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标签： Dominica

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  • Dominica releases third Health-Climatic Bulletin for September to November

    Dominica releases third Health-Climatic Bulletin for September to November

    Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services has partnered with the Dominica Meteorological Service to release the third edition of its joint Health-Climatic Bulletin, a public document covering the three-month period from September through November 2026. Designed as a proactive resource for community preparedness, the bulletin integrates up-to-date climate data, epidemiological reports, and public health guidance to help residents understand and prepare for emerging climate-linked health threats.

    The bulletin’s core climate outlook projects below-average rainfall across the island with a high degree of scientific confidence, but officials emphasize that the risk of flash flooding remains unusually elevated. Forecasters estimate between 5 and 9 intense excessive rainfall events are possible throughout the quarter, creating persistent flood-related hazards. Additionally, average temperatures are expected to run higher than historical averages, with a moderate probability of extreme heat events that can carry negative health impacts for vulnerable populations.

    Beyond climate projections, the bulletin outlines key ongoing climate-sensitive disease risks. For the period between May and July 2026, 121 suspected cases of dengue were reported, of which 3 have been confirmed via laboratory testing. Leptospirosis also remains a public health priority: 4 suspected cases and 2 confirmed cases were recorded in the same period. On a positive note, the rollout of domestic real-time PCR testing for leptospirosis has significantly improved Dominica’s capacity for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks of the disease. Another persistent environmental health threat is incoming Saharan dust, which exacerbates respiratory conditions such as asthma and creates elevated risk for people living with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

    To support residents in taking proactive steps to protect their health, the bulletin includes tailored, actionable guidance for reducing risk across multiple health categories. Guidance covers respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, vector-borne diseases like dengue, heat-related illness, and non-communicable conditions. It also addresses mental health and general well-being, emphasizing the importance of adaptive action as weather and environmental conditions shift throughout the quarter. The full bulletin is available for public access online.

  • Dominica’ Council on Ageing to host annual Sports Day

    Dominica’ Council on Ageing to host annual Sports Day

    The Dominica Council on Ageing is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Annual Sports Day this coming Sunday, September 20, 2026. This engaging community event stands as a centerpiece activity for the island nation’s annual Month of the Elderly, a dedicated occasion that centers the experiences and contributions of Dominica’s senior population.

    All are invited to attend the day’s festivities at the St. Joseph Playing Field, where activities are scheduled to kick off promptly at 12:00 PM. Organizers have curated a full afternoon of lighthearted, inclusive recreational games designed to encourage friendly competition and social connection among participants. The lineup of activities includes classic crowd favorites such as the lime and spoon race, sack race, needle and thread challenge, tug of war, bun eating contest, and three-legged race, alongside a number of other fun group games that cater to a range of mobility and ability levels.

    As a key initiative during the Month of the Elderly, this Annual Sports Day aligns with the Council’s core mission to celebrate older Dominicans and advance their holistic wellbeing, while also creating space for increased social participation and intergenerational community engagement across the island. The event underscores the importance of honoring seniors’ ongoing role in Dominican society and ensuring they remain active, connected, and valued members of the community.

  • Funding programme to provide vocational and digital training for 150 young Dominicans

    Funding programme to provide vocational and digital training for 150 young Dominicans

    Youth unemployment and the growing mismatch between job seekers’ existing qualifications and private sector hiring demands have long remained pressing challenges for small island economies across the Caribbean, and Dominica is no exception. To directly tackle these barriers to inclusive economic participation, the Business Training Centre (BTC) has launched a groundbreaking 12-month initiative supported by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, aimed at upskilling 150 out-of-work and underemployed young people across the country.

    Named the “Digital Inclusion & Skills Development for Unemployed Youth in Dominica” programme, the project will run from September 2026 through to September 2027, with a targeted focus on addressing the most common obstacles that prevent motivated work-ready young people from securing stable, formal employment. A recent BTC press release highlighted two of the most pervasive barriers for this demographic: prohibitive up-front training costs, and widespread lack of access to personal computing devices that would allow them to build in-demand digital capabilities.

    Unlike traditional training models that separate vocational education from digital literacy training, this new programme integrates digital skill-building directly into every course, ensuring participants develop practical computer proficiency alongside their core vocational training. A total of nine specialized training tracks are being offered, covering high-demand sectors across Dominica’s economy: Electrical Technician, Plumbing, Building Construction, Hotel Receptionist, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Medical Administrative Assistant, Efficient Data Entry, Secretarial Studies, and Digital Marketing. All participants will receive an internationally recognized certification upon successful completion of their coursework, a credential that dramatically improves their competitiveness for open roles both locally and regionally.

    To bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world work experience, the programme also includes a mandatory 6 to 8 week industry internship placed with one of BTC’s established employer partners across construction, hospitality, and administrative sectors. This hands-on experience gives participants the on-the-job exposure that many entry-level roles require, while also allowing local employers to assess potential new hires directly.

    Eligibility for the programme is restricted to candidates between 18 and 40 years of age who are currently unemployed or underemployed. To advance equity and support the most vulnerable groups, priority selection will be given to early school leavers, single parents, and young people from low-income households. With only 150 spots available, final candidate selection will be based on demonstrated level of need and documented commitment to completing the full year of training.

    Interested candidates can access application forms in person at the BTC headquarters located at 74 Independence Street in Roseau. Applications can also be requested via WhatsApp at 767-612-0205 or through email at [email protected]. The programme marks a major investment in Dominica’s youth workforce, with the potential to create long-term improvements in employment outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to economic inclusion for marginalized young groups.

  • Dominica youth ambassadors call for greater focus on youth wellness

    Dominica youth ambassadors call for greater focus on youth wellness

    As the Caribbean prepares to mark Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 and observe September as regional Wellness Month, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors delegation from Dominica is amplifying a urgent call to prioritize the often-overlooked physical and mental well-being of the region’s young population. In an official press statement, the youth delegates framed holistic wellness as a foundational pillar for building a healthy, economically productive, and socially resilient Caribbean community — arguing that young people must be centered, not sidelined, in all conversations and initiatives around public health.

    This year’s regional observance carries the theme “Our Mind, Our Body, Our Wellness: Empowering Caribbean Youth,” a framing that aligns directly with the ambassadors’ core message: that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, not separate issues, and both demand sustained public investment and ongoing care, rather than one-off awareness campaigns. The delegation highlighted a growing dual public health crisis facing young Dominicans and Caribbean youth more broadly: rising rates of anxiety, depression, chronic stress and other common mental health challenges, paired with increasing preventable physical health risks linked to sedentary lifestyles, nutrient-poor diets, and the early onset of non-communicable diseases.

    Of particular concern to the ambassadors is what they describe as an alarming, unaddressed rise in diagnosable mental illness among young people across Dominica. To reverse this trend, they are calling for a renewed focus on three key interventions: early detection of mental health warning signs, broader public education on how to respond to emerging mental health challenges, and targeted efforts to dismantle the persistent social stigma that prevents many young people from seeking help.

    Unlike many annual wellness observances that stop at raising public awareness, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors argue that 2026’s Wellness Day and Wellness Month must serve as a launchpad for tangible, sustained policy and community action. Top on their list of demands is increased public and private investment in accessible, youth-friendly mental health services, expanded school and community health education, greater access to safe spaces for physical activity, investment in youth-led wellness programming, and the creation of judgment-free environments where young people can openly discuss their mental health struggles and access support without fear of social marginalization.

    The ambassadors also emphasize that youth wellness cannot be separated from the daily structural challenges that shape young people’s lives. Economic precarity, intense academic and employment pressure, unstable family dynamics, rigid social expectations, and the negative impacts of an evolving digital landscape all interact to erode both physical and mental well-being for many young people. Simply encouraging individual healthy choices is not enough, they argue: communities and public institutions must work proactively to create the supportive social, economic and physical conditions that let young people adopt and sustain healthy habits long-term.

    A core principle the delegation stresses is that young people deserve a meaningful seat at the table when designing the policies and programs meant to support their well-being. Young people are not passive recipients of top-down health initiatives, they note: they are effective advocates, creative innovators, trusted community leaders and informed decision-makers, whose lived experiences and on-the-ground ideas must shape the design and delivery of wellness services and programs.

    To mark the observance, the delegation is calling on young people across Dominica and the entire Caribbean to take small, practical steps to prioritize their own well-being: regular physical activity, nutrient-dense eating, consistent adequate rest, nurturing supportive relationships, intentional stress management, reaching out to trusted connections when struggling, and seeking professional mental health support when needed.

    Simultaneously, the ambassadors are urging all key stakeholders — government public health agencies, primary and secondary schools, youth-focused organizations, civil society groups, families, and private sector businesses — to strengthen the support networks available to young people. In closing, they noted that building a healthier, more resilient Caribbean depends on empowering an entire generation to care for their mind, body, and overall wellness, while also giving young people the support, opportunities, and platform they need to not just survive, but thrive.

  • DFA changes kick-off time for Dominica-Anguilla friendly

    DFA changes kick-off time for Dominica-Anguilla friendly

    Football fans planning to attend the upcoming senior men’s friendly match between Dominica and Anguilla at Windsor Park Sports Stadium will need to update their game day plans, after the Dominica Football Association (DFA) announced a last-minute shift to the fixture’s kickoff time.

    Originally set to kick off at 8:00 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026, the friendly will now start at 11:00 AM the same day. In an official press release, the DFA explained that the schedule change stems from critical logistical preparations tied to Dominica’s hosting of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League matches, which require reallocating venue resources and operational staff ahead of the competition.

    The association issued a formal apology for any disruption the revised timing may cause to traveling supporters, members of the public, and media outlets covering the match, while also expressing gratitude for the football community’s ongoing understanding and support. The DFA has urged fans to still attend the rescheduled fixture at the new time to cheer on the national side as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the Nations League campaign.

    Following the friendly against Anguilla, Dominica will stay on home soil for two consecutive competitive League B fixtures, both scheduled for 8:00 PM kickoff at Windsor Park. The first of these matches will see Dominica face off against the Cayman Islands on Thursday, September 24, with a second clash against Puerto Rico following three days later on Sunday, September 27.

    These two fixtures are part of Dominica’s Group A campaign in Concacaf Nations League B, where the side was drawn alongside Guyana, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands. Ahead of the competitive matches, the DFA has made a public appeal to Dominican football fans to turn out in large numbers to create a strong home advantage for the national team and cheer them on to victory.

  • Faustulus Frederick receives Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award

    Faustulus Frederick receives Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award

    As Dominica’s annual Grand Kalinago Week Expo kicked off on September 17, 2026, a towering figure in Indigenous cultural preservation stepped into the spotlight to receive one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions for cultural contribution. Faustulus Frederick, a celebrated Kalinago artist and former tribal chief, was awarded the Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award for his lifelong dedication to safeguarding the art, history, and collective identity of the Kalinago people.

    The award ceremony, held at Prevo Cinemall’s venue in Dominica, brought together key community leaders and stakeholders to celebrate Frederick’s decades of work. Attendees included current Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford, Cozier Frederick (the awardee’s son, who also serves as Dominica’s Minister of the Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment), Charmaine Federick-Mitchel (Frederick’s daughter), and Norris Prevost, chairman of Prevo Cinemall and former Minister of Tourism, who presented the award.

    Frederick’s legacy extends far beyond his artistic practice. He served as Kalinago Chief from 1975 to 1978, a critical period that coincided with Dominica’s transition to full independence from colonial rule. During his tenure, he prioritized elevating Kalinago cultural identity and embedding Indigenous heritage into the newly formed nation’s national consciousness. Over decades of artistic work and community leadership, he has documented centuries-old Kalinago craft techniques, preserved oral histories, and created works of art that celebrate the unique experience of Dominica’s Indigenous population.

    The Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award is an annual initiative that highlights the contributions of Dominican artists to the nation’s cultural fabric. Past recipients include artist Earl Darius Ettiene in 2024 and historian and artist Dr. Lennox Honychurch in 2025, making Frederick the third consecutive honoree in this ongoing tradition. In a press statement announcing the 2026 award, Prevo Cinemall emphasized that Frederick’s selection reflects the depth of his impact on cultural preservation across the island.

    Following the award presentation, the 2026 Grand Kalinago Week Expo opened to the public, running through September 18 at Prevo Cinemall. The expo features immersive cultural exhibits that walk visitors through centuries of Kalinago history, alongside a marketplace where attendees can purchase handcrafted, authentic Kalinago-made goods from local Indigenous artisans. Prevo Cinemall has encouraged all Dominicans to visit the expo, noting that it offers a rare opportunity to deepen understanding of Kalinago heritage while directly supporting Indigenous creators through the purchase of their work.

    In closing, Prevo Cinemall extended its formal congratulations to Frederick, as well as to the Kalinago Chief and Council, for organizing an event that serves as a vital celebration of Kalinago identity and cultural resilience in Dominica.

  • BVI leaders co-sign Brazil’s push for SDG 18: ‘Ethnic and racial equality should be a foundational principle of sustainable development’

    BVI leaders co-sign Brazil’s push for SDG 18: ‘Ethnic and racial equality should be a foundational principle of sustainable development’

    As global policymakers begin shaping the post-2030 sustainable development agenda, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has once again stood firmly behind Brazil’s push to win international adoption of an 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused exclusively on Ethnic and Racial Equality.

    The existing 17 United Nations SDGs, which are targeted for completion by 2030, do not include a standalone goal for advancing ethnic and racial equity. Brazil’s voluntary proposal for SDG 18 seeks to fill this gap by centering ethnic-racial equality as a core pillar of global sustainable development, though it has not yet received official UN endorsement. Brazil has spent years campaigning for broader international recognition of the initiative, framing it as a critical missing piece of the global sustainability framework.

    The BVI’s latest commitment came during a technical meeting convened by Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality, themed “SDG 18 and the Promotion of Ethnic and Racial Equality.” The gathering brought together representatives from national governments, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and grassroots movements that make up the global SDG 18 advocacy network. Benito Wheatley, BVI’s Special Envoy, joined the meeting virtually and was among the key speakers highlighting the importance of the initiative.

    In his remarks to the assembly, Wheatley praised Brazil for taking the bold step of launching SDG 18 as a voluntary national initiative and for its ongoing work to build international buy-in. “Ethnic and racial equality should be a foundational principle of sustainable development,” Wheatley stated. He went on to explain that the BVI’s longstanding support for the initiative has been visible through its consistent participation in multilateral forums under the umbrella of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), including the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development and the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Wheatley emphasized that the BVI, along with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), remains a vocal advocate for equitable global development. He argued that the international community holds a collective responsibility to guarantee that all people can participate fairly in the sustainable development of their societies and share equitably in its benefits. This core principle underpins the BVI’s support for SDG 18, he added.

    The BVI’s renewed public commitment follows a recent high-level bilateral meeting held in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, where Wheatley met with a delegation of senior Brazilian officials. Attendees included Igor Trabuco, Head of the International Advisory Department at Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality; Tatiana Dias Silva, Director of Evaluation, Monitoring and Information Management; Thiago Gehre, Executive Director of Brazil’s National Commission on Sustainable Development Goals; Patrícia Carvalho, an officer with the commission; and Gustavo Westman, Special Adviser for International Affairs in the Office of the President. This bilateral meeting was held in conjunction with ECLAC’s Second Parliamentary Summit on Climate Change and Just Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean, an event where Brazil serves as Co-Chair and the BVI holds the position of Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Observatory of Climate Change and Just Transition (OPCC).

    As discussions about the future of the global SDG framework beyond 2030 gain momentum, the growing coalition of support behind Brazil’s SDG 18 initiative signals a shifting global consensus around the need to explicitly center ethnic and racial equity in global sustainability efforts.

  • Women of Dominica wins best international documentary at Miami festival

    Women of Dominica wins best international documentary at Miami festival

    After six years of dedicated work to center unheard voices, a first-time Dominican filmmaker has earned international acclaim for her intimate portrait of Dominican womanhood: her documentary *Women of Dominica* has been named Best International Documentary at Miami’s 11th annual Urban Film Festival. The award win was officially announced in a September 16, 2025 press statement from Gaia’s Essence, the production company behind the project.

    The 64-minute feature, which also earned a nomination for Best Feature Documentary at the festival, weaves together first-person interviews, verité observational footage, and sweeping cinematic shots of Dominica’s landscape to tell the interconnected stories of 10 Dominican women spanning multiple generations. Far more than a collection of personal narratives, the film probes deep into themes of cross-generational mentorship, the enduring power of matriarchal knowledge, and the unshakable cultural pride that binds these women together. It also casts a focused lens on the underrecognized role Caribbean women play in safeguarding collective cultural identity and steering the long-term development of their local communities.

    For director Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison, an accomplished environmental scientist who pursued this film project as her first directorial work, the award marks a full-circle moment for a years-long labor of love. “Winning Best International Documentary at Urban Film Festival validates the six year journey of bringing these women’s stories to life,” she shared in comments following the award announcement. “This award isn’t just for the film, it’s for Dominica and the ten extraordinary Dominican women whose voices, resilience, and cultural legacy deserve to be celebrated and preserved. To have our work honored alongside such talented filmmakers at UFF has been an emotional moment and one I will never forget.”

    The documentary made its Miami festival premiere on September 6, 2025, during the event’s official programming slate. For La Ronde-Hutchison, the festival experience extended far beyond the award recognition, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow independent creators and engage directly with audience reactions to her work.

    “The Urban Film Festival experience was extraordinary,” La Ronde-Hutchison added. “The festival team’s responsiveness, the connections with fellow filmmakers, and the genuine sense of community created an environment where our film could be truly celebrated. Getting to Miami, meeting incredible creators, and witnessing the audience response was life-changing.”

    The Miami honor is just the latest stop for the documentary, which is already booked for additional high-profile festival screenings across North America and the Caribbean. Upcoming showings include a presentation at Toronto’s ScreenShare/CaribbeanTales International Film Festival, and a screening at the Caribbean Film Festival in Trinidad and Tobago. Per the official press release, organizers are currently lining up additional international festival appearances to expand the film’s reach, as it continues its global festival tour to share the stories of Dominica and its women with audiences across the world.

  • AABL Basketball League opens with two games at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex

    AABL Basketball League opens with two games at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex

    The highly anticipated All About Ball League (AABL) officially kicked off its 2026 tournament on Thursday, September 17 in Dominica, bringing nine days of intense, high-stakes basketball competition to local fans. Hosted by the Dominica Amateur Basketball Association, all matchups are taking place at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, with the event running straight through to Saturday, September 26.

    Opening night delivered exactly the kind of thrilling action organizers promised, with a packed double-header schedule to welcome the season. The first tip-off went off at 7:00 PM local time, pitting the Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons against the BAA Sharks in a hotly contested opening matchup. Immediately following that game, the 767 Sports Club Dominators faced off against the D-Treads Blazers in the nightcap, starting at 9:00 PM.

    Six teams in total earned spots in this year’s tournament, all vying to claim the coveted AABL championship title by the end of the nine-day event. The competition schedule is structured to build steadily toward a dramatic conclusion: the playoff round will get underway on Friday, September 25, before the tournament wraps up with Championship Night on September 26, where the top two teams will battle for supremacy.

    Tournament organizers have issued a public call-out to basketball lovers across Dominica, urging fans to attend games in person to cheer on their favorite teams. They note that crowd energy plays a major role in elevating the on-court excitement, and are encouraging attendees to bring their enthusiasm to create a lively, electric atmosphere for every matchup. For the next week and a half, basketball fans will have the chance to catch a continuous lineup of high-energy competitive matchups as the league crowns its new champion.

  • Men’s Health Fair 2026 to promote wellness and prostate cancer awareness

    Men’s Health Fair 2026 to promote wellness and prostate cancer awareness

    As the Caribbean region marks Caribbean Wellness Month 2026, public health officials in Dominica are launching a targeted campaign to push men across the island nation to place their personal well-being at the top of their daily priorities. Aligned with this year’s overarching theme “Engage, Empower, Elevate,” the initiative centers on a free community-focused Men’s Health Fair, organized to coincide with global Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

    The event is the product of a collaborative partnership between the Grand Bay local health team and the visiting China Medical Team, bringing together cross-border medical expertise to serve the Dominican community. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, the fair will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Grand Bay Health Centre, offering free, accessible services to all attending men.

    Unlike general health outreach events, this fair is designed to connect men directly with specialized medical providers across a range of critical care fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one consultations, personalized health guidance, and targeted information from urologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and ophthalmologists, covering multiple common health concerns that often go undiagnosed in men.

    Event organizers have noted that the core goal of the initiative is to close the knowledge gap around men’s health, encourage greater participation in routine preventive screening, and motivate men to adopt sustainable, proactive habits that support long-term wellness. A special focus will be placed on reaching men in high-demand, high-stress professions that often lead to delayed care-seeking, including bus drivers, firefighters, teachers, and police officers.

    the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is stressing a critical public message: men should not delay seeking medical care until noticeable symptoms develop. Early detection of life-threatening conditions such as prostate cancer drastically improves treatment outcomes, the ministry emphasizes, making proactive engagement with health services one of the most impactful choices men can make.

    To amplify the reach of the initiative, public health officials are also calling on the broader Dominican community to support the effort. Members of the public are encouraged to bring a friend, encourage family members including brothers and fathers to attend, and help normalize open conversations about men’s health across the island.