Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Former SVG PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, joins reparations fight

    Former SVG PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, joins reparations fight

    In a significant development for the Caribbean reparations movement, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves has been appointed as Senior Advisor and Elder for The Repair Campaign. The announcement marks a strategic enhancement for the regional initiative seeking reparatory justice for historical injustices.

    Dr. Gonsalves brings unparalleled political experience to the role, having served as Prime Minister for an unprecedented 24 years from 2001 to 2025—the longest continuous tenure of any Caribbean leader. Throughout his distinguished political career, he has consistently advocated for addressing the enduring consequences of indigenous genocide, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonial exploitation.

    The former Prime Minister, affectionately known as ‘Comrade Ralph’ throughout the region, has established himself as a prominent voice for Caribbean reparatory justice. His 2015 publication, ‘The Case for Caribbean Reparatory Justice,’ stands as a foundational text in the movement, compiling speeches and essays that helped launch the International Decade for People of African Descent.

    In his new capacity, Dr. Gonsalves emphasized the compelling historical, moral, and legal foundations for reparations. ‘The Caribbean’s call is not for charity, but for justice and repair so that our people can enjoy the future they deserve,’ he stated, highlighting needs for adequate housing, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and fair wages.

    Denis O’Brien, Founder of The Repair Campaign, welcomed the appointment, noting that Dr. Gonsalves’ extensive political experience and regional insights would prove invaluable during this pivotal moment in the reparations movement. The organization aims to maintain reparatory justice as a priority for political leaders in both Europe and the Caribbean while developing practical, evidence-based solutions.

    Dr. Gonsalves expressed his commitment to collaborating with the CARICOM Reparations Commission, regional governments, advocacy groups, and grassroots campaigners to advance the Caribbean’s call for meaningful reparations through sustained joint efforts at all levels.

  • New Grand Bay fire station to house 16 officers, La Plaine facility to be funded by US gov’t

    New Grand Bay fire station to house 16 officers, La Plaine facility to be funded by US gov’t

    The Commonwealth of Dominica is significantly enhancing its emergency response capabilities through a dual strategy of infrastructure development and equipment modernization. Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security, unveiled these advancements during a formal ceremony last week for the handover of two new fire trucks to the national Fire and Ambulance Service.

    A major pillar of this initiative is the construction of two new fire stations. Work is currently underway on a facility in Grand Bay, which is designed to accommodate a contingent of 16 fire officers and will be fully equipped with the necessary operational appliances. In a parallel development, Minister Blackmoore confirmed a collaborative project with the United States Government, which has provided funding for a new emergency services building in the village of La Plaine. The contractor for the La Plaine project has already begun mobilization, with physical construction slated to commence before the end of this month.

    Beyond infrastructure, the government is also investing in state-of-the-art mobile equipment. Minister Blackmoore revealed that an additional custom-built fire truck is currently in production. He highlighted the complexity and extended timeline of such manufacturing processes, noting that it typically requires over a year to complete a single vehicle. This new unit represents a substantial investment of approximately $1.5 million (USD). While initially scheduled for delivery to Dominica in April, the Minister indicated a potential short delay, advising that the truck may now arrive around a month later than planned due to minor setbacks in the production schedule.

  • OP-ED: Is the region ready to consider the establishment of Petrocaricom? (SHRIDATH RAMPHAL CENTRE TRADING THOUGHTS)

    OP-ED: Is the region ready to consider the establishment of Petrocaricom? (SHRIDATH RAMPHAL CENTRE TRADING THOUGHTS)

    Energy security has reemerged as a critical priority for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, prompting calls for a consolidated regional approach to address growing vulnerabilities. Despite years of policy discussions aimed at developing secure, reliable, and affordable energy supplies, tangible outcomes remain limited across the region.

    The dissolution of Venezuela’s PetroCaribe initiative, established in 2005 under President Chavez, has created a significant energy void for Eastern Caribbean states. This program previously provided petroleum products under concessional financial terms, offering economic relief to small, open economies. Recent geopolitical shifts, including United States control over Venezuela’s petroleum resources, have exacerbated supply sustainability concerns, particularly for Eastern Caribbean nations.

    Dr. R. Mark Kirton, Director of the Centre for International and Border Studies in Guyana, proposes PetroCARICOM as a strategic regional mechanism to address these challenges. This initiative would leverage emerging regional energy producers, with Guyana as the leading oil producer and Suriname poised to become a near-future producer. Trinidad and Tobago’s existing refinery infrastructure at PetroTrin further enhances regional capacity potential.

    A strategically located refinery in Guyana represents a cornerstone proposal, capitalizing on proximity to Suriname’s oil fields and establishing a regional energy hub. This facility could process crude oil from both nations while creating a strategic regional energy reserve to mitigate supply disruptions during emergencies, natural disasters, or price volatility periods.

    The Caribbean Development Bank is suggested as the operational authority for a regional payment mechanism utilizing local currencies, adding financial integration to the energy cooperation framework. Such convergence around energy security could rekindle mutual trust, reduce regional fragmentation, and decrease dependence on international suppliers.

    Professor Justin Robinson’s recent commentary underscores the urgency, noting that ‘no one is coming to save us’ amid the ‘compound failure of a development model built on cushions that no longer exist.’ The PetroCARICOM proposal emerges as a potential catalyst for achieving strategic autonomy while honoring the integration vision of CARICOM’s founding leaders in 1973.

  • AgriHub emphasizes Agriculture’s contribution to inclusive development during regional conference

    AgriHub emphasizes Agriculture’s contribution to inclusive development during regional conference

    Dominica’s agricultural sector gained significant regional representation at the Caribbean Civil Society Organization Conference, held in Jamaica from February 22-25, 2026. The event, themed ‘The Shift: Igniting Civil Society’s Next Chapter,’ brought together over 120 delegates from 12 Caribbean nations with additional 600 participants joining virtually, all focused on addressing evolving development challenges through innovative approaches.

    AgriHub, representing Dominica’s agricultural interests, participated in high-level discussions covering governance, financial management, and institutional development. Founder and Executive Director Abigail Shillingford emphasized the critical need for economic empowerment within non-profit organizations during the ‘Voices of the CSO’ session. ‘We must build structured, sustainable institutions that can generate impact beyond grant cycles,’ Shillingford stated, highlighting the necessity for civil society organizations to create tangible economic value.

    The conference addressed pressing structural issues affecting Caribbean civil society, including declining international aid, increased funding competition, and more stringent accountability standards. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening governance frameworks, establishing disciplined financial systems, and engaging in long-term strategic planning as essential components for organizational growth.

    Canada’s commitment to inclusive development was reaffirmed by Abebech Assefa, Development Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. ‘Our partnerships in the region extend beyond policymakers and government institutions,’ Assefa noted. ‘We firmly believe that inclusive growth and sustainable development must include civil society.’

    For Dominica, AgriHub’s participation is expected to yield concrete benefits through enhanced governance frameworks, diversified revenue sources, and improved impact measurement capabilities. These developments aim to attract funding supporting farmers, agro-processors, and rural entrepreneurs, potentially leading to expanded training initiatives and more robust value chains.

    The conference also examined evolving collaboration models between civil society and government, showcasing case studies like Belize’s formal representation of civil society in its Senate. Shillingford highlighted administrative challenges in Dominica, noting that NGO registration can take up to three years, which hinders timely access to development funding. She advocated for modernized administrative procedures to improve transparency and accountability.

    Canada continues supporting AgriHub’s growth through targeted partnerships, including direct backing of the ‘SheHarvest’ project under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. This gender-sensitive initiative aims to equip women farmers and agro-entrepreneurs with business skills and climate-smart techniques, enhancing productivity and increasing household incomes while promoting greater agricultural market participation.

  • Commonwealth Day 2026 Message from His Majesty The King, Head of the Commonwealth

    Commonwealth Day 2026 Message from His Majesty The King, Head of the Commonwealth

    In a powerful Commonwealth Day address, the enduring spirit of the international alliance was celebrated against a backdrop of global challenges and transformative potential. The message, delivered by His Majesty the King as Head of the Commonwealth, emphasized the organization’s unique role in navigating contemporary pressures including geopolitical conflicts, environmental crises, and rapid societal changes.

    The Commonwealth, spanning oceans and continents, represents an extraordinary convergence of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity united through fundamental values of justice, democratic principles, opportunity, compassion, and mutual respect. This voluntary association of nations continues to serve as a rare forum for transparent dialogue aimed at improving living conditions for nearly three billion citizens across member states.

    Economic potential forms a crucial component of the Commonwealth’s contemporary relevance, with prosperous trade opportunities remaining substantially untapped among trusting partner nations. The organization’s demographic composition—featuring nearly two-thirds of its population under thirty years of age—positions it as a family defined by youthful energy and future possibility. This demographic reality underscores the collective responsibility to ensure younger generations inherit both hope and a viable environment for flourishing.

    Environmental stewardship emerged as a central theme, with climate change identified not as abstract concern but as immediate reality across many Commonwealth territories. The protection of oceans, preservation of forests, and pursuit of prosperity in harmony with nature were framed as intergenerational obligations extending to unborn descendants.

    The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda represents the formal manifestation of an organization strengthened daily by grassroots endeavors. The distinctive character of the Commonwealth derives not merely from governmental resolutions but from countless individual acts of service, innovation, and creative enterprise among its citizens. When leaders convene, they do so representing millions whose quiet determination and resilience give practical meaning to shared ambitions.

    Looking forward, the Commonwealth stands positioned to evolve as a sustained force for global good—community-grounded, culturally enriched, and united in friendship while advancing restorative sustainability models that yield tangible returns on investment and planetary care.

  • Millions of people around the world to celebrate Commonwealth Day on March 9th

    Millions of people around the world to celebrate Commonwealth Day on March 9th

    On March 9, 2026, the Commonwealth of Nations celebrates its annual Commonwealth Day, bringing together 56 member countries representing nearly one-third of the world’s population. This year’s observance, themed “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth,” emphasizes collaborative efforts toward creating decent employment, ensuring quality education, and fostering inclusive economic growth across member states.

    Diverse celebrations span the globe, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Commonwealth. Antigua and Barbuda feature vibrant cultural performances and children’s choirs, while United Kingdom councils conduct formal flag-raising ceremonies. Tonga organizes special educational readings for schoolchildren, Malawi hosts health-focused events, and the Maldives launches a social media campaign highlighting women’s developmental contributions. From Samoa to Saint Lucia, communities engage in memorial services, festivals, and street parades that honor local traditions.

    His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, delivered a poignant message acknowledging contemporary global challenges including conflicts, climate change, and rapid societal transformations. The monarch emphasized the organization’s resilience, stating: “Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to restorative sustainability, enriched by culture, steadfast in its care for our planet, and united in friendship and in the service of its people.”

    The traditional multi-faith Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London gathered royalty, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey, government leaders, dignitaries, and youth representatives. Hosted by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the service incorporated musical performances, dance, and readings from artists across the Commonwealth nations.

    Secretary-General Botchwey, delivering her inaugural Commonwealth Day message, characterized the occasion as both celebration and commitment: “Despite the uncertainty of our times, we choose cooperation over division, dialogue over discord, and partnership over isolation. Together, we shape a future worthy of our shared values and all our people.” Following the service, Their Majesties and the Secretary-General hosted a reception for foreign ministers, high commissioners, youth leaders, and civil society representatives.

    The observance has expanded into a week-long series of events, including the Commonwealth Investment Network Summit in London from March 9-13, 2026. This summit provides innovators from Caribbean and Pacific nations platforms to present scalable projects to international investors and policymakers.

    The Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 sovereign states encompassing 2.7 billion people, maintains a uniquely youthful demographic with over 60% of its population under age 29. Thirty-three member nations are classified as small states, many being island nations. Through its Secretariat and network of over 80 organizations, the Commonwealth supports democratic institutions, strengthens governance, promotes justice and human rights, and addresses critical global challenges including climate change, debt management, and inequality.

    This year’s celebrations underscore the Commonwealth’s enduring relevance as a global community dedicated to fostering international cooperation, environmental sustainability, and equitable opportunities for all member nations and their citizens.

  • Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation International Women’s Day 2026 message

    Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation International Women’s Day 2026 message

    On International Women’s Day, the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA) has issued a powerful regional call to action, demanding concrete progress in transforming policy commitments into tangible realities for women and girls across the archipelago. The organization emphasized that while Caribbean governments have made significant legislative strides through ratifying international conventions and enacting laws against gender-based violence, implementation gaps persist dramatically in daily lived experiences.

    The CFPA’s statement highlighted several critical areas where progress remains inadequate. Survivors of gender-based violence continue facing substantial barriers when seeking justice and support services. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare access remains inconsistent, particularly affecting adolescents, migrant populations, and remote hinterland communities. Deep-seated structural inequalities and harmful gender norms continue restricting opportunities and undermining bodily autonomy throughout the region.

    Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, CEO of CFPA, emphasized the crucial role of collaborative efforts: ‘Faith communities possess unique influence in shaping societal values and promoting compassion. When religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations unite, they establish the essential moral foundations required for sustainable transformation.’

    Board member Jade Trim further contextualized the issue: ‘Advancing sexual and reproductive rights transcends healthcare policy—it fundamentally impacts women’s economic empowerment, democratic participation, and overall sustainable development across our nations.’

    The CFPA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strengthened partnerships between governments, regional institutions, civil society organizations, and faith communities. This collaborative approach aims to ensure every Caribbean woman and girl can live free from violence, exercise autonomy over personal decisions, and participate fully in shaping societal development.

    In a region historically strengthened by solidarity among small states, the organization stressed that collective action remains imperative for confronting contemporary challenges including geopolitical pressures, widening inequality, and democratic governance concerns. The CFPA concluded that true Caribbean prosperity remains intrinsically linked to the flourishing of all women and girls throughout the region.

  • STATEMENT: Honourable Dr Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services on International Women’s Day (with audio)

    STATEMENT: Honourable Dr Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services on International Women’s Day (with audio)

    DOMINICA – In her official International Women’s Day address, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister for Social Services and Gender Affairs, outlined significant advancements in Dominica’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    The 2026 observance, themed ‘Our Giving, Our Progress: Collective Action for Balanced Progress,’ aligns with the United Nations global focus on ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.’ Dr. Williams acknowledged the nationwide participation from organizations, businesses, and community groups in creating meaningful celebrations that honor women’s contributions.

    Reflecting on progress since last year’s observance, the minister highlighted critical systemic improvements including the revitalization of the Safe Housing Program for domestic violence survivors. This initiative, supported by UN Women and CUSO International, provides secure accommodation for women and families fleeing abusive situations. Additionally, the government has strengthened gender-based violence protocols and partnered with Lifeline Ministries to enhance survivor support services.

    Dr. Williams announced two groundbreaking initiatives supported by UN Women: first, the implementation of improved gender data collection methodologies to recognize the economic value of unpaid care and domestic work predominantly performed by women; second, a pilot program offering targeted support for women receiving public assistance, including expanded childcare access, skills training, and health services to bolster economic resilience.

    The minister emphasized that these measures reflect Dominica’s commitment to creating ‘stronger communities through supporting families, valuing care, and investing in women.’ She reaffirmed her ministry’s dedication to strengthening national responses to gender-based violence, particularly for vulnerable groups including young women and single mothers.

    As part of ongoing Women’s Week activities, the Ministry will host a resource mobilization brunch and dialogue focused on gender-responsive community development, engaging community leaders and partners to develop practical strategies for advancing equality at the local level.

    Dr. Williams concluded by encouraging citizens to honor the women in their lives and reaffirmed Dominica’s vision for ‘a society where women and men, girls and boys live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity to thrive.’

  • COMMENTARY: Dominican women writing the island’s stories

    COMMENTARY: Dominican women writing the island’s stories

    On March 8th, as the global community commemorates International Women’s Day, the literary landscape of Dominica stands as a testament to the profound contributions of women in shaping cultural narratives. Beyond the conventional focus on politics and science, Dominican women authors have emerged as pivotal voices in preserving the island’s identity through diverse literary forms.

    The literary heritage traces back to Phyllis Shand Allfrey, whose seminal 1953 novel ‘The Orchid House’ pioneered the portrayal of Caribbean society through feminine perspectives. Allfrey’s dual legacy as both literary innovator and political trailblazer established an enduring connection between artistic expression and civic engagement in Dominican culture.

    Contemporary voices continue this tradition with remarkable vitality. Poet Celia Sorhaindo’s collection ‘Guabancex’ transforms the trauma of Hurricane Maria into profound meditations on resilience and healing. Her work exemplifies how Dominican literature confronts both natural beauty and vulnerability with equal poetic force.

    The children’s literature sector reveals particularly innovative storytelling. Jamie Alleyne’s ‘Why Are Onions So Sad?’ employs whimsical anthropomorphism to explore emotional intelligence, while Petrea Honychurch Seaman’s ‘Goodnight My Sweet Island’ immerses young readers in the rhythmic cadence of Caribbean nature. Bilingual authorship finds expression through Mara Etienne-Manley’s ‘I Am Dominica / Mwen Sé Dominik’, which celebrates linguistic heritage alongside cultural pride.

    Jane Ulysses Grell further enriches this tapestry by weaving oral traditions into written form, preserving the rhythmic storytelling practices intrinsic to Dominican community life. These collective efforts demonstrate literature’s role as both cultural archive and living tradition.

    For a small island nation, these literary contributions transcend aesthetic value—they serve as vital reservoirs of collective memory. Through poetry, fiction, and children’s tales, Dominican women writers capture nuances of experience that statistical data cannot convey, ensuring their island’s stories resonate beyond geographic confines.

    This International Women’s Day recognition underscores that cultural preservation occurs not merely through institutions but through individual dedication to narrative craft. The ongoing work of Dominican authors—from established figures to emerging voices—continues to enrich the Caribbean literary canon while inspiring future generations to carry forward this legacy of storytelling.

  • STATEMENT: Ms. Isiuwa Iyahen, UN Women Head of Office on International Women’s Day

    STATEMENT: Ms. Isiuwa Iyahen, UN Women Head of Office on International Women’s Day

    In a significant move to tackle gender disparities, Dominica has launched innovative programs to recognize and redistribute unpaid care work that predominantly falls on women. The announcement came from Ms. Isiuwa Iyahen, UN Women Head of Office (ad interim), during International Women’s Day 2026 celebrations under Dominica’s theme ‘Our Giving, Our Progress.’

    The Caribbean nation is addressing the global reality where women perform approximately three additional hours of unpaid domestic and care work daily compared to men. This disproportionate burden frequently restricts women’s educational opportunities, income potential, and leadership advancement.

    Ms. Iyahen highlighted compelling local examples illustrating this crisis: one mother must bring her toddler with disabilities to work due to unaffordable and unsuitable childcare options, while another single mother’s older children must skip after-school activities to care for younger siblings because safe, affordable childcare remains inaccessible.

    Through the Build Back Equal project, partially funded by the Government of Canada, UN Women and the Dominican government are implementing a pioneering approach. A specialized Labour Force Survey will now measure time allocation between women and men regarding unpaid care work—marking a critical step in data collection that will inform future policy decisions.

    Concurrently, a second pilot program under the Public Assistance Program will provide comprehensive support including childcare access, skills training, financial literacy education, and psychosocial services. These initiatives aim to foster economic independence while demonstrating concrete commitment to valuing women’s contributions.

    These efforts align with the UN’s International Women’s Day theme emphasizing ‘rights, justice, and action for all women and girls.’ The programs represent a transformative approach to creating a more equitable society where women’s unpaid labor receives proper recognition and support systems enable their full participation in social and economic life.