The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to achieve a significant milestone on September 26, 2025, with the establishment of its first-ever Trade Union Congress (TUC). This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), aims to consolidate the nation’s diverse trade unions into a unified representative body. The move is designed to amplify efforts in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and broader social justice reforms. The DPSU highlighted that the idea of unifying trade unions had been a long-standing discussion in Dominica, but persistent efforts and strategic planning have now turned this vision into reality. Since April 3, 2025, four major trade unions—the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU), and the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU)—have collaborated closely through a dedicated steering committee. This initiative has received consistent support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The inaugural Congress, themed ‘Consolidating Trade Union Power Through Unity and Solidarity,’ will feature a keynote address by Mr. Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the ILO. The DPSU emphasized the Congress’s mission to champion decent work, social justice, and the respect and value of workers, proclaiming, ‘Long live the Trade Union Movement.’
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Dominica Brings World Creole Music Festival Spirit to Antigua With Burning Flames and Airline Partners
Dominica’s vibrant World Creole Music Festival is set to mark its 25th anniversary in grand style, with a celebration that extends beyond its shores to Antigua. The Discover Dominica Authority, in collaboration with the Antigua Festivals Commission, recently hosted a press conference in Antigua to unveil plans for the milestone event, emphasizing the cultural and economic ties between the two islands. The festival, scheduled for October 24-26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, will feature over 40 artists, including international stars and regional legends. Among the highlights is the inclusion of Antigua’s iconic soca band, Burning Flames, who will headline the opening night as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Other performers include Jamaican dancehall artist Spice, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, Trinidadian performer Bunji Garlin, and U.S. R&B star Kehlani. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including returning nationals and tourists from across the Caribbean, providing a significant boost to Dominica’s economy. Regional airlines, such as Sunrise Airways, LIAT, and Contour Airlines, are offering discounted fares and additional services to accommodate the influx of travelers. Local sponsors, including West Indies Oil, are also contributing to the festivities with ticket giveaways and promotions. Festival organizers have encouraged attendees to plan extended stays, highlighting Dominica’s expanding tourism infrastructure, which includes eco-resorts and new attractions like a cable car to Boiling Lake. Tickets for the festival range from EC$200 (US$77) for general admission to premium VIP packages, with sales available online and at outlets in Antigua and Dominica. The event is being hailed as a celebration of Caribbean unity, Creole pride, and 25 years of music, magic, and memories.
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Nelson’s Dockyard Marks 300 Years as Antigua’s Maritime Icon
Nelson’s Dockyard, the crown jewel of Antigua and Barbuda’s historical landmarks, is commemorating its 300th anniversary this year. Established in 1725 as a strategic naval base in English Harbour, the site was initially developed to provide a safe haven for the British Navy amidst the dual threats of hurricanes and piracy. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fortified hub of maritime strategy and trade, leaving behind iconic structures such as Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley, Fort Charlotte, and Blockhouse. The Dockyard’s distinctive Georgian architecture, tailored to the Caribbean climate, was a product of the labor of European sailors and soldiers, alongside free and enslaved Africans. Following the Royal Navy’s departure in 1899, the site languished in neglect until the 1960s, when conservation efforts spearheaded by the Friends of English Harbour and Antigua’s burgeoning yacht industry breathed new life into the historic landmark. In 1984, the establishment of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park ensured the legal protection of nearly 16 square kilometers of land and sea. Today, the Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant cultural and commercial center. Managed by the National Parks Authority, its preservation strategy addresses contemporary challenges such as rising sea levels and intensifying storms, while ensuring that heritage conservation benefits local communities. Community-driven initiatives, including the 8th of March Project, have amplified local voices in the narrative of the Dockyard, transforming it into a living heritage site rather than a static relic. As Antigua and Barbuda celebrate this tricentennial milestone, Nelson’s Dockyard stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation, embodying both national pride and international allure.
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Colombia’s president calls for criminal investigation against Trump over Caribbean strikes
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has demanded a criminal investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials following a series of deadly military strikes in the Caribbean. The strikes, which occurred this month, targeted boats allegedly transporting drugs, according to the White House. Petro condemned the attacks during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Trump of criminalizing poverty and migration. He argued that the passengers on the boats were not drug traffickers but impoverished young individuals from Latin America. Petro emphasized that criminal proceedings should be initiated against those responsible, including Trump, who authorized the operations.
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Creole Heart Beat Phrase 4 Today – ‘Anbwasé chak moman pis la vi pa sèten’
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) system that promises to revolutionize data processing efficiency. This innovative technology, developed by a team of leading scientists, leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret vast datasets at unprecedented speeds. The system’s ability to process complex information in real-time is expected to have far-reaching implications across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and logistics. Experts believe that this breakthrough could significantly enhance decision-making processes, reduce operational costs, and improve overall productivity. The research team has also emphasized the system’s potential to address critical challenges in data management and security. As the world increasingly relies on data-driven solutions, this AI advancement marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of technology.
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Nurse attacks spark opposition calls for urgent security overhaul
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has issued a stern rebuke to the Mottley administration following two violent incidents targeting nurses at public clinics in Barbados. Opposition spokesperson on health and wellness, Senator Andre Worrell, condemned the attacks as indicative of a systemic crisis and demanded immediate government intervention to safeguard frontline healthcare workers. “We are seeing street-level violence infiltrating our healthcare facilities,” Senator Worrell stated. “These are not isolated events but symptoms of a deeper societal breakdown and the government’s failure to secure our health institutions.” The incidents occurred at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins on Monday evening, where a nurse was injured, and at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic in St. George on Tuesday. The opposition has criticized the Ministry of Health for its sluggish response and inadequate protection measures for staff. Senator Worrell emphasized the vulnerability of healthcare workers, stating, “These individuals care for our nation’s most vulnerable, yet they are left exposed by a deficient security system overseen by a complacent Minister of Health.” The senator outlined five urgent demands: a comprehensive audit and upgrade of security across all public health facilities, deployment of trained security personnel during operational hours, installation of surveillance cameras and secure access systems, transparency from the Ministry regarding violent incidents, and psychological support and compensation for affected workers. “Healthcare workers should not fear assault while performing their duties,” Senator Worrell asserted. “Barbados must act now to prevent further tragedies.” He also called for full emotional, legal, and financial support for impacted workers, warning that “the country is watching.” Senator Worrell concluded, “Let this be the last time a nurse is attacked under this government’s watch.”
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Woman sentenced to two years for attempted service station robbery
Shadesha Phillip, a resident of Gray’s Farm, has been handed a two-year prison sentence for her involvement in an attempted robbery at the Golden Grove Service Station. The incident, which unfolded on June 24, 2021, saw Phillip, then in her early twenties, and a masked accomplice confront a female pump attendant. The situation escalated when police arrived on the scene, leading to a shootout that left Phillip injured in the leg and subsequently arrested. Her accomplice managed to evade capture and remains at large. Security footage of the event was later made public, providing a clear account of the failed robbery attempt. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and law enforcement in the region, underscoring the risks faced by both perpetrators and victims in such incidents.
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Hunting season now open, say officials
The 2025 hunting season in Dominica has officially begun, running from September 22 to December 31, as announced by the Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Upliftment. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license to participate, ensuring compliance with national wildlife conservation laws. Additionally, the sale and limited export of wildlife or its parts will be permitted from September 23, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with export permits mandatory for any such transactions. The ministry has issued a stern warning that unauthorized sale or export of wildlife will result in legal penalties, including fines of five thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD 5,000) per offense. Licensed hunters are allowed to target specific species during the season, including crabs from the Gercarcinidae family, agouti, and manicou (opossums). However, hunting or fishing in freshwater streams without a license is illegal, and the hunting of other species such as frogs, birds, snakes, and iguanas is strictly prohibited. Violators face fines of two thousand five hundred dollars (XCD 2,500) per offense. Hunting licenses and export permits are available for purchase starting September 22 at the Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division office on Windsor Park Link Road, as well as at the Sub-Treasuries in Portsmouth and Marigot. The division emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in conserving and sustainably managing Dominica’s natural resources. For further details, individuals can contact the division at Tel. 266-5863 or 266-5852.
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Opposition Leader Invites Public to Attend Upcoming Parliamentary Committee Meeting
Hon. Jamale Pringle, the Leader of the Opposition in Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a public invitation urging citizens and residents to attend the upcoming meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. The session is set to take place on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the House of Parliament. In his statement, Mr. Pringle underscored the critical role of the Public Accounts Committee in promoting transparency and accountability by scrutinizing government expenditures and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. He emphasized the importance of civic participation in parliamentary proceedings, highlighting the committee’s function as a cornerstone of democratic oversight. While specific details of the meeting’s agenda remain undisclosed, this initiative reflects the Opposition’s ongoing commitment to fostering public engagement in governance. By encouraging community involvement, the Opposition aims to strengthen democratic processes and enhance trust in government operations. This move aligns with broader efforts to empower citizens and ensure that parliamentary activities remain accessible and transparent.
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VIDEO: Antigua and Barbuda PM Calls for Debt Relief and Financial Reform to Protect Small Island States
In a compelling address at the United Nations, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda called for urgent international action to address the escalating climate and economic crises threatening small island developing states (SIDS). Speaking before global leaders, Browne emphasized the profound challenges facing these nations, including trade fragmentation, financial volatility, and increasingly frequent climate disasters. He noted that climate-related disasters in 2024 alone caused $7 billion in damages across the region. Browne highlighted the vulnerability of economies heavily reliant on tourism, which in some islands contributes over 40% of GDP. He warned that rising sea levels, projected to reach up to one metre by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), could threaten homes, ports, and entire cultures. The Prime Minister stressed the gap between global pledges and action, citing slow progress on agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the UN’s 2030 Agenda. He outlined regional initiatives, including the establishment of a Debt Sustainability Support service (DSS) by the Antigua and Barbuda Gender for SIDS, aimed at restructuring debt and directing financing into resilience projects. Browne urged multilateral development banks and financial institutions to expand concessional financing, adopt vulnerability-based access, and implement automatic debt service pauses in the event of disasters. He also encouraged partnerships with philanthropy and private capital to fund resilient infrastructure, clean energy, and adaptation projects. ‘State-contingent debt, climate-resilient clauses, and debt-for-nature swaps must become standard practice, not pilots,’ he said, appealing for immediate global action to safeguard the futures of the world’s most vulnerable nations.