Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • LIVE: Night 2 Reflections on Prayer with Bishop Forbes

    LIVE: Night 2 Reflections on Prayer with Bishop Forbes

    The European Union has officially enacted the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act, establishing the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence technologies. This landmark legislation, approved by the European Parliament with overwhelming support, categorizes AI systems according to their risk levels and implements corresponding regulatory requirements.

    The revolutionary legislation employs a risk-based classification system that prohibits certain AI applications deemed unacceptable due to their threat to fundamental rights. These prohibited applications include cognitive behavioral manipulation, social scoring systems, and real-time remote biometric identification in publicly accessible spaces for law enforcement purposes—with limited exceptions for serious crime prevention.

    High-risk AI systems, encompassing critical infrastructure, medical devices, and educational applications, must satisfy stringent requirements including risk assessment, high-quality data sets, activity logging, detailed documentation, human oversight, and exceptional levels of accuracy and cybersecurity. Transparency obligations mandate that AI systems interacting with humans must disclose their artificial nature, while deepfakes and AI-generated content must be clearly labeled as such.

    The legislation establishes a European Artificial Intelligence Board to facilitate implementation and creates regulatory sandboxes to support innovation. Non-compliance triggers substantial penalties ranging from €35 million or 7% of global turnover for prohibited AI violations to €15 million or 3% for incorrect information supplying.

    This regulatory framework represents the most significant attempt to date to balance AI innovation with fundamental rights protection, potentially establishing a global standard for AI governance as technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.

  • AG police chief gives kudos to police for illegal firearm progress, general updates

    AG police chief gives kudos to police for illegal firearm progress, general updates

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have achieved significant breakthroughs in their intensified campaign against illegal firearms, with Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette announcing the recovery of 12 weapons within just one month of establishing a specialized Firearms Task Force.

    During a recent press conference detailing police accomplishments for 2025, Corbette revealed that the specially created unit has been operating ‘quietly but effectively’ since its formation. The seized arsenal includes high-powered rifles and military-grade weaponry, with one notable case resulting in five rifles being confiscated simultaneously.

    In a particularly significant seizure, authorities recovered an Uzi submachine gun alongside three pistols and a shotgun from a single individual, who has since been brought before the courts for sentencing. All weapons were confirmed to be unlicensed, highlighting the serious nature of these violations.

    Corbette emphasized the police department’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal firearms from Dominican society: ‘We will go after the firearms, wherever they are. Wherever in the country they are, we’ll go after them. Because we are not used to this callous use of firearms in Dominica. And we won’t relent until such time that we get rid of these firearms.’

    The police chief also reported substantial progress in addressing other public safety concerns, noting a ‘significant reduction’ in reported theft, burglaries, and vagrancy within the Roseau area. These improvements are attributed to strategic operations including ‘Operation Clean Streets’ and the ongoing ‘Operation Safe DA,’ which have collectively removed numerous illicit firearms from criminal elements.

    Complementing these efforts, authorities have intensified community policing initiatives and removed 160 derelict vehicles islandwide. Corbette issued a final warning to residents in the Kingshill area regarding tagged vehicles scheduled for removal before Christmas.

    Additional security measures include enhanced police patrols in urban centers, with increased officer presence in Roseau and Portsmouth during the holiday season to ensure public safety and reduce crime-related anxieties.

  • PM Skerrit says U.S. travel ban is a surprise since Dominica has complied with U.S. requirements

    PM Skerrit says U.S. travel ban is a surprise since Dominica has complied with U.S. requirements

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has expressed profound surprise regarding the United States’ recent decision to impose entry restrictions on Dominican citizens. The measure, enacted through a presidential proclamation signed on December 16, 2025, by President Donald Trump, cites national security concerns and weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems as justification.

    During a live radio interview on DBS Radio, PM Skerrit clarified that while his government respects U.S. sovereignty, the rationale behind the decision appears contradictory. The U.S. government specifically cited Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program lacking a residency requirement as a primary concern. However, Skerrit revealed that Dominica had recently enacted comprehensive legislation on October 15, 2025, that explicitly establishes residency requirements—a framework developed with direct input and approval from various U.S. government departments, including the Treasury Department and the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.

    The Prime Minister disclosed that immediate contacts with U.S. officials yielded further surprise, as Embassy and State Department contacts indicated they had no prior formal information about the restrictions and were themselves surprised by the White House’s action. Skerrit characterized this development as a potential miscommunication between different branches of the U.S. government.

    Skerrit emphasized his administration’s commitment to resolving the matter through diplomatic channels, with formal communications being sent to seek clarification and urge reconsideration. He simultaneously urged calm among Dominican citizens, assuring them that his government would maintain transparency throughout the process.

    The Prime Minister also highlighted the critical importance of the CBI program to Dominica’s economic resilience, noting its essential role in funding disaster recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Erika, Hurricane Maria, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as financing vital infrastructure projects including hospitals, schools, and roads. He contextualized Dominica’s program within global practices, noting that many developed nations maintain similar investment migration programs.

    Skerrit concluded by expressing confidence that through continued dialogue, the situation could be resolved, emphasizing that if the stated reason is indeed the residency requirement, it has already been addressed with U.S. cooperation and approval.

  • AKTA announces plans for awarded grant, to strengthen ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods in Castle Bruce

    AKTA announces plans for awarded grant, to strengthen ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods in Castle Bruce

    The Anse Kouanari Tourism Association (AKTA) has unveiled comprehensive plans for a groundbreaking environmental initiative funded by the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund. Titled “Building Capacity for Ecosystem Restoration in the Castle Bruce District,” the project represents a significant investment in community-led conservation efforts supported by multiple international partners including the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, CUSO International, and the Government of Canada.

    This strategically located initiative targets the biodiverse yet vulnerable Castle Bruce District, situated adjacent to both the Kalinago Territory and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The region faces mounting environmental pressures including land degradation, climate change impacts, and diminishing native plant populations. The project directly addresses these challenges through a multi-faceted approach centered on ecological restoration and community empowerment.

    The comprehensive program encompasses four primary components scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. First, extensive training sessions will equip up to 25 participants—including local farmers, community residents, and agricultural students—with advanced skills in plant propagation techniques such as budding, grafting, and nursery management. Second, educational resources will be developed including a visually accessible pictorial guide documenting native, indigenous, and pollinator-friendly agroforestry species.

    Third, the establishment of three specialized nurseries will form the project’s productive backbone. These facilities will be managed by a woman farmer, the Castle Bruce Secondary School, and a local model farm, collectively producing hundreds of native plants for reforestation and soil stabilization. Fourth, a community-wide agroforestry planting initiative will be implemented with ongoing mentorship and monitoring systems to ensure long-term viability.

    Project organizers anticipate substantial environmental and socioeconomic benefits including enhanced pollinator habitats, improved soil stability, increased availability of native plant species, and strengthened community capacity in sustainable agriculture practices. The initiative also creates new livelihood opportunities in nursery management and agroforestry, building upon AKTA’s previous successful beekeeping programs to integrate apiculture with broader conservation objectives.

    AKTA will collaborate with key institutional partners including Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy; the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division; the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society; and educational institutions. Project Manager Naomi Bannis-Sampson expressed gratitude for the funding, stating: “This enables us to grow knowledge, grow trees, and grow opportunities for communities across the Castle Bruce District,” highlighting the transformative potential of this community-driven conservation investment.

  • OP-ED: Immigration restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica – An analysis of crime rates, CBI program security, and ethical considerations

    OP-ED: Immigration restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica – An analysis of crime rates, CBI program security, and ethical considerations

    A recent policy proclamation by the United States government imposing entry restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica has sparked significant debate regarding its empirical foundation and ethical implications. Issued on December 16, 2025, and justified on national security grounds, this measure faces mounting scrutiny from immigration experts and ethicists alike.

    Extensive criminological research demonstrates that immigrants from Caribbean nations consistently exhibit lower crime rates than native-born U.S. citizens. Comprehensive studies reveal immigrant incarceration rates significantly below those of U.S.-born individuals, with undocumented immigrants showing conviction rates 26–61% lower for serious crimes including homicide. While specific data on Antiguan and Dominican nationals is limited due to small diaspora populations, aggregated Caribbean immigrant statistics align with these broader trends, showing substantially lower incarceration and conviction rates compared to native-born Americans.

    The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs operated by Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica incorporate multilayered security protocols that exceed many standard visa requirements. Both nations mandate rigorous background checks through Interpol, World-Check, and third-party international vetting firms. Antigua and Barbuda requires certified documents, police certificates, and enhanced due diligence fees ranging from US$7,500–$8,500 for main applicants. Dominica has implemented mandatory interviews since 2024 alongside sophisticated vetting procedures, with primary applicant fees set at US$7,500. These programs maintain substantial rejection rates for high-risk applicants, demonstrating proactive risk management.

    Ethical considerations present further challenges to nationality-based restrictions. Philosophical frameworks emphasize the violation of equal moral worth when policies discriminate based on arbitrary birth circumstances rather than individual risk assessment. Such measures echo historical exclusions rooted in racial and ethnic prejudice, conflicting with fundamental human rights principles. From a moral perspective, collective punishment of entire nationalities for hypothetical risks contradicts religious imperatives of hospitality and presumes guilt by association—a fundamental violation of justice principles.

    Legal experts note that legitimate restrictions require proportionate, evidence-based justification. The absence of data indicating higher criminality among Antiguan or Dominican nationals undermines claims of necessity under international law standards. The sophisticated due diligence mechanisms within CBI programs further negate security rationales for blanket restrictions.

    The comprehensive analysis concludes that empirical evidence, security protocols, and ethical frameworks all fail to support nationality-based entry restrictions. Policy recommendations emphasize individualized assessment approaches that respect human dignity while maintaining security through evidence-based methods rather than collective stigma.

  • PM Skerrit offers Dominica’s mediation between US and Venezuela, to maintain zone of peace

    PM Skerrit offers Dominica’s mediation between US and Venezuela, to maintain zone of peace

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has formally extended his nation’s diplomatic services to mediate escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. During his year-end press conference, the Caribbean leader positioned Dominica as a neutral intermediary capable of facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.

    Skerrit emphasized the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to external shocks, stating that military conflict would have devastating consequences for all regional economies. “We have always maintained that the Caribbean should be a zone of peace,” Skerrit declared. “Any thought of military actions in the Caribbean should be reconsidered. We believe that dialogue and diplomatic channels represent superior approaches to resolving differences.”

    The Prime Minister highlighted Dominica’s existing friendly relations with both nations and referenced previous successful mediation efforts. “Dominica is a good friend of both the United States and Venezuela,” he noted. “We have worked together as an intermediary in the past and stand prepared to do so in this current situation.”

    Skerrit specifically addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging his previous negotiation successes in global conflicts and urging continued diplomatic engagement. This development comes amid reported U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of anti-drug trafficking operations—a move that Caracas interprets as direct aggression aimed at overthrowing President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

    According to international media reports, tensions have intensified following President Trump’s accusations that Maduro’s administration facilitates drug trafficking and drives mass migration from Venezuela to the United States. Prime Minister Skerrit’s intervention represents a significant diplomatic initiative from a Caribbean nation to prevent further escalation in regional tensions.

  • STATEMENT: Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association on the increased site user fees

    STATEMENT: Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association on the increased site user fees

    The Dominican Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has issued a stark warning regarding recent policy decisions that threaten to undermine the Caribbean nation’s carefully cultivated tourism model. Representing hotels, tour operators, transportation providers, and thousands of industry workers, the association expresses deep concern over the government’s departure from previously agreed-upon funding mechanisms.

    For years, both governmental and private sectors have acknowledged critical funding shortfalls in destination marketing and natural site maintenance. This financial gap has directly impacted Dominica’s competitiveness and visitor experience quality. In response, the DHTA had supported implementing a visitor levy under specific conditions: a $20 fee collected through IATA systems, establishment of a jointly managed tourism fund, and elimination of individual site fees in favor of a unified ‘One National Park’ concept.

    However, the recently announced budget measures diverge significantly from these agreements. The government has implemented a $30 levy (50% higher than proposed), maintained cruise head taxes at current levels instead of increasing them to $12.50, introduced substantially higher site pass fees, and made no mention of the jointly managed fund structure. Most concerning is the 300% increase in site fees, creating an additional $272 financial burden for a typical family of four—a 566% overall increase when combined with the new levy.

    The economic impact is already materializing, with over 10,000 pre-booked room nights for 2026 facing significant losses under the new fee structure. Small and medium properties report unbudgeted adjustments exceeding EC$10,000, while tour operators struggle with mid-cycle changes to contracts typically set 12-18 months in advance.

    The association highlights a critical equity issue: cruise visitors represent 80% of arrivals but contribute less than 10% of tourism GDP, while stayover visitors—who spend fifty times more per capita—bear nearly the entire financial burden of site maintenance and marketing. This imbalance contradicts Dominica’s longstanding tourism master plans emphasizing high-yield, low-volume, nature-based tourism.

    The DHTA reaffirms its commitment to collaborative solutions that protect Dominica’s unique brand as the world’s premier nature destination while ensuring fair contribution across all tourism segments and upholding environmental stewardship principles.

  • Dominica announces expanded flight options for regional, US and UK connectivity

    Dominica announces expanded flight options for regional, US and UK connectivity

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has unveiled a strategic aviation expansion set to dramatically enhance its international connectivity for the 2025–2026 winter season. This initiative, jointly announced by the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), represents a significant upgrade to the island’s airlift capacity, targeting key markets in the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

    The enhanced flight network is designed to facilitate smoother and more frequent travel to the ‘Nature Isle,’ a move that directly addresses previous logistical challenges for tourists. The expansion includes increased flight frequencies on existing routes and the introduction of new services from major international hubs. This development is a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic strategy, which positions tourism as a primary driver of sustainable development.

    Analysts project that the improved accessibility will catalyze a substantial uptick in visitor arrivals, providing a considerable boost to the local hospitality sector, including hotels, tour operators, and ancillary services. The government emphasizes that this infrastructural advancement is a direct response to growing global interest in eco-tourism and destination weddings, for which Dominica is increasingly renowned. This calculated investment in air transport is expected to solidify the island’s competitive stance within the regional tourism market and foster long-term economic resilience.

  • STATEMENT: Government of Dominica seeks clarification and dialogue with United States on presidential proclamation

    STATEMENT: Government of Dominica seeks clarification and dialogue with United States on presidential proclamation

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has formally requested immediate diplomatic consultations with the United States government following the December 16, 2025 proclamation imposing partial entry restrictions on Dominican nationals. While acknowledging America’s sovereign right to implement national security measures, the Dominican government expressed profound concern about its inclusion in the travel restrictions given its extensive cooperation with U.S. authorities and substantial reforms to its Citizenship by Investment Program.

    Throughout 2024-2025, Dominican officials maintained continuous engagement with multiple U.S. agencies through various channels including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and its Washington D.C. embassy. These collaborative efforts addressed all concerns raised by American officials regarding CBI operations, culminating in Dominica becoming the first Organization of Eastern Caribbean States member to enact comprehensive legislative reforms on October 14, 2025.

    The groundbreaking reforms introduced stringent new requirements including enhanced residency provisions, rigorous name-change controls, strengthened due diligence protocols, improved financial transparency measures, and the creation of an independent regulatory authority to ensure compliance with international standards.

    The Caribbean nation now seeks clarification regarding whether these implemented measures satisfy U.S. security requirements referenced in the proclamation. Dominican authorities have requested urgent dialogue before the restrictions take effect on January 1, 2026, consistent with the partnership spirit outlined in the proclamation itself.

    Emphasizing its long-standing bilateral relationship with the United States, particularly regarding maritime security and regional stability cooperation, Dominica reiterated that threats to U.S. security equally concern the Caribbean region. The government remains committed to transparent collaboration and shared security objectives while seeking resolution through constructive diplomatic engagement that reflects mutual respect between both nations.

  • Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund announces first grant recipients under conservation fund

    Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund announces first grant recipients under conservation fund

    In a historic move for environmental conservation, Dominica’s National Conservation Trust Fund (DNCTF) has officially launched its inaugural grant program, selecting two pioneering projects that merge ecological preservation with gender equality. The December 11th signing ceremony marked a transformative moment in Caribbean conservation financing, channeling support through the Gender Smart Facility—a specialized program under the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s CORE Project implemented with Global Affairs Canada.

    The selected initiatives, led by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Anse Kouanari Tourism Association (AKTA), represent a dual approach to sustainable development. IICA’s project addresses Dominica’s dependency on imported livestock feed by establishing climate-resilient forage production systems at the Central Livestock Farm. Through distribution of drought-tolerant Brachiaria and Clitoria plant varieties to small-scale farmers, particularly those in the Dominica Livestock Cooperative and National Association of Youth in Agriculture, the project aims to reduce feed costs by up to 60% while rehabilitating degraded lands.

    AKTA’s initiative tackles the critical shortage of native plant species essential for reforestation and pollinator habitat restoration. The program will provide comprehensive training in plant propagation and nursery management to rural farmers, with special emphasis on women and youth participation. This approach not only addresses ecological needs but creates sustainable livelihood opportunities in marginalized communities.

    Dr. Rhonda Linton, CEO of DNCTF, emphasized the significance of these grants: ‘These first two grants represent a significant moment for Dominica’s conservation landscape. By funding projects that are both community-led and scientifically grounded, DNCTF is ensuring that conservation financing reaches the people and ecosystems that need it most.’

    The Gender Smart Facility specifically targets eight Caribbean nations, ensuring conservation and climate adaptation efforts actively promote women’s empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups. Nayari Diaz, lead of the CORE Project, noted that ‘these projects restore ecosystems and challenge traditional barriers that have kept women out of agricultural decision-making and environmental leadership.’

    Canada’s support through Global Affairs Canada was highlighted by Ena Cimic, Second Secretary at the High Commission of Canada to Jamaica: ‘When women have equal opportunities in agriculture and environmental management, everyone benefits. This results in better-protected ecosystems, more resilient communities, and expanded economic opportunities.’

    These groundbreaking initiatives establish DNCTF as Dominica’s primary mechanism for financing biodiversity conservation, effectively connecting communities, government agencies, and international donors to foster enduring environmental and socio-economic resilience across the nation.