Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Dominica’s Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Executive pays courtesy visit to President Sylvanie Burton

    Dominica’s Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Executive pays courtesy visit to President Sylvanie Burton

    In a significant demonstration of institutional collaboration, senior representatives of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Dominica conducted an official courtesy visit to Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton on January 14, 2026. The high-level delegation included Deputy Chairperson Linda Gonzalez-Peltier, National Director Kerry-Ann Remie Timothy, Youth Development Coordinator Lilia Durand, and Gold Award recipient Brandon Remie.

    The primary purpose of the meeting centered on delivering a detailed briefing regarding Dominica’s participation in two major international conferences held in Lagos, Nigeria during November 2025. These gatherings—the International Gold Event (November 15-18) and Forum 2025—convened under the patronage of HRH Prince Edward and attracted more than 300 youth leaders and program administrators from across the global network.

    The International Gold Event, a biennial celebration recognizing exceptional youth achievement, provided a dynamic platform for Gold Award recipients to share experiences, establish international connections, and inspire collective progress. Concurrently, Forum 2025 assembled global Award leaders to strategically shape the program’s future trajectory, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches to youth empowerment and development methodologies.

    During the presidential briefing, Mr. Brandon Remie provided firsthand insights gained from his interactions with international delegates and experts at the Nigerian conferences. The delegation further utilized the opportunity to present recent program accomplishments, address operational challenges, and outline future initiatives designed to expand the Award’s national impact.

    Executive leadership expressed profound gratitude to President Burton for her sustained patronage and commitment to facilitating substantive dialogue on youth development priorities, reinforcing the program’s vital role in shaping Dominica’s next generation of leaders.

  • Caribbean Court of Justice president visits Barbados to strengthen regional ties

    Caribbean Court of Justice president visits Barbados to strengthen regional ties

    Barbados is preparing to host a significant judicial delegation from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) from January 15-20, 2026. The high-level visit will be led by CCJ President Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson and includes Mrs. Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, the Court’s Registrar and Chief Marshal.

    The centerpiece of the diplomatic mission will be President Anderson’s keynote address at the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute’s (CANARI) Partners Forum, where he will address critical climate justice concerns impacting Caribbean nations. This emphasis on environmental jurisprudence comes at a crucial time for the region facing increasing climate-related challenges.

    Beyond the environmental focus, the delegation has arranged courtesy meetings with Barbados’s highest government officials, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, SC, MP; Chief Justice Leslie Haynes; and Opposition Leader Ralph Thornes, KC, MO. These strategic engagements form part of the CCJ’s institutional outreach initiative to strengthen relationships with national authorities across member states.

    This Barbados visit represents a continuation of President Anderson’s regional diplomatic efforts since assuming leadership in July 2025. His previous official travels included October 2025 courtesy calls in Guyana, where he met with President Irfaan Ali, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.

    The current mission operationalizes objectives outlined in the CCJ’s Strategic Plan 2025-2032, specifically focusing on enhancing judicial accessibility, developing regional legal partnerships, and promoting institutional transparency. Through these high-level exchanges, the CCJ aims to reinforce its role as a pivotal institution in Caribbean governance and legal integration.

  • St Vincent & the Grenadines’ newly renovated volcano observatory officially handed over

    St Vincent & the Grenadines’ newly renovated volcano observatory officially handed over

    The Eastern Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has officially commissioned its comprehensively upgraded Belmont Volcano Observatory, marking a transformative advancement in its geological disaster response capabilities. Michelle Forbes, Director of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), hailed the facility as “remarkable” during this week’s formal handover ceremony attended by senior government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Major Hon. St. Clair Leacock.

    Funded through a World Bank concessional loan totaling EC$4.696 million (approximately US$1.74 million), the ambitious infrastructure project commenced construction in March 2024. Despite encountering implementation delays due to adverse weather conditions and unforeseen complications, contractors successfully completed the renovation by December 2025.

    Forbes emphasized the observatory’s critical role in enhancing the nation’s capacity to monitor volcanic activity at La Soufrière, which last erupted in 2021 forcing widespread evacuations. “We now possess significantly improved facilities for our scientists and local monitoring team to perform their essential work,” she stated, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of seismologists, architects, engineers, and construction teams who overcame numerous challenges through coordinated problem-solving.

    The modernization initiative forms a cornerstone of the Vincentian government’s strategic framework for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience enhancement. Officials confirm the upgraded installation will provide substantially enhanced early warning capabilities, integrated data analysis systems, and improved working conditions for the Soufrière Monitoring Unit and international researchers collaborating on volcanic studies.

    While expressing hope that another eruption wouldn’t occur imminently, Forbes noted the inevitability of future volcanic events and stressed that the nation is now fundamentally better equipped to safeguard both human lives and critical infrastructure when such events eventually transpire.

  • Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica’s judicial system has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of three new magistrates in late 2025, bringing the country’s total to a full complement of eight judicial officers. Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George made the announcement during the New Law Year opening ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, marking a transformative development for the nation’s legal infrastructure.

    The newly appointed magistrates bring diverse legal expertise to their positions. Marie-Louise Pierre Louis, sworn in October 2025, transitions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with substantial criminal law experience and will primarily handle criminal matters. November saw the appointment of Pearlisa Morvan, previously from the Attorney General’s chambers, who will preside over case management hearings, civil litigation, and coroner’s court proceedings. Kimala Alfred, sworn in December 2025, joins from the legal aid clinic and will primarily oversee family and criminal cases.

    Chief Magistrate Carrette-George emphasized that this judicial expansion represents a strategic advancement in addressing systemic challenges within Dominica’s court system. The appointments are expected to significantly enhance court efficiency through improved case management protocols and specialized case allocation. This development directly targets the reduction of case backlogs that have hampered judicial timeliness, ensuring more effective disposition of legal matters across criminal, civil, and family court divisions.

    The achievement of a full magistrate complement underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and access to justice. This structural enhancement positions Dominica’s legal system for improved service delivery and operational effectiveness throughout 2026 and beyond.

  • LIVE: National Security Press Conference 15th January 2026

    LIVE: National Security Press Conference 15th January 2026

    China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully concluded its groundbreaking Chang’e-6 lunar mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. The spacecraft’s return capsule touched down precisely in Inner Mongolia’s Siziwang Banner landing zone at approximately 2:07 p.m. local time on Tuesday, carrying the first-ever geological samples collected from the moon’s far side.

    The 53-day mission demonstrated exceptional technological prowess as the spacecraft navigated the complexities of operating on the lunar hemisphere that permanently faces away from Earth. The mission architecture required a relay satellite for communications and involved sophisticated autonomous operations in the challenging terrain of the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the solar system’s largest and oldest impact craters.

    Scientific community worldwide anticipates unprecedented insights from these pristine samples, which are expected to reveal new understanding about lunar formation, the early solar system’s evolution, and planetary differentiation processes. The mission’s success significantly advances China’s lunar exploration capabilities and establishes new benchmarks for sample-return technology.

    International space agencies have extended congratulations, recognizing the mission’s contribution to global planetary science. The carefully preserved samples will undergo initial processing at specialized facilities before being distributed to research institutions for comprehensive analysis, potentially unlocking mysteries that have perplexed astronomers for decades.

  • Business Training Center and St Joseph’s University in Dominica collaborate to offer new nursing path for students

    Business Training Center and St Joseph’s University in Dominica collaborate to offer new nursing path for students

    In a strategic response to the escalating global nursing crisis, Dominica’s Business Training Center (BTC) has forged an innovative alliance with St. Joseph University. This collaboration, announced by the 27-year-old educational institution, establishes an accessible educational pipeline for nursing aspirants worldwide.

    The initiative arrives at a pivotal moment as the World Health Organization’s 2025 report acknowledges persistent disparities in healthcare workforce distribution despite overall growth in nursing numbers. Concurrently, impending U.S. policy changes set to take effect in July 2026 will dramatically restrict federal student loan funding for graduate nursing programs, imposing a $20,500 annual cap and $100,000 lifetime borrowing limit.

    BTC President Lucia Stedman characterized the partnership as “a significant milestone in our mission to provide accessible, quality education.” The institution specializes in second-chance education, with numerous graduates having advanced to obtain Bachelor’s degrees in Midwifery and other healthcare disciplines.

    The program architecture enables international students to pursue Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) qualifications through BTC’s foundational programs, which articulate directly into St. Joseph University’s LPN curriculum. Students requiring preliminary training may enroll in BTC’s Diploma in Nursing Assistant and Patient Care, which prepares them for rigorous professional nursing education.

    Beyond addressing global needs, the partnership specifically targets Dominica’s domestic healthcare education gap, where local institution capacity has failed to meet demand for nursing professionals. The collaboration also leverages BTC’s certification courses offered with UK-based Training Express, providing internationally recognized credentials that enhance employment prospects throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

    The initiative simultaneously promotes educational tourism in Dominica, offering international students affordable tuition within a supportive learning environment enriched by the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Stedman extended invitations to prospective students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and across the Caribbean to consider Dominica as their destination for building healthcare careers.

  • Environment Minister says Dominica gov’t is ensuring follow-up actions at Deux Branches quarry amidst public criticism

    Environment Minister says Dominica gov’t is ensuring follow-up actions at Deux Branches quarry amidst public criticism

    The Dominica government is facing mounting public scrutiny over quarrying operations in the environmentally sensitive Deux Branches area, with officials maintaining that environmental protections remain paramount despite growing opposition.

    Environment Minister Cozier Frederick conducted a site inspection Tuesday to address public anxieties surrounding the extraction activities linked to the International Airport project. Frederick acknowledged the government’s awareness of public concerns while emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to implementing comprehensive mitigation strategies. “We’re taking this intervention very, seriously,” Frederick stated, recognizing the visible environmental impacts inherent in quarry operations.

    The minister revealed that Deux Branches was selected based on historical precedent and material quality assessments, noting the area had been previously quarried in the 1970s for Douglas-Charles Airport improvements. Current operations border a national park and proximity to river systems and indigenous communities adds complexity to the project.

    Environmental critics, including former Chief Physical Planner Annie Edwards, have called for immediate suspension of operations, citing potential damage to river ecosystems, biodiversity, and nearby communities. These concerns reflect broader anxieties about preserving Dominica’s “Nature Island” reputation amid development pressures.

    The Forest Division has implemented a 50-meter buffer zone between quarry activities and the Northern Forest Reserve, with Assistant Forest Officer Kelvin Felix detailing specific technical measures including sediment ponds (minimum 2m wide × 3m deep) and terracing designs to control water flow and minimize sedimentation. Regular maintenance and monitoring protocols have been established to address environmental impacts.

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reinforced the government’s position during a December 2025 press conference, characterizing the airport as a strategic investment crucial for economic resilience and global connectivity. The administration maintains that halting quarrying would eliminate the only viable material source, potentially forcing environmentally harmful imports from other developing nations while increasing costs, creating supply chain uncertainties, delaying construction, and reducing local employment opportunities.

  • U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries

    U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries

    The United States is implementing an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries effective January 21, significantly expanding the Trump administration’s immigration policy framework. This development, reported by multiple international media outlets, represents one of the most comprehensive immigration restrictions enacted in recent years.

    The suspension specifically targets immigrant visas including employment-based immigration categories, while explicitly exempting non-immigrant visas such as student, tourist, and business travel documents. This distinction ensures that short-term visitors, including those attending the upcoming World Cup events, will remain unaffected by the new measures.

    This policy shift stems from a State Department directive issued last year enhancing scrutiny under the ‘public charge’ provision of immigration law. This longstanding regulatory framework permits immigration officials to deny entry to individuals considered likely to depend on public assistance programs.

    State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott clarified the administration’s position in an official statement: ‘The Department will exercise its established authority to deem ineligible those potential immigrants who would potentially become public charges and exploit the generosity of American taxpayers. Visa processing from these 75 nations will remain paused while we conduct comprehensive reassessments of immigration procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might utilize welfare and public benefits.’

    The affected nations span multiple continents, with several countries previously subject to the administration’s expanded travel ban now facing additional restrictions. The comprehensive list includes 27 African nations, 22 Asian countries, 8 European states, 13 North American and Caribbean territories, 3 South American countries, and one Oceanian nation.

    Notably affected countries include Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela among others. The policy maintains consistency with the administration’s America First immigration philosophy while generating significant implications for global mobility and international relations.

  • Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    In a significant stride toward educational safety, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence has concluded a comprehensive two-day First Aid and CPR certification program. Conducted in partnership with the international humanitarian organization IsraAID, this intensive training equipped 47 primary and secondary school teachers from across Dominica with critical emergency response capabilities.

    The curriculum delivered expert instruction in Basic First Aid techniques, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) protocols, and the proper utilization of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Participants who successfully completed the program will receive official certification through the St. John Association of Saint Lucia, ensuring adherence to internationally recognized first aid standards.

    Permanent Secretary Robert Guiste emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating: ‘This training directly enhances schools’ capacity to respond effectively to medical emergencies and accidents, aligning with our national priorities for building a safer, more resilient education system.’ He further revealed complementary measures including the procurement of first aid kits and fire extinguishers for all schools, alongside personal protective equipment for vocational teachers.

    The program represents just the initial phase of a broader safety campaign. Ministry officials announced plans to train an additional 50 educators by January 2026, with another 50-targeted during summer sessions. The recently concluded training, valued at over $8,000, was fully funded by IsraAID Dominica.

    Wynela Francis, Senior Programme Officer at IsraAID, highlighted the enduring value of the partnership: ‘First Aid and CPR training constitutes essential lifesaving knowledge. Increasing the number of trained staff directly contributes to enhanced school safety and emergency preparedness across Dominican communities.’

    Notably, the instruction was delivered by a newly established cadre of local trainers, many from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services. These facilitators were previously certified through capacity-building programs jointly organized by IsraAID and the Office of Disaster Management in 2025. This train-the-trainer model demonstrates a sustainable approach to disaster readiness by developing local expertise and building long-term resilience within the island’s education infrastructure.

  • Dominica’s DPP to legal colleagues: Take a stand for the law amidst ‘senseless’ violence

    Dominica’s DPP to legal colleagues: Take a stand for the law amidst ‘senseless’ violence

    In a powerful address marking the opening of the new legal year, Director of Public Prosecutions Sherma Dalrymple has issued a urgent mandate to legal professionals across small island states, demanding concrete action against escalating gun violence. Speaking at the State House Conference Centre, Dalrymple challenged judges, attorneys, court administrators, and prosecutors to actively champion respect for the law through decisive measures.

    The prosecution chief emphasized that legal associations must break their silence and actively educate the public about legal consequences before crimes occur. “We cannot wait until cases reach courtrooms—by then lives are already lost, families grieve, and individual liberties hang in balance,” Dalrymple asserted, criticizing passive discussions at bar association meetings while societal violence worsens.

    Dalrymple highlighted the particular vulnerability of small island communities where gun violence “runs as a disease,” casting shadows over cultural celebrations, carnivals, and holiday gatherings. She noted with concern how media reports regularly shock communities with phrases like ‘double murders’ and ‘young men in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds.’

    While acknowledging existing robust legislative frameworks within Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members—including firearms acts, anti-gang laws, and sentencing guidelines designed to deter violence—Dalrymple insisted legal professionals must shoulder responsibility rather than blaming society alone. “We must consider whether we, as justice system administrators, are truly making the law respectable while advocating against this plague,” she concluded, calling for updated protocols, guidelines, and laws through regional cooperation.