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.
分类： society
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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.
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Gender inequality persists despite decades of progress
Barbadian women continue to shoulder the majority of caregiving, work, and social responsibilities, despite decades of advancements in gender equality, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey stated on Tuesday. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Beijing Declaration at United Nations House in Christ Church, Humphrey highlighted the enduring gender disparities in Barbados. Between July 1 and September 15, the Welfare Department issued 2,478 back-to-school cheques totaling $1.62 million to assist children, with over 95% of applications submitted by women. These figures underscore not only financial needs but also the persistent imbalance in responsibilities between men and women. “Women bear a disproportionate share of daily burdens, especially during crises,” Humphrey emphasized. He stressed the necessity of data-driven solutions to address these inequities, referencing the ongoing country assessment of living conditions, which will inform a new poverty line by early 2026, and the planned establishment of the Social Empowerment Agency to enhance social service delivery. Humphrey also linked gender inequality to climate challenges, noting that women are disproportionately affected by climate disasters. “Eighty percent of those displaced by climate disasters are women and girls,” he said, warning that the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequities. Isiuwa Iyahen, head of UN Women’s Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean, echoed the call for action, recalling Caribbean women’s historical struggles against systemic barriers. Despite significant progress, disparities persist. Barbadian women earn 86-87% of men’s wages, and up to half of women with partners experience intimate-partner violence. Women also perform two to three times more unpaid care work than men, limiting their economic opportunities. “Laws alone are insufficient—financing, implementation, and cultural change are urgently needed,” Iyahen concluded.
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New scholarships to boost youth careers in construction, auto repair
Barbadian youth aspiring to build careers in construction and automotive repair have received a significant boost with the introduction of over $4,000 in new scholarships. This initiative stems from two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and local industry leaders Nirvana Construction Inc. and Automotive Art. The agreements, formalized on Tuesday at SJPI’s Wildey campus, aim to provide targeted financial support to students enrolled in masonry and motor vehicle engineering programmes. Nirvana Construction has pledged a $500 scholarship for students from Parkinson Memorial Secondary School entering the Certificate in Masonry programme. Eligible applicants must be Barbadian citizens aged 16 to 18 and submit a recommendation from a school official or coach. Steven Hinds, Managing Director of Nirvana Construction and an SJPI alumnus, emphasized the company’s dedication to youth development and the skilled trades. “We are big on young people. Being in the construction industry, we decided that we need to advance our skilled artisans,” he stated. Meanwhile, Automotive Art will award ten $400 scholarships to continuing students in the Motor Vehicle Engineering Technology and Vehicle Body Repair programmes. Jamon White, General Manager of Automotive Art, described the initiative as a small yet impactful investment in the nation’s future workforce. SJPI Principal Ian Drakes expressed enthusiasm for the partnerships, highlighting their role in making technical and vocational education more accessible. “These are exciting times, and they continue with corporate Barbados entrusting us to keep our technical vocational education going in a very positive and dynamic way,” Drakes remarked. These scholarships align with broader national efforts to attract and qualify more young Barbadians in skilled trades, particularly in construction and auto care. For further details, interested individuals can visit www.sjpi.edu.bb or contact SJPI Guidance Officer Shawna Carter at 246-836-7687. Applications close on September 30.
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Two injured in separate shooting incidents on St. Kitts and Nevis
In a concerning escalation of gun-related violence, two separate shooting incidents occurred on September 18, 2025, in St. Kitts and Nevis, leaving two men injured. Authorities have launched investigations into both cases, which add to a growing trend of ‘Shooting with Intent’ incidents across the Federation. The first incident took place in the Newcastle area of Nevis, near the Combermere Pre-School, where a man was shot and subsequently hospitalized. Shortly thereafter, a second shooting was reported in Halfway Tree, where another man suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. Police have not disclosed the identities of the victims. This year alone, 15 such incidents have been recorded, with 12 occurring on St. Kitts and three on Nevis. The rise in gun violence has raised alarms among local communities and law enforcement, prompting calls for increased measures to address the issue.