标签： Dominica

A recent hemispheric forum organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) brought together government officials, international organization representatives, and agrifood sector experts to strategize on enhancing institutional frameworks and aligning public policies across Latin America and the Caribbean. The event emphasized three critical pillars for addressing the region’s agrifood challenges: effective governance, targeted public expenditure, and innovative green financing mechanisms. Participants explored scalable solutions and identified barriers to expanding and strengthening agrifood policies, culminating in actionable recommendations for more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful initiatives. A recurring theme was the necessity of platforms fostering dialogue and coordination among ministries, international agencies, private enterprises, and civil society to ensure good governance. Robust monitoring and evaluation systems were also highlighted as essential for transparency and accountability. Eugenio Díaz-Bonilla, IICA’s Special Advisor, stressed the importance of multi-year operational programs with clear objectives, funding sources, and monitoring mechanisms. Discussions on public investment underscored the need for strategic resource allocation toward sustainable productivity, innovation, and healthy diets. Carmine Paolo De Salvo of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) advocated for smart incentives like pre-planting assistance and price guarantees for small-scale farmers. Green financing discussions focused on establishing regulatory frameworks for green loans and subsidies, with participants emphasizing financial innovation to develop renewable energy financing and transparency platforms. Luis Rosa Pérez of CAF highlighted the role of renewable energy loans and transparency platforms in fostering accountability. The forum concluded with a commitment to advancing coordinated public policies in the agrifood sector, supported by IICA’s Public Policy Observatory for Agrifood Systems (OPSAa), which will document and analyze the discussed cases for future scalability and impact.

On October 14, 2025, the Dominica Calypso Association held a pivotal meeting to establish its new leadership structure. The session marked the first gathering of the recently elected members, who deliberated on key appointments to steer the organization forward. Gregory “Karessah” Rivierre emerged as the newly appointed President, bringing his extensive experience and vision to the role. Fitzroy “Bingo” Leon was named Vice President, tasked with supporting the President in driving the association’s initiatives. Renna “Mystrie” Prosper was elected Secretary, ensuring the smooth operation of administrative affairs, while Joey “Explosion” Loyd took on the responsibilities of Treasurer, overseeing financial management. Additionally, Royette Laurent was appointed as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and Peter Letang was chosen as the Public Relations Officer, responsible for enhancing the association’s public image. The membership roster also included notable figures such as Jerry “Oracle” Loyd, Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang, and Keith “Tronada” Hurtault, who will contribute their expertise to the association’s endeavors. This leadership reshuffle is expected to invigorate the Dominica Calypso Association, fostering growth and innovation in the calypso music scene.

The Elias Nassief Foundation (ENF), a beacon of philanthropy established in 1995 by the descendants of Elias Nassief, is set to host a grand Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This event, held at the prestigious Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, Dominica, aims to bolster the foundation’s ongoing charitable initiatives, which have been transforming lives across the island for nearly three decades.

The former Bishop of Dominica, Edward Gilbert, has passed away, according to reports from Dominica News Online (DNO). The respected clergyman died at approximately 11:30 pm last night in a Redemptorist retirement home located in Florida. Details surrounding his passing remain limited at this time, but further information is expected to be released in a subsequent update. Bishop Gilbert’s contributions to the religious community in Dominica and beyond have left a lasting legacy, and his death marks a significant loss for the Catholic Church and its followers. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him and were touched by his work. As the community mourns, many are reflecting on his life of service and dedication to faith.

On October 16, 2025, Dominica joined the global community in commemorating World Food Day under the theme, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ This year’s celebration held special significance as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, an institution that has tirelessly worked to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. Hon. Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, emphasized the critical role of collective action in achieving food security. In an audio statement, he underscored that access to adequate food is not just a fundamental right but a shared responsibility. Royer expressed gratitude for FAO’s continued support in enhancing Dominica’s food systems and resilience. The Minister highlighted the importance of unity, as symbolized by the theme, and called for collaboration across all sectors—farmers, fishers, educators, community members, and government agencies—to build a more resilient Dominica. He stressed the need to support local agriculture and fisheries, promote the consumption of locally produced foods, and empower the youth as essential steps toward independence and long-term prosperity. Despite global advancements, hunger remains a pressing issue, with nearly 730 million people worldwide facing chronic hunger and over 2.3 billion experiencing food insecurity. In the Caribbean, 16.3% of the population, or 7.2 million people, suffer from undernourishment, exacerbated by reliance on imports, climate change, and economic vulnerabilities. Royer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges by improving local food systems, supporting farmers, and ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all citizens. Initiatives like CARICOM’s ’25 by 2030,’ which aims to reduce food imports by 25%, align with national goals to boost agriculture’s economic contribution to $700 million and cut meat imports by up to 40% by 2030. Recent efforts include expanding irrigation, introducing modern farming tools, enhancing market linkages, and promoting climate-smart practices. The government is also investing in food processing, safety, and product development to transform local produce into high-quality goods. Programs targeting youth engagement, agricultural education in schools, and fostering innovation in farming are also underway. Royer emphasized that every action, from planting trees to reducing food waste, contributes to the nation’s goal of eradicating hunger and building sustainability. He urged citizens to unite in supporting agriculture, protecting the environment, and empowering future generations. In closing, the Minister called on Dominicans to celebrate World Food Day by taking tangible steps toward a sustainable and food-secure nation.

As the Caribbean commemorates the 17th Observance of Caribbean Statistics Day, the 2025 theme, “Improving Lives through Statistics, Strengthening and Innovating Together,” underscores the region’s unwavering dedication to leveraging data for sustainable development. This year’s focus highlights the indispensable role of statistics in evidence-based decision-making, regional integration, and equitable growth. In an era marked by global and regional challenges—from climate resilience to economic transformation—robust statistical systems are pivotal in shaping responsive policies and fostering transparency, innovation, and inclusivity. The observance serves as both a celebration of achievements and a call to action for enhancing statistical capacity across the Caribbean. Collaboration and innovation are essential to ensuring that statistics continue to guide progress and improve lives. At the recent 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Caribbean leaders emphasized the paradoxes faced by small island states: vulnerability to external shocks juxtaposed with resilience and innovation. Education, digital literacy, and the integration of science and technology are key to transforming these challenges into opportunities. Across the region, significant strides have been made in statistical development, supported by partnerships with international organizations such as the CARICOM Secretariat, the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank, and others. Initiatives like the OECS Data for Decision-Making Project have catalyzed advancements in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Grenada, for instance, has invested in digitizing statistical records, strengthening institutional frameworks, and embedding data-driven approaches in policy design across sectors such as social protection, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. The intersection of advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and geographic information systems—with statistics presents transformative opportunities. These tools can revolutionize data collection and analysis, enabling real-time insights for climate adaptation, food security, and labor market policies. Open access to data empowers civil society, academia, and the private sector to contribute meaningfully to development. Disaggregated data ensures that no group is overlooked in policy responses, fostering inclusive and equitable development. As the CARICOM Lead Head for Science and Technology, Grenada reaffirms its commitment to innovation and the strengthening of regional statistical systems. By harmonizing standards, investing in technology, and promoting data sharing, the Caribbean can build a resilient, inclusive, and data-driven future. Caribbean Statistics Day is not merely symbolic—it is a reaffirmation of the region’s resolve to place data at the heart of its integration and sustainable development agenda. Together, the Caribbean can create a future where every policy is evidence-based, every community benefits from innovation, and every citizen experiences the impact of progress.