Baby Niah Felix, born at just 25 weeks gestation and weighing a mere 1.2 pounds, has defied all odds and continues to astonish her parents, Anne Charles and Thomas Felix, with her miraculous progress. Now an eight-month-old, Niah is thriving at home, achieving all the milestones of a healthy baby. Her journey began when Anne unexpectedly went into preterm labor while visiting her mother in Trafalgar. Despite the initial skepticism from hospital staff due to limited resources, Niah fought through the challenges. She spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she was placed on a ventilator and later a CPAP machine before breathing on her own. Her parents credit her survival to her resilience, the unwavering support of their family, and the dedicated care of the hospital staff. Anne and Thomas expressed their deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), who they now consider family. Niah’s story is a testament to the strength of premature infants and the critical role of specialized neonatal care. On World Patient Safety Day 2025, Health Minister Kassani Laville highlighted the remarkable outcomes of the DCFH’s NICU, which has successfully cared for over 1,100 neonates, including three born at 25 weeks gestation.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Applications for Caribbean STEM Olympiads 2026 close out on November 30
The Caribbean STEM Olympiads (CSO) 2026 is nearing its application deadline, set for November 30, 2025. Organized by the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), this prestigious competition invites students aged 13 to 21 from CARICOM member states and Associate Countries to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
To assist potential participants, the CSF will host its fourth and final informational webinar on November 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm AST. This session, accessible via Zoom, will provide comprehensive details about the Olympiad, including competition rules, entry procedures, judging criteria, and more. It also offers an interactive platform for students and educators to ask questions and engage in discussions.
The CSO features three age-based categories: Level 1 (13-15 years), Level 2 (16-18 years), and Level 3 (19-21 years). Participants can compete individually or as teams representing schools, clubs, or organizations. The competition spans three core areas: Robotics & Electronics Systems, Computer Programming, and Mathematics. Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are scheduled for mid to late December 2025, with the finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. Interested students can access the initial registration form and additional details on the official CSO website: https://caribbeanscience.org/cso/.
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Regional Security System concludes training to bolster region’s criminal investigative skills
The Regional Security System Training Institute (RSS TI) has successfully concluded its Criminal Investigation Course, a comprehensive program designed to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle complex and serious criminal activities. The intensive training brought together law enforcement officials from various Member States, focusing on modern investigative techniques and effective case management. Key topics included evidence collection, crime scene protocols, interview strategies, analytical reasoning, and leadership development. The course also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and strategic decision-making, essential for achieving consistent and high-quality investigative outcomes across the region. The program was led by Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson and facilitated by retired Canadian detectives Alan Cooke and Zaia Lazar, whose international expertise significantly enriched the training. At the closing ceremony, Deputy Executive Director of RSS, Mr. Atlee Rodney, commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their new skills to improve investigative standards within their organizations. EU Attaché Mr. Tedesco reaffirmed the European Union’s support for regional security, noting that the initiative was funded by the 11th European Development Fund. Assistant Commissioner Jefferson Clarke of the Barbados Police Service delivered the keynote address, urging participants to uphold the highest levels of professionalism in their work.
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Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has died
Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and a towering figure in American politics, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. His death, attributed to complications from pneumonia exacerbated by pre-existing heart and vascular conditions, marks the end of a storied yet polarizing career. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, though his tenure was marred by controversy and declining public approval. Born in Nebraska and raised in Wyoming, Cheney earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. His political journey began in 1969 as a Capitol Hill intern, eventually leading to roles as White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977), U.S. Congressman (1979–1989), and Secretary of Defense (1989–1993) under President George H. W. Bush. After leaving public office during the Clinton administration, Cheney became CEO of Halliburton, a prominent energy corporation. Cheney’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his advocacy for the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on unproven claims of weapons of mass destruction and Al-Qaeda ties, and his support for enhanced interrogation techniques, including torture. Despite his influence, Cheney’s approval ratings plummeted to 13% by the end of his vice presidency. In later years, he became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, whom he labeled a ‘coward’ and a threat to the republic. In a surprising move, Cheney endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the need to prioritize national unity over partisan politics.
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UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization wraps-up cocoa mission to Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent-Grenadines, and Grendada
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently concluded a comprehensive mission across four Caribbean nations—Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada—from August 6 to August 26, 2025. The initiative, led by FAO’s Cocoa Market Analysis Specialist, Mr. Gustavo Ferro, aimed to assess the current state of the region’s cocoa industry and identify pathways for sustainable development and enhanced global market positioning. Funded through FAO’s Regular Programme Funds, the project aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the specialty cocoa sector in the Caribbean. Cocoa is recognized as a key driver for bolstering local economies, supporting rural communities, and accessing premium fine-flavor markets. During the mission, FAO explored strategies to improve productivity and competitiveness, emphasizing sustainable growth for the Eastern Caribbean’s cocoa industry. Initial findings revealed that, despite variations among the four nations, the region’s network of smallholder farmers could become more competitive through improved coordination, group aggregation, and efficient logistics. The revival of the sector, driven by initiatives like bean-to-bar chocolate production, artisanal cocoa products, and traditional cocoa tea, coupled with the region’s thriving tourism industry, highlights significant prospects for origin branding, agro-tourism connections, and niche markets. Mr. Ferro engaged with various stakeholders, including Ministries of Agriculture, producer associations, cooperatives, exporters, chambers of commerce, and private processing firms. He also visited farms and processing sites to evaluate production practices, post-harvest handling, and quality control systems. Discussions with Permanent Secretaries and technical staff provided comprehensive insights into each country’s cocoa sector. The mission is expected to produce detailed situational analyses for each nation, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities along the cocoa value chain. These reports will contribute to a regional roadmap aimed at elevating the Caribbean’s positioning in the fine and flavor cocoa markets. A comprehensive report and presentation will be shared at the upcoming Subregional Dialogue and Validation Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2025. Mr. Ferro expressed optimism about the feedback received, particularly highlighting Dominica’s potential for specialized marketing due to its rich biodiversity and agroforestry systems. He also praised Saint Lucia’s modest production base, Grenada’s distinctive fine-flavor cocoa, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ resilience in preserving its cocoa heritage. Jennifer Pascal, President of the North East Cocoa Producers Cooperative in Dominica, shared her enthusiasm for the renewed energy and strong potential of the industry. Looking ahead, FAO will collaborate with the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies to host a Subregional Dialogue on the Specialty Cocoa Sector, bringing together stakeholders to validate findings, exchange best practices, and develop a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth and improved global competitiveness.
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STATEMENT: Prime Minister Skerrit’s Independence address to nation on 47th anniversary of Dominica’s independence
In a heartfelt address to the nation on Monday evening, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica marked the 47th anniversary of the country’s independence, celebrated on November 3. The Prime Minister’s speech, delivered with a tone of pride and reflection, highlighted the nation’s journey since gaining sovereignty in 1978. He emphasized the resilience and unity of the Dominican people, particularly in the face of recent challenges such as natural disasters and global economic uncertainties. Skerrit also outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. The address concluded with a call for continued national solidarity and a renewed commitment to building a prosperous future for Dominica. The full text of the speech was made available for download in PDF format, allowing citizens to revisit the Prime Minister’s message at their convenience.
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CARICOM agencies assist in unified recovery operations in Jamaica after category 5 Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have rallied together to provide aid and financial support to Jamaica for its emergency response and rebuilding efforts. A coordinated regional response is being led by key agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).
Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Andrew Holness, announced on November 2 that discussions with regional partners had focused on enhancing coordination for Jamaica’s recovery. The talks emphasized mobilizing regional assistance, reconstructing resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding public health.
CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley, expressed confidence in the agency’s efforts, which include collaboration with the Caribbean Development Partners group—a platform involving UN entities, private sector representatives, civil society, and member states. A Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) from CDEMA, comprising specialists from organizations like UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and PAHO, is currently in Jamaica conducting multi-sector evaluations. These assessments will inform the government’s strategies across critical areas such as agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism.
The Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), composed of military, police, and firefighting personnel from across the region, remains on standby for potential deployment. Additionally, the Caribbean Operational Support Team (COST) is prepared to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.
CDB President Daniel Best reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of regional unity. During his visit to Kingston, he highlighted the need for coordinated resource allocation and psychosocial support for citizens and first responders, describing the initiative as a fully integrated post-disaster response.
Other regional institutions, including the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), are also contributing to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery process.
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OP-ED: Global green shipping plan left floating
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) Net-Zero Framework (NZF), designed to combat climate change through green shipping, faces significant hurdles due to economic and political resistance. Approved for circulation in April 2025, the framework aimed to establish global standards for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping sector. However, its adoption was delayed in October 2025 due to opposition from key players, including the United States and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. labeled the initiative a ‘Global Green New Scam Tax,’ fearing increased shipping costs and economic repercussions. Saudi Arabia, a major petroleum exporter, proposed a one-year delay in voting, further stalling progress. The framework’s core elements—a global fuel standard and an economic measure—aim to reduce emissions through a carbon credit trading system. Ships exceeding emission limits would pay penalties, while low-emission vessels would earn credits. Despite its potential to drive sustainable shipping, concerns over rising consumer prices and the economic impact on oil-dependent nations have fueled resistance. Caribbean states, vulnerable to climate change but reliant on imports, abstained from voting, highlighting the complex balance between environmental and economic priorities. Economists emphasize the need to address both transition costs and the urgent realities of climate change. The pause in the NZF’s adoption underscores the challenges of aligning global climate efforts with diverse national interests. Moving forward, IMO members must work collaboratively to address concerns and advance a viable plan for reducing shipping emissions.
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LIVE: National Day Observance Ceremony 2025
In a groundbreaking development, a new AI technology has emerged, promising to redefine the way we interact with digital platforms. This innovative system, showcased in a recent demonstration, leverages advanced algorithms to enhance user experience and streamline digital processes. The technology, which has been in development for several years, is now ready for public release, marking a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence. Experts believe that this breakthrough will not only improve efficiency but also open up new possibilities for digital innovation. The demonstration, which included a series of interactive features, highlighted the system’s ability to adapt to user needs in real-time, offering a glimpse into the future of digital interaction. As the technology becomes more widely available, it is expected to have a profound impact on various industries, from e-commerce to social media, and beyond.
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Circle of Friends presents inclusive sexual health education and book at Caribbean Disability Conference
Beverley LeBlanc, representing the Circle of Friends, took center stage at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Hotel in Barbados from October 17 to 22. LeBlanc showcased a groundbreaking exhibit featuring an activity book in Braille and social stories developed by educators, designed to revolutionize inclusive sexual health education for individuals with disabilities. The initiative underscores the importance of providing comprehensive, age-appropriate, and empowering sexual health information tailored to the needs of the disabled community. The exhibit garnered significant attention, with Guyana expressing immediate interest in adopting these innovative resources. LeBlanc emphasized the critical role of regional collaboration in advancing inclusive education and ensuring equitable access to accurate information for all learners. Looking ahead, teacher training workshops are planned for the coming year to promote the widespread implementation of these tools in schools and community settings across the Caribbean.