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  • Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support

    Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support

    Ten years after it first opened its doors out of a founder’s family living room, the Dominica Dementia Foundation (DDF) is celebrating a decade of unwavering support for people living with dementia, their loved ones, and their professional and informal caregivers across the Caribbean island nation.

    Founded in 2016 by 18-year-old Rianna Patterson, the organization was launched as a living tribute to Patterson’s grandfather, Terry Vidal. Just one month after its formal establishment, the young founder was already invited to participate in a landmark Caribbean regional dementia consensus conference in Miami, convened by Dr. Jessurun, president of the Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation and Caribbean regional representative for Alzheimer’s Disease International, setting the tone for the foundation’s rapid, impact-driven growth.

    Reflecting on the milestone anniversary in an official press release, Patterson shared deep pride in the organization’s 10-year trajectory and gratitude for the collaborators and volunteers who turned a small personal initiative into a leading regional voice for dementia care. “I am proud of all we have accomplished over the past decade and deeply grateful for every helping hand that has shaped the Foundation’s success,” she said, recalling the organization’s humble origins in her family’s home space.

    Patterson’s trailblazing work has earned widespread international recognition: In 2017, just one year after founding DDF, she received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. She was featured by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States’ YES in Action initiative in 2023, took home the Caribbean Global Award in 2024, and is set to be honored this September among the Most Influential People of African Descent during a ceremony in New York. Her global advocacy has also included an invitation from Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth to address delegates at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kigali.

    DDF President Veronne Nicholas outlined the breadth of the foundation’s on-the-ground work, delivered through strategic partnerships with local and regional organizations including PHARCS, Lifeline Ministries, the RayAsta Foundation, and Optimum Care Facility. Key initiatives over the past decade have included community-focused dementia-friendly public events, targeted training workshops for caregivers, need-based scholarships for care workers, professional care training programs, and ongoing psychosocial support for affected families.

    One of the foundation’s earliest high-impact interventions came in the wake of 2017’s devastating Hurricane Maria, when Patterson made a direct appeal to Queen Elizabeth II to support care homes damaged by the storm. The request was fulfilled through the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, delivering critical aid to facilities struggling to continue caring for dementia patients in the disaster’s aftermath.

    Over the years, DDF has expanded its programming steadily: It launched Dominica’s first-ever Dementia Friends Programme in 2018, established a national dementia support network in 2020, hosted Commonwealth Youth Academy seminars in 2023, successfully advocated for the inclusion of dementia data collection in Dominica’s national census, launched a sustainable cacao tea community initiative, opened the country’s first dementia-friendly café in 2025, and introduced an annual community outreach event called the Walk and Lime in 2024. The foundation has also built formal collaborative ties with Alzheimer’s advocacy organizations in Puerto Rico and Curaçao, strengthening regional coordination on dementia care.

    At the policy level, DDF has been a leading voice for systemic change since its earliest days: Just months after its founding in 2016, the organization served on the Dominican Ministry of Health’s national dementia plan steering committee and formally recommended that dementia be integrated into the country’s National Policy on Ageing. Its roster of institutional partners also includes the Dominica Council of Women, CommonAge, the Dominica Council on Ageing, and Dominica State College, among others. Youth-focused outreach has included a 2019 Student Ambassador Programme with the country’s state college, widespread school engagement across the island, a 2018 awareness march at Roosevelt Douglas Primary School, support for former Miss Dominica Jade Romain’s 2017 mental health advocacy platform, a 2022 public policy panel with JCI Dominica, and ongoing caregiver training through the RayAsta Foundation.

    Keisha Antoine, a founding board member of DDF, said her more than 10 years as a volunteer with the organization has been a deeply fulfilling experience, reinforcing her commitment to public service and meeting the underserved needs of older adults across Dominica.

    A core part of DDF’s mission has been destigmatizing dementia, a progressive neurological condition that impacts memory, communication, problem-solving skills, and behavior in unique ways for every patient. The foundation notes that its decade of awareness work has already helped reduce the culture of silence and social stigma that once prevented many families from seeking support, while emphasizing that all people living with dementia deserve individualized, person-centered, respectful care.

    Looking ahead, Nicholas stressed that the growing regional burden of dementia demands urgent, coordinated action. Current public health projections show that dementia cases across Latin America and the Caribbean will jump from 6.9 million in 2020 to nearly 10 million by 2030, and surge to more than 19 million by 2050. Prevalence of the condition rises sharply with age: it affects an estimated 2.5% of people aged 60 to 69, 9.4% of those aged 70 to 79, and nearly 29% of all people aged 80 and older.

    “Statistics are sobering,” Nicholas said, emphasizing that governments and communities must prioritize strengthening regional healthcare systems, expanding support for overburdened caregivers, addressing the significant economic impact of dementia, and better preparing local communities to meet growing need.

    For Patterson, the work remains as urgent and meaningful as it was 10 years ago. “Ten years later, our commitment remains stronger than ever. Serving this mission has been the greatest honor and joy of my life to see the difference it has made in the lives of people with dementia and carers in Dominica,” she said. “I thank God for giving me this vision and for bringing together people with a heart to serve.”

    To mark both the foundation’s 10th anniversary and World Alzheimer’s Month, the Office of the President of Dominica will be illuminated in awareness colors from September 17 to 21, 2026. As DDF enters its second decade of service, the organization is calling for interested community members to apply to join its Board of Directors, with expressions of interest accepted via email at dominicadementiafoundation@gmail.com.

  • CDB launches Caribbean evaluation space to strengthen regional decision-making

    CDB launches Caribbean evaluation space to strengthen regional decision-making

    Against a backdrop of pressing regional challenges ranging from accelerating climate impacts to strained public finances and rapid digital transition, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has inaugurated a landmark first-of-its-kind regional platform, the Caribbean Evaluation Space (CEvalSpace), to transform evidence-based governance across the Caribbean. The three-day inaugural event, which kicked off on September 1 and runs through September 3 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, brings together more than 150 stakeholders from over 15 Caribbean nations, marking a major step forward in the CDB’s 10-year 2026–2035 Strategic Plan focused on institutional resilience and development impact.

    The opening ceremony drew high-level participation from regional and development leaders, including Barbados’ Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Marsha Caddle, CDB President Daniel M. Best, and Head of CDB’s Office of Independent Evaluation Dr. Roberto La Rovere. Unlike conventional one-off conferences, CEvalSpace is designed as a permanent collaborative hub that centers Caribbean-led priorities, local knowledge systems, and cross-sector learning. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Office of Evaluation and Oversight, Caribbean Evaluators International, the University of the West Indies, and CLEAR-LAC, with all public plenary sessions streamed globally via CDB’s official website, LinkedIn, and YouTube to expand access beyond in-person attendees.

    Attendees span a diverse cross-section of regional actors, from senior government policymakers and public sector leaders to development practitioners, academic researchers, private sector and civil society representatives, independent evaluators, and early-career emerging professionals. Over the course of the event, 45 expert speakers will lead 20 targeted sessions exploring critical themes that shape Caribbean development, including democratic governance, public accountability, public sector institutional performance, innovative evaluation practices, the role of artificial intelligence and data in policy design, and measuring long-term development outcomes.

    In his opening address, CDB President Daniel M. Best framed evaluation as a core strategic function rather than a post-project technical check, a shift that comes as Caribbean nations navigate overlapping systemic challenges. “Today, evaluation is no longer a technical exercise conducted at the end of a project. It has become a strategic function of leadership and learning institutions,” Best stated. He emphasized that independent evaluation is foundational to holding public institutions accountable for the public resources they manage and the development outcomes they guarantee to regional communities.

    Against a context of constant economic and social change, Best argued that traditional approaches to decision-making are no longer sufficient. “In such an environment, intuition alone is not enough. Experience alone is not enough. Good intentions are certainly not enough. We need evidence that helps us invest wisely, learn continuously, and adapt quickly,” he explained. “Strong organisations are not those that never make mistakes. They are those that learn the fastest.”

    Dr. Roberto La Rovere expanded on the long-term vision for the initiative, noting that CEvalSpace is far more than a three-day gathering. The platform aims to address longstanding gaps in regional evaluation capacity by creating a sustained space for knowledge exchange and capacity building that elevates Caribbean perspectives. “What we are building is not limited to these few days together. We are creating a space where policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and emerging leaders can learn from one another, strengthen a culture of evaluation and evidence, translate knowledge into action,” La Rovere said. “The Caribbean needs leaders who can ask hard questions, generate the evidence, and use it to strengthen accountability, improve performance, and build stronger institutions.”

    Regional stakeholders have framed the launch of CEvalSpace as a critical investment in the Caribbean’s ability to tackle its most intractable challenges, from climate adaptation to inclusive economic growth, by building a culture of continuous learning and transparent governance across public and private institutions.

  • Falcons soar to 2026 DABA Premier Division Championship

    Falcons soar to 2026 DABA Premier Division Championship

    After five hard-fought games in the 2026 Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) Premier Division National Championship series, the Falcons Basketball team has emerged as the undisputed top team, clinching the coveted national title with a hard-earned 77-68 victory over the 767 SC Dominators in the decisive Game 5. This final win brings a dramatic, tightly contested series to a thrilling close, capping off a standout full-season campaign for the rising squad. When the pressure peaked in the do-or-die championship match, the Falcons demonstrated unshakable poise and competitive grit. As the game tightened, the squad delivered key scoring runs to pull away from their determined opponents, locking in the victory and securing their place as this year’s champions. This championship marks a major milestone for the Falcons franchise, carving out a new memorable entry in the team’s ongoing basketball history. Officials from the DABA have formally extended their congratulations to every person behind the Falcons’ successful run, from the on-court players and coaching staff to team management and the loyal fanbase that supported the squad through every match of the 2026 season. The association also publicly commended the Falcons for their steady consistency and unwavering determination throughout the entire tournament, qualities that paved their path to lifting the national crown. As the team celebrates their victory, the 2026 championship solidifies their status as the top amateur side in Dominica for this year.

  • Month of the Elderly 2026 to highlight the voices and contributions of seniors

    Month of the Elderly 2026 to highlight the voices and contributions of seniors

    The Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) has officially launched its full slate of activities for the 2026 Month of the Elderly, a month-long initiative designed to honor, celebrate, and elevate the contributions of the island nation’s senior citizens. The program was publicly announced at a formal media launch hosted in the conference room of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, marking the official kickoff of preparations for the annual observance.

    This year’s series of events is organized around the guiding theme “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” which frames the DCOA’s core goal of centering older community members and keeping them integrated into public life. The month’s activities will open on September 1 with an official radio address that formally inaugurates the 2026 observance. Just one day later, on September 2, a virtual interfaith prayer session will be held for participants to connect virtually, followed by a community barbecue scheduled for September 4 that brings seniors and community members together in a casual, festive setting.

    One of the most anticipated highlights of the 2026 calendar is Grandparents Week, which will run from September 9 to September 12, building up to the official celebration of Grandparents Day on September 13. The DCOA has issued a public call for all members of Dominica’s communities to take part in these events, encouraging residents to express their gratitude and appreciation for grandparents and all older residents who have shaped the nation.

    Aligning with other cultural observances on the island, the DCOA has partnered with organizers of Kalinago Week to host the popular Senior Lunch Initiative on September 17, which offers an opportunity for intercultural connection and communal engagement for seniors. Additional scheduled events include a 8-day Holistic Health and Wellness Energy radio segment running from September 11 to September 18, a creative Senior Sip and Paint social activity for older participants on September 18, and a community flea market on September 19 where seniors can showcase and sell handmade crafts and homemade goods.

    The program continues with two more community-centered events: Senior Sports Day on September 20, which gives active seniors a chance to participate in friendly recreational competition, and Centenarians Day on September 21, a special observance honoring Dominicans who have lived for 100 years or more, celebrating their long lives and accumulated wisdom. After these events, a public Health Fair will open to seniors and the general public on September 26, followed by the annual Walk of Ages community procession on September 27. The full Month of the Elderly program will conclude on October 1, which marks the global observance of International Older Persons Day.

    Across all of its 2026 events, the DCOA aims to foster broader public recognition of the vital role older people play in Dominican society, while creating structured opportunities for seniors to stay active, visible, and actively engaged in both national and local community life.

  • Caribbean energy leaders to convene in the Bahamas to strengthen regional collaboration and drive solutions for the Caribbean’s energy transition

    Caribbean energy leaders to convene in the Bahamas to strengthen regional collaboration and drive solutions for the Caribbean’s energy transition

    The Caribbean’s foremost gathering dedicated to advancing clean and resilient energy systems is set to convene in Nassau next year, as organizers prepare for the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference & Exhibition.

    Scheduled to run from October 18 to 22 at the iconic British Colonial Nassau, this year’s event is hosted by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) in partnership with two local Bahamian energy leaders: Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC). Around 200 key stakeholders spanning utility executives, energy industry experts, government policymakers, regulatory bodies, international development partners and innovative solution providers will gather under the central theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition”.

    Across the five-day event, attendees will dive into the most urgent energy challenges facing small island developing states across the Caribbean. Core discussion topics will cover critical priorities for the region: scaling up renewable energy integration into existing grids, expanding battery energy storage capacity, upgrading aging grid infrastructure to boost reliability, advancing geothermal energy development, optimizing remaining conventional generation assets, strengthening energy systems against climate-driven extreme weather, testing emerging clean energy technologies, and updating outdated policy and regulatory frameworks that slow transition progress.

    Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC, emphasized the non-negotiable role of cross-regional collaboration in moving the Caribbean’s energy goals forward. “The Caribbean cannot advance its energy transition in silos,” Bertin explained. “CARILEC’s core mission is to unite our regional energy community to exchange on-the-ground lessons, deepen collaborative partnerships, and co-develop practical, actionable solutions to the barriers that continue to hold back progress. Holding CAREC 2026 in The Bahamas creates a unique space to merge regional technical expertise with local implementation experiences, so we can collectively advance solutions that speed up the transition across every island in our region.”

    For The Bahamas, which has already committed to a bold national target of 30% renewable energy generation by 2030, hosting the conference marks a key milestone in the country’s transition journey. BPL Chief Executive Officer Toni B. Pratt shared the country’s excitement to welcome regional peers. “As our energy sector continues to make tangible progress toward our 2030 renewable goal, we are thrilled to open our doors to colleagues from across the Caribbean for this critical gathering,” Pratt said. “CAREC 2026 gives us a valuable platform to share our own best practices, exchange lessons from on-the-ground projects, highlight the progress we have made across our island chain as we roll out our national renewable energy roadmap. We are eager to strengthen collaboration across the region and showcase The Bahamas’ work as we all work toward a more sustainable, reliable energy future.”

    Nikita Mullings, Chief Operating Officer of GBPC, echoed that sentiment, noting Grand Bahama island’s own progress in clean energy adoption. “Grand Bahama Power Company is proud to stand as a co-host for CAREC 2026 and welcome energy leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to our home,” Mullings said. “Grand Bahama has already made meaningful advances in integrating renewable energy, creating new opportunities to add cleaner generation while making our grid more reliable and resilient to climate shocks. CAREC is the perfect platform to share these on-the-ground experiences, exchange proven best practices, and explore actionable solutions to shared challenges from renewable integration to energy storage to grid modernization. We look forward to working alongside BPL, CARILEC and the wider energy community to strengthen regional partnerships and deliver a more sustainable energy future for all of the Caribbean.”

    A highlight of the 2026 conference will be a dedicated industry exhibition, where companies will display cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, climate-resilient grid solutions, and emerging innovations tailored to the unique energy needs of Caribbean island nations. Organizers have issued a special call for Bahamian domestic companies and solution providers to book exhibition space, giving them a unique opportunity to connect with regional buyers and partners and showcase their local expertise to the broader Caribbean energy community.

    To encourage local participation, organizers have introduced a special discounted registration rate of $1,000 USD for attendees based in The Bahamas. A limited number of sponsorship and exhibition booth opportunities are still available for organizations looking to engage with attendees. For full registration details and updated information on the conference program, interested parties can visit CARILEC’s official website at carilec.org or reach out to the CARILEC Events Team directly at events@carilec.org.

    As the Caribbean faces growing threats from climate change and rising global energy costs, accelerating the transition to domestic renewable energy has become a top regional priority. CAREC 2026 aims to deliver more than just discussion: organizers are focused on creating a space for actionable collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term partnership building that will translate into tangible progress across the region in the years ahead.

  • NCCU launches Delinquency Awareness Month under theme ”RESET AND RECOVER: Your Path to Financial Freedom”

    NCCU launches Delinquency Awareness Month under theme ”RESET AND RECOVER: Your Path to Financial Freedom”

    As the National Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (NCCU) marks its annual Delinquency Awareness Month, chief executive Curth Charles has delivered a direct address to all members centered on this year’s theme, “Reset and Recover: Your Path Back to Financial Freedom.” In his remarks, Charles emphasized that consistent, on-time loan repayment is a shared responsibility that underpins the long-term stability of the entire cooperative model, rather than just an individual financial obligation.

    Charles explained that when members honor their loan commitments, the ripple benefits extend across the entire NCCU community. Timely repayments keep the credit union’s capital position strong, enabling it to continue extending affordable loans to other members, invest in improved financial products and member services, and expand inclusive opportunities that benefit every account holder. This collective strength becomes particularly valuable as NCCU prepares to roll out its upcoming Member Patronage Refund Programme: when the credit union delivers strong performance driven by responsible borrowing and repayment across its membership, it gains greater capacity to distribute tangible value back to the people who own and use the institution. That, Charles noted, is the core advantage of the cooperative structure: every member participates, every member contributes, collective growth benefits all, and that institutional strength ultimately cycles back to support individual member success.

    Charles also acknowledged that unforeseen financial hardship is a common reality for many households. Shifts in income, sudden unexpected expenses, and emergency crises can derail even the most carefully planned budgets, leading to missed loan payments despite good intentions. For members currently navigating financial strain, Charles had a clear, encouraging message: do not avoid contact with NCCU, and do not wait for small challenges to escalate into larger, unmanageable debt.

    Instead, Charles urged struggling members to reach out directly to NCCU staff to discuss their unique circumstances. Where members are eligible for support, the credit union is ready to collaborate to find a tailored, sustainable path forward. He stressed that NCCU’s priority is not aggressive debt collection: it is helping members get back on track, reset their financial standing, and recover long-term stability through responsible, collaborative problem-solving. This process, however, requires open communication, active cooperation, and a shared partnership between members and the credit union to succeed.

    During Delinquency Awareness Month, Charles reminded all members that loan delinquency is a concern for the entire NCCU community, not just those facing repayment challenges. He encouraged all account holders to proactively track their outstanding balances, mark payment due dates in their calendars, and prioritize on-time payments whenever possible. For members facing hardship, reconnecting with NCCU is the first critical step toward a fresh financial start, he said. One simple conversation can open the door to the support needed to reset finances and recover freedom.

    “Together, let us Reset and Recover, and continue building a stronger NCCU that serves us today, creates opportunities for tomorrow, and returns greater value to all our members,” Charles said, closing his address by thanking members for their continued trust in the institution and extending well wishes to members and their families.

  • CDPF is investigating another fatal traffic collision in Canefield

    CDPF is investigating another fatal traffic collision in Canefield

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched a formal investigation into a deadly vehicle collision that took place last week at the intersection of Imperial Road and E.O. Leblanc Highway in Canefield, Dominica.

    Acting Police Public Relations Officer ASP Fixton Henderson shared preliminary details of the incident, which unfolded around 8:45 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026. The victim, identified as 59-year-old Gary Gage, a resident of Kennedy Avenue in Roseau, was traveling north along E.O. Leblanc Highway on his Honda PCX scooter when the crash occurred. At the same time, 21-year-old Jesse Etienne, a local man from Roger Canefield, was driving a heavy trailer truck south along Imperial Road before making a right turn onto E.O. Leblanc Highway. The two vehicles collided head-on at the junction, with Gage’s scooter striking the left side of the trailer.

    Damage assessments following the collision show the front end of Gage’s motor scooter was completely destroyed in the impact, while the trailer truck sustained no visible damage. Etienne, the truck driver, walked away from the incident without any injuries. Gage, however, suffered catastrophic trauma in the crash. Emergency responders rushed him to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital for urgent care, but medical providers pronounced him dead shortly after arrival on the same night.

    In a statement released following the incident, the CDPF extended its deepest and sincere condolences to Gage’s family, friends, and loved ones as they process this sudden loss. This fatal collision marks the second deadly road accident recorded in the area within a single week. On August 24, just seven days before this incident, another fatal crash claimed the life of Zachary Honore, a Haitian national residing in Dominica. Police have not yet released additional details on potential contributing factors, including speeding, poor visibility, or driver error, and the investigation remains active as authorities work to finalize their full report on the collision.

  • Another police officer arrested in Jerbia Paul murder investigation

    Another police officer arrested in Jerbia Paul murder investigation

    A 23-year-old police constable from Dominica’s Bense district, identified as Patrick Bethelmie Jr., has been taken into custody and slapped with two criminal charges: perverting the course of justice, and illegal possession of ammunition without a valid government license.

    This development marks Bethelmie as the fourth law enforcement officer to face criminal charges tied to the high-profile killing of Jerbiah Paul, a teenage resident of Portsmouth, Dominica. As the official investigation into Paul’s murder progresses, a total of six suspects remain in custody at the Dominica State Prison awaiting trial. Of these six detainees, four are serving police officers and two are women, all of whom are currently held on remand.

    Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Fixton Henderson, the department’s acting public relations officer, confirmed a key connection between the latest charged officer and one of the two female suspects already in custody: Bethelmie is the boyfriend of Jolie-Ana Naomi James, who was arrested earlier in the probe and faces the exact same two criminal charges as Bethelmie.

    The case has drawn widespread public attention across the small Caribbean island nation, as the involvement of multiple sitting police officers in a teen homicide investigation has sparked calls for transparency and accountability from local community leaders. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the timeline for upcoming court proceedings, confirming only that investigative work is still ongoing.

  • LIVE: The Dominica Council Of Ageing hosts its Media Launch of the Month of the Elderly 2026

    LIVE: The Dominica Council Of Ageing hosts its Media Launch of the Month of the Elderly 2026

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  • SVG becomes first OECS member state to adopt regional digital health warning system

    SVG becomes first OECS member state to adopt regional digital health warning system

    In a landmark step for sub-regional public health security, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has made history as the first member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to formally adopt the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS). This milestone comes after a nine-day technical deployment carried out from June 22 to 30, 2026, executed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) under the umbrella of the World Bank-funded OECS Regional Health Project, per an official press release from CARPHA.

    As the Caribbean’s only unified public health governing body, CARPHA developed RIEWSS as a custom-built digital solution designed specifically for the region’s unique needs. Unlike fragmented surveillance systems, the platform integrates data across four critical domains: human health, animal health, environmental health, and laboratory testing. This cross-sector integration directly addresses gaps that have slowed early detection and rapid response to emerging public health hazards in the past.

    The timing of RIEWSS’s national rollout is strategically intentional. SVG is gearing up to host two major high-profile events in 2026: its iconic national Carnival and matches for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League. While large-scale gatherings draw thousands of international visitors and drive significant local economic activity, they also amplify the risk of disease outbreaks and public health incidents. Having a unified surveillance system in place ahead of these events positions SVG to mitigate these risks effectively.

    During the June technical mission, CARPHA specialists delivered comprehensive training to local national health officials, and configured the platform for SVG’s specific use, creating secure, authorized user accounts that enable frontline workers to access real-time digital data. This capability allows for faster detection, standardized reporting, and seamless sharing of information about unfolding public health events across agencies.

    The mission delivered more than just RIEWSS: teams also launched and began piloting the second iteration of the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS 2.0), a tool designed to boost disease monitoring at SVG’s ports of entry, where international ships and travelers arrive daily. Additionally, CARPHA conducted on-the-ground testing of an electronic entomological data collection system built into its DHIS2 Entomology Module. This digital tool is intended to improve both the accuracy and speed of surveillance for vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, which are persistent threats in the Caribbean.

    Health personnel also received specialized training through the Mass Gathering Surveillance System, which has been updated and expanded specifically to support public health monitoring during Carnival and other upcoming large events in SVG. To put the new integrated systems to the test, mission participants carried out Tingua, a simulation exercise built for the Caribbean context that brought together cross-sector teams including human and animal health experts, environmental specialists, and emergency management responders. The exercise challenged teams to respond to multiple overlapping public health emergencies, testing their coordinated preparedness ahead of real-world events.

    The mission wrapped up with two high-level debriefing sessions led by CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar. Senior SVG government leaders attended the sessions, including the Deputy Prime Minister for National Security, the Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Energy, permanent secretaries from the health, national security, and tourism ministries, the Chief Medical Officer, and senior technical staff.

    In her remarks following the debrief, Dr. Indar emphasized that SVG’s commitment to fully institutionalizing RIEWSS sets a critical precedent for health security across the Caribbean. She noted that the achievement aligns with CARPHA’s core strategic focus on building resilient, cross-regional public health systems that can adapt to emerging threats.

    Looking ahead, CARPHA confirmed that SVG’s successful implementation creates a replicable roadmap for all other OECS member states that plan to adopt the system in coming months. The agency will continue providing ongoing technical assistance to help SVG sustain its new systems, expand their use over time, and contribute to stronger collective health resilience across the entire Caribbean sub-region.