Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Correction and Apology to Joshua Francis

    Correction and Apology to Joshua Francis

    In a significant act of journalistic accountability, Dominica News Online has issued a comprehensive public apology and full retraction for falsely labeling political figure Joshua Francis as a self-confessed pedophile. The publication admitted to serious editorial failures in verifying a reader comment that appeared in a December 10, 2025 article about the United Progressive Party’s website launch.

    The media organization conducted an extensive internal investigation that completely debunked the allegation. The probe confirmed that Francis never faced any sexual offense charges in a court of law and revealed that a previous case against him had been dismissed years earlier.

    This false publication has triggered significant legal consequences, with Francis initiating legal proceedings against the State of the Commonwealth of Dominica for constitutional rights violations. The news outlet acknowledged the severe professional and personal damage caused to Francis, his family, and associates.

    Dominica News Online’s management accepted full responsibility for the error and expressed profound regret for the distress caused. The organization announced it is implementing strengthened internal protocols to prevent similar incidents, reaffirming its commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting standards. This case highlights the critical importance of verification processes in digital media and the serious real-world consequences of publishing unsubstantiated claims.

  • Kiwanis Nature Island Club hosts annual party with 32 youngsters

    Kiwanis Nature Island Club hosts annual party with 32 youngsters

    DOMINICA – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica hosted its annual Christmas celebration on December 27, 2025, bringing festive joy to 32 young students. The event, held at the Goodwill Primary School Auditorium, transformed the venue into an enchanting winter wonderland for a day of merriment and gift-giving.

    The organization meticulously organized an engaging program featuring festive activities, lively music, delicious treats, and special surprises for the attending children. The highlight of the celebration proved to be the appearance of Santa Claus, who personally distributed gifts to each delighted child, creating unforgettable memories for all participants.

    Mary Winston, President of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club, emphasized the significance of this annual tradition. ‘This event embodies our fundamental mission to serve Dominica’s children,’ Winston stated. ‘Witnessing the radiant joy on these young faces reinforces our commitment to this meaningful work year after year. We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and the Goodwill Primary School for their invaluable support in bringing this celebration to life.’

    The Kiwanis organization has established a longstanding reputation for implementing various community initiatives throughout Dominica, consistently working to inspire hope and create opportunities for local families. This Christmas celebration represents one of their many ongoing efforts to strengthen community bonds and spread positivity across the nature island.

    For additional information about the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica and details regarding future activities, the organization encourages community members to visit their Facebook page @Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica.

  • St Kitts and Nevis welcomes Nigerian volunteers to enhance the island’s education sector

    St Kitts and Nevis welcomes Nigerian volunteers to enhance the island’s education sector

    In a significant bilateral cooperation effort, five education specialists from Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) have arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis to strengthen the Caribbean nation’s educational capabilities in mathematics and fundamental sciences. The volunteers were formally welcomed during a ceremony at the Joseph N. France General Hospital on December 29, 2025, by Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.

    This educational contingent forms part of a larger deployment of seventeen Nigerian volunteers, with twelve additional professionals designated for healthcare sector assignments across the twin-island federation. All volunteers will serve two-year terms supporting critical development initiatives.

    Dr. Hanley emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that the initiative exemplifies the enduring diplomatic relationship and mutual commitment to advancing educational and health outcomes for citizens of both nations. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and Senior Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, who oversees foreign affairs, highlighting the high-level governmental support for this international cooperation.

    Beyond the current volunteer deployment, officials revealed that expanded educational collaboration is under discussion between the two governments. Potential areas for future partnership include specialized support for autism education, disability programs, and scholarship opportunities for Kittitian and Nevisian students seeking higher education in Nigeria.

    The volunteer program represents a concrete implementation of South-South cooperation principles, where developing nations exchange technical expertise and resources to address common challenges without relying solely on traditional donor countries.

  • COMMENTARY: The price of CARICOM countries’ competing foreign policy dispositions

    COMMENTARY: The price of CARICOM countries’ competing foreign policy dispositions

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is experiencing unprecedented diplomatic fragmentation as member states struggle to formulate a unified response to the United States’ ongoing military presence in the region under ‘Operation Southern Spear.’ This strategic divergence has exposed fundamental rifts within the 14-nation bloc, threatening its collective foreign policy coherence.

    Trinidad and Tobago has emerged as the most vocal dissenter, breaking radically from fellow member states by condemning the operation as emblematic of American hegemony in the Western Hemisphere. Conversely, Guyana has openly endorsed Washington’s power projection, leveraging the situation to strengthen its strategic partnership with the U.S.

    Jamaica finds itself in a delicate balancing act. While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified Jamaica among Caribbean nations ‘openly cooperating’ with American forces, outgoing CARICOM Chair Prime Minister Andrew Holness has simultaneously advocated for regional unity. His recent warning that the region must act with ‘clarity, cohesion, and strategic discipline’ underscores growing concerns about CARICOM’s vulnerability to external pressures.

    The administration of ‘Trump 2.0’ has significantly complicated CARICOM’s diplomatic calculus, forcing member states to navigate competing national interests against regional solidarity. High-level meetings between U.S. and Jamaican delegations in Kingston on December 11 occurred with minimal public disclosure, highlighting the sensitive nature of these engagements.

    With CARICOM’s next summit scheduled for early 2026, the bloc faces a critical test of its diplomatic resolve. The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat must mobilize all available diplomatic channels to address these challenges. However, experts caution that even concerted efforts may prove insufficient to overcome deeply entrenched foreign policy divisions, potentially increasing the diplomatic costs for the regional grouping and its international partnerships.

  • CDB and the government of Canada announce historic $27.5 million funding to upgrade Belize’s power infrastructure

    CDB and the government of Canada announce historic $27.5 million funding to upgrade Belize’s power infrastructure

    In a landmark financial collaboration, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Canada have unveiled a comprehensive $27.53 million funding package to revolutionize Belize’s electricity infrastructure. The initiative, designated as the Power VIII Project, represents the most substantial financial arrangement ever extended by CDB to Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and marks the first instance of non-sovereign, unsecured financing provided by the development bank.

    The innovative funding structure comprises a $24.2 million loan drawn from CDB’s Ordinary Capital Resources, complemented by a $3 million grant from its Special Funds Resources. This financial backing receives additional support through Canada’s Supporting Resilient and Green Energy (SuRGE) Initiative, demonstrating international commitment to sustainable energy development in the Caribbean region.

    Alexander Augustine, Portfolio Manager at CDB, emphasized the strategic importance of this venture: “The Bank is proud to support Belize’s transition to a smarter, more climate-resilient grid. This project directly aligns with our priorities for digital infrastructure, energy security, and climate resilience. BEL has demonstrated the institutional maturity and financial capacity required for non-sovereign-guaranteed financing.”

    The ambitious three-year implementation plan will see the nationwide deployment of 115,000 advanced smart meters, supported by cutting-edge communication systems and data analytics capabilities. This technological overhaul will enable enhanced real-time monitoring, improved outage management, precise voltage regulation, accurate billing systems, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

    Ricardo Martin González, Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires to Belize, affirmed his nation’s commitment: “Canada is pleased to support Belize’s efforts to modernize its electricity grid through this important partnership. By contributing through the SuRGE initiative, we’re helping advance cleaner, more reliable, and climate-resilient energy infrastructure that will benefit communities across the country.”

    BEL’s CEO, John Mencias, welcomed the development as a testament to the longstanding partnership between the institutions, noting that collaboration dates back to the early 1970s. The project will additionally benefit from a $330,000 SuRGE grant and $7.05 million in matching funds from BEL, creating a total investment package that signals strong confidence in Belize’s energy development trajectory.

  • OP-ED: Between sovereignty and security – Reframing the Caribbean CBI debate in light of U.S. and EU pressure

    OP-ED: Between sovereignty and security – Reframing the Caribbean CBI debate in light of U.S. and EU pressure

    The recent U.S. Presidential Proclamation suspending visa categories for nationals of several Caribbean nations has ignited intense regional debate, revealing deeper geopolitical undercurrents beyond surface-level compliance issues. While commentators Paul Alexander and Diana Pascal present contrasting views—the former criticizing U.S. weaponization of visa policies, the latter highlighting Caribbean institutional weaknesses—both overlook the fundamental geopolitical recalibration underway.

    The suspension affecting Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and implicitly other Eastern Caribbean states represents more than immigration policy adjustments. It reflects Washington’s strategic containment efforts targeting nations perceived as facilitating mobility for nationals from adversarial states, particularly within the Venezuela-Cuba axis. The timing coincides with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s rejection of CARICOM solidarity, signaling regional fragmentation amid renewed U.S. ‘gunboat diplomacy’ under Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio’s influence.

    European pressure compounds the challenge, with the EU revising its Visa Suspension Mechanism to treat Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs as structural risks regardless of misuse. This transatlantic coordination threatens the visa-free access that has long been a cornerstone of Caribbean CBI marketing.

    Despite these pressures, CBI programs have legitimately funded critical infrastructure including hospitals, climate resilience projects, and education systems. The core issue remains enforcement cooperation rather than revenue model validity. Some nations like Dominica have implemented substantive reforms including enhanced due diligence and name-change protocols, while St. Vincent promotes regional solidarity over isolation.

    The path forward requires sovereign transparency through formalized data-sharing agreements with U.S. and EU authorities, accelerated establishment of the Eastern Caribbean CBI Regulatory Authority (EC CIRA), and recommitment to CARICOM unity despite internal disagreements. Caribbean states must engage international partners from a position of mutual interest rather than guilt or defiance, recognizing citizenship as a sacred trust with global responsibilities.

    This geopolitical stress test demands professional regulatory convergence and diplomacy grounded in mutual respect, moving beyond blame games toward strategic recalibration that preserves sovereignty while earning international legitimacy.

  • Kalinago Christmas event: ‘The Birth of Christ’ (with video)

    Kalinago Christmas event: ‘The Birth of Christ’ (with video)

    In a notable display of community engagement, former Prime Minister OJ Seraphin and his wife Lily made a special appearance at a distinctive Christmas event organized by the Kalinago community. The couple was present for the performance of “The Birth of Christ,” a dramatic production presented by the Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness Drama Group.

    The event, which blends cultural tradition with religious observance, represents the unique Christmas celebrations within the Kalinago territory. The presence of the former head of government underscores the ongoing connection between national leadership and indigenous communities, particularly during significant cultural and religious holidays.

    The dramatic performance itself serves as both spiritual reflection and cultural preservation, showcasing the community’s interpretation of the Nativity story through local artistic expression. Such events highlight how traditional Christmas observances are adapted and celebrated within different cultural contexts across the nation.

    The appearance of the former political leader at this community-driven event demonstrates the continuing role of public figures in supporting local cultural initiatives and maintaining connections with diverse constituencies beyond their formal terms in office.

  • King Dice says ‘no-go’ for Calypso monarch competition 2026

    King Dice says ‘no-go’ for Calypso monarch competition 2026

    In a seismic development for Caribbean musical culture, ten-time Calypso Monarch Dennison ‘King Dice’ Joseph has declared his formal withdrawal from the 2026 competition season. The iconic performer made his startling revelation through social media channels this weekend, sending ripples through the calypso community.

    The reigning champion until his dethronement in 2024, Joseph yielded his crown to current titleholder Joy ‘Joy’ Stoute during last year’s finals, where he secured first runner-up position. His departure from competition follows what appears to be growing dissatisfaction with judging protocols within the traditional art form.

    Joseph pointedly questioned the fairness of his 2025 evaluation, asserting: ‘The performance was there, the song was on point, the presentation was on point.’ His rhetorical challenge to followers—’Where did I go wrong?’—preceded his enigmatic observation that ‘Calypso is Carnival, not church,’ suggesting fundamental disagreements about artistic evaluation criteria.

    While withholding specific details about his grievances, the calypsonian issued apologies to his dedicated supporters while firmly closing the door on 2026 participation. He articulated a fundamental principle regarding artistic judgment: performances and compositions should be evaluated on their merits rather than the performers themselves.

    The musical visionary concluded his announcement by hinting at forthcoming creative projects, indicating that his artistic journey will continue through alternative channels beyond competitive platforms. This development marks a significant moment for calypso’s evolving landscape, potentially prompting broader conversations about artistic validation in traditional musical forms.

  • Dominica’s fire chief says 2025 was a year of ‘mixed fortune’, urges public support moving forward

    Dominica’s fire chief says 2025 was a year of ‘mixed fortune’, urges public support moving forward

    Fire Chief Wayne Letang has characterized 2025 as a period of both challenges and achievements for Dominica’s Fire and Ambulance Services in his year-end assessment. Assuming leadership following the retirement of former chief Josiah Dupuis at the close of 2024, Letang described the year as one of contrasting fortunes during an interview on state-owned DBS radio.

    Among the year’s most significant accomplishments was Dominica’s hosting of the inaugural Caribbean and South American Women in Service Conference last March. Organized by the Institute of Fire Engineers, the landmark event brought together female personnel from various emergency and security services across the region, including fire, police, customs, army, and coast guard divisions.

    The conference proved remarkably successful according to participant feedback, with attendees reportedly gaining valuable insights into the experiences of women working within these essential services. Chief Letang emphasized the profound engagement and appreciation expressed by all who participated in this groundbreaking gathering.

    In his remarks, Letang extended heartfelt gratitude to the nation’s fire officers, acknowledging that the department’s very existence and service delivery throughout 2025 depended entirely on their dedication and resilience. He praised their endurance and collaborative spirit, noting that discussions during organizational meetings frequently highlighted the remarkable resilience demonstrated by personnel.

    The Fire Chief also expressed appreciation to Dominican citizens for their ongoing cooperation and support throughout the year. Looking ahead, Letang called for continued solidarity from the public as the service works toward enhanced service delivery in the coming years. He concluded with seasonal greetings to all fire officers, encouraging them to enjoy time with family and appreciate the beauty of Dominica during the holiday period.

  • COMMENTARY: Educator & social reform champion – The life and times of Dr. Dorothy Wills Green

    COMMENTARY: Educator & social reform champion – The life and times of Dr. Dorothy Wills Green

    Dr. Dorothy Wills Green embodies an extraordinary journey from the Caribbean island of Dominica to becoming a transformative figure in Canadian education and social justice. Born in 1933 to Andrew Green, a Harvard-educated civil engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and Edith Lucas Green of Trinidad, Dorothy’s early life in Dominica’s Morne Daniel estate instilled values of community service and empathy that would define her lifetime of achievement.

    Her educational journey began at Convent High School in Dominica before progressing to Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada, where she graduated with honors in 1956. Dr. Wills Green’s academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Pacific Western University, complemented by multiple master’s degrees in Social Work and Education, including participation in Howard University’s Educators to Africa program.

    As Dean of the Faculty of Applied Technologies at Vanier College in Montreal, Dr. Wills Green managed a diverse academic community while expanding technology programs and strengthening industry partnerships. Her leadership created unprecedented opportunities for students and established new benchmarks in educational excellence.

    Beyond academia, Dr. Wills Green emerged as a formidable force in cultural preservation and civil rights advocacy. She participated in FESTAC in Nigeria, met Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and became an active member of the Montreal branch of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Her activism included supporting Rosie Douglas and other West Indian students arrested during the historic Sir George Williams University anti-racism uprising of February 1969.

    As a founding member of the National Black Coalition of Canada and leader within the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Wills Green initiated transformative projects including “Backpacks for Schools” and secured computers and educational materials for Dominican schools. Her philanthropic vision extended to improving conditions for laborers and advocating for marginalized communities.

    Married to bacteriologist and former professor Roland Wills, with whom she has two children, Dr. Wills Green’s family connections span Nigeria and Guyana, reflecting her Pan-Africanist commitments. Her numerous accolades include honorary doctorates from Concordia University, Dalhousie University, and Mount St. Vincent University, plus the Order of Canada in 1989.

    Despite her privileged background, Dr. Wills Green dedicated her life to social reform, educational equity, and supporting African liberation causes alongside collaborators like Marlene Green. Her legacy stands as a powerful testament to the impact of combining academic excellence with unwavering commitment to social justice, inspiring generations to embrace service leadership and community empowerment.