分类： society

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.

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.

A tragic incident unfolded at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, Mississippi, when a 21-year-old Black student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, was found hanging from a tree on campus early Monday morning. The discovery, made by a faculty member near the university’s pickleball courts around 7 AM, prompted the immediate closure of classes and campus activities. Reed, a native of Grenada, Mississippi, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the campus community in shock and distress. Authorities, including Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler, have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play, but investigations are ongoing. The university’s president, Daniel Ennis, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to Reed’s family and arranging counseling services for affected students and staff. Amidst the tragedy, Reed’s family has called for transparency, urging the public to seek the truth and avoid letting the matter be overlooked. They have engaged attorney Vanessa J. Jones to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death. The case has drawn national attention, with the Jackson FBI indicating readiness to intervene if federal misconduct is identified. Meanwhile, the Bolivar County Coroner has ruled the death a suicide, but skepticism persists within the Black community, with organizations like the NAACP highlighting historical context and demanding thorough scrutiny. The incident has reignited conversations about racial justice and safety on college campuses.

In a heartwarming initiative to celebrate the Month of the Elderly, the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) has announced a diverse lineup of activities aimed at honoring and supporting senior citizens. The program, designed to promote health and wellbeing, features two major events: a Health Fair on September 20 and a Sports Day on September 28. These events are part of a broader effort to recognize the contributions of older adults and enhance their quality of life. The Health Fair will offer free health screenings, wellness workshops, and consultations with medical professionals, while the Sports Day will encourage physical activity through fun, age-appropriate games and competitions. The DCOA’s initiative underscores the importance of fostering a community that values and cares for its elderly population. With these events, Dominica continues to set an example in prioritizing the health and happiness of its senior citizens.