分类： society

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica, in collaboration with the Division of Culture, is set to host the 12th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Alwin Bully Auditorium at UWI and will feature a panel discussion centered on community livelihoods and cultural resilience in Dominica. This year’s lecture aligns with the theme of Dominica’s History Week during Independence Celebrations, emphasizing the integration of traditional practices and modern innovations in fostering community resilience. The panelists include Miranda Stephenson, who will discuss ‘Toloma: Roots of Sustainability & Community Resilience’; Derrick Theophille, presenting on ‘Annou wivé bò lanmè-a: The Fishing Culture of Soufriere & Scottshead’; and Gweneth Frederick, exploring ‘Kalinago crafts: Weaving traditional practice and modern business innovations.’ The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Micah Walter, Coordinator of Private Sector Relations in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Development. Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica, highlighted the lecture’s focus on how Dominica’s communities have historically sustained themselves through cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic survival. The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series honors the legacy of Edward Oliver LeBlanc, Dominica’s first Premier, who was deeply committed to culture, literature, and poetry.

The region is set to experience heightened moisture levels throughout the day, though dry sinking air is likely to limit substantial shower activity across the island. Light winds combined with elevated daytime temperatures may trigger sporadic showers, with a slight possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant. Additionally, sea conditions are predicted to range from slight to moderate, with waves reaching up to 7 feet. Northerly swells are expected to impact the western, northern, and eastern coastlines today. Those living near or traveling through these coastal areas, as well as sea users, are advised to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures.

The fourth edition of the highly anticipated Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl has officially been launched, marking a significant milestone in Dominica’s cultural calendar. Scheduled to take place from October 20 to 23 at the Botanic Gardens, the event is a cornerstone of the island’s Independence Celebrations. This year, the festival will place special emphasis on honey, highlighting its cultural and economic significance.

Fenella Wenham-Sheppard, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, emphasized the event’s growing prominence during the launch ceremony on Thursday. ‘Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl has firmly established itself as a household name and a cultural product in Dominica,’ she stated. ‘Last year, the event attracted approximately 9,100 paying patrons, and this year, we aim to surpass that number by 50 percent.’

Wenham-Sheppard underscored the collaborative efforts of the ministries of labor and tourism, as well as the public and private sectors, in supporting the event. ‘Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl is more than just an event; it is a platform for commerce, exposure, entrepreneurship, networking, reconnection, entertainment, cultural affirmation, and nation branding,’ she explained.

Over the four-day festival, attendees can expect a vibrant showcase of music, food, crafts, storytelling, demonstrations, and immersive experiences. The event aims to draw Dominicans from across the island and international visitors, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl continues to serve as a testament to Dominica’s rich heritage and its commitment to cultural preservation and economic growth.

The Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) marked World Teachers’ Day on Friday, October 3, with a vibrant series of events in Roseau, capping off a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring educators across the island. The festivities commenced with an ecumenical service and a recognition awards ceremony at the Roseau Cathedral, as highlighted by DAT Public Relations Officer Juanita Carbon. ‘Teachers from all corners of Dominica gathered at the cathedral for the service and to honor outstanding educators and schools,’ Carbon remarked. Following the service, the celebrations moved to St Gerard’s Hall and the St Mary’s Academy Courtyard, where a talent showcase and social gathering took place. ‘The day’s events continued with a lively talent showcase and a social event, bringing teachers together in a spirit of camaraderie,’ Carbon added. The week-long observance, known as Teachers’ Week 2025, began on Sunday, September 28, with prayer and thanksgiving services held in churches island-wide. On Monday, September 29, DAT hosted a radio talk show on DBS Radio titled ‘Voice of Teachers,’ providing a platform for educators to share their experiences and insights. Tuesday’s agenda included a hybrid panel discussion titled ‘Breaking the Silence: Masculinity and Mental Health for Men,’ followed by a basketball match at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth, where male and female teachers teamed up with students. Another highlight of the week was the ‘Teachers in the Streets’ initiative, which encouraged the public to express their gratitude and appreciation for educators through heartfelt tributes and messages.

The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has officially reopened the Fond Cole Landfill for the disposal of white goods, derelict galvanize, and other metal items. This announcement marks a significant shift from the temporary restrictions imposed earlier this year. The landfill will now accept these materials from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. White goods, which include large household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, air conditioners, and water heaters, had been barred from disposal since July. This restriction was implemented following a fire at the Fond Cole Landfill on June 30, which caused thick smoke to engulf parts of the surrounding community. During the interim period, the landfill was restricted to accepting only general waste. Rhoda St. John, the DSWMC Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of responsible waste management in a previous statement, urging the public to adhere to proper disposal practices. The reopening of the landfill for these items is expected to alleviate the backlog of waste and improve community safety and environmental conditions.