Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Rebublic Bank sows $2 million across regional projects with ‘Power to Make a Difference’

    Rebublic Bank sows $2 million across regional projects with ‘Power to Make a Difference’

    Republic Bank (EC) Limited has inaugurated its 2025-2026 Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) cohort, reinforcing its commitment to purpose-driven social investment across six Eastern Caribbean territories. The official launch occurred on December 10, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Ballroom in Saint Lucia, where fourteen new and returning partner organizations were formally introduced under the program’s revitalized theme: ‘Powered by Purpose, Transforming Communities.’

    Now in its fourth year, the PMAD program represents the bank’s strategic approach to corporate social responsibility, aligning with both the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past five years, Republic Bank has channeled over EC$6.3 million into community development initiatives, with nearly EC$2 million dedicated specifically to PMAD projects in the last three years alone.

    The 2025-2026 cohort showcases a diverse portfolio of projects targeting youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, healthcare accessibility, and economic development. Each territory will benefit from tailored interventions designed to address local needs while fostering regional progress.

    In Dominica, the Waitikubuli Artist Association will establish the nation’s first formal Visual Arts Diploma Program, significantly advancing cultural education. Simultaneously, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth will construct a new playground at Morne Jaune Primary School to promote childhood development through safe recreational spaces.

    Anguilla’s programming emphasizes maritime heritage and technological innovation. The Anguilla Sailing Association is revitalizing the sailing scene with new vessels and expanded training, while the newly partnered Anguilla Robotics Association will introduce hands-on education in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence, with particular focus on engaging girls and underserved youth.

    St. Kitts & Nevis welcomes the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, which will provide over 150 students with engineering exploration opportunities through STEAM challenges. The Sandy Point Agricultural Co-operative Society continues its mission to enhance food security by expanding rainwater harvesting systems for climate-resilient farming.

    St. Vincent & the Grenadines sees the addition of Esther’s Promise, offering vulnerable young women safe housing, empowerment training, and essential life skills development to facilitate their transition toward independence and sustainable employment.

    St. Maarten’s initiatives address both social inclusion and environmental concerns. The Freegan Food Foundation combats food insecurity through nutritional aid and wellness programs, while new partner EPIC establishes a recycling workspace that unites youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities to combat plastic pollution. The National Institute of Arts continues leveraging orchestral music as a tool for social inclusion among underprivileged children.

    Saint Lucia demonstrates continued momentum in innovation and inclusion through four distinct partnerships. Orbtronics advances STEM education with industry-level robotics training, while the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities expands its media-based aquaponics project to foster economic independence. The Daren Sammy Foundation supports promising student athletes from low-income backgrounds through comprehensive mentorship programs, and St. Mary’s College Secondary School bridges the digital divide with practical technology education.

    Tracy Bartholomew, Managing Director of Republic Bank (EC) Limited Group, articulated the program’s core philosophy: ‘True power lies in purpose. When purpose drives us, transformation is inevitable. Every action we take—every partnership we forge—has the potential to change lives. Together, we will continue to make a difference—one project, one community, one life at a time.’

    Partner representatives emphasized the transformative impact of Republic Bank’s approach, noting that the investment ‘has assisted partners in learning, growing and expanding past the bounds of initial imagination,’ characterizing the relationship as going ‘beyond the obligation of Corporate Social Responsibility’ toward ‘authentic relationships under the umbrella of a shared passion for positive, lasting change.’

  • University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has secured a significant $150,000 investment from the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) to establish scholarships for its pioneering Associate of Applied Science program in Renewable Energy Technology. The formal funding presentation occurred at the UVI RTPark Solar Farm, where VIEO Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs transferred the commitment to Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director of UVI’s Caribbean Green Technology Center.

    Scheduled for launch in Spring 2026, these scholarships will eliminate financial barriers for qualified U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands pursuing renewable energy studies. The initiative supports both the degree program and an upcoming Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, creating accessible pathways into the growing green energy sector.

    Dr. Guannel characterized the investment as a transformative development for local workforce preparation. “This generous commitment ensures Virgin Islanders can acquire essential training to actively participate in our territory’s clean energy transition,” he stated. “We’re addressing urgent community needs by equipping students with technical expertise while expressing profound gratitude to VIEO for their partnership in nurturing future renewable energy professionals.”

    VIEO Director Kyle Fleming emphasized the strategic alignment of federal funding with local workforce development. “We’re leveraging Department of Energy resources to create a synergistic pipeline that prepares residents to build, maintain, and expand the clean energy systems our communities increasingly adopt,” Fleming explained. “This scholarship transforms federal funding into tangible opportunities for Virgin Islanders to lead our territory’s energy transformation.”

    The Renewable Energy Technology program, established in 2024 through collaboration between UVI’s College of Science and Mathematics and the Caribbean Green Technology Center, delivers comprehensive two-year training in electrical fundamentals, renewable energy systems, and photovoltaic installation and maintenance. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical internships, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry while providing a foundation for advanced degrees in physics or applied mathematics.

    Program completers will additionally qualify to undertake the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate examination—a globally recognized certification in photovoltaic system installation that enhances professional credentials internationally.

    Prospective students seeking program details or scholarship eligibility information are directed to visit www.uvi.edu or contact the UVI Office of Public Relations directly.

  • Henckell Muriel Music Workshop students’ concert 2025, message from director

    Henckell Muriel Music Workshop students’ concert 2025, message from director

    The Henckell Muriel Music Workshop (HMMW) is commemorating its tenth anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to cultivate musical talent among youth. Founded in 2015 by Pearle Christian following her retirement from public service, the workshop represents a continuation of her lifelong dedication to music education that began in 1983 at the Kairi School of Music.

    Ms. Christian expressed profound gratitude to Leng Sorhaindo for initiating the original music education project that operated for 19 years with exceptionally high standards before eventually closing. After the Kairi school’s closure, Christian continued offering flute instruction privately before formally establishing HMMW as a dedicated music education center.

    The workshop began modestly with just two students but has since expanded significantly, currently instructing fifteen flute students and sixteen recorder players. Christian describes the institution’s journey as ‘an undulating landscape, with a roll of ebb and flow,’ with each student contributing uniquely to the workshop’s rich tapestry.

    The organization operates under the guiding principle of ‘Nurturing minds one note at a time,’ emphasizing both musical excellence and personal development. The anniversary celebration features musical performances designed to ‘warm your hearts and light up the corners of our world,’ as Christian poetically expressed in her anniversary message.

    The workshop’s decade of operation represents a sustained commitment to arts education in the community, providing continuous musical instruction despite the challenges that often face such specialized educational programs. Christian’s leadership has ensured the preservation of musical knowledge and performance traditions across generations of students.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Arrest made in motorcycle death of Ken Joseph

    BREAKING NEWS: Arrest made in motorcycle death of Ken Joseph

    A tragic traffic incident near Ocean Edge Oasis Hotel has resulted in one fatality and left another individual fighting for his life, prompting swift legal action from local authorities. On December 6, 2025, at approximately evening hours, a fatal collision claimed the life of Ken Joseph, a Kingshill resident originally misreported as a pillion rider but later confirmed to be operating the motorcycle. His passenger, Salim Khalid Green, sustained severe injuries and remains under critical medical supervision in the Intensive Care Unit of the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH).

    Law enforcement officials have moved decisively following the accident, apprehending a male suspect now formally charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The accused is scheduled for an initial court appearance at a magistrate’s court, where official charges will be presented. The judicial proceedings mark a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to road safety concerns in the community.

    Medical personnel at DCFH continue to monitor Green’s condition around the clock, though prognosis details remain undisclosed due to patient privacy protocols. The hospital’s intensive care team is providing comprehensive treatment to stabilize the injured survivor.

    This incident has sparked renewed discussions about vehicular safety regulations and enforcement measures on Dominica’s roadways. Local news outlet DNO has committed to tracking the case’s progression through the legal system and providing updates as further information emerges from official sources.

  • Ministry of Agriculture provides free white potato seeds to farmers for upcoming season

    Ministry of Agriculture provides free white potato seeds to farmers for upcoming season

    The Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has officially initiated the 2025/26 white potato cultivation period ahead of schedule, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s agricultural calendar. This strategic move follows the recent arrival of a specialized seed shipment containing 1,160 bags of premium potato varieties—Desiree and Spunta—recognized for their proven success in local growing conditions.

    Prior to distribution to agricultural stakeholders, the imported seeds will undergo rigorous quality assessment and disease screening by the Plant Quarantine Unit of the Division of Agriculture. These protective measures ensure that only certified disease-free planting materials reach Dominican farmers. The ministry anticipates releasing these validated seeds for commercial acquisition by mid-November 2025.

    Comprehensive pricing structures and support packages—encompassing seed provisions, agro-chemicals, essential inputs, tilling services, and transportation logistics—will be formally announced in the coming days. The established planting window spans December 2025 through January 2026, with harvest operations projected to commence approximately 90-110 days post-planting, targeting March-April 2026.

    Agricultural authorities emphasize the economic viability of white potato cultivation, highlighting its rapid growth cycle and sustained market demand. Director of Agriculture Keian Stephenson has publicly encouraged farming communities and cooperative members to pre-register with Extension Officers or local Farmer Service Centers to secure access to essential resources and technical support throughout the production cycle.

    The ministry’s initiative aims to capitalize on optimal growing conditions while stimulating domestic production capacity. Officials urge interested agricultural producers to leverage this strategic opportunity to enhance both crop yields and farm revenue through participation in the accelerated planting program.

  • Dr Fontaine faces 24th adjournment in ongoing legal matters

    Dr Fontaine faces 24th adjournment in ongoing legal matters

    In a striking development within Dominica’s judicial landscape, the protracted legal battle involving United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine has encountered yet another postponement—marking the 24th adjournment in an eight-year judicial process. The case, originating from political demonstrations on February 7, 2017, saw opposition members charged with inciting violence and obstructing justice following vandalism incidents during anti-government protests demanding Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s resignation.

    Dr. Fontaine expressed frustration outside the magistrate’s court Thursday, stating, ‘My matter has been adjourned until April of next year. Another delay of several months. I showed up this morning in the rain, but that’s it, that’s the system.’

    The case’s complex trajectory reveals significant judicial intricacies. Initially facing dual charges, Dr. Fontaine experienced extraordinary procedural developments: after being arrested at Douglas Charles airport on April 23, 2022, via a bench warrant issued in 2018, the matter underwent preliminary inquiry in April 2023. Through paper committal procedures, Magistrate Laudat determined sufficient evidence existed to advance the riotous behavior charge to the High Court while retaining the obstruction charge in magistrate’s court.

    In a pivotal turn, the High Court delivered a decisive victory for Dr. Fontaine, accepting his no-case submission and dismissing all charges. The ruling explicitly prohibited the Dominican government from pursuing any further legal action related to the 2017 events. However, the magistrate’s court has controversially continued proceedings on the obstruction charge, claiming the High Court’s dismissal didn’t technically apply to its specific case number.

    This has prompted defense lawyers to seek judicial intervention compelling the lower court to adhere to the higher court’s ruling—a process that remains ongoing while the magistrate’s court continues its proceedings. Dr. Fontaine, who serves as Policy Advisor to the South Sudanese government, must now return to court in April 2025, extending what he describes as an ‘eight-year ordeal’ that continues despite a superior court’s exoneration.

  • COMMENTARY: Witnessing a boa swallow an iguana…whole!

    COMMENTARY: Witnessing a boa swallow an iguana…whole!

    In a remarkable display of natural predation, a Dominican boa constrictor (Boa nebulosa) was documented consuming an adult iguana (Iguana delicatissima) along Elmshall Road on April 25, 2012. Wildlife observer Arl James witnessed and photographed the entire predation sequence, providing rare insight into the feeding behavior of Dominica’s largest endemic land reptile.

    The encounter began when James initially mistook the iguana’s tail for roadkill before realizing he was observing an active constriction event. The boa had tightly coiled around the sub-adult iguana, employing its signature constriction technique to suffocate the prey. After approximately thirty minutes of observation, James retrieved his camera equipment and returned to document the subsequent feeding process.

    The predation attracted significant attention from passersby, nearly causing traffic congestion as motorists attempted to photograph the interspecies interaction. Following the constriction phase, the snake methodically uncoiled and began dragging the lifeless iguana away from the roadway into adjacent vegetation.

    The boa commenced swallowing the iguana head-first, a process researchers estimate requires approximately one hour due to the prey’s substantial size and elongated tail structure. James documented the initial swallowing phase before departing, capturing the snake having consumed the iguana up to its front limbs.

    Scientific context reveals this observation contributes to understanding predator-prey dynamics between these two endemic species. Researchers from San Diego Zoo had previously documented similar predation events through skeletal remains found in 2009, where iguana skeletons were discovered inside boa skeletons, confirming head-first consumption patterns.

    Both species possess significant ecological importance: The Dominican boa is a live-bearing constrictor found exclusively on the island, capable of reaching lengths exceeding 10 feet. The Lesser Antilles iguana represents Dominica’s largest lizard species, with males exceeding 3 kilograms. Recent conservation concerns have emerged due to invasive green iguana (Iguana iguana) hybridization threats to the endemic population.

    This documentation provides valuable insight into the complex trophic relationships maintaining ecological balance within Dominica’s unique ecosystem, where adult iguanas serve as prey for mature boas while juvenile boas face predation from birds of prey and other predators.

  • Beekeeping on island receives boost with gov’t handing over equipment to over 90 farmers

    Beekeeping on island receives boost with gov’t handing over equipment to over 90 farmers

    The Dominican government has launched a substantial agricultural support program, distributing $944,964 worth of irrigation and beekeeping equipment to over ninety local farmers. The formal handover ceremony occurred at the Dominica Agricultural Producers and Exporters Limited (DAPEX) Warehouse Facility on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s agricultural development strategy.

    Agriculture Minister Roland Royer characterized the initiative as a pivotal investment in Dominica’s food security infrastructure, rural economic stability, and climate adaptation capabilities. “This is a major investment not only in equipment but in the future of the agriculture sector,” Minister Royer declared during the distribution event.

    The irrigation component directly addresses critical climate challenges affecting the island nation. Minister Royer identified climate change as the primary driver behind increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and intensified drought conditions that have threatened agricultural productivity. “For our farmers, access to water is no longer optional—it is essential,” he emphasized, noting that the new irrigation systems will guarantee year-round water availability, enable production expansion, and improve overall crop quality and yield.

    Concurrently, the beekeeping equipment distribution represents a strategic move toward agricultural diversification and environmental enhancement. Royer highlighted apiculture’s significant potential for rural income generation, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits: “Strengthening apiculture contributes directly to diversification of farmers’ livelihoods, increased honey production for local and export markets, enhanced crop pollination which boosts fruit production, and promotes a more balanced and biodiverse environment.”

    The government’s sustained investment in beekeeping infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to developing this niche sector into a thriving component of Dominica’s agricultural industry. This comprehensive support package reflects a dual approach to agricultural development—combining immediate climate adaptation measures with long-term economic diversification strategies to strengthen the nation’s agricultural resilience.

  • CCJ rules on Belize case, offers clarification on when courts can overlook a company’s separate legal identity

    CCJ rules on Belize case, offers clarification on when courts can overlook a company’s separate legal identity

    In a definitive judgment with far-reaching implications for corporate law across the Caribbean, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has unanimously reversed a controversial appellate decision from Belize. The December 10, 2025, ruling in Beth Clifford and Beltway Investment Group Inc v LCW Investments, LLC reaffirms the foundational legal principle of corporate separateness.

    The case stemmed from a 2017 real estate development agreement between LCW Investments and Green Development Partners Ltd (GDP), a company directed and solely owned by Beth Clifford. The contract stipulated that LCW would purchase land and fund construction, with all payments directed to another Clifford-controlled entity, Beltway Investment Group Inc. After LCW paid substantial sums but received neither land titles nor the completed property, it terminated the contract and sued GDP, Beth Clifford, and Beltway.

    While Belize’s High Court correctly limited damages to GDP—the sole contracting party—the Court of Appeal controversially pierced the corporate veil. It held Ms. Clifford and Beltway jointly liable with GDP, citing ‘impropriety’ in the corporate structures and the transaction’s nature, despite acknowledging neither was a party to the original contract.

    The CCJ’s bench, comprising Justices Rajnauth-Lee, Barrow, Jamadar, Ononaiwu, and Eboe-Osuji, systematically dismantled this reasoning. The court emphasized that disregarding a company’s separate legal personality is an exceptional remedy reserved for demonstrable abuse or misuse of the corporate form—a threshold unmet in this case. There was no evidence Clifford had misused GDP’s corporate identity for fraudulent purposes. Regarding Beltway, the court found it acted as a lawful payment conduit per the contract, with no misappropriation of funds alleged.

    Consequently, the CCJ reinstated the High Court’s judgment, absolving Clifford and Beltway of liability and awarding them costs. This precedent reinforces statutory corporate protections, providing crucial certainty for investors and businesses operating within CCJ member states by curbing judicial overreach in veil-piercing.

  • Flow Dominica and Olympic Champion Thea Lafond-Gadson honour student-athletes with flagship scholarships

    Flow Dominica and Olympic Champion Thea Lafond-Gadson honour student-athletes with flagship scholarships

    Dominica’s telecommunications leader Flow Dominica, in collaboration with Olympic gold medalist Thea Lafond-Gadson, has announced the distinguished recipients of its premier athletic scholarship initiative. The program identifies and supports exceptional student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, sporting prowess, and leadership qualities that reflect the nation’s core values of dedication and patriotic spirit.

    This year’s scholarship winners, Alison Gasper of Castle Bruce Secondary School and Niola Alleyne from Wesley High School, emerged as top candidates among Dominica’s most promising young talents. Gasper has garnered recognition for her exceptional commitment to both athletic pursuits and academic excellence, while Alleyne has established herself as an emerging athletic phenomenon through demonstrated resilience and ambitious drive.

    The scholarship bears the name of Thea Lafond-Gadson, who achieved historic glory at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing Dominica’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s triple jump event. Her record-breaking performance of 15.02 meters earned her diplomatic status and national honors from the Dominican government, transforming her into an iconic figure of determination and national pride.

    Established in 2025 as a cornerstone of Flow Dominica’s youth empowerment strategy, the scholarship program operates alongside the Ferdina Frampton x Flow Award and Internship initiative. According to Sharon Jemmott, Flow’s Country Manager, these programs represent “tangible manifestations of our commitment to maintaining positive momentum—not merely through our services but via transformative opportunities that create lasting impact.”

    The initiative highlights Flow Dominica’s dedicated investment in educational advancement, athletic development, and community enrichment. Through its partnership with Lafond-Gadson, the company ensures emerging athletes receive essential resources and motivational support to pursue dual aspirations in academics and sports.

    For recipients Gasper and Alleyne, the scholarship provides both financial assistance and validation of their persistent efforts and future potential. Their selection positions them among the island’s most gifted young prospects, equipped to perpetuate Dominica’s growing legacy of sporting excellence.