标签： Dominica

On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.

In a heartfelt address on November 20, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams of Dominica marked Universal Children’s Day with a poignant message centered on the theme, ‘My Day, My Rights.’ Speaking to her fellow citizens, Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing children as more than just passive recipients of care but as active holders of fundamental rights. She highlighted the global significance of the day, which serves as a reminder to uphold and protect the rights of children everywhere. Dr. Williams called for collective action to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Her speech underscored the need for societal commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering a future where children’s rights are universally respected and implemented.

Ms. Georgette Deravairere, the principal of L’Etoile Du Matin Préscolaire (The Morning Star Preschool), recently emphasized the significance of Community Outreach Day, celebrated earlier this week. Known affectionately as Miss D within the community, she has been actively recognizing local businesses as part of Early Childhood Development Month, an initiative by the Ministry of Education/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Deravairere believes that fostering connections between schools, families, and the broader community is essential for the holistic development of children. She asserts that such partnerships support children’s safety, well-being, and social skills, while also strengthening ties between families, schools, and organizations. To this end, Ms. Deravairere and her team distributed tokens of appreciation to various community stakeholders, including Emerald Healthcare Ltd, Lindo Mart Supermarket, Waitucare Daycare Center, Nagico Insurance, Bullseye Pharmacy, Central Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Deliverance Baptist Church, and D&D Plumbing & Electrical Inc. She envisions a lifelong commitment to building these connections, ensuring that children receive the nurturing environment they need to thrive. Ms. Deravairere’s efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in early childhood education, creating a supportive network that benefits both children and their families.

The Dominica Bar Association has unveiled its newly appointed Executive Committee following a seamless election process at its Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2025. All candidates were elected unopposed, marking a harmonious transition of leadership within the organization. The newly elected team comprises Noelize Knight Didier as President, Mary A. Roberts as Vice-President, Gina Abraham-Thomas as Treasurer, Shanice Henry as Secretary, Carlita Benjamin as Assistant Treasurer, Chelsea Frampton as Assistant Secretary, and Jodie Luke as Committee Member. In an official statement, the Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Executive members for their unwavering dedication and significant contributions during their tenure. Simultaneously, it extended warm congratulations to the incoming and returning officers as they embark on their new roles. The Association emphasized its renewed commitment to advancing the legal profession and ensuring the effective administration of justice in Dominica. The press release concluded with optimism, highlighting the Executive Committee’s readiness to uphold the Association’s mission with vigor and purpose.

In a significant move to bolster climate-smart agriculture and women’s empowerment, Her Excellency Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently visited Castle Bruce, Dominica. The visit focused on engaging with Ms. Tamisha Darroux, a budding farmer participating in Agrihub’s SheHarvest initiative, which emphasizes gender-sensitive business strategies for climate-resilient farming. The initiative is part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a program dedicated to supporting community-led projects that advance women’s economic rights, leadership, and environmental resilience. Accompanied by Political Counsellor Ms. Stephanie Sprott, High Commissioner Wills toured Ms. Darroux’s farm, discussing her agricultural journey and the transformative impact of the SheHarvest program. The initiative has provided 30 women farmers in Dominica with business planning, financial literacy, and practical training in climate-smart techniques. Currently, six participants, including Ms. Darroux, are piloting their business plans in a 12-week phase aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience, and income. High Commissioner Wills emphasized the importance of empowering women farmers, stating, ‘Empowering women farmers is a key component to building resilience and strengthening food security in the region.’ She highlighted how initiatives like SheHarvest are creating opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth in agriculture. Ms. Darroux, who began farming just a year ago, exemplifies the new generation of women adopting innovative practices to strengthen Dominica’s food systems and rural economy. Ms. Abigail Shillingford, Executive Director of Agrihub, praised the resilience and ambition of women like Ms. Darroux, noting that SheHarvest is helping women view agriculture as a pathway to sustainable business and leadership. This visit underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Dominica in fostering locally driven initiatives that empower women, promote inclusive economic development, and enhance climate resilience.

In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, law enforcement authorities have incinerated a substantial cache of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$53 million. The destruction took place at Morne Bruce on Wednesday as part of Police Week, a campaign aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the police force and showcasing their relentless efforts to combat crime. Superintendent Delvin Jno Jules, in charge of the Southern Division, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘We are destroying cocaine and marijuana to demonstrate our commitment to keeping the streets clean and safe.’ The seized drugs included EC$52 million worth of cocaine and EC$1.2 million worth of cannabis, marking a major victory in the ongoing Operation Clean Street. Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette underscored the message sent to criminals, declaring, ‘We will not back down. These dangerous substances will be tackled head-on, and the fruits of your illegal labor will be destroyed.’ The operation also saw the disposal of 348 antiquated firearms and smoke grenades, part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security. Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore praised the efforts, highlighting the confiscation of EC$89 million worth of drugs over the past year and the implementation of CARICOM’s firearms roadmap to address illegal arms trafficking. The police force’s dedication to training and modernization was also commended, ensuring they remain equipped to handle contemporary challenges.

The 2025 Police Week in Dominica commenced with a solemn Church Service at La Plaine, marking the start of a week dedicated to honoring law enforcement and addressing pressing security challenges. Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat gun violence, which he described as the most significant threat to the nation’s civility and security. Speaking at the official launch event on Monday, Blackmoore highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the police with necessary resources, including the establishment of a specialized unit focused on investigating and apprehending suspects. He stressed that tackling gun violence requires a unified effort from all sectors of society, including families, schools, churches, and peer groups, to foster character development and instill core values. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenges faced by police officers and expressing his personal respect and appreciation for their dedication to protecting the community. He urged officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism while enhancing partnerships with the community, emphasizing that effective policing relies on trust and cooperation.

The Government of Dominica has announced a significant change in its urban traffic management strategy, aiming to alleviate congestion in the capital city of Roseau. Starting January 1, 2026, the government will implement a new system that limits reserved parking areas and introduces fees for authorized reserved parking permits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline traffic flow and reduce overcrowding in the city center. Current holders of authorized reserved parking permits are notified that all existing permits will be discontinued effective December 26, 2025. The public is encouraged to submit new applications for reserved parking permits to the Dominica Transport Board, c/o the Office of the Chief of Police, located on Bath Road in Roseau. Both individuals and businesses, including current permit holders, are urged to apply promptly to secure their parking permits under the new system. This policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.