The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has unveiled a major upgrade to the nation’s waste management infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in addressing operational challenges. In a recent press release, the DSWMC announced the acquisition of four state-of-the-art compactor trucks, delivered at the end of October. These high-capacity vehicles are poised to revolutionize solid waste collection services across the island, ensuring more consistent and timely operations. The investment is expected to significantly boost the Corporation’s efficiency in handling the increasing volume of waste generated by households and businesses. By enhancing logistical capabilities, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing environment for all citizens. The DSWMC expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the government for prioritizing the waste management sector and fulfilling commitments outlined in the 2025/2026 national budget. Preparations are currently underway for a formal handing-over ceremony, where the new trucks will be officially commissioned. The public will be informed of the event details in the coming weeks. Additionally, the DSWMC urged citizens and communities to continue practicing source sorting and proper waste containerization as the new resources are integrated into the island’s waste management system.
标签: Dominica
多米尼克
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Cadence-lypso innovator, Fitzroy Williams’, biography set to debut at upcoming triple book launch
A significant literary event is set to unfold on Friday, November 7, at the University of the West Indies in Dominica. The highlight of the evening will be the official launch of ‘Fitzroy Williams – A Biography,’ a bilingual publication adorned with captivating photographs, designed to engage both English and French-speaking audiences. This event is part of a triple book launch that also features ‘Spotlighting the Arts 2,’ a compilation of essays exploring calypso, theatrical works, and commentary, and ‘In the Still of Night,’ a collection of short stories, skits, and poetry by Ian Jacko Jackson, the 2022 Meritorious Award recipient. The evening will be chaired by Creole Ambassador Leroy “Wadix” Charles and will include brief speeches from notable officials, family members, and friends, alongside light entertainment. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the three titles at a discounted rate during the launch, with additional availability at Jays Book Store.
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Dominica State College admissions to open soon
Dominica State College (DSC) has officially announced that applications for its January 2026 intake will commence on November 10, 2025. In a recent press release, the institution urged prospective students to start gathering necessary documents and to explore the wide array of academic programs offered across its diverse faculties. DSC emphasized its commitment to providing tailored opportunities to help individuals achieve their academic and continuing education goals.
To streamline the application process, the online application form will be available on the DSC website (www.dsc.edu.dm) and through the College’s official social media channels starting from the opening date. The administration has advised applicants to submit their applications early and ensure all required information is accurate to avoid delays or complications.
This announcement underscores DSC’s dedication to fostering educational growth and accessibility for students in Dominica and beyond. For further details, prospective students can also access an audio announcement provided by the College.
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Vescort Jones reinstated as aviation security officer nearly 11 Years after dismissal
Vescort Jones has officially returned to his position as Aviation Security Officer at the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority (DASPA), nearly eleven years after his dismissal in December 2014. This reinstatement follows an extensive legal and public campaign, culminating in a mutually agreeable settlement between Jones and DASPA, which includes a compensation package satisfactory to Jones. The original dismissal occurred after Jones allowed United Workers Party (UWP) leader Lennox Linton to dispose of crab backs at the Douglas-Charles Airport, an incident that lacked the required permit. This event sparked widespread public support in Jones’s home community of Marigot, where many viewed the dismissal as politically motivated. In January 2015, over 500 residents signed a petition demanding Jones’s reinstatement, which was delivered to DASPA CEO Benoit Bardouille by Linton and members of the Marigot community. The petition described Jones’s termination as a ‘clear act of political victimization’ and called for accountability within DASPA. Despite the public outcry and the submission of the petition, the Labour Tribunal failed to reach a decision on Jones’s wrongful dismissal claim for over a decade. A second tribunal was eventually appointed, and recent negotiations led to a resolution that allowed Jones to return to his post. Jones expressed his gratitude for the outcome, stating, ‘I am very happy to return to the job I have always loved. Aviation security has been my passion and my calling.’ He also thanked his family, attorney, and supporters for standing by him during his pursuit of justice. Jones now looks forward to continuing his service to Dominica, contributing to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air and sea port operations. His reinstatement marks the end of a long-standing dispute and a return to a profession in which he has been recognized for his dedication and integrity.
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OECS says burden of regional military strikes could be detrimental; urges consultation
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has issued a strong collective statement condemning recent escalations in military activities by external forces in the southern Caribbean region. The bloc expressed particular concern over the U.S. destruction of Venezuelan vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which was conducted without proper interception or verification. The OECS emphasized that such actions not only violate international legal norms but also pose a significant threat to regional stability and the collective well-being of Caribbean nations. While reaffirming their commitment to combating transnational crimes like drug trafficking, the member states underscored the importance of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, a principle supported by the United Nations General Assembly. The OECS warned that unilateral military actions risk escalating tensions, fostering misunderstandings, and jeopardizing decades of diplomatic efforts. Instead, the group advocated for peaceful dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference as the foundation for regional security. The statement concluded with a call for all external partners to engage in open consultations with the Caribbean Community and the OECS before undertaking any initiatives that could alter the regional security landscape, highlighting the Caribbean’s strength in unity, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
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Against all odds: Baby Niah’s miraculous journey from 25 weeks to thriving infant
Baby Niah Felix, born at just 25 weeks gestation and weighing a mere 1.2 pounds, has defied all odds and continues to astonish her parents, Anne Charles and Thomas Felix, with her miraculous progress. Now an eight-month-old, Niah is thriving at home, achieving all the milestones of a healthy baby. Her journey began when Anne unexpectedly went into preterm labor while visiting her mother in Trafalgar. Despite the initial skepticism from hospital staff due to limited resources, Niah fought through the challenges. She spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she was placed on a ventilator and later a CPAP machine before breathing on her own. Her parents credit her survival to her resilience, the unwavering support of their family, and the dedicated care of the hospital staff. Anne and Thomas expressed their deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), who they now consider family. Niah’s story is a testament to the strength of premature infants and the critical role of specialized neonatal care. On World Patient Safety Day 2025, Health Minister Kassani Laville highlighted the remarkable outcomes of the DCFH’s NICU, which has successfully cared for over 1,100 neonates, including three born at 25 weeks gestation.
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Applications for Caribbean STEM Olympiads 2026 close out on November 30
The Caribbean STEM Olympiads (CSO) 2026 is nearing its application deadline, set for November 30, 2025. Organized by the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), this prestigious competition invites students aged 13 to 21 from CARICOM member states and Associate Countries to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
To assist potential participants, the CSF will host its fourth and final informational webinar on November 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm AST. This session, accessible via Zoom, will provide comprehensive details about the Olympiad, including competition rules, entry procedures, judging criteria, and more. It also offers an interactive platform for students and educators to ask questions and engage in discussions.
The CSO features three age-based categories: Level 1 (13-15 years), Level 2 (16-18 years), and Level 3 (19-21 years). Participants can compete individually or as teams representing schools, clubs, or organizations. The competition spans three core areas: Robotics & Electronics Systems, Computer Programming, and Mathematics. Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are scheduled for mid to late December 2025, with the finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. Interested students can access the initial registration form and additional details on the official CSO website: https://caribbeanscience.org/cso/.
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Regional Security System concludes training to bolster region’s criminal investigative skills
The Regional Security System Training Institute (RSS TI) has successfully concluded its Criminal Investigation Course, a comprehensive program designed to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle complex and serious criminal activities. The intensive training brought together law enforcement officials from various Member States, focusing on modern investigative techniques and effective case management. Key topics included evidence collection, crime scene protocols, interview strategies, analytical reasoning, and leadership development. The course also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and strategic decision-making, essential for achieving consistent and high-quality investigative outcomes across the region. The program was led by Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson and facilitated by retired Canadian detectives Alan Cooke and Zaia Lazar, whose international expertise significantly enriched the training. At the closing ceremony, Deputy Executive Director of RSS, Mr. Atlee Rodney, commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their new skills to improve investigative standards within their organizations. EU Attaché Mr. Tedesco reaffirmed the European Union’s support for regional security, noting that the initiative was funded by the 11th European Development Fund. Assistant Commissioner Jefferson Clarke of the Barbados Police Service delivered the keynote address, urging participants to uphold the highest levels of professionalism in their work.
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Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has died
Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and a towering figure in American politics, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. His death, attributed to complications from pneumonia exacerbated by pre-existing heart and vascular conditions, marks the end of a storied yet polarizing career. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, though his tenure was marred by controversy and declining public approval. Born in Nebraska and raised in Wyoming, Cheney earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. His political journey began in 1969 as a Capitol Hill intern, eventually leading to roles as White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977), U.S. Congressman (1979–1989), and Secretary of Defense (1989–1993) under President George H. W. Bush. After leaving public office during the Clinton administration, Cheney became CEO of Halliburton, a prominent energy corporation. Cheney’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his advocacy for the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on unproven claims of weapons of mass destruction and Al-Qaeda ties, and his support for enhanced interrogation techniques, including torture. Despite his influence, Cheney’s approval ratings plummeted to 13% by the end of his vice presidency. In later years, he became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, whom he labeled a ‘coward’ and a threat to the republic. In a surprising move, Cheney endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the need to prioritize national unity over partisan politics.
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UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization wraps-up cocoa mission to Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent-Grenadines, and Grendada
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently concluded a comprehensive mission across four Caribbean nations—Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada—from August 6 to August 26, 2025. The initiative, led by FAO’s Cocoa Market Analysis Specialist, Mr. Gustavo Ferro, aimed to assess the current state of the region’s cocoa industry and identify pathways for sustainable development and enhanced global market positioning. Funded through FAO’s Regular Programme Funds, the project aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the specialty cocoa sector in the Caribbean. Cocoa is recognized as a key driver for bolstering local economies, supporting rural communities, and accessing premium fine-flavor markets. During the mission, FAO explored strategies to improve productivity and competitiveness, emphasizing sustainable growth for the Eastern Caribbean’s cocoa industry. Initial findings revealed that, despite variations among the four nations, the region’s network of smallholder farmers could become more competitive through improved coordination, group aggregation, and efficient logistics. The revival of the sector, driven by initiatives like bean-to-bar chocolate production, artisanal cocoa products, and traditional cocoa tea, coupled with the region’s thriving tourism industry, highlights significant prospects for origin branding, agro-tourism connections, and niche markets. Mr. Ferro engaged with various stakeholders, including Ministries of Agriculture, producer associations, cooperatives, exporters, chambers of commerce, and private processing firms. He also visited farms and processing sites to evaluate production practices, post-harvest handling, and quality control systems. Discussions with Permanent Secretaries and technical staff provided comprehensive insights into each country’s cocoa sector. The mission is expected to produce detailed situational analyses for each nation, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities along the cocoa value chain. These reports will contribute to a regional roadmap aimed at elevating the Caribbean’s positioning in the fine and flavor cocoa markets. A comprehensive report and presentation will be shared at the upcoming Subregional Dialogue and Validation Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2025. Mr. Ferro expressed optimism about the feedback received, particularly highlighting Dominica’s potential for specialized marketing due to its rich biodiversity and agroforestry systems. He also praised Saint Lucia’s modest production base, Grenada’s distinctive fine-flavor cocoa, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ resilience in preserving its cocoa heritage. Jennifer Pascal, President of the North East Cocoa Producers Cooperative in Dominica, shared her enthusiasm for the renewed energy and strong potential of the industry. Looking ahead, FAO will collaborate with the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies to host a Subregional Dialogue on the Specialty Cocoa Sector, bringing together stakeholders to validate findings, exchange best practices, and develop a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth and improved global competitiveness.
