标签： Dominica

The Caribbean stands at a critical crossroads, confronting a pervasive brain drain phenomenon that has long deprived the region of its most valuable resource: human capital. World-class talent consistently departs Caribbean shores not from diminished patriotism, but compelled by the pursuit of professional growth and advanced learning opportunities unavailable domestically. These individuals acquire prestigious degrees, specialized skills, and global networks that earn international respect, yet they frequently remain abroad where infrastructure supports their ambitions—highlighting the region’s critical shortage of systems that enable talent to flourish.

This exodus represents more than individual career choices; it signifies a structural deficit requiring transformative solutions. The Caribbean possesses abundant genius and potential but lacks the institutional ecosystems necessary to harness these qualities. Where other regions benefit from robust research environments, cutting-edge laboratories, and innovation-driven industries, the Caribbean faces an innovation gap that perpetuates economic dependency and vulnerability.

The solution lies not in discouraging educational migration but in creating compelling reasons for return. The establishment of a Pan-Caribbean Applied Sciences & Innovation Institute could revolutionize the regional landscape, serving as both magnet and multiplier for local talent, diaspora returnees, and international students seeking unique academic opportunities. Such an institution would address fundamental gaps in research and development infrastructure while positioning the Caribbean as a hub for specialized knowledge creation.

Research investments yield demonstrable economic returns—nations prioritizing R&D experience growth rates triple those that neglect innovation sectors. For the Caribbean, developing research industries represents not merely an economic alternative but a survival strategy in an era of rapid global change. Beyond diversifying from tourism dependency, research institutions would drive technological sovereignty, reduce climate vulnerability (potentially halving billion-dollar hurricane season losses), and create high-value employment opportunities.

The emotional dimensions of return migration cannot be overlooked. Students abroad form deep social connections and professional networks that make repatriation emotionally complex. Successful reversal of brain drain requires creating professionally compelling opportunities that outweigh these attachments—leadership roles, research positions, and innovation ecosystems that recognize the unique value of internationally trained Caribbean professionals.

Ultimately, the call to action transcends nostalgia: the Caribbean needs returning talent to build what cannot be built elsewhere, applying global expertise to local challenges. When the region matches its children’s brilliance with commensurate opportunities, it will transform from talent exporter to innovation powerhouse.

The Government of Dominica is proactively developing specialized workforce capabilities in preparation for its forthcoming international airport, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton announcing comprehensive training initiatives for 20 air traffic controllers this year. This strategic move forms part of the island nation’s broader employment generation strategy tied to the airport infrastructure project.

During an inspection tour of the International Airport Development Project site, Minister Charles-Pemberton emphasized the substantial employment potential the facility represents. “Projections indicate approximately 200 new positions will be created upon the airport’s operationalization,” she stated. “This aligns perfectly with the employment opportunities Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit consistently highlights. Our current focus involves meticulous assessment of existing skill inventories and identifying specific competencies required for seamless airport operations.”

The training pipeline has already commenced with three air traffic controllers undergoing instruction, while selection processes for the remaining 17 candidates are underway. The Minister explicitly encouraged citizen participation: “We require diverse expertise including maintenance specialists, air traffic controllers, and technical staff. Interested individuals possessing relevant qualifications may submit applications through the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA).”

Complementing these aviation-specific roles, Charles-Pemberton noted parallel demand for electrical engineers, maintenance technicians, and immigration personnel, asserting that employment prospects will encompass virtually every skilled Dominican seeking airport-related careers.

Prime Minister Skerrit, concurrently evaluating project progress, expressed considerable satisfaction with developmental milestones. Technical preparations are advancing systematically with runway foundation stabilization preceding concrete and asphalt surfacing scheduled post-2026 rainy season. Critical infrastructure including an arterial tunnel connecting Wesley to Woodford Hill and Portsmouth is progressing toward August-October 2026 completion.

All essential facilities—terminal buildings, VIP services for private aviation, fire and rescue services, and customs infrastructure—are currently under construction. Based on contractor timelines, structural completion is anticipated by November 2026, followed immediately by interior works. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Prime Minister projected full operational readiness by late 2027.

Skerrit characterized the enterprise as a transformative national achievement, emphasizing its potential to catalyze socioeconomic advancement through enhanced connectivity and tourism infrastructure. The government maintains confidence that this strategic investment will substantially elevate Dominica’s global accessibility and economic prospects.

Three Dominican communities—Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur, and Good Hope—concluded 2025 with vibrant holiday celebrations marked by musical performances, communal generosity, and collaborative spirit. The festivities established an atmosphere of optimism and unity as residents prepared to enter the new year.

Local entrepreneur Greg Jules spearheaded the Christmas events by organizing a ceremonial tree lighting in San Sauveur and distributing presents to attendees. His initiatives created an inclusive environment that warmly embraced both villagers and visitors.

The San Sauveur Catholic Church Choir enhanced the seasonal atmosphere through performances of classic carols and traditional hymns. Their musical contributions infused the celebrations with both spiritual reverence and festive joy.

Simultaneously, the Good Hope Village Council demonstrated commitment to community welfare by distributing essential care packages and gifts to disadvantaged residents. This effort ensured that charitable giving remained central to the holiday experience.

Collectively, these activities generated widespread Christmas cheer throughout the villages, strengthening community bonds and providing residents with positive momentum heading into 2026.

The Anse Kouanari Tourism Association Inc. (AKTA) hosted a significant Community Impact & Project Milestones Ceremony on December 29, 2025, in Castle Bruce, Dominica, marking the successful completion of a UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme-funded beekeeping project while simultaneously launching a new ecosystem restoration initiative supported by the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund (DNCTF).

The ceremony featured the graduation of 21 community members who received certificates for completing comprehensive beekeeping training. Participants shared transformative experiences, highlighting how the project enhanced their skills, boosted confidence, and reinforced their commitment to environmental stewardship. One beneficiary expressed newfound appreciation for bees’ critical role in human survival, announcing plans to double their hive count by early 2026.

Key government and industry representatives offered strong endorsements during the event. Mr. Keian Stephenson, Director of Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, praised the initiative for its potential to increase pollinator populations and enhance honey production along Dominica’s eastern coast. Mr. Kevin James, President of the National Beekeeper’s Cooperative Society Ltd., emphasized bees’ vital role in environmental sustainability while reaffirming his organization’s partnership with AKTA to establish Dominica as a regional beekeeping leader. He encouraged graduates to transition ‘from training to practice, from interest to involvement, and from individual effort to collective growth.’

AKTA’s newly launched DNCTF-supported project aims to build upon the apiary program’s success by advancing ecosystem restoration, developing climate-resilient livelihoods, and expanding community participation in conservation activities throughout the Castle Bruce District. The association also announced an upcoming free plant propagation training program scheduled for late January, inviting local farmers and residents to participate.

AKTA extended gratitude to multiple organizations including UNDP GEF SGP, DNCTF, Global Affairs Canada, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, and CUSO International for their funding and collaborative support. Looking ahead, AKTA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development, conserving biodiversity, and empowering youth and communities through inclusive, locally-driven strategies.

In a significant corporate-cultural partnership, Kingdom Bank Corporation has announced its inaugural sponsorship of contestant Dainisha Eusebe for Dominica’s 2026 Carnival Queen Pageant. The formal sashing ceremony occurred during this week’s carnival press conference, marking the international banking institution’s first venture into supporting national cultural events.

Aurelle Joseph, Compliance Executive of Kingdom Bank Corporation, presented the sponsorship while emphasizing the institution’s commitment to Dominica’s development. “While our clients are primarily international, our presence and purpose here always remain connected to the Commonwealth of Dominica,” Joseph stated. “Over the past five years, we have consistently maintained economic investment, professional engagement, and regulatory partnership right here at home.”

The banking executive utilized the platform to clarify Kingdom Bank Corporation’s operational model as an internationally registered online bank providing private and corporate banking services within Dominica. Joseph characterized the institution as embodying “a forward-looking approach to global banking, while playing a meaningful role in the growth and development of Dominica.”

Miss Eusebe, representing the Grandbay community, expressed profound gratitude for the corporate endorsement. “To be a contestant in the 2026 National Queen Pageant is already a dream,” she acknowledged, “but to have that dream supported by a corporate partner like the Kingdom Bank Corporation makes this moment even more meaningful.”

The contestant pledged to represent her sponsor “with excellence, grace, and purpose,” while noting the historical significance of being the first pageant candidate ever sponsored by the financial institution. This partnership signals growing corporate recognition of cultural events as platforms for community engagement and national development.