标签： Dominica

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy (MoAFBGE) has unveiled an extensive program to celebrate World Food Day 2025, embracing the global theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ The initiative highlights the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to sustainable food production, youth engagement, educational outreach, and inclusive dialogue on agriculture, fisheries, and food security. The events span from October 11 to October 16, 2025, and include a variety of activities designed to engage diverse audiences. On October 11–12, a youth-focused radio segment on DBS Radio, messages during church services, and a national address will kick off the celebrations. October 15 will feature school outreach programs, including poster distributions and classroom discussions, alongside an online poster and poem competition organized by the FAO. The pinnacle of the celebrations on October 16, World Food Day, will include a national speech by the Minister broadcast across multiple platforms, an educational discussion at the Documentation Center, a social media campaign, and the WFD 4-H Clubs Food Expo at the Marigot Youth Center. The Ministry encourages widespread participation from citizens, schools, communities, and stakeholders to raise awareness, celebrate agricultural achievements, and promote resilient food systems. For more information, the public is advised to follow the MoAFBGE Facebook page and tune into scheduled radio broadcasts.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission successfully concluded the fifth session of the Regional Data Governance Council (RDGC), held from October 7 to 10, 2025. The four-day event brought together statistical leaders from OECS member states, regional agencies, and international development organizations to enhance collaboration, improve statistical capabilities, and promote data-informed decision-making across the Caribbean region.

Corneil Williams, Chairperson of the RDGC, opened the session by stressing the importance of unified strategies in data collection and governance. Key figures and partners underscored the critical role of data governance in driving sustainable development within the OECS.

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening statistical systems as vital tools for evidence-based policymaking. He highlighted the need to cultivate a culture of data use and trust, urging stakeholders to move beyond data collection to actionable insights. Jules also called for integration beyond formal treaties, fostering a shared understanding through data.

Elbert Ellis of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) reiterated the bank’s support for regional development efforts, including the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment (eCPA). He emphasized the importance of robust data systems for sustainable development and outlined the CDB’s technical and financial contributions to improving data governance and institutional frameworks.

Ms. Anna Luisa Paffhausen from the World Bank highlighted the Bank’s collaboration with the OECS through the Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project. She noted the meeting’s focus on anonymizing core datasets to support data dissemination and analysis, aiming to address key policy and development priorities in the region.

Ms. Sherma Beroo, OECS DDM Project Manager, emphasized the importance of fostering stronger partnerships to ensure robust, harmonized data systems capable of supporting sustainable development.

The sessions covered critical topics, including progress on regional and national statistical initiatives, updates on flagship projects like DDM and CARDTP, strategies for data anonymization, and the development of a Communication and Advocacy Strategy to promote statistical data use. The meeting concluded with a coordinated work plan, renewed commitments to data harmonization and privacy protections, and strengthened collaborations among OECS member states and development partners.

Dominicans both at home and abroad are enthusiastically encouraged to proudly display their national flag today as Dominica commemorates ‘Flag Day.’ This special day, established by the Cultural Division, is an integral part of the country’s Independence Celebrations, aimed at fostering national pride and recognition of the flag as a symbol of unity and identity. The current design of the Dominican flag, adopted on November 3, 1988, is renowned for its intricate and meaningful composition. It features a circular emblem of red, showcasing a blue-chested Sisserou Parrot perched on a twig, always facing the flagpole. The parrot is encircled by ten lime green stars outlined in yellow, set against a backdrop of forest green. The flag also incorporates a triple-colored cross formed by three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, black, and white. Each element of the flag carries profound significance, reflecting the nation’s heritage and values. The original flag, designed by the late Dr. Alwin Bully, was unveiled on November 3, 1978, following a national competition. Notably, Dominica’s flag stands out globally with its eight colors, making it one of the most complex and costly flags to produce.

In the annals of Dominica’s maritime history, Neville Ellison Wade stands as a beacon of ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Born in Portsmouth, Wade was not merely a boat builder but a visionary entrepreneur and master mariner whose craftsmanship and ventures left an indelible mark on Dominica’s economic and cultural landscape. His life was a testament to innovation, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his community and craft. From his early entrepreneurial endeavors to his groundbreaking achievements in shipbuilding and navigation, Wade’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Wade’s journey began in the 1950s when, as a young boy, he built his first dinghy using grocery crates and breadfruit milk as glue. This early project foreshadowed a career marked by extraordinary accomplishments. By 1965, he had constructed a 20-foot boat powered by a converted car engine, demonstrating his relentless determination and mechanical prowess. Over the decades, Wade’s maritime ventures expanded significantly. He engineered cradles for hauling ships, acquired and outfitted commercial vessels, and successfully salvaged wrecks that others deemed impossible. His Atlantic crossings, including voyages on vessels like the M.V. Teresia and the Amazing Grace, solidified his reputation as a master navigator. Wade’s contributions extended beyond shipbuilding. He was a mentor, teacher, and community builder who inspired young Dominicans to dream beyond their island’s shores. In 2022, he joined Rebuild Dominica Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on agriculture, education, and community development, further cementing his role in nation-building. Neville Wade’s life was also defined by his faith and service. Whether negotiating overseas deals or gifting his labor for Portsmouth’s betterment, he embodied humility and strength. His legacy, often unrecorded in official histories, serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who shape nations. As Dominica continues to honor its independence, Wade’s work stands as a testament to the creativity and perseverance of its people. His story is one of transforming challenges into opportunities and wreckage into renewal, ensuring that Portsmouth remains a center of maritime industry and innovation.

The Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has successfully navigated a period of constitutional controversy and leadership uncertainty by electing a new nine-member executive team. The elections, held on October 11 at the Dominica Calypso House, saw approximately 40 Calypsonians casting their votes to select eight new executive members. These individuals will join Joey Lloyd, who was previously elected as the caretaker executive member following the resignation of the former leadership amid constitutional disputes. The newly elected members include Daddy Chess, who received the highest number of votes with 34, followed by Karessa with 31. Peter Letang, Bingo, and Oracle each secured 30 votes, while Royette garnered 27, Tronada received 23, and Mystery rounded out the list with 18 votes. The executive comprises seven men and two women, forming a leadership team tasked with revitalizing the DCA and preparing for the upcoming Calypso season, which begins in less than three months with the elimination round. Narrin Murphy, former Treasurer of the DCA, shared the results and extended his support to the incoming executive. ‘We take the opportunity to wish the current executive the very, very best as they prepare for the 2026 season,’ Murphy stated. ‘It’s not really easy, but we will give the full support we can when requested.’ The elections mark a turning point for the DCA, which has recently faced internal challenges. Former president Ian Jackson confirmed that several members of the outgoing executive had exceeded constitutional term limits, prompting a petition from some members and calls for reform. The petitioners claim that the October 11 elections were held to restore constitutional integrity and public confidence in the association’s governance. With the 2026 Calypso season rapidly approaching, the newly elected executive is expected to promptly begin preparations for DCA-organized events, provide robust support to artists, and strengthen the cultural significance of Calypso in Dominica.