On the occasion of the 31st annual World Teachers’ Day, Clare Browne, Director of Education, delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing the transformative role of educators in shaping minds, hearts, and nations. This year’s theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ underscores the necessity of redefining the traditional image of teachers as solitary figures. Instead, it highlights the importance of collaboration, shared wisdom, and joint efforts in addressing the dynamic and complex needs of today’s students, particularly from Generation Z and Generation Alpha. These generations require adaptive, technologically empowered, and deeply human learning environments. The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries is committed to fostering professional learning communities that support mutual accountability and innovation. The national academic theme, ‘Colouring Outside the Lines – through Harmonized Efforts and Collaboration,’ encourages educators to embrace creativity and flexibility as essential tools for 21st-century education. The Ministry acknowledges the challenges teachers face and pledges to create spaces for collaboration, recognize innovation, and provide training and emotional support. The message concludes with a profound appreciation for teachers, recognizing them as nation builders and culture shapers, and wishing them strength, grace, and wisdom in their noble profession.
分类： society
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IOM Dominica highlights farm-to-table innovation at Flavours of the World Festival
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica collaborated with the organizers of the Flavours of the World Festival on September 28, hosting a farm-to-table showcase that highlighted local agricultural creativity while fostering discussions on migration and inclusion. Held at the Stadium Forecourt in Roseau, the event celebrated Dominica’s cultural diversity through food, music, dance, and storytelling, while raising funds for the restoration of the historic Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral. IOM Dominica’s booth featured innovative culinary creations such as plantain waffles drizzled with Bud’s Backyard Honey and guava cookies developed by 25-year-old entrepreneur D Baked That. These products showcased how everyday crops can be transformed into value-added items, reducing food waste, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. D Baked That shared her inspiration for using guava, a fruit abundant on the island, to create unique treats with economic potential. Her participation underscored the importance of youth innovation in agriculture, a key focus for both the festival and IOM Dominica. The event also included IOM’s interactive ‘I Did Not Know I Was a Migrant’ campaign, which encouraged attendees to reflect on their family histories and the deep-rooted migration stories in Dominica. Natasha Greaves, Head of Office of IOM Dominica, emphasized the connection between food and migration, stating that the festival aimed to promote sustainability, inclusion, and compassion. The Flavours of the World Festival featured cuisines from Haiti, Africa, China, India, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia, supporting Dominica’s health and wellness agenda by promoting healthy eating to combat non-communicable diseases. Proceeds from the event will aid the restoration of Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral, a cultural landmark tied to Dominica’s migration history.
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Dajabón Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Association protest illegal Haitian operators
In a significant display of discontent, the Dajabón Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Association organized a large-scale protest outside City Hall, calling for stricter enforcement against Haitian drivers accused of operating illegally within Dominican territory. The demonstrators argued that undocumented foreign drivers are causing widespread chaos on local roads, leading to frequent traffic accidents involving motorcycles and three-wheelers. Eduardo Medina, president of the National Federation of Dominican Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in Dajabón, highlighted the unfair competition posed by Haitian drivers, who he claims are monopolizing motoconcho stops and jeopardizing the livelihoods of Dominican drivers. Medina emphasized that Dominican drivers face severe risks, including violence, if they attempt to operate in Haiti under similar conditions. The protesters voiced their support for Mayor Santiago Riverón’s efforts to regulate the movement of Haitian motorcycles in the municipality. Riverón reiterated the ongoing ban on Haitian triple-engine vehicles and stressed the importance of local drivers’ cooperation to enforce the regulation. Additionally, he announced that Dominican drivers would soon have access to new three-wheel motorcycles through the Promipyme program. The mayor firmly stated that municipal authorities would not yield to pressure from merchants or foreigners, insisting that Dajabón’s regulations must be upheld. Meanwhile, motoconcho drivers urged national authorities to take immediate action, warning that the illegal operations of Haitian drivers could deprive many Dominican families of their primary source of income.
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Haitian man killed by mob after alleged robbery attempt
In a tragic incident on Saturday night, a Haitian man identified only as ‘Blanco’ lost his life after being brutally attacked by a mob in the Gozuela area of Pepillo Salcedo municipality, Manzanillo. The incident occurred on a rice farm in the Santa María district, near the Dominican-Haitian border. According to the National Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (Dicrim) in Montecristi, the man allegedly attempted to rob a group of Haitians crossing into Dominican territory, which incited the violent response from the crowd. Dr. Rosibel Grullón, the medical examiner, confirmed that the victim succumbed to severe head trauma. Local residents revealed that the deceased had a reputation for targeting other migrants who used unofficial border crossings. Following the incident, judicial and police authorities transferred the body to the Padre Fantino Hospital morgue before sending it to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago for an autopsy. Prosecutor Francis Alexander de Jesús Peña Sabés has initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details of the case and assign accountability.
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Duggins commends farmers and fishers for strengthening agricultural sustainability
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — As the 2025 Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) concluded, Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, lauded the tireless efforts of local farmers and fishers in bolstering agricultural sustainability and resilience. Addressing Parliament on October 6, Duggins emphasized the often-overlooked contributions of farmers in securing food stability. ‘It is crucial for me, as a minister, to publicly acknowledge their efforts, offer my support, and highlight to St. Kitts, Nevis, and the world the strength of our farming community,’ he stated. Duggins also praised the organizers of the CWA, which gathered agricultural experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and globally. ‘Last week, the region united to discuss agricultural advancements. Countries like Argentina, Canada, and Nigeria were particularly impressed by the progress in St. Kitts and Nevis,’ he noted. Additionally, Duggins honored Dr. Jerome Thomas for initiating the Agricultural Open Day, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. ‘This year’s Open Day showcased the vitality of St. Kitts’ agriculture in grand fashion,’ he remarked. The minister also extended gratitude to fishers for their unwavering commitment to providing fresh seafood. ‘I commend them for braving the waves daily to sustain our food supply,’ Duggins concluded, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the agricultural community’s dedication.
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Haitians protest tax withholding at Codevi free trade zone
In a significant development at the Codevi free trade zone, located near the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, hundreds of Haitian workers organized a peaceful demonstration to voice their opposition to the industrial park’s decision to withhold taxes at the request of the Haitian government. The protest, which unfolded without violence, prompted the evacuation of Dominican personnel from the area. In response, the National Police of the Dominican Republic heightened security measures on their side of the border to ensure stability and prevent any potential escalation. According to Goidy Reyes, a correspondent from RC Noticias, an urgent meeting has been scheduled to address the grievances and facilitate the swift return of workers to their jobs. The situation underscores the ongoing economic and political tensions between the two neighboring nations, particularly concerning labor rights and cross-border trade policies.
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FestiCafé 2025 to highlight Polo’s organic coffee
The picturesque municipality of Polo in Barahona is gearing up to host the 17th Organic Coffee Festival (FestiCafé 2025) from October 24 to 26. This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s coffee-growing heritage, serves as a platform to celebrate organic coffee production, foster international partnerships, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s festival will spotlight innovation in coffee production, featuring exhibitions by local and international producers, thought-provoking keynote lectures, and expert panels on topics such as sustainability, market expansion, and technological advancements. The event aims to highlight the superior quality of Polo’s organic coffee, bolster its production chain, and enhance its global presence. Costa Rica has been invited as the guest country, while San José de Ocoa will be recognized as the special guest province, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among coffee-growing communities. FestiCafé 2025 will also pay tribute to the late Luisa Feliz (Mamá Gueda), a revered community leader and co-founder of the festival, through music and cultural performances that honor her enduring legacy. With support from the Presidency of the Republic, INDOCAFÉ, FEDA, and local institutions, the festival cements Polo and the Enriquillo region as a beacon of organic coffee, cultural richness, and sustainable development on both national and international stages.
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Attorney Criticizes Delay in Inquest Into Death of Jamaican Inmate at Antigua Prison
Attorney Wendell Alexander has voiced strong criticism over the prolonged delay in conducting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Jamaican national Chinley Robinson, who died under suspicious circumstances in an Antigua prison earlier this year. Robinson, who was remanded in December 2024 on charges of stealing a $400 cell phone, was found unresponsive in his cell in January 2025. Initial reports suggested he may have been strangled, and a post-mortem examination later confirmed the cause of death as anoxia, trauma to the neck, and cardiac failure. Alexander, representing Robinson’s family, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from authorities, stating that the delay has left the family “in the dark for months” and eroded public trust in the justice system. He emphasized that high-profile cases like this should be handled swiftly to ensure accountability. The delay, he argued, not only prolongs the family’s suffering but also undermines confidence in law enforcement. Alexander also highlighted systemic issues, noting that in other cases, he has had to seek High Court orders to compel inquests after delays of up to five years. Robinson’s death has raised broader concerns about prison oversight at His Majesty’s Prison, where he was reportedly sharing a cell with another inmate, who has since been released. Superintendent of Prisons Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged that while the facility conducts hourly checks after lockdown at 4:30 p.m., incidents may not always be detected immediately. He added that additional training is being provided to recruits to enhance security. As of now, neither the Coroner’s Office nor the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has provided an official update on the inquest or its findings. Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on its outcome.
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Neil Peter Fatally Shot in Morne Serpent
Neil Peter, a 35-year-old resident of Morne Serpent, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting incident on October 5 in the Gros Islet community. Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 8:10 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Responding officers from the Gros Islet Police Station and the Major Crimes Unit discovered Peter’s body with multiple gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner at the scene confirmed his death. Peter was well-known in the area for his dedication to beekeeping, a passion he had cultivated over the past several years. The local community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a man who contributed positively to their environment. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Gros Islet Police Station at 456-3830 or the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3756.
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Abinader announces RD$2 billion investment in sports infrastructure funded by recovered corruption assets
In a landmark announcement, President Luis Abinader and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz unveiled a transformative investment of two billion pesos aimed at revitalizing sports infrastructure in La Vega province and 27 municipalities. This unprecedented initiative, funded by assets recovered from corruption cases, signifies a pivotal step in leveraging public funds to enhance sports, health, and cultural facilities nationwide. Abinader underscored that this marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable development across all regions of the Dominican Republic.
Minister Cruz elaborated on the ambitious plan, which includes the construction of 25 new roofed sports centers in municipalities currently lacking such amenities. La Vega will witness the creation of the state-of-the-art La Vega Arena, capable of accommodating 4,500 spectators, alongside the refurbishment of the local baseball stadium and the transformation of the Fernando Teruel Sports Center into a dedicated Volleyball Palace. Additionally, the project encompasses the reconstruction of a World Athletics-certified athletics track, the renovation of the Olympic swimming pool, and upgrades to handball and tennis courts.
The initiative extends its reach to San Juan de la Maguana and San Pedro de Macorís, where major sports complexes will undergo extensive renovations, including the addition of pavilions for wrestling, karate, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Cruz emphasized that this endeavor is not merely a promise but a tangible reality in progress, expressing gratitude to President Abinader for converting recovered assets into meaningful opportunities for youth and communities.