标签： Dominica

A contentious environmental transparency dispute has emerged in Dominica regarding the Deux Branches quarry project, following months of advocacy by environmental activists. The Save Deux Branches initiative has forced the public release of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) amid mounting allegations that the quarry operation may serve as cover for unauthorized copper mining activities allegedly sanctioned by local authorities.

The documents’ disclosure method has sparked significant concerns about governmental transparency and community rights. According to reports, the Physical Planning Division provided only three physical copies at their Roseau office, restricting viewing time to 90 minutes per person. Notably, no copies were made available digitally or provided to the Kalinago Territory community, which stands to be most affected by the project scheduled to commence in 2026.

In response to these access limitations, activists and community members took independent action by scanning, uploading, and distributing the documents themselves. They delivered physical copies to the Kalinago Council office, asserting that environmental information access constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privilege for affected communities.

With merely seven days remaining for public commentary submission, the situation has intensified into an urgent accountability matter. The assessments themselves reveal multiple concerning discrepancies: project maps indicate the quarry overlaps the Northern Forest Reserve despite official claims of no protected land impact; three ESIA versions contain conflicting factual information; no experts are identified or qualified within the report; and scientific assessments across geological, ecological, and hydrological domains appear substantially superficial.

Additionally, the documents fail to reference international treaties including the Escazú Agreement and ILO Convention 169, which protect environmental information rights and Indigenous communities’ right to free, prior, and informed consent. The Save Deux Branches initiative urges public review and commentary submission to physicalplanning@dominica.gov.dm before the March 30 deadline, emphasizing that each submission is officially recorded and can influence the decision-making process. Documents are accessible via tinyurl.com/dbESIAfiles.

The Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS) is preparing to host the prestigious 16th Annual National Reading Competition, an event that has become a cornerstone of the island’s educational landscape. Scheduled for March 24, 2026, at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the competition’s history.

Under the coordination of Ronillia Williams, the event continues its tradition of nurturing young literary talents by encouraging students to interpret written materials through expressive reading. Participants will demonstrate their artistic capabilities by exploring various themes in literature, showcasing both technical proficiency and creative interpretation.

The competition’s enduring success stems from its foundational vision established by Mr. Felix Henderson, with sustained support from Mrs. Mariette Warrington and organizational management. Their collective dedication has transformed the initiative into what Williams describes as “one of the most educated and exciting competitions” targeting early childhood education.

Williams emphasized that the overwhelming participation from schools nationwide confirms the program’s success in achieving its primary objectives: promoting education from the earliest possible age and preparing students for advanced academic challenges. The competition has effectively identified and nurtured brilliant minds throughout its sixteen-year history.

The ongoing collaboration between DBS Radio and the Ministry of Education continues to empower young Dominicans with critical literary skills, equipping them for success in academic arenas and beyond. This partnership represents a sustained commitment to educational excellence that has impacted generations of students.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has initiated a significant public service expansion by establishing driver’s licensing facilities in Portsmouth, marking a substantial improvement in accessibility for northern community residents. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette formally announced this development during the official launch ceremony on March 19, 2026.

This strategic decentralization of motor vehicle services addresses previous geographical barriers that required northern residents to travel substantial distances for licensing transactions. The police service has designated four specialized Licensing Officers who will administer all driver credentialing processes, ensuring efficient and professional service delivery.

Chief Corbette simultaneously outlined strengthened compliance measures, indicating that enhanced vigilance and surveillance systems will be implemented across the island. Motorists are now subject to increased scrutiny regarding license validity, insurance coverage, and vehicle roadworthiness. The police force issued a specific advisory concerning vehicles with outstanding license fees, noting that those delinquent for over twenty-four months may face deregistration proceedings.

This dual approach combines improved service accessibility with rigorous safety enforcement, reflecting the police force’s commitment to both citizen convenience and roadway security. The initiative represents part of broader governmental efforts to modernize public services while maintaining regulatory standards that protect all road users.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has initiated a significant service expansion by establishing driver’s licensing capabilities in Portsmouth, marking a substantial step toward improving administrative accessibility for northern community residents. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette formally announced this development during the official launch ceremony on March 19, 2026.

This strategic decentralization of motor vehicle services addresses previous logistical challenges faced by northern residents who previously needed to travel greater distances for licensing transactions. The police service has designated four specialized officers as Licensing Officers who will administer the new facility, ensuring proper documentation issuance and regulatory compliance.

Chief Corbette concurrently announced enhanced traffic enforcement measures, emphasizing that intensified vigilance and surveillance operations would verify motorists’ compliance with licensing and insurance requirements. Authorities specifically urged vehicle owners to maintain current documentation and ensure their automobiles meet all roadworthiness standards.

A notable enforcement provision indicates that vehicles with outstanding license fees exceeding two years may face deregistration proceedings. This policy aims to encourage timely fee settlement and regulatory adherence among motorists.

The police force’s statement concluded by reaffirming its dual commitment to improving public service delivery while simultaneously promoting road safety initiatives and legal compliance throughout the island nation.