Carib Scope

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  • Guyana to impose sanctions on Haitian, Venezuelan, other narco-terrorist groups

    Guyana to impose sanctions on Haitian, Venezuelan, other narco-terrorist groups

    On September 23, 2026, member states of the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas initiative concluded a high-stakes meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, unveiling a coordinated, historic crackdown on 24 transnational narco-terrorist organizations operating across the Americas, including Haiti’s most powerful violent gang coalition Viv Ansamn.

    The collective punitive measures, laid out in a formal Joint Statement on Defending Hemispheric Sovereignty released after talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, cover a range of targeted actions aligned with each participating nation’s domestic legislation and international legal commitments. These steps include freezing assets held by the listed groups and their affiliates, imposing strict immigration and visa bans on group members, associates, and financial backers, and establishing criminal accountability for any individual that knowingly provides material or logistical support to the blacklisted organizations.

    At the top of the sanctions list is Viv Ansamn, a large alliance of Haitian gangs headed by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, a notorious former police officer. The bloc holds the group directly responsible for fueling widespread political instability across Haiti and blocking democratic national elections unless it is granted a direct role in the political process.

    Two major Venezuelan criminal groups—Tren de Aragua and Cartel de Los Soles—were also included in the first joint punitive action under the initiative’s new framework, which centers on coordinated individual and collective action to counter the spread of narco-terrorism. The Guyana government has previously raised repeated security alarms over incursions by Tren de Aragua members crossing the border from Venezuela into Guyana’s contested Essequibo Region. Notably, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was ousted from power by U.S. military forces on January 3 this year, had already been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for his documented ties to Cartel de Los Soles.

    Brazil’s two most formidable criminal networks also feature on the 24-group blacklist: Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), the country’s largest criminal organization, and Comando Vermelho (CV), a decades-old major drug trafficking syndicate.

    In justifying the unified sanctions regime, participating nations emphasized that transnational narco-terrorist groups represent an immediate, shared existential threat to the entire Western Hemisphere. These criminal networks undermine regional peace and security, and directly threaten the safety, stability, and long-term economic prosperity of all citizens across participating states.

    To formalize and institutionalize the punitive measures, Shield of the Americas members announced plans to submit a joint formal request to the Chair of the Organization of American States Permanent Council. The request will call for a consultation meeting to vote on establishing a formal Organ of Consultation under Articles 6 and 13 of the Inter-American Treaty on Reciprocal Assistance, widely known as the Rio Treaty.

    Beyond the sanctions framework, the 15 member bloc—made up of the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago—also agreed to a broader set of shared commitments. These include coordinated action to defend democratic governance against armed narco-terrorist networks, aligned sanctions designations, joint financial countermeasures against terrorists and criminal actors, expanded cross-border civilian law enforcement cooperation, and the delivery of humanitarian and public communications assistance to protect the popular democratic will across the hemisphere.

    Member states also pledged to uphold and advance mutual respect for national sovereignty and each nation’s right to self-determination through multilateral channels. They committed to coordinating on shared priorities, from catalyzing coordinated international enforcement action against transnational organized crime to advancing targeted reforms of key hemispheric multilateral institutions.

  • Bathlodge Residents Fear for Their Families After Deadly Shooting Shakes Quiet Community

    Bathlodge Residents Fear for Their Families After Deadly Shooting Shakes Quiet Community

    Residents of the typically quiet Bathlodge neighborhood are now grappling with growing fear and uncertainty after a brutal shooting left one young woman dead and two other people wounded, prompting a major manhunt by local law enforcement.

    Emergency services were dispatched to the residential community just before midnight on September 21, following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 20-year-old Saquania Anthony with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite first responders’ best efforts, Anthony was pronounced dead just shy of 2 a.m. Tuesday.

    Two other victims were also hit by gunfire. A 24-year-old man remains hospitalized in stable condition, while a 13-year-old boy is being treated for injuries that, while serious, are not considered life-threatening, according to police updates.

    Investigators have released preliminary details indicating that three masked suspects forcibly entered a private residence where a group of people had gathered, before opening fire on those inside. Two of the three suspects were taken into custody by police shortly after the incident, but a third suspect remains at large. Law enforcement teams have continued their search operations for the remaining individual as they work to piece together a motive for the attack.

    The violent event has upended the normally peaceful atmosphere of Bathlodge, leaving long-time residents deeply shaken. Many who once felt secure in their neighborhood now say they are questioning the safety of their community, with neighbors supporting each other through the collective shock and grief over the tragedy. Local leaders have noted that this shooting marks a disturbing break from the area’s history of low crime, amplifying residents’ concerns about public safety moving forward.

  • Leisure : Did you know ? #61

    Leisure : Did you know ? #61

    As part of its popular twice-weekly trivia series *Did You Know?*, HaitiLibre has shared a fascinating new entry focused on the small but historically significant Haitian commune of Mole Saint-Nicolas, answering a commonly asked trivia question: what do we call the people who call this coastal town home?

    The correct term for the town’s inhabitants, the quiz confirms, is Môlois. Nestled at the far northwestern tip of Haiti, Mole Saint-Nicolas holds a one-of-a-kind place in the history of the island: it was the first spot where Christopher Columbus came ashore when he arrived in Hispaniola on December 6, 1492.

    Perched along the strategic Windward Passage with sweeping views of the water, the commune boasts a dramatic, undeveloped semi-arid landscape. For centuries, the Môlois have cultivated a distinct cultural identity rooted in their connection to the sea. They are known for their resilience and deep pride in their layered historical heritage, which includes well-preserved ruins of 17th and 18th century coastal fortifications, most notably the striking Fort Vallière.

    Cut off from major population centers by its remote location, the community has developed a strong culture of self-reliance and tight-knit communal bonds. Fishing remains the primary economic activity for most Môlois, and the town’s sheltered Mole Bay is widely recognized as one of the most secure natural harbors across the entire Caribbean region. Today, the Môlois stand as living guardians of Haiti’s historic first gateway to the wider world, stewarding a stretch of wild, unspoiled natural beauty that draws increasing interest from cultural and ecological travelers.

    This trivia fact is pulled from the answer key for the *City Dwellers 2.1* quiz on HaitiLibre’s dedicated trivia platform, Quiz.HaitiLibre. The platform is designed to help users expand their general knowledge, covering topics from local Haitian history and culture to global current events and general interest themes, with specialized expert-level quizzes for more experienced trivia lovers.

    As of the platform’s September 1, 2026 monthly update, 30 brand new quizzes have been added to the site, bringing the total number of active trivia games to 240, with new content added every single month. All quizzes are 100% free to access, require no user registration, and are available in both French and English to accommodate all audiences. Each quiz is offered in three difficulty tiers—beginner, intermediate, and expert—making the platform accessible for casual learners and trivia enthusiasts alike.

    HaitiLibre invites users of all backgrounds to visit the quiz platform at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en to explore its growing library of content, share the platform with friends and family, and submit feedback via the comment form at the end of each quiz to help improve future offerings. For those new to trivia, the outlet encourages consistent participation: even if you don’t know an answer right away, it’s an opportunity to learn new facts that you can share to impress your own network.

  • Milling and paving work resumes on Highway 2A

    Milling and paving work resumes on Highway 2A

    A major infrastructure upgrade project is set to resume on one of Barbados’ key arterial roads this month, bringing short-term travel disruptions in exchange for long-term improvements to the island’s transportation network. The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW), in collaboration with private construction partner B & R Infrastructure Limited, has announced the restart of paving works on a 4.2-kilometer stretch of Highway 2A – the Ronald Mapp Highway – spanning from the St Thomas Roundabout to the Bucks Road junction in the parish of St Thomas.

    Work is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, September 22, with all construction activities limited to overnight hours to minimize disruption to peak commuter traffic. Crews will operate from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, and the entire project is projected to take three weeks to reach completion, provided favorable weather conditions hold.

    To accommodate the paving work, traffic on the affected stretch of highway will be restricted to a single lane during work hours. The southbound lane will be fully closed overnight, with all southbound vehicles redirected through the St Thomas Roundabout to alternate routes. The northbound lane will remain open to through traffic for the duration of the construction period.

    Project organizers have confirmed that critical access will be preserved throughout the work: emergency response vehicles, public transportation units, and local residents will retain unimpeded access to the area at all times.

    MTW and B & R Infrastructure have issued a series of safety advisories for motorists who still need to travel through the construction zone. Drivers are urged to reduce their speed when approaching the worksite, exercise extra caution when navigating the restricted area, and strictly follow directions posted on official road signs and communicated by on-site traffic control flag persons. Officials also recommend that commuters plan ahead and use alternate routes wherever possible to avoid potential delays.

    In a statement released Friday, MTW apologized in advance for the inevitable inconvenience the works will cause to local businesses, residents, and regular road users. The ministry emphasized that the project is a key part of ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize Barbados’ national road network, and thanked the community for their patience and cooperation as works get underway.

  • ‘Smooth talkers’ undermining government’s agenda — Leacock

    ‘Smooth talkers’ undermining government’s agenda — Leacock

    In a candid on-air address to ruling party supporters on Monday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock has issued a stark warning: the newly installed New Democratic Party (NDP) administration is facing deliberate, hidden obstruction from public sector officials who are working covertly to derail the government’s policy goals.

    Speaking during *New Times*, the NDP’s weekly radio broadcast, Leacock — who also holds the national security portfolio — detailed what he calls systemic institutional resistance and internal sabotage across key state agencies. He described a pattern of behavior where public officials offer warm, agreeable words to sitting ministers to build trust, while quietly working to slow or block reforms out of a desire to see the new government fail.

    Leacock recounted a conversation with a fellow cabinet minister who had reached the same conclusion about one senior public servant: the official told the minister exactly what he wanted to hear to earn confidence, but their actions offstage pushed against the administration’s agenda. “You develop greater and greater belief in you. But underneath, the undercurrents are going in a different direction,” Leacock said, recounting the minister’s observation. He added that many officials still underestimate the new leadership, falsely believing they can mislead ministers, fake progress on policy priorities, and sabotage outcomes without consequence.

    Leacock’s accusations came during a broad discussion of the administration’s ongoing challenges: the government is working to stabilize the national economy, bring down a towering debt-to-GDP ratio, and meet international monitoring standards set by the World Bank, which recently completed a country assessment. Beyond these well-documented fiscal pressures, Leacock says the government is fighting an uphill battle against bureaucratic inertia and in many cases, intentional obstruction that keeps even basic government functions from moving forward.

    Going further, the acting prime minister claimed that the most effective opposition to the NDP is not the formal parliamentary opposition, which he describes as weak and directionless. Instead, he argued, the opposition vacuum is being filled by dissident voices within the government and ruling party itself — people who once campaigned for political change, but are now actively undermining the administration from within. “Some of our people, who you think would know better — because we are not void or afraid of criticism — instead of constructively advancing conversations favourable to an administration struggling with the situation, you have literally usurped the role of the opposition,” Leacock said. He added that even within NDP ranks, some partisans selectively back only favored party members while abusing others, deepening internal divisions.

    Much of the public criticism the administration currently faces, Leacock argued, is “unwarranted, impatient, unfounded, and in some cases totally nonsensical,” rooted in a toxic “dangerous cocktail” of ignorance and arrogance. It was this need for open, direct conversation with the public that led Leacock to take over the weekly *New Times* radio slot previously hosted by NDP leader and Prime Minister Godwin Friday. “I believe it is necessary that we have these conversations, and be open to the criticisms and for the explanations, because in the absence of that, people have a right sometimes to speculate,” he explained. “Governmental politics and opposition politics is two different politics. This is where the tyres hit the road, and we have to deal with the reality that’s in front of us.”

    Leacock saved his harshest rebuke for public officials using their government positions to quietly derail the administration’s agenda. While he declined to name specific agencies or individuals, he made clear that disciplinary and personnel changes are already in motion, with more decisive action coming once obstruction patterns are confirmed. “You’re going to find more and more that is going to happen, where we find that there are stumbling blocks, other hindrances to getting the government policies going forward,” he said. “When people cry foul, you have to say, ‘Well, too bad.’”

    The acting prime minister framed this crackdown on internal resistance as a core part of the administration’s broader push to overhaul long-entrenched government culture. He called out “a lot of BS” in state agencies, where even routine tasks are blocked by unnecessary red tape or deliberate foot-dragging. Leacock traced this harmful mindset to the previous administration, which he claimed prioritized holding political power “at all costs”, leaving remnants of that self-serving culture embedded across the public service.

    Leacock also linked internal obstruction to two key priorities of his national security brief: cutting violent crime and attracting foreign investment. He noted that some actors are still “playing games with the government” to prevent new ministers from succeeding in their portfolios, warning that ongoing public disorder — including recent violent incidents involving schoolchildren and persistent gun crime — damages the country’s investment climate. “When that happens, you are disturbing the investment climate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where people get the perception that this is a disorderly country in which my money is not safe, or which someone feels not safe to go there,” he said.

    Despite the array of challenges, Leacock emphasized that the NDP administration remains fully committed to delivering on its election mandate to the Vincentian people. He asked the public for “more time and more patience”, noting that the government is working to reverse 25 years of what he calls mismanagement by the previous government. The administration is committed to pursuing reform “the right way” even as it confronts massive debt pressure, urgent social demands, and hidden resistance across the state apparatus.

    “This is a government that is going to deliver in the shortest possible time the expectations of the people,” Leacock said. “But we are asking for more time and more patience as we do it the right way. We don’t want to mess up on it.”

  • National seminar highlights strategies to strengthen Dominica’s livestock sector

    National seminar highlights strategies to strengthen Dominica’s livestock sector

    On September 22, 2026, Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy brought hundreds of livestock industry stakeholders together at Goodwill Parish Hall for a landmark national seminar focused on revitalizing the country’s domestic poultry and pig sectors. Under the guiding theme “Produce Local, Consume Local, Secure the Future,” the collaborative event was co-organized by the Ministry, the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC), and regional local distributors, creating a shared space for cross-sector dialogue and actionable planning.

    Attendees spanned every segment of the local livestock ecosystem: small-scale and commercial farmers, veterinary and agricultural technical specialists, animal feed and input suppliers, and retail distribution representatives. Core discussions centered on updating outdated production practices, addressing persistent supply chain gaps, and building more integrated, mutually beneficial connections between producers, processors and local markets to support long-term sector growth.

    The seminar unfolded against a backdrop of major public investment in Dominica’s livestock infrastructure, anchored by the fully reconstructed National Abattoir at Layou Park. First destroyed when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island nation in 2017, the upgraded facility represents a transformative upgrade for the local meat industry. Built with more than EC$5 million in government investment, plus additional public funding earmarked for farmer preparedness and production support, the new abattoir boasts a processing capacity of 1,000 poultry birds per hour and up to 50 pigs per day. As of 2026, the facility has entered its final stages of completion and operational testing, with officials set to launch full operations in the coming months.

    Government leaders outlined three core goals for the new abattoir: creating a consistent, reliable formal market for local livestock farmers that eliminates inconsistent pricing and market access barriers, raising national meat processing and food safety standards to meet both domestic consumer demand and regional export requirements, and cutting Dominica’s heavy reliance on imported poultry and pork products to keep more food spending within the local economy.

    Seminar organizers reported strong engagement from all participating groups, noting that the event successfully created space for on-the-ground producers to voice challenges and collaborate with policymakers and industry leaders to identify practical, implementable solutions for building a more resilient, productive local livestock sector. The seminar and upcoming abattoir launch form part of a broader, ongoing government strategy to expand domestic agricultural output, upskill local farmers, and strengthen the country’s long-term food security by meeting growing consumer demand for locally raised poultry and pork.

  • Pedestrian killed in St George collision

    Pedestrian killed in St George collision

    A fatal traffic collision on Walkers Road in St. George has left one pedestrian dead, according to official police updates. The victim has been formally identified as 61-year-old Phillip Greaves, a resident of Thropes Cottage, St. George.

    The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, when the collision took place between a public service vehicle (PSV) and Greaves. At the time of the crash, both the PSV and Greaves were moving along Walkers Road, heading in the same direction from the Carmichael area toward Glebe.

    Emergency responders dispatched to the scene confirmed that Greaves succumbed to his injuries immediately, with death pronounced at the location of the crash. No further details about potential injuries to other individuals, including the operator of the public service vehicle, have been released in the initial update.

    As law enforcement officials launch a formal probe into the circumstances of the crash, the Royal Barbados Police Force is issuing a public appeal for assistance from anyone who may have seen the incident unfold. Investigators are asking any witnesses who have not yet given a statement to contact officers at the District ‘B’ Police Station directly via either of the published phone lines: 437-4311 or 430-7625. As of the latest update, the investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities yet to release further findings on contributing factors such as road conditions, speed, or driver impairment.

  • Flow Customer Rose and Guest Enjoy CPL Finals Trip in Barbados

    Flow Customer Rose and Guest Enjoy CPL Finals Trip in Barbados

    A lucky cricket fan has turned their support for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) into an unforgettable all-expenses-paid trip to the league’s championship decider in the tropical island paradise of Barbados.

    Rose Customer, a long-time CPL enthusiast who has followed the tournament across multiple seasons, was selected as the winner of a popular fan engagement competition held by the league organizers. The promotion, designed to deepen connections between the league and its global fanbase, offered the grand prize of a fully hosted trip to the CPL Finals, covering all travel, accommodation, and exclusive event access.

    Customer touched down in Barbados earlier this week, where she was greeted by event representatives and escorted to her beachfront accommodation. Over the course of her stay, she has enjoyed front-row access to all on-field action at the finals, behind-the-scenes tours of the stadium, meet-and-greet opportunities with star CPL players, and the chance to experience Barbados’ renowned local hospitality and tropical attractions. In comments shared on-site, Customer expressed her excitement at the opportunity, noting that watching a CPL final in the Caribbean had been a bucket-list goal for years.

    League officials confirmed that the fan experience initiative has been a major success, drawing tens of thousands of entries from cricket fans across the globe. The trip not only rewards a dedicated supporter but also highlights Barbados’ standing as a premier host for top-tier international cricket events, boosting the island’s profile as a sports tourism destination.

    As the CPL finals reach their climax, Customer is savoring every moment of her dream trip, from the electric atmosphere of the stadium on match day to the post-game celebrations that make Caribbean cricket famous around the world.

  • Trappas Owner Caroline Tranter Completes Everest Base Camp Trek for Antigua Charity

    Trappas Owner Caroline Tranter Completes Everest Base Camp Trek for Antigua Charity

    Against the thin, freezing air of the world’s highest mountain range, a Caribbean business owner has turned a personal milestone journey into a life-changing fundraiser for a beloved local disability support organization. Caroline Tranter, owner of Antigua and Barbuda’s popular Trappas Restaurant & Bar, has successfully finished a grueling 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp, an expedition that tests even the most experienced hikers’ physical and mental endurance.

    At 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, Tranter crossed the finish line and posted a jubilant announcement to her supporters: “The hardest hike of my life but I made it!” In a widely shared photo capturing the historic moment, Tranter stands tall at the base camp, holding aloft the flag of Antigua and Barbuda in a show of national pride for her home community.

    The ambitious trek was far more than a personal adventure for Tranter: it marked three major turning points in her life. She set out on the challenge to celebrate her 50th birthday, 25 years of operating Trappas Restaurant & Bar, and a full decade of what she calls a transformative spiritual recovery journey. Instead of accepting traditional gifts and celebrations for these milestones, Tranter chose to redirect public generosity toward a cause that holds deep personal meaning for her: the Friends of the Care Project, a Antigua and Barbuda-based charity that serves vulnerable people across the twin-island nation.

    Friends of the Care Project delivers targeted support to children and adults living with physical disabilities, mental disabilities, autism, and a wide range of other mental health challenges, filling critical gaps in local access to care and resources. Committed to full transparency, Tranter has pledged that 100 percent of all funds raised through her expedition will go directly to the organization, with no administrative fees or costs deducted from donations.

    Tranter extended a heartfelt appeal to her broad network of supporters, encouraging regular patrons, friends, and anyone who would have otherwise bought her a celebratory gift – from a meal out to flowers or chocolates – to redirect that money to the fundraiser instead. She also called on the thousands of customers who have dined at Trappas over its 25 years in business to “pay it forward” by contributing whatever they can afford.

    The fundraiser emphasizes that no donation is too small to make an impact: contributions as modest as £5 (EC$20) add up to meaningful support for the charity’s work. For those unable to give financially, Tranter asked that they help spread the word by sharing the official fundraising link. Donations are being accepted through a public GoFundMe page, and more information about the Friends of the Care Project and its ongoing programs is available on the organization’s official website.

  • IOM RELEASE: Dominica advances policy to strengthen integration of migrant labour in the agricultural sector

    IOM RELEASE: Dominica advances policy to strengthen integration of migrant labour in the agricultural sector

    Against a backdrop of persistent agricultural labour gaps and shifting demographic trends that threaten Dominica’s national food security goals, cross-sector stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society have convened to build a cohesive, inclusive framework for integrating migrant labour into the country’s farming sector. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Dominica partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy to host the Technical Validation Workshop for the Policy and Action Plan for Integrating Migrant Labour into the Agricultural Sector of Dominica, held at the Prevost Cinemall.

    The two-day workshop brought together representatives from all affected groups to review the draft policy and accompanying implementation plan, flag unaddressed gaps, and submit actionable revisions to ensure the final framework aligns with the on-the-ground needs of local farmers, migrant workers, and public agencies tasked with regulating labour migration. This collaborative effort is a core component of the broader Development of the Agricultural Sector in Dominica by Strengthening Migration Governance initiative.

    In her opening address to attendees, Viola Pascal, Project Coordinator for IOM Dominica, outlined that the draft policy and action plan were developed following a gender-inclusive agricultural labour assessment that centered the lived experiences and input of stakeholders across all segments of the sector. Pascal explained that widespread labour shortages and ongoing demographic shifts have made migrant labour an increasingly critical pillar of sustaining agricultural output and upholding national food security. She stressed, however, that a well-functioning system depends on clear regulatory guidelines, improved inter-agency coordination, dignified working conditions, and robust legal protections for all migrant workers. “This policy and action plan, developed by the government with IOM’s support, marks a critical milestone toward streamlining and formalizing this process,” Pascal noted.

    Honourable Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, identified consistent access to a reliable agricultural workforce as one of the most pressing barriers holding back Dominican farmers and the country’s push to expand domestic food production. Minister Royer shared that through the government’s existing temporary migrant farm labour programme, 189 migrant workers have already entered the country to support agricultural operations, directly benefiting 47 local farming operations. He emphasized a key point that guides the government’s approach: migrant workers are not intended to displace Dominican workers, but rather fill critical labour gaps where local workers cannot meet current demand.

    Minister Royer also noted that migrant labour integration is only one part of a broader transformation of Dominica’s agricultural sector. Long-term resilience, he argued, requires expanded investment in mechanization, broader adoption of modern agricultural technologies, and targeted outreach to encourage young Dominican people to view farming as a viable, rewarding long-term career. “What we need is a system that is clear, coordinated, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all farmers while protecting the rights and welfare of workers,” Royer stated.

    The workshop structured discussion into two focused technical sessions to allow for deep, targeted review of the proposed framework. Dr. Schuyler Esprit, Head Consultant at Create Caribbean, led the first session, which centered on the overarching policy goals and regulatory structure for integrating migrant labour into Dominican agriculture. The second session, facilitated by Create Caribbean’s Project Manager and Research Assistant, gave attendees space to examine the step-by-step implementation action plan and contribute revisions to improve its feasibility and impact.

    For participating stakeholders, the workshop reinforced how critical cross-sector input is to building a policy that works for all groups. LeSean Peter, a delegate from the Dominica National Council of Women, called the convening insightful, noting the value of creating structured spaces where stakeholders can address challenging topics and contribute meaningfully to the policy development process. Emmanuel Joseph, Agriculture Officer for the East Agricultural Region, echoed this perspective, highlighting that migrant labour governance extends far beyond the agricultural sector alone. While agriculture remains the focus of the policy, Joseph noted that stakeholders from public health, labour regulation, and national security all have critical roles to play in successful implementation.

    The Technical Validation Workshop marks another key step toward establishing a formal, responsive system for managing migrant agricultural labour that meets the needs of farmers while upholding the rights and well-being of migrant workers. Moving forward, IOM Dominica will continue collaborating with the Government of Dominica and cross-sector stakeholders to finalize the policy and action plan. The overarching goal of the effort is to strengthen national migration governance while building a more productive, resilient agricultural sector that can support Dominica’s long-term food security goals.