Ancil Dennis, the political leader of the PNM Tobago Council, has highlighted that subpar customer service continues to hinder Tobago’s tourism industry. Despite a three-year island-wide initiative launched in August 2021 during his tenure as chief secretary, aimed at transforming the service culture, the issue persists. The program, funded by the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) and executed by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI), was led by Singaporean etiquette expert Ron Kaufman. By March 2023, approximately 2,000 individuals across various sectors had been trained, yet Dennis emphasized during a recent community meeting in Castara that poor customer service remains a significant challenge. He stressed that if the PNM secures victory in the upcoming THA election, improving customer service will be a top priority. Dennis also criticized the current administration for neglecting the Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside electoral district, citing poor infrastructure and lack of support for local farmers. At the meeting, he endorsed farmer Maxslon Roberts as the party’s candidate for the district in the upcoming election.
分类： society
-
Unicomer Group donates mattresses to support Hurricane Melissa recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, the Unicomer Group has donated 100 twin and double mattresses to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with plans to contribute an additional 200 units and other essential items. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting affected families as they rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy. Ann Marie Walters, Managing Director of Unicomer Jamaica, emphasized the company’s dedication to relief efforts, stating, ‘We are committed to helping those impacted by this storm. Our goal is to provide meaningful comfort to families during this challenging time.’ Shortly after the hurricane, Unicomer pledged over $75 million to assist both its employees and the broader public affected by the disaster. Walters also highlighted the company’s partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, underscoring its focus on delivering both immediate relief and sustained support to communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
-
YeCats launches mobile classroom in Black River to support children after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the YeCats Mobile Resource Centre has introduced the YeCats Mobile Classroom, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring educational stability in Jamaica’s hardest-hit areas. Launched on November 17 in Black River, the program has already begun transforming the lives of children, offering emergency literacy and numeracy support. Spearheaded by Stacey Robinson, founder and literacy coach of YeCats, the mobile classroom is a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. The initiative concluded its first week with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, and sponsors. As a fully mobile program, YeCats plans to expand its operations to other hurricane-affected regions, providing eight weeks of structured, rehabilitative learning in each location. Robinson emphasized the program’s mission: “Education must continue, even in the midst of crisis. Our children deserve stability, confidence, and an opportunity to keep learning.” Parents and students have already reported life-changing results. Marsha, a mother who volunteered at the mobile classroom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am so excited and glad that right now the kids can come out and go to school.” Children, too, are showing remarkable emotional and behavioral transformations. An 11-year-old boy, previously known for disciplinary issues, shared his commitment to change, stating, “Miss, mi aguh change and behave better.” The program’s innovative YeCats Sound Box, a phonics system, is a cornerstone of the curriculum, designed to build confident, fluent readers. Teachers and parents will also receive training to ensure continued progress outside the classroom. The initiative is supported by key partners, including Matthews and Clarke, Murray’s, and World Central Kitchen. Sandie Saunders of Matthews and Clarke Limited was particularly praised for her early endorsement, which was instrumental in mobilizing resources. Classes are held Mondays to Wednesdays in a safe learning tent donated by Murray’s, focusing on reading, writing, mathematics, and life skills. The program’s holistic approach includes one hour dedicated to activities supporting physical, emotional, and mental development, crucial for children recovering from trauma. With 70 students registering on the first day and 120 by the second, the program’s rapid growth underscores the urgent need for academic continuity and psychosocial support in disaster-stricken areas.
-
Reclaiming our names; Reclaiming our minds
In the wake of the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, communities in the United Kingdom are demanding the removal of his name from public spaces. This has sparked a broader reflection on the Caribbean’s colonial legacy, where the names of enslavers and colonial figures still dominate the landscape. Centuries after European enslavement and genocide, these names serve as painful reminders of injustice and subjugation. Research in psychogeography and intergenerational trauma reveals that constant exposure to such symbols can inflict deep psychological harm, a phenomenon Dr. Joy DeGruy terms “insidious trauma.” The celebration of these figures perpetuates a psychological landscape of pain and institutionalized racism. Addressing this imbalance is not about erasing history but reclaiming the present and inspiring future generations with stories of resilience and courage. The United Nations’ Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), themed “Recognition, Justice, and Development,” provides a timely framework for this reckoning. Caribbean nations, including Grenada, are urged to honor indigenous and African-descended heroes and advocate for reparative justice. The removal of colonial monuments, as seen in the UK’s 2020 court case where the toppling of a statue was defended as a response to “hate,” offers a precedent for democratic action. Renaming public spaces is more than symbolic; it is an act of psychological liberation, fostering national pride, cultural validation, and collective healing. By replacing colonial names with those of ancestors who championed freedom and justice, the Caribbean can transform its soundscape from dissonance to harmony, embodying unity forged through struggle.
-
Police to conduct destruction of confiscated drugs by fire
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has announced a significant step in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and enforce the law. Today, a formal destruction of confiscated illegal drugs will take place at Morne Bruce, starting at 2:30 PM. This operation is being conducted under strict court directives and established safety protocols to ensure the secure and proper disposal of the substances. The CDPF has emphasized that access to the immediate area will be restricted during the procedure to maintain safety and security. In a public statement, the police force reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens, upholding the rule of law, and enhancing public safety. This initiative underscores the CDPF’s dedication to eradicating illegal drug activities and fostering a safer community.
-
Today is International Men’s Day
Dominica joined the global community in celebrating International Men’s Day on November 19, 2025, under the theme ‘Celebrating Men and Boys.’ This annual event, observed worldwide, aims to acknowledge the positive impact men have on society and to highlight issues related to men’s health and well-being. The concept of International Men’s Day was first proposed in the 1960s but was officially established on November 19, 1999, by Dr. Jerome Tellucksing in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Tellucksing selected this date to honor his father’s birthday and to commemorate the unity displayed by the Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team in 1989. In Dominica, the Business Professional Women (BPW) organization marked the occasion by recognizing 19 men for their significant contributions to the community across various fields. An awards ceremony was held to honor these individuals, showcasing their dedication and achievements.
-
Rotary Club of Dominica inducts new Interact members at DSC, awards three scholarships
On November 13, 2025, the Rotary Club of Dominica hosted a prestigious ceremony at the Dominica State College (DSC) to induct new members into the college’s Interact Club. The event, held at DSC, showcased the enthusiasm of young individuals committed to Rotary’s values of service, leadership, and community engagement, according to a press release from the organization. During the ceremony, numerous DSC students took the Interact pledge, officially joining one of Rotary’s most vibrant youth leadership programs. The Rotary Club of Dominica expressed its enthusiasm for the deepening partnership with the college and commended the students for their dedication to the principle of ‘service above self.’
In addition to the induction, the Rotary Club of Dominica awarded three academic scholarships to deserving DSC students. These scholarships honored exceptional academic performance, active community involvement, and financial need. The recipients were celebrated for their resilience, integrity, and commitment to creating a positive impact both on campus and in their local communities. The scholarship winners included Jonty Vidal, who received the Reginald Gomez-Burke Memorial Scholarship; Carina Monica Harve, awarded the Victor Josse Scholarship; and Keturah Charles, the recipient of the John Archibald Scholarship.
The event highlighted the Rotary Club’s unwavering commitment to youth development in Dominica. By supporting young leaders through leadership initiatives and educational grants, the club aligns with its broader mission of fostering community growth. Programs like the Interact Club and the scholarship scheme represent strategic investments in the island’s future, empowering promising individuals to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The Rotary Club of Dominica also expressed gratitude to the DSC administration for their continued collaboration. It extended congratulations to all new Interact Club members and scholarship recipients, expressing eagerness to witness their growth, community service, and contributions to a brighter future for Dominica.
-
Deputy Premier Evelyn Promotes Nevis Agri-Expo 2026 and Culturama 52 During Official Visit to Anguilla
During an official visit to Anguilla from November 14 to 16, 2025, Deputy Premier of Nevis and Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, actively promoted two of Nevis’ flagship events: Agri-Expo 2026 and Culturama 52. The visit was part of his participation in Hook and Harvest, a prominent farm-to-table and wellness initiative. Agri-Expo 2026, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is scheduled for March 26–27, 2026, while Culturama 52 will take place from July 23 to August 4, 2026. Evelyn extended invitations to Anguillans and regional residents during a live radio interview on Klass FM, emphasizing the cultural and agricultural significance of these events. Throughout his three-day engagement, Evelyn attended a wellness seminar, joined a diabetes awareness walk, and participated in a 10-course tasting experience at the National Green Space, which highlighted local farmers and chefs. A key highlight of the visit was the donation of 130 fruit plants by the Nevis Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at supporting Caribbean sustainability initiatives. Evelyn underscored Nevis’ commitment to food security and agricultural expansion, stating, ‘We are focused heavily on food security and planting more to increase local food production.’ The donated saplings included sugar apple, cherry, Taiwanese sugar apple, soursop, custard apple, and passion fruit. Evelyn also expressed gratitude to Dr. Carissa Webster-Lake, the event organizer, for fostering a meaningful partnership. Additionally, he paid courtesy calls to Anguilla’s Premier Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge, Minister Honourable Kyle Hodge, and Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Cordell Richardson.
-
Paaws Antigua Empties Shelter for First Time in 30 Years as Last Dog Moves to Foster Care
After months of uncertainty following its August announcement of facility closure, Paaws Antigua has achieved a significant milestone. The charity recently confirmed that its final four dogs—Shirley, Spot, Gabby, and Shelly-Ann—have all been placed in foster homes, marking an emotional turning point for the organization and its supporters. While three of the dogs are now settling into their new environments, Shelly-Ann remains in need of a semi-permanent home and is currently boarding at Pet Style and Resort as efforts to secure a long-term placement continue. Photos shared by Paaws captured Spot’s nervous departure from the kennel he had known his entire life, highlighting the challenges of this transition. The organization emphasized that the dogs will need time to adjust to their new surroundings and expressed hope that at least two of them become “foster fails,” where temporary caregivers decide to adopt them permanently. Reflecting on the past months, Paaws described the journey as “incredibly tense—and heart-wrenching” but expressed relief at nearing the summit of what once seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Updates on the dogs’ progress will be shared as they acclimate to their new homes.
-
Firearm, suspected marijuana found
In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities in Guyana uncovered a cache of illegal items during a raid at a residence in Cromarty Farm, Corentyne, East Berbice. The Guyana Police Force reported the discovery of a .32 caliber firearm, ammunition, and suspected marijuana on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The search, conducted by senior officers, led to the arrest of two individuals: a 43-year-old farmer and his 55-year-old partner, who works part-time. The firearm and one round of ammunition were found concealed under a mattress in a bedroom. Additionally, two more rounds of ammunition and small transparent Ziplock bags containing eight grams of leaves, seeds, and stems believed to be cannabis were discovered in another part of the house. Ballistic experts are set to examine the firearm to confirm its specifications. This operation highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal activities in the region.