标签： Dominica

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus has announced the appointment of Elia Grant-Fraser as the new Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), effective August 1. With over a decade of service at UWI, including her recent role as Acting Director of CETL since 2023, Grant-Fraser brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation in education. Her extensive career spans more than 30 years, during which she has held various senior positions in the Academic Programming and Delivery (APAD) Division, including Curriculum Development Specialist, Production Manager, and Head of the Online Programmes Delivery Department. One of her notable achievements includes leading the creation of a Multimedia Production Studio at the Global Campus in Trinidad, a project funded by Global Affairs Canada as part of the Strengthening Distance Education in the Caribbean (SDEC) initiative. This studio, housed in a repurposed 40-foot shipping container, has become a vital resource for the campus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grant-Fraser played a pivotal role in designing and delivering training courses for ministries in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, supporting adult education programs. Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Educational Technology from Concordia University and a Bachelor’s in Education from UWI St. Augustine. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research focuses on students’ cognitive presence in online courses. Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Francis O. Severin praised her appointment, highlighting her qualifications and dedication to advancing online and distance education. The UWI leadership expressed confidence in her ability to drive innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus has officially appointed Mrs. Elia Grant-Fraser as the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), effective August 1. With a career spanning over three decades in education, Mrs. Grant-Fraser brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation to her new role. She previously served as the Acting Director of CETL since 2023 and has held various senior positions within the Academic Programming and Delivery (APAD) Division at UWI Global Campus. Her contributions include leading the establishment of a Multimedia Production Studio, a project funded by Global Affairs Canada, which has become a cornerstone for educational resources at the campus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in designing and delivering training courses for government ministries in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, supporting adult education programs. Mrs. Grant-Fraser’s career also includes significant roles in distance education, such as her work with the National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago (NOSTT) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). Her academic credentials include a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Bachelor’s in Education, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at UWI St. Augustine. Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Francis O. Severin praised her appointment, highlighting her qualifications and dedication to advancing online and distance education. The UWI Global Campus leadership has expressed confidence in her ability to drive innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.

The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to achieve a significant milestone on September 26, 2025, with the establishment of its first-ever Trade Union Congress (TUC). This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), aims to consolidate the nation’s diverse trade unions into a unified representative body. The move is designed to amplify efforts in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and broader social justice reforms. The DPSU highlighted that the idea of unifying trade unions had been a long-standing discussion in Dominica, but persistent efforts and strategic planning have now turned this vision into reality. Since April 3, 2025, four major trade unions—the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU), and the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU)—have collaborated closely through a dedicated steering committee. This initiative has received consistent support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The inaugural Congress, themed ‘Consolidating Trade Union Power Through Unity and Solidarity,’ will feature a keynote address by Mr. Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the ILO. The DPSU emphasized the Congress’s mission to champion decent work, social justice, and the respect and value of workers, proclaiming, ‘Long live the Trade Union Movement.’

The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to achieve a significant milestone on September 26, 2025, with the establishment of its first-ever Trade Union Congress (TUC). This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), aims to consolidate the nation’s diverse trade unions under a single representative body. The TUC will focus on advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and broader social justice initiatives, marking a transformative step for labor rights in the country. The DPSU emphasized that the creation of the TUC is the culmination of years of discussions and strategic planning, transforming a long-held vision into reality. Since April 3, 2025, four major trade unions—the DPSU, Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU), and Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU)—have collaborated closely through a dedicated steering committee. This effort has been supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of the TUC. The inaugural Congress will be held on September 26, 2025, under the theme “Consolidating Trade Union Power Through Unity and Solidarity.” Mr. Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the ILO, will deliver the keynote address. The DPSU expressed its enthusiasm, stating, ‘Trade Unions stand for decent work, for social justice, and for those who work to be valued and respected. Long live the Trade Union Movement.’

The 2025 hunting season in Dominica has officially begun, running from September 22 to December 31, as announced by the Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division of the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Upliftment. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license to participate, ensuring compliance with national wildlife conservation laws. Additionally, the sale and limited export of wildlife or its parts will be permitted from September 23, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with export permits mandatory for any such transactions. The ministry has issued a stern warning that unauthorized sale or export of wildlife will result in legal penalties, including fines of five thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD 5,000) per offense. Licensed hunters are allowed to target specific species during the season, including crabs from the Gercarcinidae family, agouti, and manicou (opossums). However, hunting or fishing in freshwater streams without a license is illegal, and the hunting of other species such as frogs, birds, snakes, and iguanas is strictly prohibited. Violators face fines of two thousand five hundred dollars (XCD 2,500) per offense. Hunting licenses and export permits are available for purchase starting September 22 at the Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks Division office on Windsor Park Link Road, as well as at the Sub-Treasuries in Portsmouth and Marigot. The division emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in conserving and sustainably managing Dominica’s natural resources. For further details, individuals can contact the division at Tel. 266-5863 or 266-5852.

Hon. Octavia Alfred, Dominica’s Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, is poised to take on the role of Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Education. This leadership transition will occur during the 10th Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers for Education (COM:Edu), set for September 25–26, 2025, at the State House Conference Center in Roseau. The event, as detailed in a Ministry of Education media release, will bring together education ministers and senior officials from OECS member states to discuss and advance the objectives of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026. The OESS, designed to address the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States, provides a framework for transformative educational reforms across the region. Key agenda items include inclusive education, improving learning outcomes, and comprehensive system reforms. Participants will also collaborate with development partners and regional agencies to strengthen collective efforts on educational initiatives. The meeting aims to modernize primary school curricula, enhance early grade assessments, expand access to quality early childhood education, and promote inclusive teaching practices. Additionally, efforts will focus on accelerating the implementation of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem by expanding digital infrastructure, increasing device availability, integrating high-quality digital content, and improving digital literacy among teachers and students. The event will also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches, enabling member states to learn from each other’s successes and scale effective strategies. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations will be crucial to coordinating expertise, funding, and policies to drive systemic improvements across the OECS. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 AM.