Brainstorming stands as one of the most potent catalysts for innovation when executed effectively. It transcends mere idea generation, fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives converge, assumptions are challenged, and breakthroughs emerge. By encouraging free thinking and suspending judgment, brainstorming unlocks creative potential and surfaces unconventional ideas. This rapid ideation process helps identify multiple pathways to address complex challenges, transforming sparks of insight into refined strategies. Collaborative brainstorming sessions also facilitate compromise and unification among conflicting viewpoints, enhancing collective problem-solving. For governments and communities, innovation is both a local asset and a strategic advantage. Community-led innovation drives economic growth, diversifies industries, and attracts international attention, partnerships, and foreign investment. Grassroots innovation provides real-time insights into needs and solutions, enabling governments to craft timely and effective policies. This bottom-up approach reduces reliance on top-down guesswork, ensuring policies are grounded in practical validity. Innovation also plays a critical role in global and regional positioning, shaping how products, services, or brands are perceived in relation to competitors. To accelerate innovation, organizations must dismantle silos—isolated mindsets that hinder collaboration and information sharing. Cross-functional collaboration reveals blind spots and opens new perspectives, fostering a culture of shared goals and mutual trust. Effective brainstorming sessions should include diverse participants: subject matter experts, community stakeholders, creative thinkers, and even skeptics who challenge assumptions. Compromise is key, as it not only creates mutually acceptable solutions but also refines them to near perfection. Innovation pushes boundaries, introducing bold and imaginative concepts that challenge legacy thinking. Fresh perspectives must align with long-term goals, ensuring relevance and resonance with actual needs while considering existing best practices. Encouraging brainstorming is a strategic imperative for forward-thinking leaders, boards, and teams. Innovation demonstrates proactive, future-focused leadership, driving competitive advantage and positioning innovators as thought leaders. It also uncovers hidden opportunities and fosters civic pride, particularly through youth-led initiatives that reduce brain drain and cultivate leadership. To ignite innovation, communities must ask: ‘What challenges are we uniquely positioned to solve?’ and ‘What would make our region a global model?’ Innovation should be our legacy—recognizing, supporting, and scaling the brilliance within our communities to drive a flourishing economy that benefits all.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
-
Skerrit addresses Barbadian Labour Party; shuns war, lauds unity for Caribbean
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has once again emphasized the importance of maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while celebrating the realization of full free movement across the region. Speaking at the annual conference of the Barbados Labour Party on Sunday, Skerrit highlighted the critical role of leadership in today’s world. ‘Leadership is more crucial now than ever,’ he stated. ‘We must stand firm on principles and honor the sacrifices of our ancestors who fought for our freedom and independence. We must always speak truth to power and ensure that the Caribbean remains a peaceful region.’ Skerrit underscored the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, advocating for dialogue and mutual respect. ‘We solve problems through discussion and diplomacy, even when we disagree,’ he said. In a significant move toward regional integration, Skerrit welcomed Barbadians to live and work in Dominica, marking a historic step in Caribbean unity. ‘History has turned the page,’ he declared. ‘Barbados, Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Belize have achieved what our parents dreamed of—full free movement among our nations.’ This initiative allows citizens to live and work across borders with dignity and rights, fostering economic and social opportunities. Skerrit expressed pride in Dominica’s partnership with Barbados, inviting Barbadians to contribute to Dominica’s growth. ‘You are welcome to live, work, and build a future in Dominica,’ he said. ‘Together, we are mighty, united in one labor pool, one shared marketplace, and one larger future for our people.’
-
Hurricane Melissa may be ‘catastrophic’ for Jamaica, say experts
Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 5 storm, the most severe classification, with wind speeds peaking at 165 mph (270 km/h). The hurricane is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, posing significant threats to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. Already, Melissa has claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with four fatalities reported. Meteorologists have issued warnings about the storm’s slow movement, which is likely to result in prolonged heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The extreme rainfall potential due to the slow motion will create a catastrophic event for Jamaica.” In response, the Jamaican government has ordered evacuations in parts of Kingston and declared the entire island as “threatened.” Forecasters predict that Melissa could strengthen further in the next 12 to 24 hours, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges to Jamaica overnight Monday and early Tuesday. The NHC anticipates that the hurricane’s core will move near or over Jamaica by Monday night, followed by southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. Despite potential fluctuations in intensity, Melissa is expected to remain a major hurricane as it traverses these regions. The NHC forecasts up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain in some areas of Jamaica over the next four days, heightening flood risks. Local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek safer shelter. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a social media post, called for thorough preparation and adherence to evacuation orders, expressing resilience with the message, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”
-
Body found on Roaseau promenade identified
Authorities have disclosed the identity of a woman discovered deceased on the Promenade in Roseau earlier today. The individual has been identified as 68-year-old Cleopatra Williams, a resident of Pottersville. Reports indicate that Williams was found unresponsive between two stalls in the area. Sources close to the investigation have revealed that she was a well-known vagrant in the community. At this stage, details surrounding the incident remain scarce, and the circumstances of her death are yet to be fully clarified. The Dominica News Online (DNO) has committed to following up on the story and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
-
STATEMENT: Message from the Caribbean Community on the passage of Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced profound concern and solidarity with the governments and citizens of Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other regional nations directly impacted by the unprecedented Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm has placed these countries in a state of heightened vulnerability, prompting urgent calls for preparedness and resilience. CARICOM has lauded the tireless efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders, who are working diligently to safeguard lives and ensure the well-being of affected populations. The organization has emphasized the critical importance of adhering to official guidance and information to mitigate the catastrophic effects of the hurricane. Furthermore, CARICOM has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a collective response to support recovery and reconstruction initiatives in the aftermath of the disaster. This includes leveraging the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to facilitate a unified and effective recovery process.
-
Calypso 2026 season events now open to artists for registration
As the 2026 carnival season draws near, the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has officially launched registration for the highly anticipated National Calypso Competition. Aspiring calypsonians are invited to sign up at Aturo Sports, located within the Prevost Cinemall in Roseau, Dominica, with a participation fee of $50. The competition promises to be a vibrant showcase of talent, with a series of events scheduled to unfold over the coming months. The eliminations are set for December 13, 2025, followed by the Quarter Finals on January 17, 2026, the Semi-Finals on January 31, 2026, and culminating in the Grand Finals on February 14, 2026. The DCA has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the evolution and popularity of Calypso music through this prestigious event. For additional details, interested parties can reach out via the contact numbers provided: 1-767-235-0573 or 1-767-618-3794.
-
OP-ED: The Caribbean united in promoting agricultural development and prosperity in the Americas
On November 4, Brasilia will host a pivotal meeting of the Americas’ agriculture ministers, including representatives from the 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, to elect a new Director General for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). This election is critical for shaping the future of agricultural policies, particularly in areas like biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, data science, robotics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. These advancements aim to reconcile the dual objectives of boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability. Agriculture must increasingly secure food, energy, and fiber supplies, generate employment, and foster rural development, thereby contributing to social stability and governance. The IICA has undergone significant repositioning over the past eight years, gaining widespread recognition across the Americas and beyond. The new Director General will need to spearhead efforts to develop and implement technological, policy, and institutional solutions to address the challenges of feeding a growing population with healthy and sustainable diets, while also generating income and employment, especially for vulnerable populations. Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, an agricultural scientist and candidate from Guyana and CARICOM, emphasizes the need for humility, transparency, and technical expertise in leading IICA. The 2025 Conference of Ministers of Agriculture is expected to be a milestone in consolidating the Americas’ role in global food security. The projected increase in the global population to 10 billion by 2050 necessitates a significant boost in food production, highlighting the responsibility of the Americas, a continent with a diverse agricultural landscape. IICA’s mission is to transform this diversity into complementarity, fostering development and prosperity through soil recovery, smart intensification, strong family farming, loss reduction, and innovation.
-
Cultural ambassador Leroy Charles calls for national recognition of Cadence-Lypso pioneer Gordon Henderson
At the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Cultural Ambassador Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles made a heartfelt plea for the Dominican government to officially honor Gordon Henderson, the musical pioneer behind the nation’s first indigenous genre, Cadence-lypso. Addressing a vibrant audience, Charles emphasized the profound influence of Henderson and his band, Exile One, who revolutionized Dominica’s music scene in 1973. ‘Before 1973, Dominica’s musicians played global tunes,’ Charles remarked. ‘But Henderson and Exile One gave us Cadence-lypso, a genre that defines our cultural identity and makes the World Creole Music Festival possible.’ Charles urged the government to commemorate Henderson and the late Fitzroy Williams, Exile One’s keyboardist, by naming a landmark or institution in their honor. Henderson, present at the event, responded modestly, stating, ‘No one is a prophet in this country.’ Charles also highlighted Henderson’s pivotal role as the overseas coordinator of the inaugural WCMF in 1997, which brought international media attention to Dominica. ‘Let’s honor our heroes,’ Charles implored. ‘Let’s recognize those who paved the way for us.’ The festival, now a cornerstone of Dominican culture, owes its existence to the legacy of Cadence-lypso, Charles asserted.
-
Discover Dominica officials say ‘based on reviews from public’ WCMF25 was a success
The 25th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), held from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica, has been hailed as a resounding success. Organized by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the festival showcased a vibrant mix of local and international talent, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Creole music. The event’s CEO, Marva Williams, emphasized the significance of this milestone year, highlighting the inclusion of over 10 music genres and a strong focus on local artists. The festival’s theme, “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,” resonated deeply with attendees. The final night featured electrifying performances by Trinidad & Tobago’s Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, alongside other notable acts such as Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, St. Lucia’s Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” and the legendary Kassav. Despite the absence of international superstar Kehlani, whose charter flight was canceled due to Hurricane Melissa, the festival delivered an unforgettable experience. Williams noted the challenges faced but expressed pride in the event’s success, citing positive public feedback and the festival’s ability to evolve and grow. Detailed attendance and financial figures are still being compiled, but the event has already cemented its place as a cornerstone of Caribbean cultural celebration.
-
IOM formulating early response for Jamaica awaiting Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has swiftly initiated early response measures to bolster the nation’s preparedness and safeguard vulnerable populations. The IOM is collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of essential relief and protection services to communities most at risk. Meteorological forecasts predict severe weather conditions, prompting urgent action to mitigate potential devastation. The organization’s proactive strategy emphasizes disaster risk reduction, emergency shelter provision, and the protection of displaced individuals. This coordinated effort underscores the IOM’s commitment to supporting Jamaica in navigating the challenges posed by the impending hurricane, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.