标签： Dominica

Dominica confronts a severe crisis of public confidence as government inaction regarding illegal mining operations at Deux Branches exposes fundamental failures in governance. The situation has escalated dramatically since a foreign entity initiated unauthorized extraction activities despite a court-issued stop order that officials have conspicuously failed to enforce.

The core issue transcends environmental concerns, striking at the heart of Dominica’s social contract. Public trust—particularly in the Ministries of Health, National Security, and Finance—has deteriorated to critically low levels. This distrust now threatens to spread to the departments of Planning, Environment, Lands & Surveys as officials demonstrate alarming indifference to both legal mandates and citizen concerns.

What makes this case particularly troubling is the administration’s refusal to provide scientific data and factual information to concerned citizens who have themselves presented evidence-based arguments. This ‘No law, No constitution’ approach to governance has created a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic foundations.

The ecological implications are equally grave. Deux Branches represents not just an environmental treasure but a litmus test for governmental accountability. The failure to protect this landscape could precipitate both ecological disaster and further erosion of public trust, potentially poisoning governance structures, impoverishing society, and destroying civil spirit.

Dr. Irving ‘Eipigh’ Pascal, the author raising these concerns, maintains cautious optimism that transparent and professional management of this crisis could still reverse the damage. He emphasizes that prevention remains superior to cure, and that protecting Dominica’s natural heritage is fundamental to ensuring a just, prosperous future for the Nature Isle.

The situation demands immediate attention as it represents a critical juncture in Dominica’s development. How authorities handle this illegal mining debacle will determine whether trust can be restored or whether collective insecurity will deepen in an increasingly challenging global landscape.

Across the Caribbean nation of Dominica, a transformative shift is underway as young professionals embrace agricultural entrepreneurship through innovative approaches to beekeeping and agro-processing. This movement represents a fundamental reimagining of traditional farming—not as a fallback occupation but as a strategically viable career path combining environmental stewardship with economic opportunity.

Supported by developmental initiatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this agricultural renaissance empowers both young residents and returning citizens to establish sustainable livelihoods rooted in local resources. Beekeeping has emerged as a particularly attractive venture, offering flexible management requirements that accommodate full-time employment while generating supplemental income.

Shem Jacob exemplifies this new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Balancing his profession as a police officer with ownership of Bud’s Backyard Honey, Jacob launched his apiculture enterprise in 2020 after identifying honey production as an ideal complementary business. “The appeal lies in honey’s non-perishable nature and the bees’ minimal daily maintenance requirements,” Jacob explains. “This flexibility allows me to maintain career stability while building a sustainable business.”

His operation now produces pure honey and beeswax distributed through local markets and direct sales. Beyond financial benefits, Jacob describes beekeeping as a profoundly grounding experience that connects practitioners to natural systems. “It demonstrates what small creatures can accomplish collectively,” he notes, referencing the hundreds of bees required to produce a single bottle of honey.

The ecological significance extends far beyond honey production. Bees serve as crucial pollinators for key Dominican crops including cucumbers, peppers, watermelon, coconuts, and citrus fruits. Enhanced bee populations directly contribute to improved agricultural yields, strengthened food security, and increased climate resilience—aligning with national sustainable development objectives.

Through his position on the board of the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd., Jacob facilitates training programs and knowledge exchange among island beekeepers. The cooperative additionally connects members with regional opportunities, exposing young agriculturalists to Caribbean-wide best practices.

“Market saturation isn’t a concern,” Jacob emphasizes. “There’s consistent demand for honey and its byproducts, and we urgently need more beekeepers.” His message to youth underscores agriculture’s dual role in personal income generation and national development: “You’re not only profiting individually but supporting farmers and building the country.”

IOM recognizes these initiatives as demonstrating how youth engagement in sustainable agriculture advances broader developmental goals—creating dignified employment, enhancing food systems, protecting ecosystems, and fostering community resilience. Dominica’s investment in green livelihoods signals a future where economic advancement and environmental conservation progress synergistically, with young innovators leading this transformative change through modernized approaches to traditional practices.

Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have disclosed comprehensive results from their 2025 anti-crime operations, revealing the seizure of nearly 100 firearms alongside substantial quantities of narcotics and ammunition. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette presented these findings during a recent press conference convened by the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, addressing mounting public concerns regarding firearm-related criminal activities across the island nation.

According to Chief Corbette’s detailed breakdown, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) successfully confiscated 94 firearms throughout the year, effectively preventing these weapons from being utilized against citizens. The operations additionally yielded more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition spanning various calibers, significantly impairing criminal capabilities.

In a major blow to narcotics trafficking, authorities intercepted and destroyed over 1,700 kilograms of cocaine while confiscating approximately 84,000 individual doses of illicit substances. The comprehensive cleanup campaign extended to urban infrastructure with the removal of 160 abandoned vehicles from public roads, enhancing both safety and aesthetics in community spaces.

Proactive policing measures included the establishment of over 300 vehicular checkpoints and nearly 200 residential searches, resulting in the arrest of more than 50 individuals specifically connected to firearms offenses. Beyond urban security initiatives, the CDPF implemented specialized agricultural protection units dubbed ‘Farmers’ Patrol’ in western regions following consultations with Wesley farming communities where produce theft had emerged as a critical concern. Chief Corbette reported substantially reduced incident reports following these targeted interventions, demonstrating their effectiveness in addressing rural crime patterns.