Mervin Alexander has won a fourth straight term as President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), following voting conducted during the organization’s 18th Biennial Convention. The three-day gathering wrapped up its election proceedings on Wednesday at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, bringing together educators from across the island to chart the union’s next two-year course and select new leadership.
This year’s convention centered on a theme that highlights the critical role of education professionals in national progress: “Teachers: The Foundation For National Development-Value Us.” The messaging underscores widespread advocacy among Dominican educators for greater recognition of their contributions to the country’s long-term growth and social stability.
Alongside Alexander’s re-election, the convention finalized the full roster of DAT’s new executive committee that will guide the union through 2028. Julian L Benjamin takes on the role of First Vice President, while Carla Douglas will serve as Second Vice President. Francis JnoLewis retains the position of General Secretary, with Nara Winston stepping in as Assistant General Secretary. Kathleen Cornelius was elected Treasurer, and Jerry Coipel will support her as Assistant Treasurer. Juanita Carbon will fill the role of Public Relations Officer, and Catherine Robinson and Gezel Mondesire-Charles have been named Trustees of the organization.
As the leading professional body for teachers in Dominica, DAT advocates for improved working conditions, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities for its members, while also partnering with the national government to advance education policy reforms across the country. Alexander’s fourth consecutive term signals broad member confidence in his leadership to continue advancing those priorities in the years ahead.