My name is Gwenith Whitford – a proud Canadian who grew up in Kingston Ontario, attended Queen's University (Music) there and then moved to Halifax Nova Scotia to go to graduate school at Dalhousie University (Library Science). I worked in that lively east coast city as a librarian for several years and subsequently returned to the Toronto area before relocating to Dominica.
When and how did you decide to move to Dominica? Is it complicated to settle down there?
I first visited Dominica in March 1997. I had been ill for many years with severe environmental health challenges, multiple chemical sensitivities and heavy metal poisoning. Although I love my native land, I was constantly affected by even low levels of pollution and synthetic products. I was searching for clean air, food and water and the Nature Island seemed to offer what I needed for a better quality of life. I have resided here for over 15 years (2013).When I occasionally return to Canada to visit family, friends and consult with my medical specialists, I am adversely affected by numerous exposures to chemicals everywhere! It is always a relief to return to Dominica's mostly-pristine environment.
As a Commonwealth citizen, there are some similarities with Canadian processes. Of course, one must apply for annual residency and/or work permits, and then after several years permanent residency and/or citizenship. The procedures are outlined on certain Government of Dominica websites, as well as the Invest Dominica Authority. Suffice it to say that is a different culture and there are some differences to which one must adapt in order to live here comfortably.
Have you ever lived abroad before? How many countries have you visited?
I have previously visited a number of Caribbean countries up and down the archipelago. My favourite is Martinique, French West Indies. Dominica has the geographical advantage of being in close proximity to a number of French islands. I get to practice my French and enjoy their renowned ‘gastronomie'!
Many years ago, I toured four European countries: Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland as a member of the 40 female voice Aeolian Singers of Dartmouth Nova Scotia in 1986. We performed in numerous urban and rural settings and those memories will be with me forever! I have also been to the U.K. twice in order to connect with distant relations and discover my ‘roots'. Of course, I have visited various parts of the U.S., as a Canadian ‘neighbour'.
What do you like the most about Dominica?
This verdant country is called the Nature Island for good reason! I love hiking in the rainforest on the Waitukubuli National Trail, an island-long ‘walk' that consists of 14 segments of varying degrees of difficulty. When in the mountains (the tallest is Morne Diablotin at almost 5,000 feet above sea level), the air is so pure that I tell people it is like being on an oxygen tank! The abundant rivers and the hot springs also add to my healing experiences.
How is/was the cultural shock? What are the main differences with Canada, your home country?
Well, of course, ‘island time' is the operative phrase here. Things are done more slowly than in the developed countries such as Canada. I would not encourage anyone who is a stickler for punctually to live here, unless they want to change. Ironically, I maintain my ‘northern' approach to time – it just means I often have to wait so I always carry something to read with me! Initially, I was very naive about preconceived racial differences as I was raised to be respectful of all races and cultures. It has been a real eye-opener to live in a country that had unfortunately experienced slavery in earlier centuries. When someone refers to me a ‘white lady' (not disrespectfully), I still do a double take!
Do you miss anything from your homeland?
I do miss the diversity of cultures that is so apparent in Canada – but that is changing here too. I always look forward to eating different types of meals when in the Toronto area – such as Indian, Thai, Italian and Greek. While I am fortunate to sing a little with a fine group of musicians here, I do miss the cultural performances in music, theatre and dance on a larger scale. I do content myself with listening to Classical 96 radio in Toronto. It's on my computer 24/7. That way, I still feel as if I am keeping in touch with the latest artistic endeavours in the Toronto area – as well as keeping up my classical music knowledge!
Sometimes I do feel sad when I acknowledge to myself that I did not really see my very talented and accomplished niece and nephew ‘grow up'. While we do keep in touch, I suppose there is nothing quite like ‘being there'. Other family members and long time friends are constantly kept close to my heart.
Any 'memories of an expat' you would like to share with us? Your best souvenir? Or maybe your worst experience?
While living in a developing country can (and does) have numerous challenges, I prefer to focus on the positive things – of which there are so many. Just read my blog and you'll get the idea!
As the end of the year is coming by, is there any Dominican tradition for Christmas or New Year's Eve you would like to share with us?
Christmas and New Year's celebrations tend to be very religious and family-centred. Many people attend midnight mass on Christmas and New Year's Eves and then go to a dance or have a big meal in the middle of the night! For me, I enjoy singing in a little vocal ensemble and we usually perform at a few concerts around Roseau. I started my season by attending the St. Cecilia (patron saint of music) Concert on Friday November 22nd where a number of church choirs offered up songs of joy and prayer. That always marks the start of my Christmas-time in Dominica!
What does a typical day as an expat in Dominica look like?
Every expat that I know is here for different reasons and does different things. Some people are working, some are retired and some are on an extended ‘vacation! Because my life revolves around managing my health challenges, I do tend to go slowly and only do a few things each day. I do spend a lot of time on my computer (hence the blog). As errands and appointments can take longer on ‘island time', fewer things tend to get accomplished on any given day, but that is okay with me. When I go back to the Toronto area, I have difficulty speeding up – my head spins for the first couple of weeks. The leisurely pace of island life suits me just fine!
When did you start your blog? For what reasons?
I started Ti Domnik Tales in March 2012. I wanted to share my positive experiences about the amazing places and people that I have encountered on the Nature Island of the Caribbean. I really enjoy relaying my musings about this amazing little country that means so much to me.
Did you make new friends with your blog?
I have made some Facebook friends and there are people who follow Ti Domnik Tales from all over the world, as well as on-island! I am very grateful for their support and interest. As of November 2013, there have been 23,000 visits to my blog – and counting. I am really delighted!
Why did you register on
https://www.expat.com and what do you think of the website?
I registered with Expat Blog because I wanted to share my positive experiences with other expats and also allow prospective visitors or residents to read my personal perspectives about the upside of my life on Dominica. I think the website is very helpful in providing a forum for people to obtain information and/or ask questions about their country of interest.
Which advice would you give to the other Expat blog members who would like to settle in Dominica?
I would urge prospective and/or interested Expat Blog members to do careful research, and if possible, visit Dominica several times for increasingly extended periods before making a decision about moving here. I think it is also important to consider why and/or how a relocation to a somewhat remote, lesser developed island would be beneficial to one's lifestyle. It may work well for one person and not at all for another. If you are a person who is open-minded, tolerant, extremely patient and can see the humour in things, then it might just work for you. I have seen many expats come and go over 15+ years...
