分类： society

In a landmark decision, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has appointed Loik Charles, a legally blind yet exceptionally talented young Dominican, as the new Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, focusing on youth and disability affairs. The announcement was made earlier today, with the Prime Minister personally introducing Charles during a meeting, praising his immense potential and dedication. Charles, who will officially assume his role on October 1, 2025, will work within the Office of the Prime Minister to address issues affecting youth and the differently-abled community. This appointment marks a significant stride toward inclusivity in Dominica, particularly as it aligns with the International Day of Sign Languages, observed during the International Week of the Deaf. Prime Minister Skerrit called on the public to celebrate this milestone and support Charles in his mission to create a more inclusive society. The move underscores the government’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering equal opportunities for all citizens.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recently emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting Dominica’s fishing communities during the commissioning ceremony of rehabilitated fish landing sites in Dublanc and Bioche. The projects, valued at EC$155,078 and EC$151,009.70 respectively, were awarded to local contractors and included upgrades to locker rooms, storerooms, refrigeration facilities, and electrical and plumbing systems. Skerrit highlighted that these initiatives are not about providing handouts but about empowering fishers to sustain their livelihoods and support their families. He acknowledged the challenges faced by fishers, who often venture far out to sea, and stressed the government’s role in offering a helping hand to ensure their trade is treated as a viable business. Meanwhile, Minister of State Jullan Defoe detailed the new facilities, which feature ice machines, locker rooms, and office spaces designed to foster economic activities and community engagement. He described the sites as multifunctional public spaces akin to community centers. Agriculture Minister Roland Royer also announced ongoing and upcoming projects, including renovations at the Mahaut fish landing site and the construction of fish vending facilities in Newtown and Fond Cole. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture and fisheries sectors and enhancing national development.

The Dominica Council on Aging (DCOA) recently paid heartfelt visits to two of the nation’s oldest citizens, celebrating their remarkable longevity and contributions to society. Mr. Asher Timothy, aged 108, and Elizabeth St. John Belle, another centenarian, were honored in these special engagements. The visits, documented through video and images, showcased the Council’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the elderly population. The DCOA’s initiative highlights the importance of valuing the wisdom and experiences of senior citizens, while also addressing their needs in a rapidly changing world. These interactions serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and resilience embodied by Dominica’s oldest residents.

A tropical wave continues to bring significant moisture and atmospheric instability to the region, resulting in persistent cloudy to overcast skies and showers, ranging from moderate to heavy intensity. In response, authorities have extended the Flood Warning for the northern half of the island and the Flood Watch for the southern portion until 6:00 p.m. today. Further upgrades to these alerts may be issued as conditions evolve throughout the afternoon. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are strongly urged to remain alert and exercise extreme caution to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, marine conditions are expected to remain slight to moderate over the next 24 hours, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and up to 7 feet along the east coast. Additionally, meteorologists are closely monitoring another tropical wave located in the eastern Atlantic, which has a high probability of developing into a more significant system over the next seven days.

The 47th Anniversary of Independence in Dominica will officially commence on Saturday, September 27, with a vibrant parade through the streets of Roseau, starting at 3:00 PM. Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew announced the event during a broadcast on DBS Radio on Monday, emphasizing the improvements and additions planned for this year’s celebration. Building on the success of last year’s parade, organizers aim to enhance the experience by incorporating elements such as marching bands, traditional dances, and cultural floats. Matthew highlighted the inclusion of the Cadet Corps, live traditional bands, and performances of bele and European round dances. Additionally, floats by DEXIA and the Local Government Division will simulate a market day, showcasing Dominica’s agricultural heritage, while another float by WATO will spotlight the island’s culinary traditions. The public is encouraged to participate by wearing madras, a traditional fabric, to foster inclusivity and cultural pride. The parade route will follow a similar path to last year, starting at Pottersville Savannah and winding through key streets in Roseau, with slight adjustments to enhance the flow and experience. Matthew expressed optimism for the event, noting that the parade aims to revive the historical significance of Independence celebrations, which once centered around military parades before the rise of the World Creole Music Festival.

As the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York from September 23 to 27, 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has released its flagship report, *The State of Social Justice*, reflecting on global advancements and persistent challenges since the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The report underscores the critical link between social justice and sustainable economic progress, emphasizing the need for inclusive development and decent work for all.

Three decades ago, 186 nations gathered in Copenhagen, committing to place people at the heart of global development. This consensus laid the groundwork for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, which aim to create a socially just, peaceful, and sustainable world by 2030. Significant strides have been made since then: extreme poverty has dropped from 39% to 10% of the global population, child labor for children under 14 has been halved, and over half the world now benefits from some form of social protection, such as pensions or unemployment insurance.

However, the ILO report reveals stark disparities that threaten the achievement of the SDGs. A person’s birthplace still determines more than half of their lifetime earnings, and over 800 million people globally survive on less than three dollars a day. Progress on SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth, lags at just 66% of its targets. The report stresses that accelerating the SDGs is essential to improving living conditions and achieving social justice. Decent work, it argues, is not merely about earning a living but serves as a barometer of societal well-being, encompassing health, education, equality, and responsible consumption and production.

The report also highlights the role of strong institutions in translating productivity gains into better lives. Social dialogue between workers, employers, and governments is identified as the most effective way to balance interests and ensure equitable growth. However, institutions are currently being tested by three major transitions reshaping the world of work: climate change and the shift to a greener economy, the digital revolution, and demographic changes. These transformations, while creating new opportunities, risk exacerbating existing inequalities.

In November 2025, the second World Social Summit will be held in Doha, offering a pivotal moment to turn past commitments into tangible action. The ILO-led Global Coalition for Social Justice provides a platform for governments, employers, workers, and other partners to accelerate cooperation and achieve social justice and decent work for all. As the report concludes, social justice is not an unattainable ideal but the only path forward to a sustainable future for everyone.