The Jamaican government has confirmed a significant outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water and soil, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton reported that nine cases have been confirmed, with 28 suspected cases and six suspected deaths linked to the outbreak between October 30 and November 20. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and nearly $9 billion in damages, which created ideal conditions for the spread of the disease. Leptospirosis, which thrives in environments contaminated by the urine of infected animals such as rats, dogs, and livestock, has been recorded in multiple parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, and Hanover. Symptoms of the disease range from flu-like conditions such as fever and muscle aches to severe complications like kidney failure, jaundice, and meningitis. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the outbreak poses a significant public health risk, particularly to farmers, emergency responders, and residents involved in cleanup efforts. Authorities are managing the situation through a coordinated response, including the distribution of antibiotics in hospitals and support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Public health inspectors are working to monitor cases, educate communities, and urge residents to avoid floodwaters. Dr. Tufton noted that the current outbreak far exceeds the typical number of cases observed in previous years, highlighting its unusual scale. Residents are advised to seek medical care if symptoms arise and to take precautions to minimize exposure to contaminated environments.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
-
Blackmoore urges police to strengthen community policing across Dominica
In a compelling address at the recent Police Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the critical importance of community policing as a fundamental strategy for law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Blackmoore underscored the necessity of fostering trust between the police force and the public, asserting that such collaboration is indispensable for effective policing. ‘The only way to cultivate the essential element of trust is through forging partnerships and relations with the public,’ he declared. ‘The existing suspicion between the police and citizens can only be mitigated by ensuring they work together.’ Blackmoore lauded the efforts of the Chief of Police, Mr. Andrew, and the community policing unit, but called for a more comprehensive and serious implementation of the program across the nation. He stressed that community policing should be a standard practice in every district and police station throughout Dominica. ‘This initiative is not optional; it is vital for our future,’ Blackmoore stated. ‘It is the only way we can address policing and community issues effectively.’
-
LIVE from 10AM: Dominica’s 4th Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 11th Parliament
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the phenomenon of live content sharing has emerged as a pivotal element of online interaction. Platforms enabling users to share, tweet, pin, and engage with live content are redefining the boundaries of real-time communication. This trend not only enhances user engagement but also fosters a sense of immediacy and community among participants. As live content continues to gain traction, it is reshaping the way information is disseminated and consumed, offering a dynamic and interactive alternative to traditional media formats. The implications of this shift are profound, influencing everything from marketing strategies to the dissemination of news and entertainment.
-
Dominica Police Force honors 37 officers, wrapping Police Week 2025
In a prestigious ceremony held at the State House Conference Center on Sunday night, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) celebrated the exceptional contributions of 37 police officers. The event, which concluded Police Week 2025 under the theme “Serving with Pride Protecting with Purpose,” highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the force. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, representing Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, emphasized the noble yet demanding nature of policing in a democracy. He praised the officers for their vigilance, fairness, and moral character, noting the importance of remaining calm under pressure and upholding the rule of law. Dr. McIntyre congratulated the awardees, stating that their recognition was not only a testament to individual excellence but also a symbol of responsibility and leadership. Among the honorees were Sergeant Garvin James, recognized as Investigator of the Year, and Constable Emran Joseph, awarded Outstanding Officer of the Year in the Special Branch. The ceremony underscored the critical role of conduct, character, and consistency in effective policing.
-
Discover Dominica extends congratulations to Rosalie Bay Distillery on Silver Anthem Award
The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have lauded Rosalie Bay Distillery (RBD) and Oceans Forward for their Silver Award win at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards. The prestigious recognition was granted in the Sustainability, Environment & Climate – Product, Innovation or Service (Non-Profit) category, highlighting Dominica’s growing influence in environmental innovation and sustainable practices globally. Rosalie Bay Distillery, the world’s sole conservation distillery, was honored for its groundbreaking model that channels all profits into marine conservation initiatives within the local community. Located in Rosalie, the distillery produces premium craft rums with full traceability from farm to bottle, showcasing how responsible business practices can directly contribute to preserving the island’s natural environment. The distillery’s “Pour to Protect” campaign further strengthens this mission by linking rum sales to tangible marine conservation outcomes while supporting local livelihoods through jobs in sugar cane cultivation, supply chain operations, and distillery functions. According to the DDA, this innovative approach not only bolsters community resilience but also aligns with Dominica’s national priorities in environmental protection, community development, and responsible tourism. The Ministry of Tourism and DDA view this achievement as a pivotal milestone in Dominica’s sustainability journey, reinforcing the island’s commitment to a greener future.
-
Delegates from Canadian and Australian governments, and California Agriculture officials, toured IICA booth emphasizing soil vitality’s importance in shaping COP30 agenda
At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém do Pará, Brazil, delegates from Canada, Australia, and California’s Department of Food and Agriculture gathered at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) pavilion to emphasize the pivotal role of soil health in achieving sustainable development. The event, which drew significant attention, highlighted the urgent need to integrate soil preservation into national climate strategies to ensure resilient food and agricultural systems.
-
International reggae legend, Jimmy Cliff, dies at 81
The world of music mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican singer, actor, and reggae ambassador, who passed away at the age of 81. His wife announced his passing in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that he succumbed to complications following a seizure and pneumonia. She expressed gratitude for the support of family, friends, and fellow artists who shared in his remarkable journey. Cliff’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on global music culture. His timeless hits, including “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Born in Saint James, Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff’s musical journey began in the early 1960s in Kingston, where he collaborated with producer Leslie Kong. His international breakthrough came with the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” a pioneering Caribbean classic that showcased his talent and solidified his status as a reggae icon. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s iconic songs, remains a cornerstone of reggae music. Cliff’s contributions to music were widely recognized, earning him Jamaica’s Order of Merit in 2003 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2021, the U.S. Library of Congress preserved the soundtrack of “The Harder They Come” in the National Recording Registry. Cliff’s career also included a Grammy-winning cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” in 1994 and the release of his final album, “Refugees,” in 2022. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Cliff, praising his ability to inspire generations and elevate Jamaican culture globally. “Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on,” Holness wrote on X.
-
St Martin Primary School mourns the passing of Secretary – Mrs. Selena Shillingford
The St. Martin Primary School (SMPS) has announced the sad passing of their esteemed secretary, Mrs. Selena Shillingford. In a heartfelt statement, the school described Mrs. Shillingford as much more than a staff member—she was the welcoming presence in the office, a pillar of support for students, teachers, and parents, and an integral part of the SMPS community. Her kindness, dedication, and warm spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. The school extended its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those grieving her loss. They pledged to honor her memory and the significant contributions she made to the institution. In light of this tragic event, SMPS has declared a day of closure, with classes resuming on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Dominica News Online (DNO) also expressed its heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of Mrs. Shillingford, wishing her soul eternal peace.
-
UN Secretary-General comments on closing of COP30: multilateral efforts must continue
At the close of COP30, held from November 10-21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended the significant strides made during the conference, underscoring the critical role of multilateral cooperation in tackling global climate challenges. Guterres extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, COP30 President André de Largo, the Brazilian government, the people of Belém, and the UNFCCC Secretariat for their exceptional hospitality and tireless efforts in organizing the event.
Guterres emphasized that the conference, held at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, showcased the enduring power of multilateralism. Nations united to address the pressing issue of climate change, demonstrating that collective action is essential in solving challenges that transcend borders.
Key achievements at COP30 included a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism to support workers and communities transitioning to renewable energy, and the launch of a new dialogue to enhance international trade cooperation. Additionally, participants acknowledged the likelihood of temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C temperature rise limit, prompting the introduction of a Global Implementation Accelerator to expedite the fulfillment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Despite these advancements, Guterres acknowledged the limitations of COP30, noting that consensus-driven negotiations in an era of geopolitical fragmentation made comprehensive agreements increasingly difficult. He admitted that the conference fell short of addressing all necessary measures, leaving some stakeholders, particularly youth, Indigenous communities, and climate-affected populations, disappointed.
Guterres warned of the dangers of overshooting the 1.5°C threshold, urging humanity to treat it as an inviolable red line. He called for rapid emissions reductions, credible plans to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and enhanced climate justice, adaptation, and resilience efforts. He also stressed the urgent need for increased climate finance to support developing nations in mitigating emissions and addressing loss and damage.
While COP30 has concluded, Guterres emphasized that the global fight against climate change must continue. He pledged to advocate for higher ambitions and greater international solidarity, urging all participants to remain steadfast in their efforts. ‘History is on your side, and so is the United Nations,’ he concluded.
-
69 families receive new homes under Dominica’s Housing Recovery Project; Roberts defends programme
In a significant stride toward climate resilience, Dominica has handed over keys to 69 families for their newly constructed homes during a ceremony at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. This initiative is part of the Housing Recovery Project, which has so far built 382 homes across the island. Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, emphasized the durability of these homes, stating, “Every home we build now is concrete, with a concrete roof. The hurricanes can come, they can huff and puff, but they will not blow your house down.” She highlighted the transformative impact of the project, sharing testimonials from beneficiaries, including an elderly woman who expressed how her new home has added comfort and dignity to her life. The Housing Recovery Project is unique in the Caribbean for its homeowner-driven approach, where beneficiaries actively participated in the construction process, hiring local contractors and purchasing materials. Poponne-Skerrit acknowledged the challenges faced, such as rising global costs and difficult terrain, but underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring every dollar circulated within local communities. Acting Prime Minister Gretta Roberts defended the investment in resilient housing, citing the increasing intensity of hurricanes due to climate change. She stressed that the project aims to protect vulnerable families, reduce the need for emergency shelters, and save them from the trauma of rebuilding after disasters. Roberts affirmed that resilient housing is not just a necessity but also an investment in Dominica’s people, economy, and future.