标签： Dominica

A significant capacity-building initiative is underway across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with hundreds of agricultural professionals embarking on an intensive six-week training program focused on advanced crop protection. This collaborative effort, which launched on January 26, 2025, represents a strategic partnership between the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the non-profit organization COLEAD, which specializes in sustainable agriculture.

The program employs a flexible online learning format designed to accommodate working professionals. It specifically targets farm managers, horticulturalists, production supervisors, nursery operators, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. The curriculum is structured to address critical challenges facing CARICOM member states, particularly those related to pest management, disease control, and meeting international sanitary standards.

Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager for Agriculture at the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasized the program’s significance during opening remarks. He highlighted how effective crop protection directly influences yield quality, production costs, market accessibility, and ultimately, farmer livelihoods. The training has already attracted substantial interest, with over 300 registrations and approximately 150 participants actively engaged from the outset.

The initiative aligns with CARICOM’s ambitious ‘Vision 25 x 2025 + 5’ food security framework, which aims to reduce the region’s food import expenditure by 25% through enhanced local production and improved trade capabilities. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of CARDI, further contextualized the training’s importance by noting the compounding challenges of climate change, pest-related crop losses, and stringent international trade requirements.

The educational program follows a progressive three-tier structure:

– Foundation Level: Introduces core principles of crop protection, pest identification, and the role of chemical controls within integrated management systems

– Intermediate Level: Examines pest biology, population dynamics, plant diseases, weed competition, and resistance issues with focus on yield optimization

– Advanced Level: Develops practical skills in pest monitoring, intervention thresholds, and strategy implementation using real-world case studies

Upon completion in March, participants will be equipped with enhanced capabilities to identify threats, implement appropriate interventions, and apply protection measures more efficiently—directly contributing to the region’s food sovereignty and economic resilience.

Dominica has taken significant strides in strengthening its agricultural sector through a comprehensive Food Safety and Hygiene Training Workshop held on January 28, 2026. The collaborative event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Environmental Health Unit, convened at the Prevost Cinemall to address critical food safety protocols.

The workshop formed an integral component of the Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) Initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Twelve participants representing diverse agricultural sectors including vegetable production, apiculture, and dasheen supply chains participated in the capacity-building program.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Calma Louis, Environmental Officer from the Environmental Health Unit, and with support from FAO specialists Mrs. Shan Oliver-Julien and Mrs. Amonia Paul-Rolle, the training focused on implementing enhanced food safety standards and hygiene practices. The curriculum combined practical hands-on instruction with strategic discussions about inclusive, gender-responsive approaches to agricultural development.

Participants acquired essential knowledge in proper food handling techniques, sanitation procedures, and compliance with national health regulations. This empowerment enables them to implement elevated standards within their operations, thereby contributing to more robust and secure food systems throughout Dominica.

The initiative demonstrates the sustained partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and the Environmental Health Unit to strengthen agricultural capabilities, protect public health, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. The GCAF Project continues to support farmers, producer groups, and value-chain stakeholders in adopting climate-smart methodologies, improving market readiness, and ensuring equitable participation across gender lines in vital agricultural sectors—ultimately fostering more sustainable food systems nationwide.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has emerged victorious as the domino champions in the government’s annual Public Service Games, defeating the Fire Services in a thrilling final match. The police team, consisting of Special Constable Lenny Dangleben, Inspector Delvin Blanc, Sergeant Julien Francois, and Corporal Miguel George, demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament after finishing their zone matches with three wins and one loss.

In a dramatic championship showdown, the CDPF secured a decisive victory with a final score of 1209 points against the Fire Services’ 987 points. This triumph held particular significance for the police team, who had been runners-up in the previous competition. The victory marks a remarkable comeback and demonstrates their improved performance in this year’s games.

The Public Service Games, now in its latest edition, featured participation from 19 government departments and agencies. The initiative was established to foster teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition among public officers while promoting recreational engagement across different government sectors. The domino competition represents one of the key events within the broader games framework, drawing significant interest from both participants and spectators.

Organizers emphasized that the games serve as an important platform for building relationships between different government departments while encouraging friendly competition outside of regular work environments. The CDPF released an official statement extending congratulations to the winning team for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The Dominica America Scholarship and Culture, Inc. (DASCI) has officially launched its scholarship application cycle for the 2026-2027 academic year, targeting primary school graduates across Dominica who require financial support for their transition to secondary education.

This nonprofit initiative, established in 2007 by a collective of dedicated Dominicans, has designated sixteen primary institutions for participation in this year’s program. The selected schools include Coulibistrie, Goodwill, Mahaut, Massacre, Roseau, Salisbury, St. Martin, St. Mary’s, Convent Prep, Berean Christian Academy, Campbell, Pioneer Prep, Ebenezer SDA, Kelleb Laurent Primary, Western District SDA, and Christian Union.

DASCI has confirmed the availability of a minimum of thirty scholarships for qualified students demonstrating financial need and meeting specific eligibility requirements. The application deadline has been set for May 1, 2026, with submissions accepted through both electronic mail and traditional postal services.

School principals from participating institutions have been formally notified of the program and will play a crucial role in facilitating student applications. This collaborative approach ensures that deserving candidates receive proper guidance throughout the application process.

Since its foundation, DASCI has demonstrated remarkable commitment to educational advancement, having distributed 162 scholarships totaling approximately US$106,950 (EC$288,165). The organization employs a rotational selection system for participating schools, guaranteeing equitable access to opportunities across different educational institutions over time.

Patricia David, President of DASCI, reaffirmed the organization’s mission: “Our members and supporters remain deeply motivated and committed to supporting students in need through these educational initiatives.”

Prospective applicants can obtain detailed information and access application materials through DASCI’s official online portal, which provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility criteria and submission requirements.

In a proactive move to address rising educational concerns, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has intensified its community outreach initiatives. On January 28, 2026, officers from the Community-Oriented Policing Unit attended a Parent-Teacher Association meeting at Newtown Primary School, marking a significant step in fostering collaborative security efforts.

Corporal Dion Moses, representing the CDPF, delivered a compelling address to parents highlighting critical challenges facing educational institutions. He emphasized the alarming escalation of school violence, bullying incidents, and disciplinary issues requiring immediate attention. The corporal outlined the indispensable role of parental guidance in shaping positive student behavior and academic outcomes.

Moses advocated for enhanced parental involvement in children’s daily lives, urging families to establish stronger emotional connections to better understand youth experiences. He specifically cautioned against confrontational approaches toward educators, stating, “Parents should refrain from entering school premises to engage in quarrels or heated arguments with teachers.” Instead, he recommended resolving disputes through formal channels and respectful dialogue.

The police force reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to partnering with educational stakeholders to create secure and nurturing learning environments. This initiative forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen community-police relationships while addressing systemic issues affecting youth development.

The CDPF’s statement concluded with a powerful call to action: “Through collective responsibility and sustained cooperation, we can build safer schools and more resilient communities for future generations.”