Ian Jackson’s latest publication, *They Gather in Times of Need: In Memory of Fitzroy “Dyer” Williams*, pays homage to one of Dominica’s most revered musical legends. Compiled by Jackson, the book fulfills a personal request from Williams himself, who entrusted Jackson with documenting his life and legacy. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Jackson captures the essence of Williams’ journey, from his early days to his global influence on music. The publication delves into Williams’ contributions to Cadence and French Creole music, his collaborations with international artists like Jimmy Cliff and Sparrow, and his role in shaping Dominica’s musical identity. Jackson also highlights Williams’ iconic 1987 hit *Fraiche*, a song that embodies nostalgia and a deep connection to nature. The book is enriched with photographs, personal anecdotes, and French translations by Jermainia Didier, making it a cultural treasure. Jackson’s work not only celebrates Williams’ life but also ensures his legacy endures, offering readers a profound insight into the man behind the music. The publication concludes with a moving account of Williams’ funeral and vigil, attended by Dominica’s finest musicians and cultural figures, cementing his place in history as a musical pioneer.
标签: Dominica
多米尼克
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Attorney General Peter cites backlog in DA’s court system, hopeful outlook
Attorney General Levi Peter has shed light on the persistent backlog within Dominica’s justice system, expressing confidence that recent systemic upgrades, facilitated by a donation of equipment, will significantly alleviate the issue. Speaking at a ceremony on Wednesday, where the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) PACE Justice Project handed over equipment to the Government of Dominica, Peter acknowledged the extensive nature of the problem. He emphasized the critical importance of addressing delays, particularly in criminal cases, which directly impact individual liberties. While civil cases often involve financial matters, Peter clarified that the urgency in criminal cases stems from their profound implications on personal freedom. The Attorney General highlighted the necessity of a streamlined system capable of resolving court matters promptly. He noted that the donated equipment, distributed across various departments including the police, magistrates’ court, high court, and prisons, is already yielding positive results. Peter expressed optimism that the long-term benefits of these upgrades will be substantial, fostering a more efficient justice system. He also underscored the collaborative efforts of the government, aiming to serve not only Dominica but the broader Caribbean region, where similar challenges are prevalent. Peter remains hopeful that the backlog will see a significant reduction and that other systemic issues will be addressed in due course.
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United Nations Development Programme delivers equipment to tackle Dominica’s case backlog
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) PACE Justice Project has taken a significant step toward enhancing Dominica’s judicial system by handing over advanced equipment to the government. This initiative aims to reduce the backlog of criminal cases and streamline justice delivery, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s justice reform efforts. The official handover ceremony was held at the Attorney General’s Conference Room on Wednesday, attended by key stakeholders including Limya Eltayeb, Resident Representative of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Eltayeb emphasized the project’s timely relevance, noting that justice reform and citizen security are currently at the forefront of public discourse. She highlighted the multifaceted approach of the PACE Justice Project, which integrates technology, human resource development, capacity building, and policy reform to create a more efficient and people-centered justice system. The introduction of digital solutions is expected to expedite case management, ensuring seamless coordination between the police, courts, and other judicial entities. Eltayeb also underscored the importance of infrastructure investment to maintain system reliability and prevent disruptions. Additionally, the project includes training programs in AI, digital criminal justice systems, and alternative dispute resolution, further strengthening Dominica’s judicial framework. The interoperability assessment conducted earlier this year revealed Dominica’s unique advantage in adopting a unified digital system, setting the stage for a transformative approach to justice delivery. This initiative not only aims to enhance efficiency but also to rebuild public trust in the judicial system and, by extension, the government.
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Numbers are in: 25th World Creole Music Festival surpasses expectations
The 25th edition of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has set new benchmarks in cultural celebration and economic impact, according to the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA). The festival, held over three nights, attracted over 42,000 attendees, a remarkable increase from the 30,217 visitors in 2024. This surge in attendance underscores the event’s growing appeal and its role as a cornerstone of Creole culture on the Nature Island.
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OECS congratulates new Director General of IICA, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has warmly congratulated Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim from Guyana on his election as the next Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the term 2026–2030. In a formal statement, the OECS Commission celebrated this significant achievement alongside the governments and citizens of the Caribbean Community, highlighting it as a proud moment for Guyana and a reflection of the Caribbean’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable development across the Americas.
Hon. John Osborne, Montserrat’s Minister of Agriculture and Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, lauded Dr. Ibrahim’s election, stating, ‘Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership exemplifies the Caribbean’s ability to shape the future of agriculture in the Americas. His career has been dedicated to integrating science, innovation, and sustainability into the lives of farmers. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with him to strengthen resilient food systems and ensure our small states continue to contribute to global food security.’
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, described the election as a reaffirmation of the Caribbean’s global agricultural leadership. He emphasized Dr. Ibrahim’s expertise in linking agricultural transformation, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of small farmers—areas crucial to the small island developing states of the Eastern Caribbean.
Dr. Jules also reiterated the OECS’s commitment to partnering with IICA under Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership. Key areas of collaboration include advancing climate-resilient and technology-driven agriculture, promoting regional food and nutrition security, and enhancing institutional capacity while engaging youth in agricultural innovation. He expressed optimism about Dr. Ibrahim’s tenure, particularly as the region’s agricultural sector grapples with challenges such as climate change, food price volatility, and the need for transformative production and trade strategies.
The OECS Commission expressed confidence that under Dr. Ibrahim’s guidance, IICA will continue to exemplify technical excellence and hemispheric solidarity, paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future for all member states.
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Regional agricultural officials reach consensus to enhance technical collaboration, facilitate innovative technologies to mitigate risks to food safety
Agricultural ministers from across the Americas gathered in Brasília to forge a united front against pests and diseases threatening regional food security. The meeting, hosted by the Brazilian government in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), focused on enhancing technical cooperation, improving information sharing, and expanding access to advanced technologies. Key threats addressed included the New World screwworm, African swine fever, and other transboundary plant and animal diseases, which pose significant risks to farmers and rural communities. Participants pledged support for the Agricultural Health and Food Security Initiative of the Americas, a platform aimed at coordinating collective efforts in this critical area. Delegates from Argentina and the United States emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making in trade and agricultural production, noting that IICA Member States are the world’s largest net exporters of food. They stressed that maintaining a competitive, secure, and healthy agricultural system is vital for prosperity, public health, and regional development.
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FAO announces selection of new assistant director-general and regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has announced the appointment of Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer as the new Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. This decision, made under the leadership of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, follows a highly competitive global selection process. Mr. Orellana Halkyer, a Bolivian national, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. He holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Interlegality and Legal Fields, along with advanced degrees in Law and Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. His professional journey includes serving as Bolivia’s Ambassador to Uruguay, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and various ministerial roles in Bolivia, including Minister for Environment and Water. Mr. Orellana Halkyer has also been actively involved in international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his new capacity, he emphasized the region’s potential to lead sustainable food and agriculture systems, stating, ‘We will work to promote strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as Hand-in-Hand, to strengthen productivity, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life of communities.’ He officially assumed his role on November 1, 2025.
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Muhammad Ibrahim elected new head of IICA, promises to work across the board for Caribbean region and Latin America
Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana has been elected as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), marking a significant milestone in regional agricultural leadership. The decision was finalized during the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), held in Brasília, Brazil, and attended by Agriculture ministers from across the Americas. Ibrahim secured the position through a majority vote, defeating Fernando Mattos of Uruguay, who graciously congratulated him on his victory.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude and outlined his vision for collaborative progress. ‘We will work together with all countries of the Americas to forge a path of cooperation,’ he stated. ‘I am honored and grateful to have been elected to lead this great institution and recognize the commendable work carried out by outgoing Director General Manuel Otero.’
With over three decades of experience as an agricultural engineer, Ibrahim has dedicated his career to enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector. His nomination by the government of Guyana underscores his reputation as a seasoned leader in international agricultural management. Ibrahim has pledged to prioritize research, innovative technologies, and sustainable growth to strengthen food security across the Americas.
His leadership will officially commence on January 15, 2026, during a ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. He will succeed Manuel Otero, whose tenure began in 2018 and was extended through reelection in 2021. Ibrahim’s election signals a new era of cooperation and innovation for IICA, as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural landscape of the Americas.
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JCI’s Future Fest 2025 promises career and wellness growth resources for Dominican youth
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dominica has unveiled plans for Future Fest 2025, a groundbreaking event set to take place on November 7, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. Designed to inspire and prepare secondary school students across Dominica, the festival aims to provide them with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate life after graduation. The event will bring together professionals, organizations, and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors to highlight the myriad of career opportunities, skills, and pathways available to young people. Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry experts, explore various career options, and gain valuable insights into emerging professions and the skills required for the future workforce. Through interactive displays, motivational talks, and hands-on demonstrations, Future Fest 2025 seeks to encourage students to think ambitiously and strategically about their personal and professional growth. ‘Our mission is to empower our youth with the knowledge and inspiration they need to confidently take their next steps after graduation,’ stated a JCI Dominica representative. The event promises to be an exciting, informative, and transformative experience, inviting secondary schools across the island to participate in this impactful initiative. JCI Dominica remains committed to nurturing young leaders who can drive positive change within their communities.
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IN PICTURES: A few shots of National Day of Community Service
The National Day of Community Service in Dominica showcased the enduring spirit of ‘koudmen,’ a cornerstone value emphasizing mutual aid and collective effort. Citizens across the island were captured in a series of photographs, diligently working together to strengthen their communities. The images, submitted by Kassim Lewis, depict individuals engaging in various acts of service, from cleaning public spaces to repairing infrastructure, embodying the principle of ‘each one, help one.’ This annual event not only highlights the importance of community collaboration but also reinforces the cultural significance of solidarity in Dominican society. The initiative serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in fostering resilience and unity, particularly in the face of challenges. The photos, shared widely, have inspired admiration and pride, both locally and internationally, for the nation’s commitment to communal well-being.
