From October 17 to 20, Saint Lucia will host the third edition of the Island Challenge, a unique endurance event that blends athletic determination with charitable efforts to raise funds for neonatal healthcare. Organized by the Sandals Foundation, Unique Vacations UK Ltd, Island Routes, Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the initiative aims to secure £100,000 (EC$362,000) for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. The SCBU, which annually supports approximately 180 high-risk newborns, will use the funds to enhance its life-saving services. Participants, including travel industry professionals and Sandals team members, will tackle a rigorous four-day course featuring long-distance running, sea kayaking, rainforest hiking, a half-marathon, and an ascent of the iconic Gros Piton. Dr. Damian Greaves, CEO of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating, ‘The Island Challenge represents hope. By merging tourism, philanthropy, and healthcare, we’re making a tangible difference for our most vulnerable citizens.’ Since its launch, the initiative has raised £200,000 for healthcare projects in Antigua & Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, highlighted its community-driven impact, noting, ‘Improving healthcare access, especially for newborns, transforms entire families’ futures.’ Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, described the event as a catalyst for change, expressing optimism for its continued growth and impact. Locally, the initiative is celebrated as a blueprint for socially responsible tourism, demonstrating how the industry can uplift critical sectors like healthcare.
分类： society
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Call for extended leave, support for parents of disabled children
Disability rights advocate Felicia Inniss has called for significant policy changes to support parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Speaking at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting held at Frederick Smith Secondary School on Wednesday night, Inniss emphasized the need for extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as enhanced community-based support systems. She highlighted the unique challenges faced by these families, urging policymakers to address their specific needs. Inniss welcomed the recent introduction of paternity leave but stressed that more must be done to assist parents of children with disabilities. She proposed that parents of children with severe intellectual impairments, diagnosed at birth, should be granted extended leave to better manage their circumstances. Traditional leave policies, she argued, often fall short for families with children requiring complex care. Inniss explained that the emotional and financial toll on these parents is immense, particularly in single-parent households where income may cease entirely. She emphasized the necessity of psychological support and extended leave to ensure parents can adequately care for their children without sacrificing their mental well-being. Inniss concluded by urging society to reevaluate its approach to supporting these families, highlighting the profound mental and emotional impact of raising a child with disabilities.
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UPDATE: DOMLEC restores services
Electricity services have been fully reinstated across the entire ITS north feeder as of 11:19 AM today, following a significant outage that affected multiple areas. Earlier in the day, the Dominica Electricity Services Company (DOMLEC) reported disruptions caused by a technical fault on the feeder. The utility provider assured the public that its technical team was working tirelessly to resolve the issue. Officials expressed their appreciation to the community for their patience and understanding during the outage, acknowledging the inconvenience caused. The swift restoration of power highlights the efficiency of DOMLEC’s response team in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
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PHARCS commemorates Elderly Month with new partnership and initiatives
In honor of Dominica’s Month of the Elderly, Premium Home and Residential Care Services (PHARCS) has unveiled a series of initiatives, including a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving services for seniors. September, designated as the Month of the Elderly, culminates in the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, a global observance dedicated to honoring senior citizens. PHARCS, which took a break last year, is now reaffirming its commitment to supporting the elderly through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and strategic collaborations. Historically, the month has featured events organized by the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA), such as Grandparents Day, youth workshops, and creative contests. This year, PHARCS is actively participating in national festivities, hosting events and promoting elder care initiatives. Marie-Therese Junkerre, Founder and CEO of PHARCS, emphasized the organization’s mission to provide dignified, person-centered care, stating, ‘Every day should be like this for our seniors.’ As PHARCS marks its 11th anniversary, it continues to innovate with programs like ‘Meals on Wheels for Seniors’ and ‘Senior Day Care Service,’ aimed at fostering independence and well-being. A significant development is the partnership with OVE-CARAÏBES, a French-Caribbean organization focused on supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly. This collaboration aims to exchange best practices and develop new services to benefit Dominica’s elderly community. Junkerre expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to provide training, resources, and programs that enhance seniors’ quality of life. PHARCS is also encouraging community participation in its bi-weekly radio program, ‘Information Portal for Senior Citizens,’ which will focus on the Month of the Elderly theme and dementia awareness. The program will also address elder rights, healthcare access, and intergenerational connections. PHARCS is calling on individuals, businesses, and youth groups to participate in events like Senior Citizens’ Sports Day and educational workshops to foster an age-friendly community. Through collaborations with international and local partners, PHARCS is poised to expand its elder care services significantly. For more information, the public is invited to tune in to DBS RADIO on September 24 or contact PHARCS directly.
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Police investigating Cane Vale shooting
A violent shooting incident unfolded on Wednesday evening in Christ Church, leaving two men injured and prompting an urgent police investigation. The attack took place at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Canevale Crescent, where a group of individuals had congregated. Witnesses reported that two assailants, clad in dark clothing, approached the gathering and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The victims sustained injuries during the assault and were swiftly transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities from the Oistins Police Station have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, appealing to the public for assistance. Individuals with any information or those who may have witnessed the event are encouraged to contact the Oistins Police Station at 418-2612 or 418-2604, the Police Emergency line at 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works to uncover the motives behind the attack and apprehend the perpetrators.
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MEN IN LOCKS
In a groundbreaking moment for Jamaica, four male parliamentarians are now proudly wearing dreadlocks, marking a significant shift in the acceptance of Afro-centric identity and Rastafarian culture within the nation’s political landscape. This historic development includes first-time Member of Parliament (MP) Isat Buchanan and Damion Crawford from the Opposition benches, along with Allan Bernard in the Senate. On the Government side, Alando Terrelonge retained his dreadlocks as he was sworn in for his third consecutive term.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer outside Gordon House, Buchanan, the new MP for Portland Eastern, emphasized the symbolic importance of this milestone. He highlighted the long-standing discrimination and stereotypes faced by individuals with dreadlocks, particularly within Jamaican society. Buchanan, who previously challenged the government in court over Rastafarian hair and Afro-identity rights, described this moment as a major step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and cultural acceptance.
Buchanan stressed the importance of representation, noting that Jamaica’s progress in embracing its Afro-centric roots and Rastafarian heritage is a testament to the nation’s evolving identity. He also underscored the need for unity and equality, asserting that cultural background or personal preferences should not hinder anyone’s opportunities in life.
Crawford, the new MP for St Catherine North Western, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the presence of dreadlocked MPs reflects the true essence of Jamaican identity. He pointed out that the acceptance of dreadlocks in political spaces signals a broader shift toward embracing “Jamaicaness” as a unifying cultural force.
However, Steven Golding, president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, cautioned against conflating dreadlocks as a hairstyle with the Rastafarian faith. He emphasized that Rastafari is a religion rooted in the divinity of Haile Selassie, and not all individuals who wear dreadlocks adhere to this belief. While acknowledging the positive impact of increased acceptance, Golding called for clearer distinctions between cultural expression and religious identity.
This historic moment in Jamaica’s Parliament not only celebrates the growing acceptance of dreadlocks but also highlights the ongoing dialogue about identity, representation, and cultural heritage in the nation.
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No evidence of blood at carwash in Maitland murder trial
In a dramatic turn of events during the high-profile murder trial of Constable Noel Maitland, a forensic crime scene officer testified on Thursday that no traces of blood or DNA evidence were found at a carwash on Lyndhurst Road in St Andrew. This contradicts earlier claims made by a former employee of the carwash, who had alleged observing a significant amount of blood on a settee brought in by Maitland for power-washing in July 2022. The settee was removed from Maitland’s apartment shortly after the disappearance of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, a social media influencer last seen in his company at the Chelsea Manor Apartment complex. Donaldson was reported missing on July 12, 2022, after being picked up by Maitland from her home in St Andrew the previous day. The forensic officer detailed her meticulous examination of the scene, using specialized equipment and chemicals, including Luminol, which would have detected any presence of blood. However, no evidence was found to support the earlier claims. The trial is set to continue on Monday with the testimony of a new witness.
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DOMLEC says outages due to fault on ITS north feeder
Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) has issued a formal apology to residents in several communities following an unexpected power outage on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The disruption, which affected areas including Fond Canie, Louisville, Silver Lake, and Bath Estate, among others, was attributed to a fault on the company’s north feeder. DOMLEC has assured customers that its technical team is actively investigating the issue and working diligently to restore electricity. Updates on the restoration timeline will be provided as soon as they become available. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged affected residents to remain patient while repairs are underway. The outage has impacted key locations such as schools, residential areas, and major streets, highlighting the importance of reliable power infrastructure in the region.
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DBS Head at readers’ prize-giving ceremony: Time to renew initiative regionally for ‘better Caribbean’
Cecil Joseph, Manager of State-Owned Radio DBS, has proposed a revival of the station’s reading initiative across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the broader Caribbean region. Speaking at the 2025 DBS Radio National Reading Competition prize-giving ceremony, held at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) conference centre, Joseph emphasized the need for collaboration with regional education ministries to reintroduce the program. He highlighted the importance of evaluating children’s progress rather than fostering a purely competitive spirit. ‘If we can compare and learn from each other, we can build a better Caribbean and OECS,’ Joseph remarked. He pledged persistent advocacy, stating that DBS Radio would actively engage with education officials to ensure the initiative’s success. The competition crowned Kierra John of Sineku Primary School as the top reader, with Amelia Desbonne and Kyra David securing second and third places, respectively. The event also featured a segment sponsored by the National Co-operative Credit Union Limited (NCCU), where Nicole George emerged as the best reader. Dragon Windows served as the headline sponsor, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering literacy and educational excellence.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Sept 18): Scattered showers, thunderstorm activity expected today; residents advised to continue monitoring for TS Gabrielle updates
Unsettled weather patterns, driven by an upper-level trough, are expected to bring intermittent cloud cover, scattered showers, and isolated thunderstorms across the island today. Light winds and elevated daytime temperatures may intensify cloud formation, leading to localized afternoon downpours, particularly in western and northern regions. Residents in vulnerable areas, as well as motorists and pedestrians navigating flood-prone zones, landslide risks, and areas susceptible to falling rocks, are urged to remain vigilant. Additionally, a slight increase in Saharan dust is anticipated overnight, potentially persisting through Friday. Individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to take necessary precautions. Marine conditions are forecasted to remain slight to moderate, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and 5 feet along the east coast within the next 24 hours. However, wave heights along the East Coast are expected to rise to nearly 7 feet overnight into Friday, accompanied by longer wave periods likely to generate ground swells. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Gabrielle, located approximately 845 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands at 5 a.m., is moving west-northwest at 15 mph. With maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts, the storm is projected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on further developments.