作者: admin

  • Local event celebrating Nigerian Independence promises cultural display and camaraderie

    Local event celebrating Nigerian Independence promises cultural display and camaraderie

    The Nigerian community in Dominica is gearing up for a grand celebration to mark the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. Organized by the Nigeria Dominica Association (NDA), the event is set to take place on October 25th, 2025, at the Saint Alphonsus Parish Hall in Goodwill, Roseau, starting at 12:30 PM. This year’s theme, “Nigeria @65: A Nation Evolving Among a Comity of Nations,” reflects on Nigeria’s journey of resilience, progress, and unity, as well as its significant contributions to the global stage. The celebration will be attended by prominent figures, including Her Excellency, President Sylvanie Burton, and Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, highlighting the strong ties between the Nigerian community and Dominica. Attendees can expect a vibrant program featuring musical performances, cultural displays, and traditional Nigerian cuisine, including jollof rice and egusi soup, offering a true taste of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.

  • Belize Signs US “Safe Third Country” Deal for Migrants

    Belize Signs US “Safe Third Country” Deal for Migrants

    Belize has entered into a landmark agreement with the United States to serve as a ‘safe third country’ for migrants seeking asylum in the US. Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño announced that the deal, pending approval by the Belize Senate, will enable migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize rather than being returned to their countries of origin. The US State Department hailed the agreement as a significant step toward curbing illegal immigration and addressing abuses of the US asylum system. This arrangement mirrors similar agreements recently established with Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, all of which have accepted deportees from the US. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns, arguing that such agreements could expose migrants to persecution or harm in the receiving countries. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the agreement includes robust security measures to safeguard national sovereignty, with Belize retaining full authority to approve or reject transfers and conducting thorough background checks. Prime Minister Briceño framed the initiative as a ‘job program,’ allowing qualified migrants to contribute to Belize’s economy, particularly those from Central America. Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed concerns about the potential financial and sovereignty implications of the deal. The US State Department reiterated the agreement’s role in addressing regional migration challenges and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

  • Man surrenders Nine (9) guns to the police in Dominica

    Man surrenders Nine (9) guns to the police in Dominica

    Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette has announced a significant development in the fight against illegal firearms, revealing that an individual voluntarily surrendered nine firearms to a police officer. This act of compliance underscores the effectiveness of ‘Operation Clean Street,’ a joint initiative launched by the police and the Regional Security System (RSS) on September 29. The operation aims to eradicate illegal weapons from public spaces and enhance community safety. Chief Corbette emphasized that the voluntary surrender of these firearms reflects growing public cooperation in addressing the issue of unlicensed weapons. This milestone highlights the ongoing impact of the operation and signals a positive shift toward reducing the prevalence of illegal firearms in the region. The police and RSS remain committed to their mission, encouraging further public participation to ensure the success of this critical initiative.

  • LIVE: DDA Press Conference 21st October 2025

    LIVE: DDA Press Conference 21st October 2025

    In a bid to boost user interaction and streamline content dissemination, leading social media platforms are rolling out enhanced sharing functionalities. These updates include new options such as ‘Share,’ ‘Tweet,’ ‘Pin,’ and other innovative tools designed to make it easier for users to distribute content across various networks. The move is seen as a strategic effort to keep users engaged and to foster a more interconnected digital ecosystem. By simplifying the sharing process, platforms aim to increase the visibility of user-generated content and encourage more active participation. This development underscores the ongoing evolution of social media as a central hub for communication and content exchange in the digital age.

  • PISLM and GWP-C  team up to support land and water management in region

    PISLM and GWP-C team up to support land and water management in region

    In a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges in the Caribbean, the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) have solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed on October 16, 2025, in St. George’s, Grenada, aims to enhance sustainable land and water management practices across Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS).

    The MOU focuses on tackling critical issues such as land degradation, drought, and water scarcity while promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Dr. Roxanne Graham, Regional Coordinator for GWP-C, highlighted the interconnected nature of these challenges, stating, ‘We must recognize the intrinsic connection between land and water and manage both harmoniously for the benefit of our people and planet.’

    The partnership will encompass a wide range of activities, including information exchange, joint projects, capacity building, research, and policy advocacy. Strategic priorities include soil and water resource management, drought and flood mitigation, water quality monitoring, and innovative solutions to water scarcity. Additionally, the collaboration will emphasize youth engagement in natural resource management and community resilience.

    A flagship initiative under this partnership is the Caribbean Drought Initiative, which aims to assess regional drought conditions and develop sustainable practices. Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis, Executive Director of PISLM, explained that this initiative, approved at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties in Saudi Arabia, seeks to build resilience in Caribbean communities facing drought.

    GWP-C expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, acknowledging PISLM’s support and emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts. ‘We look forward to working together to advance sustainable development and climate resilience for our Caribbean region,’ the organization stated in its official release.

  • BWA aims for better inter-utility communication around road repairs

    BWA aims for better inter-utility communication around road repairs

    The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its initiatives to bolster communication with partner utilities and expedite road reinstatements post-pipe repairs, according to Director of Engineering Charles Leslie. Speaking at a recent press conference, Leslie highlighted the development of specialized applications designed to streamline information sharing and coordination. ‘Over the past few months, we’ve collaborated closely with sister utilities and our ministry. We’ve implemented apps that enable us to pinpoint issues, document necessary actions, and ensure contractors are fully informed before commencing repairs,’ Leslie explained. These applications facilitate real-time data exchange with the National Petroleum Corporation and the Ministry of Public Works, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp addressed ongoing delays in road reinstatements, emphasizing a new strategy to mitigate the issue. ‘We’ve established a schedule of rates with contractors, assigning specific groups to handle temporary reinstatements. Once completed, the Ministry of Transport and Works engages contractors for permanent repairs,’ Mapp stated. This approach aims to minimize delays and reduce hazards associated with open roads. Hydrogeologist Jaime Paul provided insights into the BWA’s dye tracing project, which monitors underground water movement and identifies potential contaminants. ‘By injecting dye and deploying receptors at various locations, we can track water pathways and assess timeframes. This data is crucial for effective water resource management,’ Paul noted. The project also aids in detecting water loss through sinkholes, offering a clearer understanding of subterranean dynamics. Additionally, the BWA is upgrading its tanker fleet to address water shortages in high-demand areas. Leslie detailed the implementation of beacons on tankers to improve operational efficiency. ‘Beacons signal when tankers are deploying water and turn off during refills, allowing customers to anticipate service schedules,’ he explained. Customer feedback continues to play a pivotal role in optimizing water distribution, ensuring resources reach those in greatest need.

  • Simmonds to join Windies for Bangladesh ODIs

    Simmonds to join Windies for Bangladesh ODIs

    In a strategic move to address injury setbacks, Cricket West Indies has announced the inclusion of Barbadian fast bowler Ramon Simmonds and Trinidadian left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein as replacements in the One Day International (ODI) squad for the ongoing series against Bangladesh. The duo steps in for Guyanese speedster Shamar Joseph and Barbadian pacer Jediah Blades, both sidelined due to injuries.

  • Manchester United edge Liverpool in dramatic rivalry clash

    Manchester United edge Liverpool in dramatic rivalry clash

    In a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday, Manchester United emerged victorious with a dramatic 2–1 win over Liverpool, thanks to an 84th-minute header from Harry Maguire. This victory not only marked United’s second consecutive league win under manager Ruben Amorim but also deepened Liverpool’s woes, as they suffered their fourth straight defeat. The match began controversially, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring for Manchester United just seconds into the game, despite Liverpool players appealing for a stoppage due to an apparent head injury to Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool dominated much of the game, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Cody Gakpo came close multiple times, hitting the post three times before finally equalizing in the 78th minute. However, Maguire’s late heroics secured the win for United, propelling them to ninth place in the league standings, just three points away from the coveted Champions League spots. Meanwhile, Liverpool now trails league leaders Arsenal by four points, leaving manager Arne Slot with much to ponder.

  • Police Search for Suspects in Mini Mart Robbery at Sea View Farm

    Police Search for Suspects in Mini Mart Robbery at Sea View Farm

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a manhunt for two individuals suspected of robbing a Mini Mart in Sea View Farm. The incident occurred on the evening of October 20, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m. According to eyewitness reports, the perpetrators, both male, were clad in black attire with white stripes on their pants and wore white ski masks. They forcibly entered the establishment and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, a mobile phone, and a lottery machine. Following the robbery, the suspects fled on foot in an easterly direction. Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene and managed to recover the stolen mobile phone during their search. Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the identification or apprehension of the suspects. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, the All Saints Police Station at 460-1000, or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477). All tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

  • BWA plans to modernise water network

    BWA plans to modernise water network

    The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has announced a comprehensive strategy to overhaul its aging water infrastructure, which has been in operation for over a century. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that much of the island’s water network is over 80 years old, resulting in frequent service and main breaks. Service breaks, affecting smaller pipes connecting to individual properties, occur 1,200 to 1,500 times monthly, while main breaks, impacting larger pipes and entire neighborhoods, happen 80 to 100 times each month. Mapp emphasized the BWA’s commitment to delivering quality service despite these challenges, stating, “A lot goes on in the background to ensure we meet our customers’ needs.” Improving communication with residents is a top priority, with plans to provide timely updates on outages and restoration efforts. Marketing Officer Yvette Harris highlighted the vast scale of the network, spanning 2,500 kilometers of mains and 50 facilities, including pumping stations and reservoirs, all operating around the clock. Director of Engineering Charles Leslie outlined the BWA’s long-term vision, including the recently completed Water and Wastewater Master Plan, which sets a 30-year roadmap for infrastructure improvements. Modernization efforts will leverage advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. GIS maps the entire water network, aiding in repair planning, while SCADA monitors the system in real time to detect issues before they affect customers. The BWA also aims to reduce non-revenue water losses from over 40% to 30% by 2030, reflecting a commitment to efficiency and reliability. Mapp stressed the importance of proactive maintenance and community engagement, stating, “We need to get out into the community, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate our ability to deliver reliable service.”