Ethical Traveler has included Dominica on a list that they have named
“The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations”
http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/destinations/2011
They are on the 2010/2011 for the first time and the list is in alphabetical order not in order of merit.
Here’s how Ethical Traveler created their list
Each year, after extensive research, our team chooses the 10 best countries to visit in the developing world. These destinations may not always be as glamorous as Paris, or as modern as Singapore. But they’re rich in natural wonders, and alive with fascinating culture. They’re also committed to conserving their natural treasures, while building economies that sustain and empower local communities. Our visits to these countries acknowledges these efforts, and inspires neighboring nations to embrace similar values.
They looked at such things as
Environmental Protection focusing on the health of each environmental, whether the country engages in sustainable practices and the preservation of resources. Dominica has been praised for protecting its whale community.
Dominica does not support commerical whaling (article on Greenpeace)
and it was Dominica’s strong environmental efforts that helped to get them on the list.
“Notably, three small island states are in the Top 10: Barbados, Dominica and Palau. One of the main reasons for their strong presence is their strong environmental efforts. These states understand that their islands will be affected the strongest by climate change in the short term and are trying to fight it as well as they can.”
They also focused on social welfare and human rights – from what I read none of the countries score great in these areas but they are doing what they can with the resources they have.
Dominica was highlighted as a country that still enforces homosexuality as a criminal offence and I know in the past there have been issues with cruise ships containing gay couples stopping on the island.
My dad told me that when he was growing up the gay community were open about their sexuality and accepted in Dominica – or at least where he grew up in Fond St Jean so I don’t know what happened to change that. They suffered verbal abuse for their choice of lifestyle but never physical abuse – but then being on a small island anyone different will usually have to put up with verbal abuse of some kind! Just call me “English!” 
“In Barbados and Dominica, homosexuality remains criminalized. Normally this is a deal-breaker for us, but the laws do not appear to be zealously enforced. We sincerely hope that our vote of confidence will persuade these country’s leaders to repeal these backward laws.”
Will being named on ”The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations” by Ethical Traveler be enough to make them rush out and change their laws – not unless they see a significant increase in new visitors I guess.
Marcia Charles
MaDD