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标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Health department will be hands on to ensure food safety at Carnival events, says health official

    Health department will be hands on to ensure food safety at Carnival events, says health official

    Dominican health authorities are implementing comprehensive food safety measures ahead of the Mas Domnik 2026 Carnival celebrations to safeguard public health during the festivities. The Environmental Health Department has announced intensified surveillance operations targeting food vendors and mass gatherings throughout the Carnival season.

    Senior Environmental Health Officer Calma Louis confirmed that environmental health officers will maintain visible presence at major Carnival events including Sunrise and VIVA celebrations. The initiative focuses on collaborative prevention rather than enforcement disruption, working directly with vendors and event organizers to ensure safe food preparation and service standards.

    “Our objective centers on public health protection through cooperative engagement with all stakeholders,” Louis stated during a recent press briefing. She emphasized the department’s request for full cooperation from both vendors and patrons as officers execute their monitoring responsibilities.

    Health officials issued specific guidelines for food handlers, mandating maintained sanitary vending areas and appropriate attire including hair coverings and aprons. The department explicitly prohibited sleeveless garments and shorts in food preparation zones, emphasizing professional presentation standards.

    The advisory highlighted hand hygiene as critical prevention against foodborne illnesses, particularly after restroom use, monetary transactions, or raw food handling. Symptomatic food handlers experiencing vomiting or diarrhea must immediately avoid food preparation and service areas—a requirement extending to home-based preparers supplying local vending locations.

    Louis reinforced that public health protection begins with responsible practices from every food handler. Simultaneously, patrons received encouragement to exercise personal responsibility by purchasing exclusively from certified vendors and visually assessing stall cleanliness before transactions.

  • Miss Dominica pageant slated for this evening

    Miss Dominica pageant slated for this evening

    The Windsor Park Sports Stadium, transformed into Carnival City, prepares to host the prestigious Miss Dominica Pageant tonight at 8:00 PM. This annual spectacle, a cornerstone of Dominica’s Carnival celebrations, features five remarkable contestants vying for the national crown while championing significant social causes.

    Representing diverse communities across the island, the contestants bring powerful advocacy platforms to the stage. Ardel Laurent (22, Mahaut) promotes sustainable fashion as a vehicle for confidence building. Dainisha Eusebe (24, Grandbay) advocates for improved animal welfare standards, while Daina Graneau (23, Atkinson/Kalinago Territory) focuses on protecting children from domestic violence.

    Darna Eugene (21, Grandbay) campaigns for mental health awareness and personal empowerment, and Sheraine Mills (24, Jimmit/St Joseph) raises awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and women’s health. Sanchia Tyson (19, Crayfish River/Kalinago Territory) emphasizes cultural preservation and identity among Kalinago and Dominican women.

    This year’s event embraces the vibrant theme ‘Bouyon Bloom,’ honoring Dominica’s distinctive bouyon music genre and its cultural contributors. The pageant offers tiered ticketing options with general admission at $65, reserved seating at $100, and comprehensive VIP experience at $250, making the event accessible to various audiences.

  • Caribbean GIS specialists enhance environmental data accuracy during PRAIS 4 training in Grenada

    Caribbean GIS specialists enhance environmental data accuracy during PRAIS 4 training in Grenada

    Environmental specialists from Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) concluded an intensive five-day training program in Grenada on February 6, 2026, marking a significant advancement in regional capacity for land management monitoring. The specialized workshop, held in St. George’s, focused on mastering high-resolution data analysis techniques and advanced assessment tools specifically for the forthcoming 2026 Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS 4) reporting framework.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat, the initiative received financial backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with implementation oversight by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Regional organization APACHETA, dedicated to sustainable land use practices, provided additional collaborative support.

    Zylenna Darson, PRAIS Reporting Officer at Suriname’s Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized the transformative impact of the training on national data quality. “This workshop enabled crucial validation of our national data,” Darson stated. “Previously, Suriname depended on default global datasets that inadequately represented our specific land degradation challenges. This training has facilitated a more realistic and accurate representation of our country’s situation.”

    The event transcended conventional technical training by establishing a dynamic platform for practical knowledge exchange and professional network development. Ayodele DeCosta, GIS Officer at St. Kitts and Nevis’ Department of Physical Planning, noted the training provided significantly more realistic assessments of land degradation phenomena compared to the generalized models typically applied to small island nations.

    Eder Audate, UNCCD Focal Point and Director of Forests in Haiti, revealed that his country’s recent completion of a comprehensive national soil survey positions them to gather unprecedented detail about land resources. Audate expressed optimism that the acquired expertise would enable Haiti to conduct subsequent workshops and initiatives targeting land degradation.

    Representatives from the Bahamas, Latonya Williams and Jenny Morris, projected that access to high-resolution data would substantially enhance both project development and policymaking processes, yielding more precise insights into land conditions.

    The PISLM has encouraged participants to extend the application of their newly acquired expertise beyond PRAIS 4 reporting requirements to inform broader environmental policy frameworks. This capacity-building initiative underscores the indispensable role of precise data collection, strengthened regional cooperation, and shared learning methodologies in addressing the unique land degradation challenges confronting Caribbean SIDS.

  • IOM calls for increased global action to combat child trafficking

    IOM calls for increased global action to combat child trafficking

    MARRAKESH – At the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued an urgent appeal for governments to address the critical intersection of child labor, migration, and human trafficking in their protection strategies. The conference, co-hosted by Morocco and the International Labour Organization from February 11-13, brought together government representatives, UN agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations to accelerate global efforts against child exploitation.

    Recent IOM data reveals a disturbing reality: approximately 25% of all detected trafficking victims worldwide are children, totaling nearly 30,000 identified cases. However, experts caution that these figures represent merely the visible tip of the iceberg due to widespread underreporting and detection challenges. The actual number of children affected by trafficking is believed to be substantially higher.

    IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized in a video address that ‘millions of children on the move face heightened risks of exploitation and trafficking, yet they remain too often invisible in global policies and protection systems.’ She called for immediate cross-border and cross-sectoral action to address these alarming protection gaps.

    Throughout the conference, IOM highlighted the essential role of robust data collection and research in identifying risks, shaping preventive measures, and implementing targeted interventions. A collaborative analysis between IOM and Harvard University, examining two decades of child trafficking data, demonstrated the complex interconnections between child labor, migration patterns, and trafficking networks. These findings advocate for greater integration of child protection frameworks with migration management and anti-trafficking mechanisms.

    In the ‘Alliance 8.7: 10 Years of Partnership and Action’ session, IOM underscored the necessity of coordinated, rights-based approaches. As chair of the Migration Action Group, the organization stressed that effective partnerships are crucial for bridging existing response gaps and assisting nations in developing comprehensive, integrated strategies.

    IOM showcased progress through its collaboration with Save the Children and UNICEF via the Global Programme on Protection for Migrant Children. This initiative, particularly active in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and North Africa, is enhancing cross-border case management and referral systems to reduce risks faced by children during migration.

    The organization also introduced WakaWell, an innovative youth-led platform designed to empower young Africans with information for making safe and informed migration decisions. IOM’s participation was facilitated through the COMPASS program, a multi-regional effort focused on strengthening migration governance while protecting migrants’ rights.

    Looking ahead, IOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, UN entities, civil society, and youth networks to ensure that children on the move are included in all efforts to eliminate child labor. The organization called for sustained investment in partnerships that support protective policies and programs, along with the development of more comprehensive global indicators that accurately reflect migration and trafficking realities, especially in preparation for the upcoming International Migration Review Forum.

  • PM Skerrit congratulates Barbados PM Mottley on third consecutive victory

    PM Skerrit congratulates Barbados PM Mottley on third consecutive victory

    Caribbean leaders are extending warm congratulations to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley following her party’s unprecedented electoral triumph in Barbados. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) achieved a remarkable political milestone by securing every seat in the House of Assembly for the third consecutive election cycle, cementing Mottley’s position as one of the region’s most dominant political figures.

    Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit led the chorus of regional acclaim, praising the decisive mandate delivered by Barbadian voters. In a formal statement shared via social media, Skerrit emphasized the significance of Mottley’s leadership during challenging times, noting that the victory represents “the people of Barbados once again placing their trust in your leadership and your ability to guide the country forward during a time that calls for steady hands and bold thinking.”

    The Dominican leader highlighted the special relationship between the two nations, stating, “Here in Dominica, we value the strong friendship between our two nations, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen our region.” Skerrit expressed confidence in Mottley’s continued leadership as she prepares to embark on her new term.

    The victory has drawn attention across the Caribbean community, with multiple heads of government joining in celebration. Notable figures offering congratulations include Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, and St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre.

    This overwhelming regional response underscores Mottley’s influential role in Caribbean politics and the solidarity among CARICOM nations. The election results demonstrate exceptional public confidence in Mottley’s administration amid global economic challenges and regional development initiatives.

  • VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    Groundbreaking findings from NASA’s Perseverance rover have provided definitive evidence confirming the existence of ancient lake sediments within Mars’ Jezero Crater. The robotic explorer’s sophisticated radar instrument has penetrated beneath the Martian surface, revealing geological layers that unmistakably formed through water deposition.

    The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates how subsurface radar imaging (RIMFAX) captured detailed cross-sectional views of sediment deposits resembling those found in Earth’s dried lakebeds. These sedimentary formations were transported by water and accumulated within the crater environment billions of years ago, during a period when Mars possessed a substantially warmer and wetter climate capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface.

    UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these discoveries: ‘The radar images provide unequivocal evidence that Jezero Crater once hosted a substantial lake. We can now observe the geological history written in the rock layers beneath the surface.’

    The findings validate scientists’ initial hypothesis in selecting Jezero as Perseverance’s landing site – that the clearly visible geological features including an inflow channel and delta formation indicated ancient aquatic activity. The rover’s ongoing mission has now physically confirmed these theories through direct subsurface observation.

    This discovery substantially enhances the potential that microbial life may have developed within these ancient waters, making the collected sediment samples prime candidates for detecting potential biosignatures when eventually returned to Earth through the Mars Sample Return campaign.

  • CAF’s 2026 International Economic Forum centers Caribbean concerns and solutions

    CAF’s 2026 International Economic Forum centers Caribbean concerns and solutions

    PANAMA CITY – Caribbean development priorities dominated the agenda at CAF’s International Economic Forum 2026, where regional leaders convened to address critical challenges facing small island economies. The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean hosted its second annual forum, creating a strategic platform for high-level dialogue on sustainable growth frameworks.

    The gathering featured significant participation from Caribbean nations, with over fifty delegates engaging in comprehensive discussions on climate resilience, infrastructure development, and innovative financing mechanisms. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a pivotal keynote address, emphasizing the necessity for Latin America and the Caribbean to actively shape their positions within the global economic architecture. Drawing from Jamaica’s recent experience with Hurricane Melissa, Holness underscored the critical importance of robust institutional frameworks and coordinated regional strategies to navigate international uncertainties.

    A landmark bilateral meeting occurred between Prime Minister Holness, senior Jamaican cabinet members, and CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados. This unprecedented dialogue focused on post-hurricane reconstruction coordination and the vital role of development finance in building sustainable economic recovery. The discussions marked the first such high-level engagement between Jamaican leadership and CAF administration.

    The forum hosted a private Caribbean Ministerial Dialogue, bringing together finance and economic development ministers from across the region. This closed-door session facilitated alignment between CAF’s adaptable financing solutions and national development priorities, with particular emphasis on innovative funding mechanisms for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    Parallel technical sessions addressed pressing regional issues including economic outlook analyses, blue economy potential, Africa-Caribbean relations, and tourism investment strategies. These discussions were complemented by confidential technical exchanges aimed at developing practical, actionable solutions for Caribbean development challenges.

    A dedicated investment forum focused specifically on Jamaica’s recovery efforts, aiming to mobilize private sector capital for reconstruction projects. The session explored Public-Private Partnership models as catalysts for investment in priority sectors, with CAF committing USD 1 billion alongside international partners to support Jamaica’s long-term recovery.

    Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment to amplifying Caribbean voices in global discussions. ‘The Caribbean faces unique challenges that must not be overshadowed by broader geopolitical concerns,’ she stated. ‘This forum provides essential space for meaningful dialogue addressing the multidimensional challenges confronting vulnerable small states.’

    The 2026 edition attracted over 6,500 participants from 70 countries, including government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and development experts, making it one of the most significant gatherings for Latin American and Caribbean economic development discourse.

  • Community policing in action at the Convent High School

    Community policing in action at the Convent High School

    ROSEAU, DOMINICA – In a proactive move to foster positive relationships with the younger generation, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has intensified its Community Oriented Policing Initiative. On January 10, 2026, officers engaged directly with students from Forms 1-2 and 1-3 at the prestigious Convent High School, marking a significant step in their ongoing outreach strategy.

    The initiative, designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, focused on interactive dialogues and educational sessions. Police representatives addressed the assembled students, emphasizing themes of civic responsibility, conflict resolution, and the critical role of youth in maintaining community harmony. The program’s curriculum is tailored to demystify police work and build mutual trust from an early age.

    This engagement at Convent High School is not an isolated event but part of a broader, strategic national campaign. The CDPF has been systematically visiting educational institutions across the island nation, aiming to instill a sense of security and open communication channels with students. The long-term objective is to cultivate a collaborative environment where young citizens view the police as approachable allies rather than an authoritative force.

    Educational authorities and community leaders have lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce juvenile delinquency and empower students with knowledge about law and order. The CDPF has confirmed its commitment to expanding these programs, underscoring a modern policing philosophy that prioritizes prevention and community partnership over mere enforcement.

  • Barbados Labour Party secures historic third consecutive 30–0 election victory

    Barbados Labour Party secures historic third consecutive 30–0 election victory

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has achieved an unprecedented political triumph, securing all 30 seats in the House of Assembly for the third consecutive general election. The Wednesday vote resulted in a complete parliamentary sweep that solidifies Mottley’s commanding position in the nation’s governance and extends her party’s uninterrupted winning streak since 2018.

    Celebrations erupted at the party’s Roebuck Street headquarters, Grantley Adams House, where elated supporters created a vibrant spectacle of red attire and party flags. In recognition of the landmark victory, Mottley declared Friday a national public holiday and announced a thanksgiving rally at the National Botanical Gardens on Saturday, coinciding with Valentine’s Day celebrations.

    The electoral dominance was demonstrated across multiple constituencies where BLP candidates achieved decisive victories over opposition rivals. Key party figures, including the deputy prime minister, won by substantial margins, while Prime Minister Mottley comfortably retained her seat with an improved vote count compared to previous elections. The sweep included both veteran politicians and new candidates, with several first-time contenders capturing seats by impressive margins.

    The political landscape saw notable shifts as a former opposition member who joined the ruling party secured victory in the capital, illustrating changing political allegiances. While most races ended in comfortable wins, one constituency was decided by fewer than 200 votes, demonstrating that some opposition challenges remained competitive despite the overall landslide.

    In her victory address, Mottley emphasized that the overwhelming mandate represented a profound responsibility rather than entitlement. She committed to strengthening democratic institutions despite repeated electoral dominance, comparing democracy to ‘a newborn child, requiring our total attention and care.’ The Prime Minister outlined immediate governance plans, including swearing in her Cabinet on Monday and reconvening Parliament by next Friday, with renewed focus on healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives.

  • Dominica increases lab capacity under the Pandemic Preparedness Initiative

    Dominica increases lab capacity under the Pandemic Preparedness Initiative

    In a significant boost to regional health security, six Eastern Caribbean nations have received state-of-the-art laboratory equipment valued at approximately $85,000 through a multi-organizational partnership. The donation, formally handed over to Dominica’s National Laboratory, represents a critical component of the regional initiative “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean.”

    The collaborative effort involves Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank. Funding was provided through the Pandemic Fund, established in 2022 specifically to enhance pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries, with additional backing from the Fleming Fund.

    At the heart of the donation is the VITEK 2 compact system—a sophisticated microbiological instrument described by Senior Laboratory Technologist Craig Henry as a “nuclear weapon” in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The comprehensive equipment package also includes a vertical freezer, PCR consumables, pipette kits, a microcentrifuge, and various specialized laboratory supplies designed to significantly elevate diagnostic capabilities across the region.

    Henry emphasized the transformative impact of the new technology: “The laboratory can now routinely identify organisms to species level, and for the first time, fungal susceptibility is done routinely. This means clinicians can receive antibiotic treatment options more quickly, greatly enhancing patient outcomes.”

    The equipment’s integrated patient data management system and ability to generate antibiograms will further strengthen antimicrobial stewardship efforts at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and nationwide. The timing coincides with high-level discussions under the Pandemic Fund, including a recent February 5 meeting between PAHO/WHO, health ministry officials, and development partners.

    Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: “This launch marks a major milestone for the Eastern Caribbean region. By embracing a One Health approach and reinforcing our systems together, we are building a future where countries can detect, respond to, and prevent emerging threats more effectively.”

    The project adopts the One Health framework, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. For Dominica and its regional partners, this equipment donation represents a substantial advancement in national health security infrastructure, better positioning the region to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to future public health emergencies.