Dominica is actively negotiating with the United Kingdom (UK) government to reinstate visa-free travel for its citizens, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed during a recent press conference. This development follows the UK’s decision in July 2023 to impose visa requirements on Dominica nationals, citing concerns over the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). The UK Home Office expressed apprehensions about the misuse of the CBI scheme, particularly the granting of citizenship to individuals deemed a potential risk to the UK. Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized these issues in a statement to the British parliament, leading to the implementation of the new visa regime on July 19, 2023. Prime Minister Skerrit remains optimistic, highlighting ongoing discussions with the UK and the appointment of a new High Commissioner in London, who has been instructed to prioritize this matter. Skerrit expressed confidence in the strength of Dominica’s case for the restoration of visa-free travel, underscoring the importance of regional agreements and legislative measures in influencing the UK’s decision.
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Twelfth annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture to explore traditional cultural livelihoods
The 12th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, a collaborative effort between the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture, is set to take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The event will be hosted at the Alwin Bully Auditorium on the UWI campus, focusing on the livelihoods and cultural practices of communities across Dominica. This year’s lecture will feature a distinguished panel of experts who will explore various dimensions of community resilience and sustainability. Among the speakers, Mrs. Miranda Stephenson will present on ‘Toloma: Roots of Sustainability & Community Resilience,’ shedding light on traditional practices that enhance environmental and social stability. Mr. Derrick Theophille will delve into ‘Annou wivé bò lanmè-a: The Fishing Culture of Soufriere & Scottshead,’ examining the critical role of fishing communities in local economies. Mrs. Gweneth Frederick will discuss ‘Kalinago crafts: Weaving traditional practice and modern business innovations,’ showcasing how Indigenous crafts bridge cultural preservation and economic development. The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Micah Walter, Coordinator for Private Sector Relations, Industry, Commerce, and Innovation at the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Development. Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica, emphasized that this year’s theme aligns with Dominica’s History Week and Independence celebrations, highlighting the fusion of traditional practices and modern innovations in fostering community resilience. The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series, part of the National Independence Calendar, honors the legacy of Edward Oliver LeBlanc, Dominica’s first Premier, known for his dedication to culture and literature.
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Dominica Electoral Commission confirms October 15 start for voter confirmation process
The Dominica Electoral Commission has unveiled plans to initiate a comprehensive voter confirmation process starting October 15, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s electoral reform efforts. The announcement, made by Commission Chairman Duncan Stowe during a press conference on October 7, 2025, underscores the initiative’s role in restoring public trust in electoral institutions. Stowe described the process as a cornerstone of Dominica’s broader democratic modernization agenda, aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral system. Since the enactment of the Electoral Reform legislation earlier this year, the Commission has focused on operationalizing these reforms through extensive staff training, system upgrades, and logistical preparations. Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph outlined the confirmation process, which will transition eligible voters from the existing register to a new one under the Electors Act of 2025. Only individuals listed on the May 2025 voters register are eligible to participate. The process will be conducted exclusively within Dominica, with designated centers established in each constituency. Overseas confirmation is not permitted. Enrollment officers, appointed and supervised by the Chief Registering Officer, will oversee the process. Applicants must present themselves at their registered constituency’s confirmation center, accompanied by a witness from the same polling district. Required documents include a valid Dominican passport, driver’s license, or social security card for Dominican citizens, while Commonwealth citizens must provide a valid passport and a secondary government-issued document. The confirmation process involves multiple steps, including document verification, data entry, and issuance of a receipt. Discrepancies, such as mismatched names, will be addressed through a hotline staffed by senior personnel. The Chief Registering Officer holds final authority over confirmation decisions, with grounds for refusal including inadequate documentation or absence from the May 2025 register. The announcement follows months of public scrutiny over delays in the confirmation timeline, initially set for September 1 but postponed due to legislative amendments. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the urgency of implementing these reforms, and despite earlier criticism, the Commission expressed confidence in its readiness to meet the October 15 deadline.
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2pm Update: Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens as It Moves Toward the Leeward Islands
Tropical Storm Jerry is advancing westward across the Atlantic, with meteorologists predicting it could intensify into a hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the northern Leeward Islands. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm’s center was located at latitude 14.3°N, longitude 53.7°W, approximately 680 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, as of 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (1800 UTC). Jerry is moving at a rapid pace of 23 mph (37 km/h), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). Forecasters anticipate gradual strengthening, potentially elevating Jerry to hurricane status in the coming days. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. The storm’s center is expected to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday, bringing 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches (15 cm). This heavy rainfall raises concerns of flash flooding, particularly in mountainous regions. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are predicted to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, potentially causing life-threatening surf and rip currents. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow guidance from local meteorological offices. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are currently assessing the storm, while NOAA buoys have recorded winds of up to 47 mph (76 km/h) with higher gusts. The NHC will issue its next advisory at 5:00 p.m. AST.
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Chevron start boringen in Blok 5 – nieuwe stap in offshoreontwikkeling
Chevron Suriname Exploration Limited has initiated drilling operations for the Korikori-1 exploration well in the northern section of Block 5, located approximately 78 kilometers off the coast of Suriname. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the Suriname-Guyana Basin. The drilling campaign, expected to last around ninety days, is being conducted using the Noble Regina Allen drilling platform, which arrived in the region earlier this month. The National Environmental Authority granted Chevron the necessary permits for these activities in late July 2025. The exploration aims to assess the presence, quality, and quantity of hydrocarbons in the subsurface. Upon completion of data collection, an initial evaluation of the area’s potential will follow. Supplies, including fuel and consumables, will be sourced from Surinamese port facilities, while personnel will be flown in from Paramaribo. This project is expected to create additional opportunities for local businesses and suppliers to engage in the growing offshore industry. Block 5, part of Suriname’s western shallow offshore region, covers an area of approximately 2,200 square kilometers, situated between 45 and 82 kilometers off the coast of the Nickerie district, at water depths ranging from 30 to 60 meters.
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Dodelijk ongeval bij bouwwerkzaamheden in Latour
A devastating workplace accident occurred this morning at approximately 10:20 AM on Frederikshoopweg in the Latour district. During construction activities, a concrete wall collapsed onto a worker, resulting in a fatal outcome. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but upon arrival, it was confirmed that the victim had already succumbed to his injuries. It is believed that the man died on the spot due to the severity of his wounds. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at construction sites, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.
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Woman Testifies Against Two Police Officers Over 2017 Rape Allegations
A woman has courageously taken the stand in the High Court to recount a harrowing incident in which she alleges two police officers sexually assaulted her in 2017. The trial, presided over by Justice Ann-Marie Smith and a jury of five women and four men, centers on the events of May 12 in Cooks. The complainant detailed how she had spent the evening with a WhatsApp group that included the defendants before getting into a vehicle with them. She testified that the officers drove her to a secluded area, threatened her with a gun, and subjected her to forced intercourse and other sexual acts. The woman further claimed that the officers warned her they would kill her if she reported the attack. After the alleged assault, she left the scene, visited a bar, and reported the incident to the police the following morning. Investigators later recovered a wrapper and condom from the location. The complainant also revealed that one of the officers sent her post-incident messages downplaying the encounter and suggesting it had been ‘planned’ within the group. During cross-examination, defense lawyers questioned the consistency of her testimony, particularly regarding whether the vehicle had stopped and her recollection of events, pointing to discrepancies with her initial police statement. The trial continues as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind these grave allegations.
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Judge Rebukes ABDF Hierarchy for Misleading the Court
The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda witnessed a dramatic turn of events today as Justice Rene Williams delivered a scathing rebuke to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) for presenting false information in the case involving Captain Willock. The ABDF had erroneously claimed that Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, a key witness in the case, was in China when he was actually in the United States for military training. This misinformation led to an incorrect ruling against Captain Willock, who promptly alerted the court to the inaccuracy. Justice Williams condemned the ABDF’s actions, stating that they had brought the court into disrepute and undermined the integrity of the judicial process. The judge ordered the ABDF to pay $1,500 in costs to Willock within 21 days and an additional $300 to the Court Office within 7 days. In a surprising development, Willock, who had been representing himself, enlisted attorney Wendel Alexander to file an application requesting Justice Williams to recuse himself from the case. Alexander argued that the judge’s conduct could be perceived as biased by a fair-minded observer. The ABDF opposed the application, asserting that Justice Williams had acted impartially. The court has adjourned until February to review official transcripts and determine whether a full hearing on the recusal application is warranted. This case has sparked widespread public debate about accountability within the Defence Force and the delicate balance between military authority and judicial independence.
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Pastor admits defrauding victims of over $300,000
In a shocking breach of trust, Pastor Gavin Otto has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that swindled individuals and businesses out of more than $300,000. Otto pleaded guilty to all 19 charges brought against him on Monday, which included six counts of fraudulent conversion and 13 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. The crimes were committed between February 2021 and October 2022, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7. The fraudulent conversion charges stem from cases where victims paid for steel and 40-foot shipping containers that were never delivered. One victim paid over $15,000 for a container that never arrived, while another paid $16,000 for two containers but received only one after Otto issued a bounced cheque. Other victims were deceived into paying for building materials or steel, receiving either partial deliveries or worthless cheques. Otto also cashed multiple cheques at gas stations and businesses that later bounced due to insufficient funds. In October 2022, police executed a search warrant at Otto’s home, where he was caught attempting to evade officers. During the search, receipts and cheque stubs were recovered, further incriminating him. The pastor now faces sentencing for defrauding victims and businesses of more than $300,000, marking a significant fall from grace for a man once trusted by his community.
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PHOTO: Minor landslide in Fond Cole
A landslide has occurred in the Fond Cole Housing Scheme area, triggered by the severe weather conditions experienced today. The incident was captured in a photograph by a local resident, providing a stark visual of the event. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. The landslide underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events and raises concerns about the safety and preparedness of local infrastructure. Authorities are likely to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The community remains on alert as weather conditions continue to pose risks.