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The Windward Islands

Visitors come from all over the world to vacation on the Windward Islands. With their warm, sunny weather, modern hotels and restaurants, and beaches that range from black volcanic sand to brilliant white, it is little wonder that the islands keep drawing tourists in ever-growing numbers. Exploring the Islands At the northernmost point of this island chain is Dominica. As “the Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is the most mountainous, with four of its giant peaks measuring over 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). In the northern region is Morne Diablotin, the tallest mountain of the Windward Islands at 4,747 feet (1,447 meters). Another chain of seven mountains works its way down the Creole— a person of mixed black and French descent who speaks a dialect of French; also, the West Indian culture of such people. fauna— animal life. flora— plant life. infrastructure— the system of public works of a country, including roads, railroads, and utilities. Lesser Antilles— the name for a group of small islands in the Caribbean Sea that includes the Windward Islands. mangrove— tropical trees that send out many twisting roots. machineel— a tree native to the Windward Islands whose fruit, leaves, and sap are all poisonous. trade winds— prevailing tropical winds that blow constantly from the same direction. Words to Understand in This Chapter