Gordon Henderson, a renowned figure in Cadence music, has ignited a spirited discussion about the future direction of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). During a media interview following his performance on October 25, Henderson questioned the sustainability of the festival’s traditional “sunset to sunrise” format, suggesting it may be time for a reevaluation. He emphasized the need for diversity in the event’s programming, arguing that the current structure limits opportunities for local nightlife businesses and may not align with tourism promotion goals. Henderson also advocated for a stronger focus on French-lexicon Creole music, proposing that other genres be featured as special guests rather than headliners. He drew parallels between the enduring legacy of Rockabilly music and the potential longevity of Cadence-Lypso, expressing confidence in its continued relevance. The WCMF, established in 1997, is a cornerstone of Caribbean culture, celebrating Creole music genres such as zouk, bouyon, kompa, and reggae while fostering regional unity and artistic innovation.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
-
WCMF 2025: Video snippets of Night One performances
The anticipation for the upcoming music festival has reached new heights with the announcement of a star-studded lineup featuring a diverse array of artists. Among the headliners are Gilles Fontaine, known for his soulful melodies, and the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, whose socially conscious lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide. The festival will also showcase the energetic performances of Burning Flames, the smooth vocals of Romain Virgo, and the dynamic beats of Masicka. Adding to the eclectic mix are Nu Look, Halibut, White Ferry, Chubby and The Midnight Groovers, and TK International, each bringing their unique styles to the stage. This event promises to be a celebration of music across genres, offering something for every music enthusiast. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience this unparalleled musical journey.
-
Melissa: 5th most powerful Atlantic hurricane recorded, 3 dead, 13 injured in JA preparations
Hurricane Melissa has emerged as one of the most formidable storms in Atlantic history, now ranked as the fifth most powerful on record. According to The New York Times, the hurricane is approaching landfall as a Category 5 storm, boasting sustained winds of 185 miles per hour—merely five miles shy of the record set by Hurricane Allen in 1980. This unprecedented intensity has triggered flash flooding and storm surges, prompting urgent warnings from officials. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s disaster response coordinator, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave. Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.’ The hurricane’s eye wall, with its ferocious winds, poses a severe threat, potentially causing ‘total structural failure’ and widespread power and communication outages, as reported by the hurricane center on Monday. Tragically, at least three fatalities and thirteen injuries have already been linked to storm preparations. The Jamaica Observer noted that two deaths resulted from falling trees, while one individual was electrocuted. Injuries were primarily caused by accidental falls from ladders and roofs during preparation efforts. Fueled by the unusually warm Caribbean waters, Melissa is expected to maintain its destructive force as it moves through the region. Meanwhile, the World Food Program has pre-positioned 450 metric tons of food in Haiti, a significantly reduced stockpile due to donor focus shifting to crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
-
Chief Cultural Officer says there’s more to come for 47th Independence celebration
As Dominica marks its 47th year of independence, Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has highlighted the array of cultural events that continue to celebrate the nation’s progress and heritage. Speaking on Monday, Matthew emphasized that the festivities extend far beyond the recently concluded World Creole Music Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. ‘The independence season is far from over,’ he remarked. ‘We still have the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant, featuring seven talented contestants, taking place this Wednesday at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility.’
Matthew also drew attention to Creole Day, scheduled for Friday, October 31, which will feature a National Dress Parade through the streets of Roseau. ‘We are encouraging everyone to participate by wearing national attire and joining us in this historic celebration,’ he said. The cultural festivities will culminate in the National Cultural Gala on Sunday, November 2, at the Botanic Gardens, followed by the National Day Observance Ceremony on November 3 and the National Day of Community Service on November 4. Matthew expressed the Division of Culture’s enthusiasm for these events, which aim to showcase Dominica’s rich cultural identity and foster national pride.
-
Dominican Tricia Jno Baptiste earned Master’s degree and cultural enrichment in Ireland
Tricia Jno Baptiste, a native of Dominica, has recently achieved a significant academic milestone by earning her Master’s Degree in Finance from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Graduating on October 28, 2025, her accomplishment was facilitated by the Ireland Fellows Programme, administered locally by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). While the degree itself is a notable achievement, Jno Baptiste emphasized that her experience in Ireland extended far beyond academics. She gained a robust professional network, immersed herself in Irish culture, and developed a deeper understanding of global finance and international affairs. The MSc in Finance, taught by leading academics and industry practitioners, provided her with a solid foundation for her future career. The programme fostered collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment. Throughout her fellowship year, Jno Baptiste participated in certified training sessions on leadership, conflict resolution, and time management. She also attended a ten-week Irish language course, which deepened her appreciation for Irish heritage. Additionally, she volunteered with Vision Ireland, a charity supporting individuals with visual impairments. Reflecting on her transformative journey, Jno Baptiste encouraged others from Small Island Developing States to pursue similar opportunities, highlighting the programme’s potential to inspire growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions upon returning home. The Ireland Fellows Programme, which offers fully funded postgraduate education in Ireland, aims to cultivate future leaders, enhance local capacities, and strengthen ties between Ireland and participating nations.
-
COMMENTARY: Brainstorming for Innovation
Brainstorming stands as one of the most potent catalysts for innovation when executed effectively. It transcends mere idea generation, fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives converge, assumptions are challenged, and breakthroughs emerge. By encouraging free thinking and suspending judgment, brainstorming unlocks creative potential and surfaces unconventional ideas. This rapid ideation process helps identify multiple pathways to address complex challenges, transforming sparks of insight into refined strategies. Collaborative brainstorming sessions also facilitate compromise and unification among conflicting viewpoints, enhancing collective problem-solving. For governments and communities, innovation is both a local asset and a strategic advantage. Community-led innovation drives economic growth, diversifies industries, and attracts international attention, partnerships, and foreign investment. Grassroots innovation provides real-time insights into needs and solutions, enabling governments to craft timely and effective policies. This bottom-up approach reduces reliance on top-down guesswork, ensuring policies are grounded in practical validity. Innovation also plays a critical role in global and regional positioning, shaping how products, services, or brands are perceived in relation to competitors. To accelerate innovation, organizations must dismantle silos—isolated mindsets that hinder collaboration and information sharing. Cross-functional collaboration reveals blind spots and opens new perspectives, fostering a culture of shared goals and mutual trust. Effective brainstorming sessions should include diverse participants: subject matter experts, community stakeholders, creative thinkers, and even skeptics who challenge assumptions. Compromise is key, as it not only creates mutually acceptable solutions but also refines them to near perfection. Innovation pushes boundaries, introducing bold and imaginative concepts that challenge legacy thinking. Fresh perspectives must align with long-term goals, ensuring relevance and resonance with actual needs while considering existing best practices. Encouraging brainstorming is a strategic imperative for forward-thinking leaders, boards, and teams. Innovation demonstrates proactive, future-focused leadership, driving competitive advantage and positioning innovators as thought leaders. It also uncovers hidden opportunities and fosters civic pride, particularly through youth-led initiatives that reduce brain drain and cultivate leadership. To ignite innovation, communities must ask: ‘What challenges are we uniquely positioned to solve?’ and ‘What would make our region a global model?’ Innovation should be our legacy—recognizing, supporting, and scaling the brilliance within our communities to drive a flourishing economy that benefits all.
-
Skerrit addresses Barbadian Labour Party; shuns war, lauds unity for Caribbean
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has once again emphasized the importance of maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while celebrating the realization of full free movement across the region. Speaking at the annual conference of the Barbados Labour Party on Sunday, Skerrit highlighted the critical role of leadership in today’s world. ‘Leadership is more crucial now than ever,’ he stated. ‘We must stand firm on principles and honor the sacrifices of our ancestors who fought for our freedom and independence. We must always speak truth to power and ensure that the Caribbean remains a peaceful region.’ Skerrit underscored the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, advocating for dialogue and mutual respect. ‘We solve problems through discussion and diplomacy, even when we disagree,’ he said. In a significant move toward regional integration, Skerrit welcomed Barbadians to live and work in Dominica, marking a historic step in Caribbean unity. ‘History has turned the page,’ he declared. ‘Barbados, Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Belize have achieved what our parents dreamed of—full free movement among our nations.’ This initiative allows citizens to live and work across borders with dignity and rights, fostering economic and social opportunities. Skerrit expressed pride in Dominica’s partnership with Barbados, inviting Barbadians to contribute to Dominica’s growth. ‘You are welcome to live, work, and build a future in Dominica,’ he said. ‘Together, we are mighty, united in one labor pool, one shared marketplace, and one larger future for our people.’
-
Hurricane Melissa may be ‘catastrophic’ for Jamaica, say experts
Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 5 storm, the most severe classification, with wind speeds peaking at 165 mph (270 km/h). The hurricane is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, posing significant threats to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. Already, Melissa has claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with four fatalities reported. Meteorologists have issued warnings about the storm’s slow movement, which is likely to result in prolonged heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The extreme rainfall potential due to the slow motion will create a catastrophic event for Jamaica.” In response, the Jamaican government has ordered evacuations in parts of Kingston and declared the entire island as “threatened.” Forecasters predict that Melissa could strengthen further in the next 12 to 24 hours, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges to Jamaica overnight Monday and early Tuesday. The NHC anticipates that the hurricane’s core will move near or over Jamaica by Monday night, followed by southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. Despite potential fluctuations in intensity, Melissa is expected to remain a major hurricane as it traverses these regions. The NHC forecasts up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain in some areas of Jamaica over the next four days, heightening flood risks. Local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek safer shelter. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a social media post, called for thorough preparation and adherence to evacuation orders, expressing resilience with the message, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”
-
Body found on Roaseau promenade identified
Authorities have disclosed the identity of a woman discovered deceased on the Promenade in Roseau earlier today. The individual has been identified as 68-year-old Cleopatra Williams, a resident of Pottersville. Reports indicate that Williams was found unresponsive between two stalls in the area. Sources close to the investigation have revealed that she was a well-known vagrant in the community. At this stage, details surrounding the incident remain scarce, and the circumstances of her death are yet to be fully clarified. The Dominica News Online (DNO) has committed to following up on the story and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
-
STATEMENT: Message from the Caribbean Community on the passage of Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced profound concern and solidarity with the governments and citizens of Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other regional nations directly impacted by the unprecedented Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm has placed these countries in a state of heightened vulnerability, prompting urgent calls for preparedness and resilience. CARICOM has lauded the tireless efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders, who are working diligently to safeguard lives and ensure the well-being of affected populations. The organization has emphasized the critical importance of adhering to official guidance and information to mitigate the catastrophic effects of the hurricane. Furthermore, CARICOM has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a collective response to support recovery and reconstruction initiatives in the aftermath of the disaster. This includes leveraging the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to facilitate a unified and effective recovery process.