分类： society

The Commonwealth of Dominica marked International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9 with a series of official ceremonies and recognition events organized by the nation’s Integrity Commission. This global observance traces its origins to the United Nations Convention against Corruption adopted on October 31, 2003, serving as an annual reminder of the continuous international battle against corrupt practices.

The 2025 commemorations commenced on December 8 with an Ecumenical Service and Awards Ceremony at Bethesda Methodist Church, held under the patronage of Honourable Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs. The event highlighted the Commission’s unwavering dedication to promoting principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability within public institutions.

A significant highlight of the ceremony involved President Sylvanie Burton presenting Compliance Awards to seven distinguished public officials. These recipients were honored for their sustained commitment and strict adherence to the standards outlined in the Integrity in Public Office Act, with many being among the longest-serving declarants who have maintained exemplary compliance throughout their careers.

In a special recognition, the Commission bestowed the Outstanding Service Award upon Mr. Julian Johnson, the inaugural Chairperson of the Integrity Commission. The accolade celebrated his exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and substantial contributions to public service during his tenure.

Looking ahead, the Commission announced plans for a Prize Giving Ceremony in January 2026 to honor winners of school competitions focused on anti-corruption themes. These educational initiatives, including essay, painting, and poetry contests organized under the theme “Uniting With Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” represent the Commission’s proactive efforts to instill ethical values among Dominica’s younger generation.

The Commission’s concluding statement reinforced its commitment to fostering transparent governance and accountability structures throughout the Commonwealth of Dominica, emphasizing the collective responsibility shared by all citizens in supporting ethical conduct in public life.

The Newtown Youth Development Program (NYDP) has issued a moving tribute honoring the life and legacy of Ken “Ratin” Joseph, whose unexpected demise has created an profound emptiness within the Kingshill community. The 43-year-old met with a fatal bicycle collision on the evening of December 6th in proximity to the Ocean Edge Oasis Hotel.

Joseph was celebrated as far more than a Kingshill resident—he stood as a foundational pillar of strength, service, and inspiration. To countless young individuals, he was affectionately known as “Coach,” investing innumerable hours mentoring aspiring athletes on football fields. His coaching methodology extended well beyond athletic techniques; he embedded essential values of discipline, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering perseverance, actively steering youth toward more promising futures.

For the younger generation throughout Kingshill and Newtown, Joseph represented a consistent guiding force—an exemplary role model and a wellspring of motivation during both victorious moments and challenging times. Concurrently, he served with dedication on the Roseau City Council, channeling his profound community passion into tangible public service initiatives. Colleagues memorialize his relentless drive to enhance municipal unity, safety, and accessible opportunities for all citizens.

The NYDP, an organization committed to uplifting disadvantaged youth through athletic engagement and life skill development, characterized Joseph’s influence as genuinely transformative. He was remembered not merely as a coach or public official, but as an authentic friend who engaged others with radiant positivity, heartfelt encouragement, and an unmistakable personal presence that made everyone feel recognized and valued.

While Joseph’s absence resonates deeply across all facets of community life—from athletic grounds to governmental proceedings—the NYDP encourages residents to perpetuate his legacy by persistently supporting young people, administering kindness in service, and fostering mutual care within the community. The tribute concluded with shared condolences for his family, friends, and all who held him dear, expressing hope that comfort may be found in cherished memories, shared laughter, and the enduring impact of a purpose-driven life.

A brewing environmental crisis has engulfed Dominica’s ambitious international airport project, prompting former Chief Physical Planner Annie Edwards to demand an immediate suspension of all construction activities. Edwards warns that extensive quarrying and excavation operations in the Deux Branches area are causing severe ecological damage without proper preliminary studies.

The controversy has reached the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit convening an emergency meeting today with ministry officials, developers, and contractors to address growing concerns from residents and environmental advocates across the island nation.

Edwards asserts that the project commenced on fundamentally flawed foundations, noting the apparent absence of completed essential assessments, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. She points to visibly sediment-laden rivers in Marigot and surrounding regions, directly linking the ecological deterioration to widespread deforestation and land clearing at the quarry site.

“We are witnessing multiple rivers transforming from clear to turbid brown within an alarmingly short timeframe,” Edwards cautioned, further suggesting that operations may be infringing upon legally protected forestry zones in direct violation of the Forestry Act.

The former planner’s concerns reflect broader community anxieties. Residents from Concord, Stonefield, Pagua, and the Kalinago Territory report increasingly murky waters in the once-pristine Concord-Pagua River, with some experiencing skin irritations and noting significant declines in aquatic biodiversity. Local commentator Gary Auguiste poetically described the relentless sound of heavy machinery as “a river being broken down again,” highlighting fears that fragile ecosystems—including habitats of Dominica’s endangered national bird, the Sisserou Parrot—face irreversible disruption.

Critics further allege the project advances without proper permits, public hearings, or adequate community consultation, raising serious questions about governmental transparency and public trust. They contend that quarrying within a critical watershed area sacrifices long-term environmental security for short-term economic gain, warning of potential slope collapses, species displacement, and permanent ecological damage. The Kalinago chief has joined calls for an immediate suspension, while some speculate the valley’s mineral-rich soil may be targeted for purposes beyond mere construction materials.

Project developers MMCD and contractor CR5 have vigorously rejected these allegations as misinformation. They emphasize that a complete Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, along with ten Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety management plans, have been mandated and submitted for regulatory review under both the Physical Planning Act and World Bank standards. The companies highlight extensive community engagement initiatives since April, including door-to-door visits and public consultations, while insisting the quarry site operates outside protected areas and critical parrot habitats. They maintain sedimentation levels remain within natural variation parameters, with stringent control measures actively implemented.

Prime Minister Skerrit, following a site inspection on December 4, acknowledged environmental concerns while underscoring the project’s national significance. “All government agencies have roles to play in this process,” he stated, noting that forestry, environment, physical planning, and other departments would collaborate with developers to review documentation and expedite solutions. The Prime Minister emphasized the project’s importance in facilitating international aid, while affirming that mitigation and restoration practices could effectively reduce environmental impacts.

As Dominicans await the outcome of the high-stakes meeting, the controversy transcends infrastructure development to touch upon the very identity of the “Nature Island.” Whether the airport project ultimately represents a milestone of national progress or becomes synonymous with ecological degradation now hinges on decisions made in yesterday’s critical deliberations.