Dominica Sebastian Berrazueta Anthony DeSantis Mason Kenney Zack Rosenfeld

Etiquette Greetings such as "good morning" or "good afternoon" are the most basic form of social interaction. People are expected to greet when they telephone, visit someone's home, or simply pass one another on the street. Strangers are eyed with suspicion, but are treated warmly once introduced. Close friends, especially girls, stand close to one another and often walk with arms around each other's shoulders or waists. Privacy is difficult to maintain but is highly valued; items are concealed when carried in public, and domestic problems are dealt with in the home. Tips are not expected

Business Etiquette dos and don’ts Dress – For men: Long sleeve dress shirt and tie. Dress pants and nice shoes. For women: Nice blouse with long skirt and fancy/ heeled toeless or toed shoes. Skirt suits are worn often. Jeans, shorts and sandals are usually not appropriate for the workplace.

Business Etiquette Continued.. Card Exchanges There is no specific ritual surrounding the giving of business cards although it is advisable to treat the card with respect. Titles are common and expected to be used. An unusual title is “honorable” which is expected to be used for those holding political positions

Business Etiquette Continued Meetings Should show up on time to meetings, but do not expect anyone else to. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible in no particular order and be ready to make small talk until everyone arrives. DirecteEye contact is common and expected especially in a business relationship or if it is the first time you are meeting the person.

Business Etiquette Continued.. Meetings Continued.. The chairperson of the meeting will begin and end each meeting. Dominicans tend to use very official protocol during meetings and one should be careful not to speak out of turn.

Business Etiquette Continued.. Negotiations If it is a business deal or if you are loaning money make sure to get it in writing. Know who the authority is above the person you are dealing with before interacting. Stay calm and remain firm and consistent. Be aware of alliances especially along political party lines. These can shut down a project or lead to their quick approval.

Views on Time Generally it is understood nothing occurs on time. Dominicans place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict obedience of set schedules in social situations. Meetings and events tend to run between half an hour to an hour late. Time is given freely and willingly. Buses do not run on an official time schedule and can come earlier or later each day depending on situations.

Gestures When signaling a car or bus, one would signal with their entire arm towards the ground in the direction you are attempting to go. To signaling someone people tend to make the ‘pssst’ sound. Some Dominicans will place their fist across their chest and then point it towards you. This is saying good bye, peace, or ‘one love’. It is a sign of friendship.

Gestures continued.. Dominicans tend to speak to you at a distance that is easiest to touch you or shake your hand. This tends to be the same regardless of gender. There is a fair amount of touching between either gender It is common for a person to hold your hand/arm as they speak to you. You can tell it is time to let go when the person loosens their grip. This occurs no matter your relation with the person.

Taboos Putting your middle finger up is an obscene gesture. Sucking air through the teeth to make a sucking sound is used to express anger or annoyance. Pressing your lips together and sticking them out as if for a kiss is also a sign of displeasure.

Dining customs Holidays and important religious ceremonies are celebrated with the slaughtering of livestock and the preparation of large meals. Guests visit homes throughout the day and are given food, desserts, and alcoholic beverages or other drinks. Catholics make offerings of fruits and vegetables during church services or special masses.

Technology Modernization is a process that is still continuing in Dominica. Cell phones in Dominica are rapidly overtaking land phones as many cellular phones now provide Internet access and cell phone computers. SMS, MMS and broadband are becoming standard features on cell phones

Laws and Order The legal drinking and smoking age is 18, and is not enforced.. Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include fines and lengthy imprisonment in local jails. Theft is about the only crime that is common and highly enforced. This is especially true if the theft is committed against a tourist or visitor.