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.
分类： society
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WEATHER (12 PM, September 23): Flood watch extended to 6:00 PM today
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.
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Official opening parade for Independence 2025 set for Saturday
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.
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OP-ED: Social justice – the key to shared prosperity
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.
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Teenagers charged following motorcycle theft
In a recent incident in Westmoreland, Jamaica, two teenagers have been formally charged with simple larceny. The event unfolded on Saturday, September 13, in the Barracks Road area of Savanna-la-Mar. Authorities report that around 4:40 pm, the two individuals allegedly entered a man’s property and stole his 2016 Zamco motorcycle from his garage. The stolen vehicle is estimated to be worth approximately $260,000. Upon discovering the theft, the victim promptly reported the incident to the local police, prompting an immediate investigation. Law enforcement officials successfully apprehended the suspects during a targeted operation. The teenagers are now awaiting their court appearance, with the date currently being finalized. This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities in the region.
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MoBay moves toward creating designated running routes following rise in 5K events
Montego Bay, Jamaica, is witnessing a significant rise in 5K running events, prompting local authorities to take formal steps to accommodate this growing wellness trend. Mayor Richard Vernon of the St James Municipal Corporation revealed that officials are collaborating with police and event organizers to establish designated routes. These routes aim to minimize disruptions to traffic and local businesses, which currently face challenges due to the varying courses chosen by race organizers.
‘We are exploring the possibility of designating a specific area for 5K events,’ Vernon stated. ‘Our goal is to identify a location that allows residents to engage in these activities without hindering daily operations.’
In addition to addressing the logistical challenges posed by the surge in 5K events, Montego Bay is also expanding its green spaces as part of broader urban development plans. Mayor Vernon emphasized that these initiatives will enhance air quality and bolster public health efforts.
One of the standout events this year was the MBJ Charity Run, which attracted nearly 3,000 participants and raised approximately $30 million for educational grants. The event garnered support from over 100 companies, including Caribbean Solar Life and the Airports Authority of Jamaica. Applications for grants under the MBJ Charity Run’s expanded program remain open until September 30, 2025, and can be accessed at www.mbjairport.com.
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Most students involved in bus spill discharged from UHWI — Dr Bruce
In a recent update from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), it has been confirmed that most of the students injured in a bus accident on Tuesday along the Dublin Castle main road in Gordon Town, St Andrew, have been discharged following necessary medical treatment and observation. The incident, which involved students from St Martin De Porres and Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary Schools, occurred when the bus experienced mechanical issues, leading to it overturning after multiple attempts to restart it failed. Only one child remained hospitalized as of Tuesday night. Dr. Carl Bruce, Chief Medical Officer at UHWI, highlighted the hospital’s swift response, mobilizing pediatric, emergency, surgical, and ancillary care teams to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. The hospital also offered psychosocial support to the affected students and their families, emphasizing their commitment to the children’s emotional, mental, and physical recovery. UHWI continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Education, as more information becomes available.
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UPDATE: St Catherine Parish Court cleared to resume afternoon operations
The St. Catherine Parish Court in Jamaica has returned to normal operations after a brief closure on Wednesday prompted by a bomb threat. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) swiftly responded to the situation, conducting a thorough search of the premises. Following a meticulous inspection, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices or threats were found, allowing the court to resume its afternoon sessions without further delay. The Court Administration Division (CAD) expressed gratitude to the court staff, users, and the general public for their understanding and cooperation during the temporary disruption. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring public safety, particularly in high-traffic institutions like courts. While the threat proved unfounded, the swift response by law enforcement underscores the effectiveness of Jamaica’s emergency protocols in handling potential security risks.
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Jamaican Olympian Danusia Francis welcomes baby boy
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrations are in order for Jamaican Olympic gymnast Danusia Francis and her husband, Elliot Reid, as they joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared their exciting news on Wednesday through Francis’ Instagram stories, where she posted a heartwarming photo of their newborn accompanied by the caption, “23/09/2025 Our baby boy was born.” In a subsequent post, Francis unveiled a tender maternity photo alongside her husband, proudly introducing their son with the words, “Welcome baby boy Reid to the world.”
Danusia Francis, who represented Jamaica at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, tied the knot with Elliot Reid in 2022 in the United Kingdom. The birth of their son marks a new chapter in their lives, blending their personal joy with the pride of their growing family. Fans and well-wishers from around the globe have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating this milestone with the couple.
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Former Miss Jamaica Universe contestant found dead at home
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A tragic incident has shaken the nation as Tyra Spaulding, a former contestant in the Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 pageant, was discovered deceased at her residence on Tuesday evening. The 26-year-old was found hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck, according to reports. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) confirmed the incident occurred around 6:55 pm, and authorities are currently investigating the case as a suspected suicide. Spaulding, who was known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, leaves behind a legacy of raising awareness on critical issues. Her untimely death has sparked conversations about the importance of mental health support and the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye.