseau  Dominica on the formulation of a National Energy Policy that the challenge is to “turn away from the established precept of seeing electricity as a public service good to be guaranteed and subsidized by Government, and treat our rich endowment in renewable sources of energy, more particularly hydro, geothermal and wind, as a resource to be harnessed and exploited for the production of electricity not only for local consumption but for export to neighbouring islands as well”.

 

Government Initiatives on Renewable Energy

2004/2005, as part of its Eastern Caribbean Geothermal Development Project, (Geo-Caraibes), the OAS supported a study on the geothermal energy potential carried out by the French Geothermal Company (CFG). The study focussed on the Wotten Waven area and carried out geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys.

The Minister revealed that the 2005 report suggested that good conditions for commercial exploitation of the geothermal resource in the Wotten Waven are expected as “there is ample evidence of deep, high temperature reservoirs”.

Other initiatives undertaken include:

• In May and June of 2004, feasibility studies on hydro power for Dominica were carried out by the German Technical Assistance, GTZ. Part of the objectives of the studies was to assess the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Trafalgar and/or Padu hydro power plants according to DOMLEC’s priority. The reports concluded that “all of the investigated rehabilitation and upgrading options are technically feasible and economically and financially viable”.
• In 1992, the OECS Secretariat, with the assistance of the British Development Division in the Caribbean completed the wind energy assessment of the Caribbean . The northeast corner of the island,  was identified as the most promising area for wind energy development in Dominica.
• In the July, 2002 study published by the University of the West Indies Centre for Environment and Development (UWICED) entitled “The Potential of Renewable Energy Technologies-Diversifying Dominica’s Energy Supply”, five (5) sites were identified for further study.
• In 2003, the GTZ carried out a wind energy assessment for Government. This study covered nine (9) sites on the southeast coast and five (5) sites in the northeast. The reports stated that the northeast coast of Dominica present the best opportunities for large scale development of wind power on wind farms. The report also stated however that the weakness of the electricity distribution system does not currently allow for large injections of power along the east and northeast coasts.
• In April, 2008, the Dominica Government signed a Transnational Partnership Agreement (TPA) with the Regional Councils of Guadeloupe and Martinique and other development agency partners to continue research into the feasibility of geothermal development in the Wotten Waven area and of interconnectivity between Dominica and Guadeloupe and Martinique for geothermal power transmission.
• The TPA is the prelude to the project “Preparation of a Geothermal-based Cross-Border Electrical Interconnection in the Caribbean” financed by the European Union , AFD and FFEM to the tune of 5.5 million euros over three years.  The Minister stated that within the next two years the investment will provide Government with technical, financial, institutional and legal information for the establishment of geothermal plants with the capacity to supplement local needs at much reduced cost and to sell 100 megawatts of electricity to Guadeloupe and Martinique via submarine cable as part of the EU’s 20/20/20 commitment.
• In determining the use of four (4) 30MW “single flash” turbines for the production of 120 mega watts of electricity, the preliminary project evaluation determined total investment cost at between US$430 450 million .
• In July, 2008, Government issued a license to West Indies Power (Dominica) Ltd for the exploration and exploitation of the geothermal resources in the Soufriere area.  The Minister stated that  the results so far are sufficiently favourable to encourage the company to pursue the development of its proposed geothermal energy investment programme.  The project will seek to exploit  Dominica’s geothermal resources for generating cleaner and lower cost electricity.

Fossil fuels such as oil are  in this author’s opinion out dated , expensive and dirty and  we should not be looking backward  but looking forward to making Dominica  a Beacon for cleaner, less harmful sources of energy consistent with the Nature Isle concept which Government promotes to Investors and visitors.

La Plaine

Google co ordinates for La Plaine 15°17’N 61°15’ W.

La Plaine is one of those rural villages that one falls love with on sight.

Sari sari Falls

Located on the Eastern side of the island with a population of 1,288  it is an enchanting, picturesque  village with its neat houses with their colourful gardens. La Plaine and its environs has something for every-one.
It is the home of the dramatic Sari Sari Falls . The hike is along the river so one has to be relatively fit to clamber over the rocks. However , there is a rejuvenating reward of a swim in an ice cold pool at the base of the Falls.

 

Less well known are the Boli Falls also known as the Bolive Falls. This is quite a difficult hike starting from La Plaine and you have to be very fit as a lot of the hike is very steep but it is worth the effort. The falls are spectacular.

About 25 minutes away in the neighbouring community of Delices visitors can find the beautiful White River. This river is fed from the Boiling Lake in the Morne Trois Piton National Park and has a milky white color which it gets from the sulphur content of the water.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls are at the upper end of this river and again to get to these Falls one has to hike along parts of the River.

About 10 mins drive from La Plaine are the Dernier Falls near the village of Grand Fond. The walk to the Falls from the village is relatively easy although the ridge is at times a little narrow but on reaching the falls you will be guaranteed seclusion. A hidden Treasure if you like to get off the beaten track.

TURTLES
Between the months of March and September, three types of sea turtles, the Giant Leatherback, the Hawksbill and the Green Turtle lay their eggs on Rosalie Beach and Bout Sable Beach at La Plaine with its beautiful black sands and dramatic waves which one can see from the property ref 529 listed on the Safe Haven web site http://www.safehavenrealestate.com/details1.cfm?ID=529 This property  comprises  12 beautiful acres of land offering peace and tranquility nestled in a valley rising gradually to a mountain ridge. A crystal clear river runs alongside the property with a number of bathing pools.

 

This Week Papilllote Press, a small publishing house in Dominica launched a novel by Elma Napier called ” Black and White Sands”

Elma Napier left her fashionable ,comfortable life in London in 1932 to settle in the then remote village of Calibishie and built her home at Pointe Baptiste.

She was the first woman to be elected to a Caribbean Parliament and served as the North Eastern District representative in the Legislative Council between 1940 -144 and 1947-51

Since then many have fallen in love with the charms of this beautiful, quiet fishing village on the north east coast of Dominica. It retains its tranquil beauty even today and its lovely beaches attract people from distant shores many of whom have settled in the area.

For more information on Dominican writers visit http://www.dominicanmosaic.com/Mosaic.html?1057014049350
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/culturalicons.cfm

The Caribbean Re Union Club Flycrc.com has launched a petition against the tax by the UK Goverment on flights to the Caribbean.

From November 2009 Flycrc state that the airport departure tax on flights to the Caribbean is due to increase by between 25 per cent and 87 per cent, depending upon the class of travel.

In November 2010 these increases will reach as high as 94 per cent. This means that anyone travelling to the Caribbean from the UK will pay at least £50 Air Passenger Duty for their flight.

This will impact not only on those returning to the Caribbean to visit relatives but on tourism and investment in the islands and may have serious implications for the islands.

The deadline for anyone wishing to sign the petition is 19 April.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/APDtax/.

Key Points in Budget Address 2008 which may affect persons wishing to reside in Dominica
Implementation of the second phase of the income tax reform

Effective 1st January 2009 the following further actions will be implemented by way of additional tax relief :

 The tax free allowance threshold will be increased from $18,000.00 to $20,000.00;

 The rate on the first $20,000 of taxable income will be reduced from 18 percent to 16 percent;

 The rate on the next $30,000 of taxable income will be reduced from 28 percent to 26 percent; and

 The rate on taxable income above $30,000 will be reduced from 38% to 36 percent.

 All pension incomes will be exempt from income tax.

 Exemption from all hospital fees

 All persons 65 years and older, as well as infants and young persons up to the age of 18 years who are still at a formal education institution, will be exempted from the payment of hospital fees. Further, all physically and mentally challenged people will be exempted from the payment of hospital fees.
 Reduction in Tariffs
 Government has reduced tariffs on a number of basic food items.

 In a further effort to reduce the cost of imported goods, the Government has agreed to increase the number of days that imported cargo can remain on the port before “storage charges” are applied. The number of days will be increased from 3 days to 5 days. It will be necessary to make amendments to the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority Act to accommodate this measure.

 Support for Renewable Energy

 The Government has pledged to continue to work with interested investors to adopt energy technologies that are not highly dependent on fossil fuel.

 Consistent with Government’s commitment to encouraging the use of alternative forms of energy, with immediate effect all duties on equipment to be used in the self-generation of energy from renewable sources will be removed.


 Removal of the excise tax on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) imported into this country. It also means that no taxes will be included in the price build up for LPG. This measure is being taken to bring relief to residents and to ensure that LPG which is a basic commodity remains accessible to all. This measure will apply from the first shipment received after 10th July 2008.

 Small Businesses

 Establishment of a small business Unit to assist small and medium size enterprises. The VAT Threshold has now been raised from EC65,000 to EC$120,000

The full budget address is available for sale at the Government Treasury at the price of EC$30.00

 How  can I obtain Financing  to purchase in Dominica?

Safe Haven is always trying to assist buyers by helping them to obtain finance where necessary. This remains a  problem. However, we  now have an arrangement with  an independent brokerage firm based in Barbados  that specializes in the provision of investment and mortgage services for purchasers of property in the Caribbean.

They will assess the client’s needs, look at the most suitable options, offer advice and guidance on the best way forward, package and submit the application papers and then liaise with all the parties to ensure there is a timely completion.

The service is available to both Caribbean nationals and non-nationals and mortgage finance can be obtained across different territories in the Caribbean region.  The company deal with both domestic and commercial applications and can provide feasibility studies, business plans and project studies for clients with specific requirements. 

 

 The company has  an excellent working relationship with all the major lenders and financial players in the region.

 They also offer general advice and guidance on many ancillary services including, legal, tax, rental, insurance, property management and real estate services.

The company   normally charges a 1% Engagement fee if the mortgage offer is obtained, nothing if  they  cannot obtain the facility.

Safe Haven  can only assist  where a client  wishes to purchase a property through Safe  Haven  . Visit Save Haven Real Estate website for properties available in Dominica.

   

 

 

 Cailbishie is one of the most popular areas of Dominica  for people from overseas looking to make Dominica their home.

The village   is on the north east coast of Dominica and is protected from the ocean by  a mile long barrier reef  one of the longest on the island. In the Arawakan language spoken by the Kalinago/Caribs, the name of this village means: Cali = net, bishie/shibi = reef.

Other natural features of Calibishie are the red clay rocks, which cover the headlands around the bay with its distinctive islets called, Port D’Enfer .

There are beautiful  views across the channel to the French Island of The Saintes, Guadeloupe and Mariegalante also add to the beauty of the area.

 Caribs followed by the French, English and African slaves settled this area and it has a very distinctive history. For more on the histiory of Calibishie visit  http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/article.cfm?id=376 For an article written by the distinguished Dr. Lennox Honychurch

 Calibishie although renowned for its beaches still  has forested areas where manioc and cassava were grown by the Caribs.   Safe Haven Real Estate has  a fabulous piece of real estate which bounds with the falls  seen on this blog containing 5.9 acres  at an amazing price of US$9,300/ EC$25,000 an acre! This property is priced to sell so do not expect price to be further negotiable.

Visit the Safe Haven Real Estate website for properties available in Dominica.”

CNN Money reported that the number of existing homes sold in the US December rose 6.5% from the previous month, according to a report released Monday 2nd February , as bargain hunters took advantage of plummeting prices. 

The US National Association of Realtors said that home sales increased to a seasonally-adjusted, annualized rate of 4.74 million units. That’s up from a revised pace of 4.45 million units sold in November and more than the rate of 4.4 million units projected by a consensus of industry analysts as reported by Briefing.com. 

Bargain hunters: Bargain prices are bringing buyers back into the market. The median existing home price was down 15.3% to $175,400 from December 2007, when the median price was $207,000. The median price measures where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.  

“Americans love a bargain, and the housing market is no exception,” said Mike Larson, real estate and interest rate analyst for Weiss Research in a written statement.  

According to Cecily Lees of     Safe Haven Real Estate in Dominica www.SafeHavenRealEstate.com , “Housing in warmer climates seems to be performing better than others.”  Lees represents properties exclusively in the Caribbean, which she believes represents excellent value for money. Homes, land, restaurants and hotels for sale in the Caribbean are still relatively cheap compared to other geographic locations. An example from safe Haven  can be viewed  at http://www.safehavenrealestate.com ref 472

Now is the time to buy because as a purchaser you can drive a harder bargain. There are many incemtives from  vendors to entice purchasers.

For more information on buying in Dominica contact Safe Haven Real Estate.  Roseau . Dominica

safehavenrealestate@gmail.com

The constant refrain we hear from investors and visitors alike is that it is so difficult to get to Dominica. Some say this is a good thing  but to develop  a country must have good air communication.

Dominica now has direct flights to St. Maarten. A recent airline called Sisserou airways has just come on stream.sisserouairways.com . Tel  445 7682. Theirs  is a 19 seater jet stream plane which offers flights to St. Maarten on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

It is possible to fly to San Juan via Liat as well as American Eagle.

There is  now a flight to Venezuala  from Melville Hall once a week.This flight is every Tuesday at 2.55 p.m and goes via St. Vincent. HHV Whitchurch are the Agents 445 8936  The web site is www.conviasa.aero/eng/indexphp

At last  someone seems to be taking the complaint of investors, visitors and islanders seriously.  We can but hope that one day we will also get cheaper flights.

At long last Government   has funding from the EU and Venezuela  to complete the  Melvile Hall airport extension which should enable night landing. For visitors from the UK this is a blessing and hopefully will stop the too often need to overnight in Antigua.