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  • Anse De Mai jetty project almost complete, confirms PM

    Anse De Mai jetty project almost complete, confirms PM

    The Government of Dominica has achieved a significant milestone in its infrastructure development program with the first phase of a $4 million jetty construction in Anse De Mai nearing completion. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed the progress during a recent tour of the coastal area, emphasizing the project’s importance for both local communities and national infrastructure.

    This substantial investment represents the initial phase of development that will subsequently include enhanced facilities for customs and immigration services. Prime Minister Skerrit specifically acknowledged the patience and cooperation demonstrated by local fishermen and the communities of Anse De Mai and Bense throughout the development process. The Prime Minister also recognized the advocacy efforts from both current and former parliamentary representatives who championed the project.

    Parliamentary Representative Lakeyia Joseph of the Paix Bouche Constituency provided additional context, explaining that the area serves as both an official port of entry and an active fishing community connecting Portsmouth to the Kalinago Territory. Joseph emphasized the decades-long advocacy for this infrastructure project and described the construction as high-quality work that will significantly benefit daily users of the port.

    The completion of this jetty project marks the realization of a long-standing community priority that will enhance economic activities, improve operational facilities for customs and immigration services, and strengthen relationships with neighboring French communities. Both government officials and community members expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and its potential to transform local infrastructure and economic opportunities.

  • Civil Aviation recognized for promoting meritocracy during national integrity campaign

    Civil Aviation recognized for promoting meritocracy during national integrity campaign

    In a significant ceremony recognizing ethical governance, the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) was awarded national honors for its exemplary implementation of merit-based systems and promotion of equal opportunities within the public sector. The distinction was conferred during the 2025 National Campaign for Integrity in Public Administration, titled “Dominicana sin corrupción” (Corruption-Free Dominican Republic), an initiative spearheaded by the General Directorate of Government Ethics and Integrity (DIGEIG).

    The award specifically acknowledges IDAC’s institutional dedication to transparent operational processes, performance-driven employee development, and equitable workforce policies—core values aligning with the fifth iteration of this government-wide integrity campaign. Deputy Director General Paola Aimée Plá Puello accepted the accolade, stating that this recognition reinforces IDAC’s foundational commitment to ethical governance, administrative transparency, and public integrity, which are essential pillars for fostering citizen trust and establishing a more just and effective public administration.

    Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Director General of DIGEIG, presided over the event and issued a call to action for all government bodies to enhance their performance across evaluated metrics, with particular focus on measures combating corruption—a policy priority repeatedly emphasized by President Luis Abinader’s administration.

    Several other institutions received parallel recognition for their integrity efforts, including the Airport Department, the Commission for the Promotion of National Irrigation System Technification, the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), and the Directorate of Road and Avenue Beautification. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials such as Andrés Bautista, Administrative Minister of the Presidency; José Rijo Presbot, Director General of the National Budget Office; and Félix Antonio Santana García, Comptroller General of the Republic, underscoring the event’s importance within the government’s broader anti-corruption agenda.

  • STATEMENT: Caribbean Development Bank president on International Anti-Corruption Day 2025

    STATEMENT: Caribbean Development Bank president on International Anti-Corruption Day 2025

    The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a powerful declaration reinforcing its institutional dedication to combating corruption during International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 observances. President Daniel Best emphasized that transparency, integrity, and accountability form the essential foundation for meaningful development progress across Caribbean nations.

    Corruption continues to present one of the most formidable obstacles to sustainable development globally. Citing alarming statistics from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Bank highlighted that approximately $1 trillion is paid in bribes annually while an additional $2.6 trillion is siphoned through corrupt practices. These enormous financial drains represent resources that could otherwise transform communities through essential infrastructure, education systems, and healthcare services.

    The Caribbean region faces particularly severe consequences from corruption due to constrained fiscal environments, substantial debt burdens, and minimal tolerance for inefficiency. For small island developing states served by the CDB, any resources lost to corruption directly translate into diminished development outcomes and missed economic opportunities.

    Accordingly, the Bank has positioned anti-corruption measures as central to its operational mandate rather than peripheral concerns. As a development finance institution serving vulnerable nations, maintaining impeccable integrity standards is crucial for securing continued access to resources required by Borrowing Member Countries. Robust governance frameworks and anti-corruption mechanisms directly enable the Bank’s core objectives of advancing economic growth, poverty reduction, and building resilient societies.

    For over a decade, CDB’s Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability has functioned as the institutional cornerstone for governance frameworks encompassing ethics, accountability, and compliance. Through sustained capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and knowledge-sharing on anti-corruption practices, the Office has demonstrated regional leadership in governance standards.

    The 2025 observance theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” aligns perfectly with CDB’s institutional priorities and regional vision. With youth development embedded in its operational strategy, the Bank recognizes that empowering emerging generations requires providing young people with the values, knowledge, and tools to champion integrity across all sectors. Caribbean youth bring technological fluency, fresh perspectives, and determination to challenge outdated practices that have hindered progress.

    By investing in youth-led initiatives and creating platforms for young voices in governance discussions, CDB supports the emergence of a generation demanding higher institutional integrity standards. As global progress toward Sustainable Development Goals remains significantly off-track, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to championing anti-corruption and good governance.

    Effective anti-corruption systems enable institutions to operate more efficiently, attract sustainable financing, and deliver transformative development outcomes. With strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms becoming increasingly urgent, CDB will continue collaborating with governments, civil society, and youth to build a Caribbean where development resources fulfill their promise, institutions operate with unwavering integrity, and citizens trust that development genuinely serves public interests.

  • Bowen & Bowen Expands Jingle Box Programme to 300 Families

    Bowen & Bowen Expands Jingle Box Programme to 300 Families

    In its sixteenth consecutive year, Bowen & Bowen’s acclaimed Jingle Box humanitarian program has expanded its reach to assist 300 vulnerable families during the holiday season, marking a significant increase from last year’s 250 family allocations. This corporate social responsibility initiative provides carefully curated boxes containing all necessary ingredients for a complete holiday meal alongside special treats, delivering both nourishment and seasonal cheer to those facing economic hardship.

    The distribution network leverages deep community connections through partnerships with both established organizations and grassroots initiatives. World Paediatrics-Belize, a recipient since 2016, has witnessed the profound impact firsthand. Program Assistant Fay Madrid recounted the experience of a single mother with twins, one of whom has cerebral palsy: ‘The children expressed tremendous gratitude as the boxes genuinely illuminated their Christmas spirit—an emotional moment the mother vows never to forget.’

    Helpage Belize, serving over 1,000 elderly citizens nationwide, has participated since the program’s inception. Executive Director Ivorine Bulwer described the heartfelt responses: ‘The appreciation is palpable—visible in their eyes, reflected in their smiles, and expressed through heartfelt hugs. The emotional significance matches the nutritional value.’

    The program’s reach extends beyond large NGOs to include community-based efforts. The Dara Feeding Program distributes boxes to students demonstrating excellent attendance, while St Vincent de Paul channels donations to churches and underserved communities. Hand in Hand Ministries will provide 20 boxes to families who have recently received home construction support.

    Corporate Relations Manager Rosanna Villanueva emphasized the program’s unique employee-driven nature: ‘What makes Jingle Box particularly special is the personal contributions from our staff members each year. Bowen & Bowen matches these donations, with additional support provided by the Coca-Cola company, creating a multiplied impact that truly embodies the spirit of collective giving.’

  • Minor door malfunction on Santo Domingo Metro’s Line 1 forces brief evacuation

    Minor door malfunction on Santo Domingo Metro’s Line 1 forces brief evacuation

    A routine operational incident occurred on the Santo Domingo Metro system Tuesday afternoon when a technical fault triggered precautionary safety measures. According to the Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (Opret), a door mechanism on a train car malfunctioned while servicing Line 1 at Pedro Livio Cedeño station.

    Metro personnel immediately implemented established safety protocols, directing passengers to disembark onto the platform to await the next available train. The disruption, described by authorities as a ‘brief incident involving the door system,’ was resolved within minutes without further complications.

    Opret officials emphasized that such mechanical events constitute normal occurrences within mass transit systems globally and are addressed through standardized response procedures. The agency confirmed that passenger transfers during such incidents typically require between four to eight minutes as part of routine operational protocols.

    While service promptly resumed normal operations, the event highlights ongoing challenges within the Santo Domingo Metro infrastructure, which has experienced multiple system failures throughout the year. These recurring technical issues have generated considerable frustration among daily commuters and resulted in periodic service interruptions across the network.

    The metro’s Line 1, which connects Villa Mella in Santo Domingo Norte to the Centro de los Héroes in the National District, remains operational following the incident, with authorities confirming full compliance with all safety standards throughout the event.

  • Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet Cricket Club has decisively advanced to the championship match of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Premier League Two-Day tournament following a commanding 10-wicket victory against South Castries at Mindoo Phillip Park. The defending champions demonstrated exceptional all-round performance that underscored their tournament dominance.

    The match commenced with South Castries opting to bat first after winning the toss, though their innings quickly encountered difficulties at 70-7. Kester Charlemagne emerged as their batting savior, delivering a spectacular 57-run performance from just 43 deliveries that included four boundaries and six maximums. His aggressive partnership-building efforts, particularly a 45-run stand with Uriyah Charlemagne, propelled South Castries to a total of 140 runs.

    Gros Islet’s bowling attack was spearheaded by teenage sensation Daniel Lorde, who claimed an impressive 6-44 from 11.3 overs of off-spin bowling. The 15-year-old Castries Comprehensive Secondary School student fittingly captured Charlemagne’s crucial wicket among his six dismissals. He received solid support from Bjorn Fanis (2-11) and single wickets from Jeandell Cyril and Leon Alexander.

    The champions’ response was emphatically led by captain Jard Goodman, who dominated the crease with a magnificent 107 runs from 89 balls, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. Despite early batting partner dismissals, Goodman established a pivotal 51-run fourth-wicket partnership with Khanil Nelson (26) that solidified Gros Islet’s commanding position. Their first innings total of 210 established a significant 70-run lead.

    South Castries’ second innings showed marginal improvement with Ephron Charles contributing exactly 50 runs and Charlemagne adding 45, though their total of 146 proved insufficient against Gros Islet’s relentless bowling attack. Fanis excelled with 5-41 while Alexander claimed 3-31, setting a modest 78-run victory target.

    Goodman returned to complete the victory with an unbeaten 48 from 47 deliveries, guiding his team to 78-0 without losing a wicket. In post-match comments, the captain emphasized their consistent approach: “Regardless of tournament format, we back our skills and training. As defending champions with a younger unit, we embrace expectations and aim to dominate every match.”

    Gros Islet now awaits the winner of the upcoming semifinal between Central Castries and Babonneau to determine their opponent in the championship decider.

  • Pastor Rodney throws his hat in political ring, says it’s time for servanthood in governance, not self-aggrandizement

    Pastor Rodney throws his hat in political ring, says it’s time for servanthood in governance, not self-aggrandizement

    In a significant political development, Pastor Randy Rodney has announced his candidacy for office under the banner of the United Workers Party (UWP), framing his decision as a divine calling rather than a personal ambition. The announcement, made during a recent radio program on Q-95, marks a notable shift from the pulpit to the political arena.

    Rodney described his choice as the culmination of ‘prayerful reflection’ and ‘thoughtful consultation,’ characterizing it as an ‘assignment’ driven by purpose. He positioned his entry into politics as a direct response to a national crisis, asserting that Dominica stands at a critical ‘crossroads’ requiring leaders grounded in servanthood rather than mere policymaking. ‘Our nation needs leadership rooted in servanthood and guided by a genuine mandate to lift people,’ he declared.

    The pastor-turned-politician outlined a philosophy of governance emphasizing moral stewardship over personal gain. He criticized the current political climate for fostering division and unaccountable leadership, promising instead to champion transparency and integrity. Rodney committed to addressing the ‘bread and butter issues’ of ordinary citizens, condemning what he described as calculated impoverishment and wealth concentration among a privileged few over the past two decades.

    Rodney’s alignment with the UWP stems from his belief in the party’s constitutional safeguards against dictatorial leadership and its stated principle of ‘people before party.’ He contrasted this with the current administration, which he accused of being accountable to no one but itself. His platform calls for reduced partisan fighting, an end to cronyism, and serious consideration of citizens’ interests beyond superficial promises.

    The candidate acknowledged his imperfections while promising presence, listening, and action. His vision looks toward restoring unity and opportunity, enabling families to build futures as in ‘years gone by.’ Rodney concluded with an appeal to UWP delegates ahead of their upcoming conference, urging them to elect ‘leadership with a servant heart’ for the good of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

  • NEW DNO POLL: Should work on the International Airport be paused over freshly raised public concerns about the environmental impact?

    NEW DNO POLL: Should work on the International Airport be paused over freshly raised public concerns about the environmental impact?

    Growing environmental apprehensions surround the ongoing development of Dominica’s International Airport, with citizens and experts urging immediate governmental intervention. Former Chief Physical Planner Annie Edwards has emerged as a prominent voice demanding an immediate suspension of construction activities, citing severe ecological disruptions already observable in the Marigot region.

    The primary environmental concern centers on significant sediment discharge into local river systems, transforming previously clear waterways into turbid, brown flows. Edwards warns this sedimentation phenomenon represents just the initial manifestation of broader ecological damage. Additional alarms have been raised regarding potential encroachment into legally protected forestry zones, suggesting possible violations of environmental preservation statutes.

    This developing situation has sparked substantial public discourse, with media outlets initiating official polls to gauge citizen sentiment. The critical question posed to the public asks whether construction should be halted until all environmental compliance standards undergo thorough verification and are completely satisfied. These poll results, expected within fourteen days, are anticipated to influence governmental decision-making regarding the project’s continuation.

    The controversy highlights the enduring tension between infrastructural development and environmental conservation, particularly significant for Dominica’s ecology-sensitive landscape. Public commentary continues to expand across various platforms as stakeholders await both official responses and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

  • Placencia’s Shoreline Is Eroding… But How Bad Is It?

    Placencia’s Shoreline Is Eroding… But How Bad Is It?

    The Belizean government has initiated a landmark scientific investigation to address accelerating coastal degradation along the Placencia Peninsula. The Department of the Environment (DOE) has formalized a collaborative agreement with Placencia and Seine Bight Village Councils to conduct an exhaustive analysis of the erosion crisis threatening the region’s infrastructure and ecological stability.

    For decades, residents have witnessed the gradual disappearance of their shoreline, with beachfront properties sustaining damage and community anxiety growing about long-term viability. While localized initiatives emerged previously—including the 2016 formation of the Placencia Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development volunteer group that removed unauthorized coastal structures—these efforts remained fragmented and insufficient against the scale of the problem.

    During Monday’s memorandum signing ceremony, Minister Orlando Habet of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management emphasized the unprecedented nature of the challenge: “This erosion is not only reshaping the coastline; it is affecting social well-being, economic stability, and community safety. It is causing a level of economic uncertainty along the peninsula that has never been experienced before.”

    The absence of comprehensive scientific data has historically hampered effective policy response. Although previous studies indicated erosion as a primary resident concern and linked it to uncontrolled development practices—with sand mining activities noted as early as 1987 exacerbating downstream erosion—no holistic assessment existed.

    The newly commissioned research will be conducted by environmental consultancy Community and Practice in partnership with coastal geomorphology specialists from the University of South Florida. Their multidisciplinary approach will map shoreline transformation patterns, identify sustainable sand sources for beach replenishment, and develop evidence-based mitigation strategies to preserve the peninsula’s future.

  • Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Saint Lucia became the epicenter for Caribbean workforce development as regional technical education leaders convened for a groundbreaking two-day Apprenticeship Summit from December 4-5. The gathering, hosted under Canada’s Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) programme at Rodney Bay’s Bay Gardens Hotel, marked a strategic effort to align vocational training with emerging environmental economic opportunities.

    Educators, policy architects, and industry representatives from across CARICOM member states collaborated to establish a standardized apprenticeship framework designed to equip workers with sustainable skills. Perry Thomas, Executive Director of Saint Lucia’s TVET Council, highlighted the summit’s critical mission: “We are rationalizing existing regional models to create a harmonized Technical and Vocational Education and Training system through the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities.”

    The summit built upon pilot initiatives already implemented in six nations—Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Guyana, Belize, and Jamaica—which provided foundational data and implementation models. These programs demonstrated the potential for standardized trades training across diverse Caribbean economies.

    Pat Bidart, Senior Technical Advisor for SAGE, emphasized the practical implications: “We’re addressing skills gaps among existing tradespeople—carpenters, mechanics, and other technicians who possess partial knowledge but require comprehensive training. Enhanced skills development will directly improve housing construction, automotive repair, and multiple technical sectors.”

    The Canadian-funded initiative represents a coordinated response to both economic and environmental challenges, aiming to create a workforce capable of driving sustainable development throughout the region. Organizers expressed confidence that the summit would ignite the necessary passion and commitment to develop future-ready workers who can advance CARICOM’s green economic transformation.