This Caribbean Island Is Back From the Brink—and Ready To Share Its Treasures With the World

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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.

The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.

The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.

Bull has spent his entire life behind bars, and the sight of his newfound freedom is truly a breathtaking moment

In a touching video, a bull that had spent nearly his entire life in chains finally experiences freedom. The moment is beyond words.

This story serves as a reminder that we should pay more attention to the treatment of farm animals, like cattle and pigs, and show them the same compassion given to pets. As Rolling Stone once pointed out: “Every state has laws against cruelty to house pets, but few protect farm animals”. Sadly, this rings truer than ever today. Still, there are many compassionate people working tirelessly to help neglected farm animals.

In this case, a dedicated team managed to release a bull named Bandit after years in captivity. Bandit’s reaction to his newfound freedom is nothing short of incredible, he leaps with joy, savoring the experience. The video, originally posted by the German YouTube channel Gut Aiderbichl, has since captured over 30 million hearts worldwide.\

Is Different Than The Rest

When a sanctuary volunteer first steps into Bandit’s stable, the bull responds with gentle licks to his hand, visibly emotional. Just moments later, Bandit finally tastes freedom, and his exuberant leaps and kicks reveal his happiness and new vitality.