Dr. Ronen C. A. Francis, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), has reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean. Speaking at the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Francis outlined key strategic initiatives and projects endorsed by PISLM’s Ministerial Council earlier this year.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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EU personal data protection rules affect economic and financial players in Dominica and the wider Caribbean
For individuals outside the European Union, the concept of privacy and its implications on daily legal, social, medical, financial, and business transactions often remains overlooked. However, the EU’s stringent privacy regulations serve as a crucial wake-up call for third-country residents, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal data. These regulations mandate the protection of natural persons’ data during its handling, processing, and use, ensuring accountability for processors, handlers, users, and data owners alike. The EU’s legal framework equips authorities with robust mechanisms to address breaches, misuse, or inadequate protection of personal data, with consequences tailored to factors such as the context, timing, and manner of data sharing. Recognizing the evolving nature of transactions and the heightened exposure of personal data, the EU has proactively updated its privacy laws. These updates aim to empower individuals with greater control over their data while compelling businesses—whether in Dominica, the EU, the US, Barbados, or elsewhere—to handle personal information responsibly. Marcia B. Moulon, Esq., a distinguished attorney with expertise across multiple jurisdictions, underscores the significance of these regulations in fostering global data protection standards.
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Dominica amongst four to join regional fisheries group
In a significant move for regional collaboration, four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially joined the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) by signing the Agreement Establishing the organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event, organized under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, marked a milestone in regional fisheries management. Representatives from the four nations, including Hon. Roland Royer of Dominica, Hon. Kyle Hodge of Anguilla, Mr. Montez Williams of The Bahamas, and Hon. John P. Osborne of Montserrat, collectively signed the agreement, underscoring their commitment to sustainable fisheries practices. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, lauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the organization. Established in 2003 in Belize City, the CRFM is an intergovernmental body under CARICOM dedicated to the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources. The CRFM has implemented several key policies to enhance governance, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Williams also highlighted the CRFM’s efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches and incorporate the perspectives of youth and Indigenous communities in its initiatives. With the addition of these four nations, the CRFM now comprises 17 member states, furthering its mission to manage shared, migratory, and straddling fish stocks effectively. The organization continues to provide technical advice and consultative services to national fisheries authorities, supporting the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Wed October 8): Overcast skies, scattered showers today from Tropical wave; heavy rainfall, gusty winds expected from Thursday as TS Jerry approaches
A tropical wave continues to influence weather patterns across the region, bringing overcast skies and scattered showers, some of which may intensify to moderate or heavy levels, accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, the Small Craft Warning and High Surf Advisory have been lifted as sea conditions are anticipated to improve today, with waves expected to reach up to 7 feet along the east coast and 3 feet along the west coast over the next 24 hours. However, the approaching Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to worsen sea conditions by Thursday, with swells predicted to reach 10 to 12 feet in open waters on the east coast and around 7 feet on the west coast. Mariners and coastal users are advised to stay updated on weather developments and remain prepared. As of 5:00 AM, Tropical Storm Jerry was positioned near latitude 13.3°N and longitude 50.7°W, approximately 725 miles east-southeast of Dominica. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease in forward speed over the next few days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north by Friday. The core of the storm is expected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Dominica is projected to experience rainfall exceeding 4 inches, accompanied by gusty winds, starting Thursday. Residents and stakeholders in Dominica are advised to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Jerry as it moves closer to the islands.
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Dominica Met Services has best infrastructure in OECS, says blackmoore
Eight years after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria, Dominica has emerged as a regional leader in meteorological infrastructure within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore highlighted this achievement during a walk-through ceremony at the Office of Disaster Management Building in Jimmit on Monday. The event was organized to showcase the significant progress made in meteorological forecasting and disaster management since the hurricane devastated the island in 2017. Blackmoore emphasized the importance of recognizing advancements, stating, ‘Let us not underestimate the progress we have made. Eight years after Hurricane Maria, we have the best Met Services infrastructure in the OECS.’ He noted that Dominica now boasts a standalone meteorological headquarters, a project initiated in 2019, which surpasses the facilities of neighboring countries that often operate from airports or smaller offices. Blackmoore stressed the critical role of well-equipped meteorological services in achieving Dominica’s goal of becoming the first climate-resilient nation. ‘We must have the prerequisite resources in personnel and equipment to better forecast and issue warnings,’ he said. The minister also highlighted the country’s investment in automatic water gauges and other advanced tools, which have reduced reliance on external entities for weather alerts. ‘No one would have thought that Dominica would be the first in the OECS to have a dedicated Met Services building,’ Blackmoore remarked, underscoring the island’s remarkable transformation since Hurricane Maria.
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CWI launches second round of foundational training, in Leeward Islands and St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has initiated the second cycle of its Foundation Level & Refreshers Cricket Coaching Course across the Leeward Islands and St. Vincent, marking a significant step in its strategic mission to build a robust coaching network in the Caribbean. The program, which commenced on October 2, 2025, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua & Barbuda, is designed to prepare coaches for the reopening of primary schools and the revival of community-based grassroots cricket initiatives. Sessions are scheduled to take place in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Vincent, culminating on October 30. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, underscored the organization’s dedication to enhancing coaching standards and cricket infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of early-stage coaching education in fostering sustainable growth for the sport. He highlighted the collaboration with government and private sector partners to expand age-group cricket, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable pathway for aspiring cricketers. The coaching courses, led by seasoned instructors Mr. Brendon Ramlal and Mr. Keshava Ramphal, focus on critical areas such as child protection, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and effective communication. CWI has also mandated that all participants complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and a Cricket Safeguarding & Child Protection Workshop to ensure a safe environment for young athletes. These initiatives are expected to significantly benefit youth programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub. Since its inception, the program has trained over 150 coaches across multiple Caribbean nations, including Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica, reinforcing CWI’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
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FEATURED PHOTO: Vista from Penville
Penville, a small yet profoundly significant locale in Dominica, holds a complex tapestry of emotions for its inhabitants and visitors alike. For many Dominicans, it is a place steeped in memories, some of which are tinged with sorrow and loss. Yet, despite its association with tragedy, Penville remains a testament to the resilience and enduring beauty of the region. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and serene vistas, Penville offers a poignant reminder of the past while continuing to captivate with its natural charm. Its dual identity as a site of remembrance and a beacon of beauty makes it a unique and cherished part of Dominica’s cultural and geographical heritage.
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Blackmoore: Firearms task force to undergo polygraph testing, community policing unit approved
In a significant move to bolster national security, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, has announced that members of the newly established firearms task force will undergo polygraph testing. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat gun-related crimes and ensure the integrity of law enforcement operations. The task force, mandated by law, is dedicated to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal possession, trafficking, and use of firearms. Blackmoore emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards within the unit, stating, ‘We have to ensure that members of that task force are of the right caliber so that operations cannot be compromised.’ The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security has been instructed to facilitate the polygraphing process for all officers in the unit, including junior ranks and gazetted officers. Blackmoore also highlighted the establishment of an anti-illicit firearms interagency investigative unit, which includes officers from the Financial Intelligence Unit, customs, and excise duty. He praised the collaborative efforts of regional and international partners in sourcing professionals to conduct the tests, noting that their support is critical for the initiative’s success. Additionally, Blackmoore revealed the creation of a specialized unit for community policing, further underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety.
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Caribbean Development Bank hosts 22nd annual meeting for Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is co-hosting the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet) in Barbados from October 6 to 9, 2025. This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) and the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, has drawn nearly 70 accountability professionals from development finance institutions worldwide. Attendees include representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other global financial entities. IAMNet, established to foster cooperation among independent accountability bodies, aims to promote best practices in addressing complaints related to development projects, particularly those concerning environmental and social impacts. CDB President, Mr. Daniel Best, emphasized the importance of accountability in development finance, stating, ‘As development challenges grow more complex, strong accountability frameworks become even more critical.’ The conference agenda addresses pressing issues such as the stagnation of Sustainable Development Goals progress, declining aid budgets, and climate-related disasters. Key topics include IAM policy reviews, safeguarding mechanisms for complainants, accountability in climate projects, technological innovations, and strategies to combat retaliation. A dedicated session on October 8 will focus on capacity building for civil society organizations, early conflict resolution, and strengthening collaborations between IAMs and development advocates. Mr. Best highlighted the critical role of accountability in the Caribbean, noting, ‘In the Caribbean, accountability isn’t a luxury; it’s a matter of survival.’ Since 2015, CDB has maintained the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability, ensuring institutional integrity and ethical practices through its Projects Complaints Mechanism and whistleblowing procedures.
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DLP’s Rosie Douglas lecture to host speaker Dr Ralph Gonsalves on 25th anniversary of his death
The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) is preparing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passing of Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas, the late Prime Minister of Dominica, with the annual Rosie Douglas Memorial Lecture. Scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the State House Conference Room, the event will feature Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Gonsalves, a close associate of Douglas, is expected to address pivotal themes that defined Douglas’s political career, such as regional unity, people-centered development, and strengthening ties between the Caribbean, Africa, and the global community. The DLP emphasized that the event is open to all who wish to honor Douglas’s enduring legacy, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication to social justice and Caribbean unity left a profound impact on Dominica and the region. Douglas, who passed away on October 1, 2000, served as Prime Minister for only eight months following his election on January 31 of that year. The Memorial Lecture provides a platform to reflect on his contributions to nation-building and the empowerment of small states. The event will commence at 6:30 PM.