The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is set to host ‘Gospel Night 2025’ this evening, marking a highlight of the ongoing ‘Police Week 2025’ festivities. The event will commence at 7:00 P.M. at the Police Headquarters, promising an evening of spiritual enrichment and communal unity. Organizers describe the night as an opportunity for attendees to experience a soul-lifting, atmosphere-shifting gathering filled with praise, worship, testimonies, and deliverance. The CDPF has extended an open invitation to the public, urging citizens to come together as one nation to glorify God. The event will feature performances by renowned gospel ministers, including Jerry Lloyd, the Hill Top Singers, and the Campbell Pentecostal Church (CPC), among others. Police Week 2025, themed ‘Serving with Pride, Protecting with Purpose,’ began on November 16 with a church service in Laplaine, followed by a Guard of Honour, an official opening ceremony, and an exhibition launch on November 17. The week-long celebration includes school visits, radio programs, exhibitions, and special events from November 18 to 21, culminating in a fitness festival, talent night on November 22, and an awards ceremony on November 23. According to the CDPF, these activities underscore their commitment to dedicated service and fostering stronger connections with the communities they serve.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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OP-ED: COP30 – Urgent financing to transform agrifood systems
Climate change has transitioned from a distant threat to an immediate reality, profoundly impacting agrifood systems and jeopardizing global food security. Its effects are multifaceted, influencing agricultural yields, water resources, pest dynamics, disease proliferation, and even the nutritional value of crops due to changes in atmospheric CO₂ levels. In 2024 alone, climate shocks triggered food crises in 18 countries, leaving 72 million people in severe food insecurity. Hurricane Mellisa, which devastated Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of such events on food systems. Over the past 50 years, climate change has reduced global cereal yields by 2%-5%, with maize yields in Latin America declining by approximately 5%. Since 1961, global agricultural productivity has dropped by 21%, equivalent to losing seven years of progress. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need to transform agrifood systems through accelerated mitigation and adaptation measures. However, achieving this requires addressing a significant financing gap. In 2023, only 4% of climate-related development financing was directed toward agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry, leaving vulnerable nations ill-equipped to adapt and transition to sustainable models. To build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, climate financing must prioritize agriculture and rural livelihoods. Without adequate resources, international commitments will remain hollow promises. COP30 emerges as a pivotal moment to address these challenges. Initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), spearheaded by Brazil with World Bank support, aim to mobilize $25 billion from countries and $100 billion from private investors for global forest conservation. This innovative approach highlights the economic potential of sustainability. The early approval of the COP30 agenda reflects political will to advance climate financing, energy transition, and resilience. However, translating commitments into actionable targets with clear deadlines and real resources is essential. The FAO is championing strategies that integrate mitigation and adaptation, such as integrated fire management, supported by 50 countries. COP30 must place agriculture, food security, and the role of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities at the forefront of global discussions. The future of food, sustainability, and global stability hinges on COP30 marking the dawn of a new era in climate action centered on agrifood systems.
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STATEMENT: UWP calls for reinstatement of a birth certificate and photo ID in confirmation process
The United Workers Party – Team Dominica has issued a pressing appeal to the Electoral Commission, urging the immediate withdrawal or reversal of SRO 39. The party advocates for the reinstatement of SRO 27 of 2025, which permits the use of a birth certificate alongside a photo ID for voter confirmation. This call comes in response to the potential disenfranchisement of thousands of Dominicans who either lack the IDs mandated by SRO 39 or face significant challenges in obtaining them. The party warns that the Commission’s oversight could lead to the removal of eligible voters from the electoral list, undermining the integrity of the democratic process. Additionally, the party highlights the logistical hardships faced by voters in remote villages such as Morne Prosper, San Sauveur, and Warner, where confirmation centers are absent. In the Roseau North Constituency, the largest in Dominica, only two centers are available, forcing communities to incur additional costs and inconvenience to confirm their voter status. To address these issues, the party proposes that enrollment officers rotate across constituencies during the confirmation period, ensuring accessibility and minimizing costs for voters. Furthermore, the party calls for the immediate resumption of new voter registration in alignment with Article 17 (1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which mandates continuous registration. The United Workers Party emphasizes that the Commission’s failure to act promptly could severely damage the electoral process, preventing thousands of eligible Dominicans from exercising their right to vote. The party urges swift action to safeguard the nation’s democratic traditions and ensure the fairness of future elections.
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Cloudflare outage disrupts major websites and internet services
Early Tuesday morning, a substantial portion of the internet faced significant disruptions, impacting a range of popular websites and online platforms. The root cause of the outage was traced back to a malfunction within Cloudflare, a leading provider of internet infrastructure services, as reported by The Independent. The incident left users unable to access several high-profile sites, including Twitter/X, ChatGPT/OpenAI, and local outlets like Dominica News Online. The disruption lasted for several hours before Cloudflare managed to identify and resolve the issue. During the outage, users attempting to visit platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and Letterboxd, a film review site, encountered error messages indicating that Cloudflare’s technical difficulties were preventing pages from loading properly. Cloudflare is a critical player in the modern internet ecosystem, offering essential services that ensure website availability and security, including tools to defend against cyber threats and maintain online presence during high traffic periods. Interestingly, the outage also impacted Down Detector, a website that tracks internet service interruptions, which itself experienced issues due to the glitch. As of now, the issues appear to have been resolved.
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Bridging the Banking Divide Through Blockchain Solutions in Caribbean Nations
The Caribbean region is grappling with a profound financial inclusion crisis, with nearly two-thirds of its 45 million residents lacking access to formal banking services. This issue is exacerbated by infrastructural limitations and the geographical isolation of island nations, posing a significant threat to economic growth. However, energy-efficient blockchain systems, particularly those employing proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms like Cardano, offer a promising solution to bridge this gap while supporting climate resilience goals.
Financial exclusion remains a pressing concern across the Caribbean. While 70% of adults in Latin America and the Caribbean had financial accounts in 2024, this figure still trails the global average for low- and middle-income countries by five percentage points. Disparities are stark: Jamaica reports 22% of its population as unbanked, while Trinidad and Tobago recorded 19% in 2022. Rural communities and women are disproportionately affected, facing barriers such as mistrust in banking systems, limited financial literacy, and high costs.
Blockchain technology emerges as a transformative tool to address these challenges. Unlike traditional banking, which relies on extensive physical infrastructure, blockchain systems operate through mobile devices and internet connectivity, making them ideal for remote areas. Proof-of-stake protocols, such as those used by Cardano, are highly energy-efficient, consuming minimal power per transaction and aligning with the Caribbean’s sustainability objectives.
The modular architecture of blockchain platforms allows for seamless updates without compromising security, a critical feature for resource-constrained economies. With mobile penetration rates exceeding 100% in many Caribbean territories, blockchain-based financial services can leverage existing networks to reach underserved populations. Digital wallets and tokenized infrastructure projects further reduce costs and enhance accessibility for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Caribbean governments are increasingly embracing digital transformation. Jamaica’s National Identification System and Barbados’s focus on broadband connectivity and e-commerce exemplify efforts to modernize economies. Financial technology startups in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are also expanding access through mobile wallets and online lending solutions. In 2024, 37% of adults in the region reported having mobile money accounts, marking a 15-percentage-point increase from 2021.
Blockchain’s energy efficiency aligns with the Caribbean’s climate resilience strategies. Nations like Barbados are integrating digital tools for climate risk identification and resilience planning. Proof-of-stake protocols, which consume significantly less energy than traditional cryptocurrencies, support both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
However, successful blockchain adoption requires addressing barriers such as funding limitations, talent shortages, and regulatory inconsistencies. Microfinance institutions in Central America and the Caribbean have demonstrated the viability of digital solutions through inclusive financial products. Regional cooperation through organizations like CARICOM can harmonize regulations and foster innovation.
In conclusion, blockchain technology offers the Caribbean a unique opportunity to overcome traditional banking constraints and achieve financial inclusion. By leveraging energy-efficient systems and existing mobile networks, the region can drive inclusive economic development while advancing its climate resilience goals.
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Dominican-led New Jersey youth basketball program achieves #1 ranking
Pro Dev Unlimited, a grassroots basketball initiative founded by Dominican native Khalil Brown, has risen to prominence as New Jersey’s top independent basketball program, according to NJHoopsHub, a leading sports media outlet. The organization, dedicated to youth athletic training and personal development, has achieved remarkable success, including facilitating over $2 million in athletic and academic scholarships and securing more than 100 championship titles. Pro Dev’s mission is to provide overlooked athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the court. Its holistic approach includes collaborations with institutions like the Johnson Brown Academy and Passion Pursuit Academy, focusing on academic and athletic growth. Additionally, Pro Dev partners with Prociety, led by Marques Johnson, and the Left Coast Legends AAU team, which has earned national recognition in youth basketball. The program’s effectiveness is evident in its alumni, including NBA players like Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia, as well as athletes who have visited prestigious NCAA Division I programs. Founder Khalil Brown emphasized the organization’s commitment to scaling its impact globally, with expansion plans in key U.S. markets and international locations like Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Pro Dev is also launching an American football program and partnering with New Jersey Elite to compete in the Nike EYBL Circuit starting in 2026. The organization is actively seeking corporate and philanthropic partnerships to support its mission of transforming young lives through sports and education.
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UPDATE: Police investigate shooting death in Silver Lake
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting death of Eddie Anthony James, a 32-year-old resident of Silver Lake. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025, when James was fatally shot inside his home by unidentified attackers. Acting Superintendent Chaucer James, head of the Criminal Investigation Department, confirmed the details and urged the public to assist with the ongoing investigation. A man previously held in custody has been released pending further inquiries. Superintendent James emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, stating that such violent behavior is detrimental to society. He assured the public that the police are committed to preventing such incidents and called for community cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Dominican team to bring Creole cuisine to 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival
Dominica is poised to make a grand impression at the 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival, as the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) prepares to participate in the event’s grand finale on November 22. The festival, running from November 11 to 22, is one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious culinary gatherings, attracting chefs, food enthusiasts, and tourism professionals from across the region. Dominica’s participation aims to highlight the island’s burgeoning food tourism sector and its rich Creole culinary heritage. Leading the Dominican delegation is Chef Nyanda, who will conduct live cooking demonstrations, while Ms. Makerah George, the Marketing Executive for the Caribbean, will engage with festival partners to promote Dominica’s culinary offerings and its growing reputation for authentic gastronomic experiences. Chef Nyanda will showcase two signature dishes: Codfish Sancoche with Smoked Chicken, and Calalloo Rosemary Vinaigrette paired with Dasheen Croquettes and Spicy Mango Chutney. These dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, embody the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean while emphasizing Dominica’s creativity, sustainability, and deep connection to its natural environment. Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager at the DDA, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘This event provides an excellent opportunity for Dominica to showcase its unique food culture and reinforce our position as a destination where nature, culture, and cuisine seamlessly blend.’ In addition to the culinary demonstrations, Dominica’s booth will feature local sweets, rums, and tourism brochures, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s traditions and diverse travel experiences. The DDA’s involvement underscores its commitment to advancing culinary tourism as a key component of its destination marketing strategy. The festival also serves as a platform to foster new collaborations, enhance visibility, and position Dominica as a premier culinary destination in the Caribbean.
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Fifteen Dominican students rank in top 10 in Regional Merit List across various subjects
The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence has proudly announced that 15 Dominican students have secured top 10 rankings across seven subjects in the 2025 Regional Merit List. These exceptional students hail from six different schools, as confirmed by local registrar Magalie Celestine in an official audio statement. Celestine highlighted the achievements of these students, naming them along with their respective schools. Among the standout performers, Gordisha Joseph from North East Comprehensive School ranked seventh in Physical Education and Sports, while Christine Defoe of Pierre Charles Secondary School secured third place in Textile, Clothing, and Fashion. In the CCSLC category, Sari Bruni from Castle Bruce Secondary School achieved sixth place in Digital Literacy. Michael Lawrence, also from Castle Bruce Secondary School, topped the region in English. French saw remarkable dominance by Arthur Waldron SDA Academy, with Shalia Valmo, Laureline Valerie, and Khalid Collier securing the top three positions. Dominica Grammar School also excelled in French, with Gabrielle George placing sixth. In Mathematics, Adejah Schillingford of Dominica Grammar School and Khalid Collier of Arthur Waldron SDA Academy shared the top spot. Other notable achievements include Sari Bruney of Castle Bruce Secondary School ranking second in Social Studies. The registrar extended heartfelt congratulations to all students for their consistent excellence in the CSEC and CCSNC exams, emphasizing the Ministry of Education’s pride in their accomplishments.
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Gov’t officials point to recent opening of Ocean Oasis Hotel as proof positive that CBI programme is working – ‘life blood’ of economy
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme in driving the nation’s economic development. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ocean Oasis Hotel, Skerrit highlighted the program’s success in financing critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurial ventures. He emphasized that the CBI initiative has enabled Dominica to recover from natural disasters and build a resilient economy. The Ocean Oasis Hotel, a flagship project funded through CBI, is a testament to the program’s impact, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering local industries. Skerrit underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in the CBI industry while collaborating with regional partners to ensure its sustainability. He also encouraged young professionals to leverage their skills and participate in the program, emphasizing the importance of unity and optimism in driving national progress. Parliamentary Representative Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite echoed these sentiments, praising the CBI Programme for its transformative role in diversifying the economy and empowering local communities. The Ocean Oasis Hotel, she noted, symbolizes hope and opportunity for Dominicans, particularly in tourism and employment sectors. Both leaders emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering partnerships with the private sector to achieve sustainable growth and shared prosperity.