Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Recent report by IICA and collaborators examines necessary public policies to reshape agrifood systems and foster economic and social progress

    Recent report by IICA and collaborators examines necessary public policies to reshape agrifood systems and foster economic and social progress

    A groundbreaking report co-authored by the Inter-American Institute for Agriculture (IICA) and multiple international organizations calls for a revolutionary overhaul of agricultural policy-making across Latin America and the Caribbean. The comprehensive analysis identifies increasingly complex agrifood systems, set against a backdrop of geopolitical realignments and technological transformation, as requiring innovative governance approaches.

    The 60-page study, titled ‘Transition to a New Generation of Public Policies for Agrifood Systems,’ emerged from collaboration between IICA’s Public Policy Observatory for Agrifood Systems (OPSAa) and prestigious institutions including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and International Food Policy Research Institute. It presents a compelling case for policies that simultaneously address sustainability, social inclusion, and institutional robustness.

    Joaquín Arias, leading IICA’s policy observatory, emphasized that overcoming structural challenges—stagnant economic growth, pervasive inequality, and governance deficiencies—demands integrated solutions. The digital OPSAa platform serves as a knowledge hub facilitating dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders across the Americas to support evidence-based decision-making.

    The publication traces the historical development of agricultural policies in the region while highlighting how modern agrifood systems now encompass vast networks from production to consumption. This complexity introduces unprecedented challenges requiring policies with long-term vision, consensus-building mechanisms, and adaptability to emerging threats including climate disruptions, sanitary crises, and cross-border pests.

    Critical findings reveal that interconnected production chains spanning diverse territories expand policy objectives while complicating implementation. Both biophysical elements (water, soil, biodiversity) and socioeconomic factors (income distribution, nutritional health) face growing vulnerability to transnational threats necessitating coordinated responses.

    The report acknowledges technological innovations potentially boosting rural productivity but cautions that global fragmentation could impede technology transfer, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and national investments in research and development.

    Amid geopolitical tensions, market volatility, evolving consumer preferences, and environmental pressures, agriculture’s role has transformed with elevated societal expectations. While productivity gains have reduced global hunger, they’ve simultaneously created new nutritional challenges including rising obesity rates, shifting focus toward healthier diets and food safety.

    The study showcases successful national policies promoting sustainability and resilience, demonstrating that evidence-based, inclusive policies built on broad consensus are essential for food security. Effective implementation requires strengthened governance institutions with coordination extending beyond agricultural ministries to multiple sectors and stakeholders.

    A fundamental transition challenge involves moving from traditional subsidy schemes toward results-oriented incentives that deliver tangible public goods and measurable impacts on agrifood system development.

  • Nasio Fontaine and fellow activists block heavy equipment at Deux Branches quarry; demand transparency in Deux Branches quarry dispute

    Nasio Fontaine and fellow activists block heavy equipment at Deux Branches quarry; demand transparency in Deux Branches quarry dispute

    A tense confrontation unfolded at Dominica’s Deux Branches quarry on Tuesday as environmental activists physically blocked heavy machinery from entering the contested site. The dramatic standoff, which persisted for several hours before police intervention, represents the latest escalation in an ongoing battle over quarry operations linked to the island’s international airport project.

    Prominent reggae artist and environmental advocate Nasio Fontaine emerged as a central figure in the protest, standing alongside his wife and fellow campaigners to prevent a carrier truck from delivering excavation equipment. Despite a prime ministerial stop order issued in December 2025, developers MMC and CR5 have reportedly resumed operations, prompting allegations of governmental transparency violations and environmental disregard.

    The conflict centers on scientific claims regarding the quarry’s suitability for construction purposes. An independent geological study conducted by Professor Simon Mitchell of the University of the West Indies concluded that the site’s material is “unsuitable for high-quality construction,” directly contradicting government assertions about the stone’s quality. Activists warn that continued quarrying threatens severe ecological damage to the Kalinago Territory and surrounding watersheds.

    Fontaine praised police for their professional conduct during the confrontation but sharply criticized government officials for their silence. “We would like planning to tell us in very simple terms what really happened to the terms of the stop order,” he demanded, highlighting the communication gap between authorities and concerned citizens.

    The movement has garnered substantial support, with over 3,000 signatures collected through an international petition demanding quarrying suspension. Opposition parties including the United Workers Party, United Progressive Party, and Dominica Freedom Party have united in condemning the project, citing violations of indigenous rights and environmental safeguards.

    As the Save Deux Branches Campaign pledges continued monitoring and mobilization, the dispute has evolved into a national symbol of the tension between developmental ambitions and environmental preservation. Activists vow to maintain pressure for full disclosure of permits and environmental impact assessments, framing the struggle as a fundamental test of governmental accountability and environmental stewardship.

  • Dominica Lions Club’s supports youth education with donated supplies

    Dominica Lions Club’s supports youth education with donated supplies

    In a significant boost for educational support, the Dominica Lions Club has executed a targeted initiative to provide critical academic resources to three primary schools on the island. The recipient institutions—Goodwill, Newtown, and Giraudel Primary Schools—received comprehensive stationery packages comprising notebooks, writing instruments, pencils, and other essential classroom materials. This philanthropic endeavor was realized through the substantial backing of benefactor Tamika Jude, whose consistent community involvement was cited as a cornerstone of the project’s success.

    The donation transcends mere material provision, strategically designed to mitigate financial pressures on both educational institutions and families while ensuring students are fully equipped for academic achievement. Club representatives articulated that this initiative is a direct manifestation of their foundational commitment to the humanitarian principles of Lions Clubs International (LCI), specifically focusing on youth development and community enrichment through practical service.

    Emphasizing collaboration, the Club publicly acknowledged Ms. Jude’s generosity and extended an open invitation to other organizations and individuals aligned with their mission. The Club advocates that such collective efforts are vital in constructing a supportive ecosystem where young learners can effectively pursue their educational aspirations. Interested parties are encouraged to initiate contact for potential partnerships or support through the Club’s official Facebook presence (@DCA Lions) or via email at [email protected].

  • UWI and Nigerian universities collaborate: Vice-Chancellors build transformative partnership for Africa-Caribbean education

    UWI and Nigerian universities collaborate: Vice-Chancellors build transformative partnership for Africa-Caribbean education

    In a landmark move for global higher education, The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Nigeria’s Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) have established a transformative partnership through a signed Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, finalized during a three-day summit at UWI’s Regional Headquarters in Jamaica, brings together 23 newly appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors and UWI’s senior leadership including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, five Campus Principals, and three Pro Vice-Chancellors.

    The strategic collaboration encompasses multiple dimensions of academic excellence, targeting enhanced international rankings, research innovation, sustainable financial models, and digital learning advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The partnership specifically aims to strengthen cultural connections while addressing contemporary challenges through joint academic endeavors.

    Professor Beckles emphasized the historical significance of the agreement, noting its foundation in shared heritage and common vision. ‘This framework represents a pioneering model for knowledge sharing and problem-solving across the African continent and diaspora,’ he stated during the signing ceremony.

    Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of CVCNU, identified the agreement as his first signed MoU since assuming office and characterized it as ‘a strategic step toward building a structured and impactful Africa-Caribbean higher education alliance.’ He highlighted the partnership’s practical focus on moving beyond historical connections to actionable collaboration in research, digital innovation, and academic exchange.

    The operational implementation will be coordinated by UWI’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs Ms. Sandrea Maynard and CVCNU’s Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Sylverina Olaghere. The initial three-year agreement features renewable terms based on mutual consent, ensuring long-term sustainability.

    Collaborative activities will include joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, internship placements, and projects aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership will specifically address cross-cutting themes including climate change, health sciences, energy solutions, agricultural development, cultural studies, and digital policy formulation.

    This academic bridge between the Caribbean and African higher education sectors represents a significant advancement in South-South cooperation, creating structured mechanisms for institutional capacity building and global visibility enhancement for both regions’ academic institutions.

  • FAO to facilitate International Coffee Day on Oct 1, highlighting crop’s global contribution

    FAO to facilitate International Coffee Day on Oct 1, highlighting crop’s global contribution

    In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly has formally recognized coffee’s profound global significance through a groundbreaking resolution that establishes International Coffee Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will lead observances celebrating coffee’s extraordinary journey from ancient crop to modern cultural phenomenon.

    The resolution transcends coffee’s identity as merely a beverage, acknowledging its deep historical roots, social importance, and cultural symbolism across civilizations. It positions coffee as both a vital agricultural commodity and a universal social ritual that has shaped human interaction for centuries.

    Crucially, the UN resolution documents coffee’s substantial contributions to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. These include combating hunger, reducing extreme poverty, promoting gender equality, and fostering sustainable economic growth through decent work opportunities. FAO analysis demonstrates how coffee production and trade systems support both local communities and global development initiatives.

    FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized: “Coffee represents more than a drink—it’s a comprehensive global commodity chain that sustains millions of farming families and connects rural communities to international markets. This formal recognition will amplify awareness of coffee’s socio-economic importance and enhance its poverty eradication potential.”

    The resolution gained momentum after endorsement during FAO’s 44th Conference in 2025. The organization will now collaborate with the International Coffee Organization and other partners to develop meaningful observances that highlight coffee’s economic impact and promote sustainable industry practices.

    Current statistics underscore coffee’s massive economic footprint: global production exceeded 11 million tonnes in 2024, with approximately 8 million tonnes traded internationally. The industry generates nearly $25 billion in value, with bean trade reaching $34 billion. For numerous developing nations including Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burundi, coffee exports constitute vital foreign exchange earnings, sometimes exceeding food import costs.

    FAO’s extensive support programs for coffee-producing countries include climate adaptation strategies, pest management, agroforestry practices, and development of climate-resilient varieties. Initiatives such as Farmer Field Schools in Panama and cooperative models in Cuba demonstrate practical approaches to environmental challenges. Additional programs in Honduras, Guatemala, and Uganda focus on traceability systems and sustainability standards alignment.

    Through its Hand-in-Hand Initiative and World Bank partnerships, FAO mobilizes investments to enhance smallholder efficiency and income. The formal establishment of International Coffee Day provides a dynamic platform for strengthened collaboration, knowledge exchange, and concerted action toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable coffee sector worldwide.

  • Minister of Labour pledges gov’t support for establishments hit by fire

    Minister of Labour pledges gov’t support for establishments hit by fire

    The Government of Dominica has declared its unwavering commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs devastated by the major fire incident that struck Roseau on March 1st. Daren Pinard, Minister of State with responsibility for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, personally convened meetings this week with affected business owners through the Small Business Support Unit.

    This initiative represents part of the administration’s concerted effort to maintain direct dialogue with impacted stakeholders, ensuring that relief measures are precisely tailored to on-the-ground realities. Minister Pinard expressed profound solidarity with business proprietors, employees, and families suffering from the catastrophic event, acknowledging the years of diligent work that established these now-disrupted enterprises.

    During extensive consultations, government officials gathered critical insights into the immediate challenges facing the business community. These structured discussions revealed the substantial scale of losses and identified priority areas requiring short and medium-term intervention.

    The Ministry has initiated comprehensive assessments through its Small Business Support Unit to document damages across affected businesses. This systematic evaluation will determine appropriate assistance levels and ensure that support mechanisms remain precisely targeted and practically effective.

    Minister Pinard further detailed ongoing efforts to facilitate access to support programs, provide business recovery guidance, and coordinate with governmental agencies and development partners. The recovery strategy emphasizes collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to deliver both financial and technical assistance where needed.

    The government official concluded with a firm assurance: “We stand with you during this difficult time, and we will continue to work with you as you navigate the path toward recovery and rebuilding.”

  • Jamaica-Cuba medical partnership ends after nearly five decades amid reported contractual disagreements

    Jamaica-Cuba medical partnership ends after nearly five decades amid reported contractual disagreements

    After 49 years of bilateral health cooperation, Jamaica and Cuba have formally ended their medical partnership program as of March 4, 2026. The termination follows unsuccessful negotiations to renew the memorandum of understanding between the two nations, with fundamental disagreements regarding legal compliance and workers’ rights provisions ultimately derailing the partnership.

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued a comprehensive statement detailing the decision-making process, emphasizing that the arrangement had become untenable under Jamaican law and international labor conventions. The government identified two primary concerns during its review: the compensation mechanism for Cuban medical personnel and their passport retention rights.

    According to Jamaican authorities, while Cuban medical professionals received compensation equivalent to their Jamaican counterparts, these payments were channeled through Cuban authorities in U.S. dollars rather than distributed directly to the workers. Additionally, the government discovered that Cuban personnel did not maintain possession of their passports, though this was promptly rectified once identified.

    The Jamaican government initiated formal discussions in July 2025 to restructure the agreement, proposing direct salary payments to workers and guaranteed passport control—measures already implemented in other Caribbean nations with similar Cuban medical partnerships. Despite multiple diplomatic overtures including formal proposals in October and December 2025, and engagements at ambassadorial and ministerial levels, Jamaica received no substantive response from Cuban authorities.

    Cuba’s Foreign Ministry expressed profound regret over the termination, characterizing Jamaica’s decision as a unilateral action influenced by external pressure from the United States. Cuban officials maintained that the partnership had significantly benefited Jamaican healthcare, citing statistics including over 8.1 million patients treated, 74,302 surgical procedures performed, and approximately 90,000 lives saved throughout the program’s history.

    The conclusion of this nearly five-decade partnership raises questions about future healthcare delivery in Jamaica, particularly in specialized services where Cuban medical professionals had made substantial contributions, including the Operation Miracle program that restored vision for nearly 25,000 Jamaicans since 2010.

  • Caribbean countries leverage migration to address labor shortages

    Caribbean countries leverage migration to address labor shortages

    Caribbean leaders are implementing innovative migration strategies to combat severe labor shortages threatening key economic sectors across the region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Caribbean, in partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, recently convened the tenth installment of their migration dialogue series, focusing on workforce sustainability through managed migration.

    Dominica’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, Dr. Gerard Jean-Jacques, revealed how demographic challenges including aging populations, declining birth rates, and outward migration of working-age citizens have created critical vacancies in healthcare, education, construction, agriculture, and public services. “Migration is already playing a role in sustaining our productive sectors,” Ambassador Jean-Jacques stated, highlighting structured support systems that facilitate registered farmers’ access to migrant labor.

    The discussion featured Yves Joseph, a Haitian migrant who arrived in Dominica 19 years ago and has since become a successful agricultural producer. His testimony underscored the persistent labor challenges: “To produce more, I only need one thing. I need labourers, I need farm workers.” While acknowledging many migrants view Caribbean nations as transit points, the ambassador emphasized Haiti’s crucial contribution to maintaining Dominica’s agricultural output.

    CARICOM’s labor portfolio representative emphasized the urgent need for coordinated labor mobility frameworks among member states. Despite investments in training healthcare and skilled professionals, retention remains problematic. Recent policies have encouraged regional mobility in hospitality and service industries, yet shortages in skilled trades and declining local agricultural participation continue to widen workforce gaps.

    Patrice Quesada, IOM Caribbean Coordinator and session moderator, stressed the critical timing of these discussions: “Accelerated demographic decline makes dialogue around labour needs extremely important. We must build on regional and global experiences to assist Caribbean nations.”

    The conversation expanded to include youth engagement strategies, with CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Jamaica Odane Brooks insisting that “young people are at the forefront, and any conversation about migration and workforce also impacts young people.” Panelists consensus emphasized that enhanced data collection, policy harmonization, and education systems aligned with emerging skills requirements are essential for preparing the Caribbean workforce for future demands.

    The overarching conclusion identified safe, orderly, and well-regulated migration as a strategic tool for economic development, workforce sustainability, and regional resilience. These ongoing conversations directly support CARICOM’s development of a Regional Migration Policy Framework, with the next dialogue scheduled for April 29, 2026.

  • OP-ED: Critical thinking and multiple intelligences

    OP-ED: Critical thinking and multiple intelligences

    In contemporary educational discourse, a growing chorus of experts advocates for fundamental reassessment of student evaluation methodologies. Education specialist Wayne Campbell has emerged as a prominent voice challenging the prevailing culture of standardized assessment, arguing instead for implementation of diverse evaluation frameworks that acknowledge the complex spectrum of human intelligence.

    The educational landscape frequently pressures educators to conform to uniform assessment protocols, yet Campbell emphasizes that evaluation represents a dual-purpose instrument serving both students and teachers. Students require clear understanding of their knowledge acquisition progress, while educators need accurate measurements of student comprehension to guide instructional strategies.

    Grounding his perspective in Howard Gardner’s seminal Multiple Intelligences Theory, Campbell outlines eight distinct intelligence modalities: linguistic competence involving language mastery; logical-mathematical capabilities for systematic problem-solving; spatial awareness for visual information processing; bodily-kinesthetic physical coordination; musical rhythm and pitch sensitivity; interpersonal social skills; intrapersonal self-awareness; and naturalistic environmental pattern recognition.

    Campbell stresses that effective curriculum design must incorporate gender and development perspectives to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusive learning environments. Traditional male-dominated curricular perspectives often perpetuate inequalities through biased content and language, whereas gender-sensitive approaches promote equity and prepare all students for societal participation.

    The analysis further identifies concerning trends in global education systems that potentially suppress critical thinking development. Referencing Edward Glaser’s 1941 seminal work, Campbell defines critical thinking as combining thoughtful inquiry attitudes, methodological knowledge of logical reasoning, and practical application skills. This triad of competencies enables students to examine beliefs systematically against supporting evidence and derived conclusions.

    Curriculum design emerges as the structural foundation addressing these multifaceted educational requirements. Defined as the purposeful organization of instructional components, effective curriculum development requires multisectoral collaboration to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. The ultimate objective remains enhancing student learning outcomes through tailored educational experiences.

    Campbell concludes with assessment reform advocate Dylan William’s perspective: evaluation should focus not on demonstrating existing knowledge but on improving future learning trajectories. This paradigm shift toward comprehensive, individualized assessment approaches represents the evolving frontier of educational excellence.

  • Strengthening emergency response capabilities: U.S.-Dominica police collaboration enhances tactical skills

    Strengthening emergency response capabilities: U.S.-Dominica police collaboration enhances tactical skills

    In a significant demonstration of international security cooperation, U.S. and Dominican forces have concluded an intensive tactical medical exchange program that promises to enhance emergency response capabilities throughout the region. The five-day training initiative, conducted from February 23-27, brought together specialists from the U.S. Virgin Islands Army National Guard and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force for hands-on skill development.

    The comprehensive program focused on the MARCH protocol—an evidence-based approach to trauma care encompassing Massive hemorrhage control, Airway management, Respiration, Circulation, and Head trauma/hypothermia prevention. Participants engaged in both theoretical learning and practical application, culminating in realistic field simulations that tested their newly acquired life-saving techniques.

    Chief Lincoln Corbette of the Dominican Police Force expressed profound appreciation for the collaborative effort, noting: ‘We were blessed with practical knowledge that substantially strengthens our operational capabilities. Our partnership with the United States continues to deepen, and we anticipate further expanding this productive cooperation.’

    The training deployment was spearheaded by First Lieutenant Keyvil King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Army National Guard, with additional support from U.S. Army Civil Affairs personnel working in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. These personnel simultaneously engaged in strategic relationship-building exercises to identify future collaborative opportunities.

    Captain Elbert Smart, Civil Affairs Team Leader, characterized the exchange as ‘both an honor and a pleasure,’ emphasizing that such initiatives ‘strengthen professional relationships and establish enduring partnerships.’

    According to official statements from the U.S. Embassy, this joint effort reflects the committed partnership between the United States and Dominica to enhance regional resilience, advance professional development standards, and significantly improve emergency preparedness protocols throughout the Caribbean region.