As Dominica marks its 47th year of independence, Honourable Octavia Alfred, Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, has lauded the nation’s advancements, attributing them to the resilience, creativity, and determination of its people, particularly the youth. Addressing the National Youth Rally on Thursday, Alfred underscored the pivotal role of young Dominicans in driving the country’s development. She described the number 47 as symbolic, blending the energies of four, representing stability and hard work, and seven, symbolizing spirituality and introspection. Alfred highlighted the transformation of Dominica’s education system since independence, from traditional chalkboards to modern smart boards and the proliferation of digital learning platforms. She emphasized the expansion of educational access, technical and vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities. Alfred urged the youth to align their ambitions with national development initiatives, such as the International Airport, Geothermal Energy Plant, and Cabrits Marina, as well as projects in tourism, construction, and the digital economy. She also noted significant improvements in school attendance, with primary school rates soaring from 48 percent two decades ago to 94 percent today, thanks to government safety net programs costing over $4 million annually. Academic performance has also seen remarkable gains, with Dominica surpassing the regional average in 30 out of 32 CSEC CXC subjects and achieving a 93 percent pass rate in vocational training. Alfred reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping youth with essential life skills, including digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. She reflected on Dominica’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and the global pandemic, expressing hope for a future shaped by innovation, integrity, and environmental respect. The rally concluded with awards presented to schools, students, and groups for their contributions.
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GOB: Big Fixes Coming for River Valley Bridges
The Government of Belize (GOB) has unveiled plans for significant infrastructure upgrades in the Belize River Valley, focusing on the Mussel Creek and Bermudian Landing bridges. These critical transportation routes, heavily utilized by local residents, office workers, and school buses, have long suffered from wear and tear, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Heavy rains often render the roads leading to these bridges unsafe or completely impassable, posing significant risks to daily commuters and the surrounding communities. The Cabinet brief emphasized the government’s dedication to the timely maintenance of essential public infrastructure, aiming to ensure safer and more reliable travel for those who depend on these routes. While the approval for repairs has been granted, specific timelines for the project remain undisclosed. This initiative underscores the GOB’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and improving the quality of life for Belize River Valley residents.
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Four-Year-Old Boy Dies After Falling Into Well
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in San Narciso Village, Corozal, on Thursday evening, resulting in the tragic death of a four-year-old boy. Rigel, who was visiting his grandparents with his parents, Marieli Alcoser and Rodrigo Primiños, accidentally fell into a well. Despite the relentless efforts of villagers and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly for hours, the young boy could not be saved. His body was eventually recovered from the well. Rigel, who was the eldest of two children and would have celebrated his fifth birthday in January, leaves behind a three-year-old sister. The family has announced that his body will be transported to Belize City for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. This devastating event has left the community in mourning, highlighting the need for increased safety measures in rural areas.
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BLA: Phased vehicle inspections resume after system outage
The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has initiated a phased restoration of vehicle inspections and the issuance of roadworthy certificates at its Pine, St Michael headquarters, following a week-long disruption caused by a malfunctioning online platform. The issue began on October 20 when the BLA’s outdated vehicle registration system experienced a critical failure, rendering the server inoperative. Andre Lashley, the Authority’s IT consultant, stated, ‘The legacy system managing vehicle registrations suffered a severe breakdown, necessitating the replacement of the old IT infrastructure with a modern platform.’ Immediate efforts to resolve the issue involved collaboration between the IT consultant, BLA staff, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Smart Technology (MIST). Due to the system’s complexity, restoration is still ongoing. However, a strategic approach was adopted to prioritize essential services, such as weighbridge operations and vehicle inspections. An interim solution combining manual processes and a partially online platform has been implemented to resume critical vehicle services while the new system undergoes testing. BLA staff are also addressing a backlog of pending inspections and registrations. Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes assured Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permit holders that permits expiring during the outage will remain valid until full system functionality is restored. To manage the anticipated surge in demand, the BLA plans to enlist approved private garages to assist with vehicle inspections, with a list to be published soon. McCarthy-Broomes urged agents and customers to ensure all required documentation, including application forms, insurance documents, and inspection certificates, is complete before attempting vehicle registration.
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PM Browne invites Opposition Leader to join COP delegation in show of climate solidarity
In a remarkable demonstration of national solidarity, Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to send a unified delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended a formal invitation to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle to join the delegation, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front on one of the country’s most critical global issues. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, confirmed the invitation, stating that the Prime Minister views Pringle’s participation as an opportunity to engage him in the global climate discourse and showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s collective advocacy for environmental justice. The delegation will amplify the voices of small island developing states (SIDS), calling for increased climate finance and loss-and-damage compensation from major emitters and developed nations, particularly the United States. The conference will also serve as a platform to highlight the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, underscoring the escalating threats posed by climate change to Caribbean economies and livelihoods. Prime Minister Browne is set to attend key meetings in Belém, expressing confidence that the Opposition Leader will accept the invitation given the issue’s significance for the nation and the region.
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Cabinet Tightens Tax Concession Policy — Three-Year Limit Set
In a decisive move to enhance fiscal accountability and address systemic abuses, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a policy capping all tax concessions to a maximum of three years, effective December 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that fiscal incentives are transparent, time-bound, and aligned with the nation’s economic goals. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, announced that all existing concessions will expire on November 30, 2025, and businesses seeking continued benefits must reapply under the revised guidelines. Applicants will be required to provide documented proof of active business operations and compliance with tax obligations to the Inland Revenue Department. Merchant highlighted that the Cabinet’s decision was driven by concerns that certain long-standing concessions had become outdated and were being exploited for purposes beyond their original intent. For instance, benefits initially granted for hotel development were later diverted to unrelated ventures such as restaurant operations or equipment imports. ‘The government believes that three years is an adequate period for any new project to establish itself,’ Merchant stated, adding that companies would be eligible to reapply once their concession term concludes. This policy overhaul underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and efficient fiscal environment while supporting sustainable economic growth.
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Antigua Government in Active Talks on Cargo Plane Partnership
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging in discussions with regional transport companies to forge a cargo aircraft partnership, aimed at enhancing trade and logistics across the Eastern Caribbean. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, the procurement of a government-owned cargo plane has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of these talks. Merchant emphasized that a successful agreement with these companies would streamline the acquisition process. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify regional trade links and supply chains, particularly within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Additionally, the partnership could improve access to cost-effective goods from neighboring markets, such as the Dominican Republic. Merchant highlighted that this effort is seen as a pivotal step to make regional commerce more efficient and resilient, while also bolstering Antigua and Barbuda’s role in regional trade and transport logistics.
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Caribbean Vegan Conference spotlights diet, environment, animal rights
The Caribbean Vegan Conference, a groundbreaking event held on October 25, 2025, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, united legal experts, environmental activists, and plant-based advocates from across the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe. Co-hosted by the Caribbean Vegetarian-Vegan Charity (CVVC) and the British Vegan Society, the conference spotlighted the intersection of animal rights, environmental sustainability, and dietary choices. Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, a keynote speaker, framed animal rights as “the new legal frontier,” challenging attendees to rethink societal norms regarding animal treatment. He questioned, “If a being can feel, express, and emote, does it not deserve legal rights?” Haynes also critiqued societal conditioning that distances children from the origins of their food, stating, “We desensitize them by renaming pigs as pork and cows as beef, obscuring the reality of consumption.” Lalu Hanuman, a CVVC trustee, emphasized veganism as “the diet of the future,” citing Albert Einstein’s belief in the transformative power of plant-based diets for human health and survival. Hanuman highlighted the meat industry’s devastating environmental impact, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and antibiotic overuse, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance. He criticized selective animal welfare advocacy, noting, “Animal welfarists often champion only ‘cuddly’ animals while consuming meat and fish without hesitation.” Cheryl Haynes, CVVC co-trustee, celebrated the nutritional potential of Caribbean herbs and plants, urging attendees to embrace the region’s natural bounty. The conference concluded with an inspiring video of the late Benjamin Zephaniah, leaving participants motivated to align their lifestyle choices with their values and their impact on the planet.
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Twelve Nationals to Receive Independence Honours on Monday
Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its 44th Independence Day by honoring twelve distinguished citizens for their exceptional contributions to national development. The ceremony, set to take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, will include the knighting of five individuals for their outstanding service. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., is part of the broader Independence Parade and Food Fair, which also features National Dress Day and a vibrant food fair. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, emphasized that the national honors symbolize the nation’s gratitude toward its citizens for their dedication to education, community service, nursing, artistic and cultural development, and youth empowerment. The festivities mark the country’s 44-year journey of resilience and nation-building since gaining independence in 1981, showcasing the collective spirit and progress of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Preparations underway for ‘Market Day with a Difference’ as independence anniversary celebrations continue
The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) is gearing up to host its annual “Market Day with a Difference” on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in honor of Dominica’s 47th Anniversary of Independence. The event, themed “47 Years of Progress and Purpose,” will be held at the Roseau Market, commencing with an official opening ceremony at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will be graced by high-profile attendees, including Their Excellencies Mrs. Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton, and Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit. Government officials and invited guests will embark on a guided tour of the market, interacting directly with vendors and patrons.
A key feature of the celebration will be the recognition of farmers, vendors, and fisherfolk for their significant contributions to the development of the Roseau Market and Fish Market. Awards will be distributed across various categories such as Best Dressed Vendor, Best Decorated Stall, Best Butcher, Best Mobile Vendor, Most Outstanding Vendor/Farmer, Best Traditional Food Vendor, Fisherfolk with the Highest Catch, and Most Consistent Fish Supplier.
The event aims to highlight the dedication and resilience of Dominica’s agricultural and fisheries communities, whose efforts are crucial to national development. Attendees can look forward to vibrant displays of fresh produce, meats, and locally crafted goods, along with a mini-expo showcasing Dominican-made products available for purchase.
Cultural performances will enhance the festive atmosphere, featuring bouyon artists Quan and Trixx, drumming ensemble Veteran 7, the Patriotic Dancers, and cadence-lypso artist Lobster. Remarks will be delivered by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, alongside Prime Minister Skerrit.
DEXIA and the Roseau Market Authority are urging all participants to don traditional creole attire and decorate their vending spaces. The public is warmly invited to attend and partake in the activities, making it a truly communal celebration of Dominica’s independence and cultural heritage.