The University of the West Indies Global Campus in Dominica will host its annual Graduation Recognition Ceremony on February 5, 2026, at the Truth & Grace Fellowship Global Church, commencing at 10:00 AM. This special event celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of 48 graduating students who have demonstrated extraordinary academic excellence.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Congratulations Arianna Challenger, new Carnival Princess
In a spectacular display of talent and cultural celebration, Arianna Challenger from Paix Bouche Primary School emerged victorious as Dominica’s Carnival Princess 2026. The prestigious coronation ceremony unfolded Sunday evening at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, transformed into a vibrant Carnival City for the occasion.
Challenger’s triumph was particularly remarkable as she secured an impressive quartet of awards, demonstrating exceptional prowess across multiple competition categories. Her outstanding performance earned her the distinctions of Best Costume, Best in Costume, Best Talent, and Best in Party Dress, establishing her as the clear frontrunner throughout the competition.
The event featured three exceptional finalists representing primary schools across Dominica. Shanell Benjamin of Woodford Hill Primary School claimed the First Runner-Up position, receiving recognition for Miss Intelligence, Best in Party Dress, Best Party Dress, and the esteemed Miss Congeniality award. Fanayé Shillingford from Bagatelle Primary School earned Second Runner-Up honors, capturing both Miss Photogenic and The People’s Choice Award.
This annual competition showcases the rich cultural heritage of Dominica through the talents of its youth participants. The Carnival Princess pageant serves as a platform for young students to demonstrate artistic expression, intellectual capability, and cultural awareness through various performance categories. The event draws significant community support and represents an important tradition in Dominica’s cultural calendar, highlighting the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural identity through youth engagement.
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OP-ED: Seven years, 80,000 signatures, and still no major CXC reform
For seven consecutive years (2019-2026), CARICOM’s educational system has faced escalating crises surrounding examination administration, compelling students, parents, and educators to become reluctant advocates for basic fairness. With over 80,000 signatures across multiple petitions, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has transformed from a regional pride to a source of persistent public outcry.
The crisis began in 2019 when the CSEC Mathematics exam was compromised by widespread cheating, with videos circulating of students using mobile phones during testing. The incident revealed critical security vulnerabilities and inadequate invigilation procedures.
In 2020, confidence in CXC’s grading system collapsed when thousands of high-performing students received unexpectedly low grades. International testing experts later identified grade compression—a statistical or algorithmic error—as the probable cause, affecting approximately 20,000 students. The region’s response contrasted sharply with the UK’s compassionate handling of a similar crisis.
The pandemic year of 2021 revealed further institutional rigidity as CXC maintained traditional exam structures despite students facing lockdowns, financial hardship, family illnesses, digital inequities, and the trauma of the La Soufrière eruption. Four petitions totaling over 30,000 signatures called for modified approaches, with Jamaica’s Education Minister and UNICEF offices across the region joining the appeals.
Security breaches resumed in 2023 with the CSEC Mathematics Paper 2 leak, prompting 18,000 students to demand the compromised paper be discarded. In 2024, the CAPE Chemistry exam faced criticism for being misaligned with the syllabus and containing ambiguous questions, generating another 2,500 signatures demanding accountability.
This pattern creates a moral contradiction for CARICOM, whose leaders champion international reparations for historical injustices while tolerating educational inequities affecting their own children. The contrast becomes particularly stark when comparing CXC’s approach to Cambridge’s meticulously planned 2023-2033 e-testing rollout, which includes phased implementation, pilot testing, and accommodations for digital access disparities.
The petitions collectively represent a regional diagnostic revealing systemic weaknesses: fragile exam security, opaque grading processes, insufficient stakeholder engagement, inconsistent crisis responses, and quality assurance challenges. Yet they also demonstrate the Caribbean people’s enduring commitment to educational integrity and institutional accountability.
As trust declines, financially privileged families increasingly turn to private alternatives, threatening CXC’s legacy and CARICOM’s educational cohesion. The resolution now depends on whether regional leaders will treat these petitions as catalysts for reform or continue to dismiss them as mere complaints, ultimately determining whether exam fairness will become a CARICOM-wide election issue.
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PRESS RELEASE: Cricket West Indies and apparel partner Macron unveil official playing kits for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially revealed the new playing kit for the Men’s team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking the decade anniversary of their historic 2016 global tournament sweep. Developed in collaboration with technical partner Macron, the kit embodies the region’s cricketing legacy and unifying spirit.
The design prominently features the iconic maroon base with yellow and light-blue accents on the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. A striking abstract graphic of palm tree leaves—symbolizing Caribbean identity—adorns the front, representing strength and regional togetherness.
Rupert Hunter, CWI Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the kit’s significance: “This represents far more than match apparel; it embodies the collective passion and ‘Maroon Spirit’ of 15 Caribbean nations under a single sporting flag. It honors our unmatched cricketing legacy while connecting with our global fanbase.”
The launch coincides with a special promotional offer: fans purchasing the jersey before the tournament concludes on March 8th will be entered to win one of two prizes—a team-signed jersey or bat from the 2026 squad.
Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, noted the partnership’s significance: “Working with West Indies allowed us to bring our vision to elite-level international cricket. Our presence at this World Cup with four national teams confirms Macron as the tournament’s most represented brand.”
The kit merges heritage elements with contemporary design, technical performance, and sustainability features. Available for purchase through windiescricket.com and macron.com, it will debut during West Indies’ Group C matches against Scotland (February 7th), England (February 11th), Nepal (February 15th), and Italy (February 19th).
Fans can follow the tournament through ESPN Caribbean and daily updates on Windies’ digital platforms.
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Cuban Ambassador to Dominica meets with solidarity group and Cuban graduates
In a significant demonstration of international camaraderie, the Cuban Embassy in Dominica orchestrated a diplomatic gathering on January 29th, uniting Ambassador Miguel Fraga with representatives from the Solidarity Group with Cuba and the Association of Graduates in Cuba. The assembly served as a platform for comprehensive dialogue regarding Cuba’s contemporary socio-economic landscape.
Ambassador Fraga delivered a thorough exposition of Cuba’s ongoing economic and political difficulties, highlighting the profound consequences of the prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade. He articulated how these sanctions have precipitated substantial hardships for the Cuban populace and contributed to the nation’s economic constraints and global marginalization.
The convocation further illuminated the robust educational partnership between the two nations. Since the initiation of academic exchanges in 1979, more than 400 Dominican scholars have completed advanced studies in Cuba. This academic pipeline has yielded exceptional dividends for Dominica’s public health infrastructure, with over 120 medical professionals returning to enhance domestic healthcare services and national development initiatives.
The timing of this diplomatic engagement holds particular significance, coinciding with two imminent historic milestones: the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Dominica and Cuba, and the centennial commemoration of Fidel Castro Ruz’s birth. Attendees deliberated appropriate commemorative activities to honor these occasions and reinforce the nations’ shared historical bonds.
The proceedings culminated in a mutual reaffirmation of sovereignty, international solidarity, and cooperative partnership. Both parties expressed unwavering commitment to maintaining their bilateral relationship, which remains grounded in mutual respect and enduring friendship despite external pressures and global challenges.
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Dominican official joins colleagues in Grenada for workshop on high-resolution land degradation reporting
Grenada is currently hosting a pivotal five-day regional workshop focused on enhancing land conservation reporting capabilities across Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event, which commenced on February 2 and continues through February 6, brings together twenty-six environmental specialists including Josh Baron from Dominica’s Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks.
The technical workshop, formally titled ‘Regional Technical Workshop on High-Resolution SDG 15.3.1 and PRAIS SO1 Reporting for Caribbean SIDS,’ represents a significant capacity-building initiative for the region. Participants from all 13 Caribbean SIDS will engage in an immersive program designed to strengthen national reporting mechanisms on land degradation through advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.
Core curriculum components include sophisticated training in high-resolution land cover analysis, assessment of land productivity trends, precise measurement of soil organic carbon, and comprehensive integration of these indicators into Sustainable Development Goal 15.3.1 evaluations. Additionally, attendees will develop specialized skills in generating PRAIS-compliant datasets with complete metadata documentation.
A primary objective of this gathering is the establishment of a Caribbean GIS Community of Practice dedicated to land degradation monitoring and Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) initiatives. This professional network will support ongoing implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) through the Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS) platform.
The workshop is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serving as Implementing Agency and the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) acting as Executing Agency. Technical training is delivered in collaboration with Apacheta, creating a robust multilateral partnership aimed at strengthening regional environmental governance and sustainable land management practices.
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PRESS RELEASE: IICA Director General and CAF President and Vice President discuss the role of financing in expanding scientific and technological revolution in agriculture of the Americas
In a significant development for hemispheric agriculture, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean have established a strengthened partnership to address critical funding gaps in the agricultural sector. The alliance was formalized during the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 in Panama City, where IICA Director General Muhammad Ibrahim met with CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz Granados and Vice President Christian Asinelli.
The high-level meeting, attended by numerous heads of state and government ministers, focused on creating innovative synergies between the development bank and the specialized agricultural agency. Key discussion areas included health initiatives, soil restoration projects, water resource management, and development programs for specific crops. Díaz Granados outlined CAF’s ambitious Agricultural Prosperity Strategy, which aims to provide $8.5 billion in financing by 2030 with emphasis on social and territorial inclusion.
Director General Ibrahim, who assumed his position in January 2026, emphasized the urgent need to bridge the financial divide preventing widespread adoption of agricultural technologies. “Clearly, input costs are rising, and this affects competitiveness,” Ibrahim stated during forum sessions. “Financial considerations must be a central component of any strategy aimed at transforming food systems to satisfy increasing demands.”
The IICA leader detailed how the organization has been developing innovative programs to provide guarantees helping small farmers overcome credit access barriers. He explained that while science offers numerous solutions to boost productivity and improve resilience, many cannot advance beyond initial stages due to financing limitations, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and insufficient infrastructure.
CAF Vice President Asinelli highlighted IICA’s pivotal role in reinforcing Latin America and the Caribbean’s position as a solution to global challenges, noting that agriculture remains a structural mainstay of regional economies despite financial obstacles affecting productivity.
Beyond the CAF meetings, Director General Ibrahim engaged in multiple bilateral discussions with regional leaders including Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill, Panama’s Ambassador to the OAS Ana Irene Delgado, and Portuguese Parliament Member Paulo Neves, who also serves as President of the Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean in Portugal.
During the forum’s panel discussions, particularly the session on “Agriculture and Food for the Sustainable Transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Ibrahim advocated for stronger alliances between scientific and financial stakeholders. He emphasized the need to develop diverse financial mechanisms that account for the realities small farmers face while promoting sustainable food production systems and accessible healthy diets.
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New independent guide promises authentic approach to traveling and life in Dominica
A groundbreaking collaborative publication titled “Traveling and Living in Dominica – The Perfect Guide for Those Who Want to Enjoy Life” has emerged as a transformative resource for those seeking authentic engagement with the Caribbean nation. Co-authored by independent essayist and journalist Guy Boulianne alongside other contributors, this comprehensive work deliberately diverges from conventional tourist-centered narratives to offer a nuanced examination of the island’s realities.
The guidebook presents an uncompromisingly honest depiction of Dominica’s landscape, culture, and societal structure, drawing extensively from the lived experiences of its contributors. Rather than promoting an idealized paradise, it examines the conscious resistance to mass tourism while providing practical guidance for visitors, prospective residents, retirees, and those exploring alternative lifestyles.
Covering an extensive range of topics including travel logistics, immigration procedures, residency options, cost of living, housing, healthcare, education, and long-term community integration, the publication balances practical advice with cultural and social analysis. A dedicated chapter explores the vibrant arts scene, highlighting how cultural expression functions as a living aspect of island life rather than mere tourist attraction. The work features institutions like the Division of Culture and the Waitukubuli Artist Association, alongside profiles of local artists including painter Ellington Moses, presenting them as integral to the nation’s creative identity.
The authors emphasize a sober, analytical tone throughout, addressing both advantages and challenges of island living while stressing themes of responsibility, adaptation, and respect for local realities. This approach aims to equip readers with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about engaging with Dominica beyond superficial tourism.
Available in both print and digital formats through Amazon and selected online retailers, this guide represents a significant departure from promotional travel literature, prioritizing authenticity and cultural understanding over romanticized depictions of Caribbean life.
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IN PICTURES (WITH VIDEO): UWP rally Sunday 1st February 2026
The political landscape in Dominica has been significantly reshaped following the abrupt resignation of two prominent opposition figures. Rosie Felix, the former Deputy Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), and Edlyn Harris, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, have both stepped down from their respective positions, sending shockwaves through the nation’s political sphere.
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PM Skerrit to attend summit for world governments in Dubai
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica will represent the nation’s interests at the prestigious World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 3-5. The high-level gathering, themed “Shaping Future Governments,” brings together global leaders to address pressing international challenges through innovative governance solutions.
During the summit, Prime Minister Skerrit will actively participate in two critical roundtable discussions focusing on global investment trends and the transformation of international tourism. His involvement is strategically positioned to highlight Dominica’s unique perspective as a small island developing state facing disproportionate climate vulnerabilities.
The Dominican leader’s agenda emphasizes four key developmental pillars: climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable investment frameworks, renewable energy transition, and inclusive economic growth. This participation underscores Dominica’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of global discussions concerning sustainable development and climate justice.
While Prime Minister Skerrit attends the Dubai summit, domestic governance responsibilities will be temporarily assumed by Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, ensuring continuous governmental operations during the Prime Minister’s diplomatic mission.