标签： Dominica

In a significant step toward improving living conditions and empowering citizens, the government of Dominica handed over keys to 16 modern apartment units to families in Eggleston this week. The ceremony, held at the State House Conference Centre, marked a milestone in the government’s Housing Programme. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit assured the beneficiaries that they would receive grant title ownership for their homes at the appropriate time, enabling them to leverage their properties for financial opportunities such as loans to start small businesses. ‘We are giving you these new homes to empower you as citizens of this country,’ Skerrit emphasized. He also addressed those still awaiting their turn, assuring them that progress is being made, as 16 families have now been removed from the waiting list. The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and single parents, who often face challenges such as inadequate housing and exploitative landlords. ‘We use the little resources we have to build homes for them so that their children can have hope and confidence in the future,’ he stated. Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South Constituency, described the event as a new beginning for the beneficiaries, emphasizing the transformative impact of the resilient homes. She acknowledged the overwhelming demand for housing, with 515 applications received, and pledged to continue working to improve living conditions for all applicants. Lockhart-Hypolite reassured the public that the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) remains committed to fulfilling its promises, noting that the government’s track record speaks for itself. ‘To the beneficiaries, you are relieved from the burden of servicing rent, and your savings can now lead to disposable income,’ she added, underscoring the financial relief and opportunities the new homes provide.

The community of Portsmouth is reeling from yet another tragic loss as 24-year-old Juwan Neon Warner became the latest victim of gun violence. Warner, a resident of Georgetown, Glanvillia, was fatally shot on the porch of his home at approximately 9:15 pm last night. This incident marks the second shooting death in the Portsmouth area this month, following the killing of 33-year-old Dwight Maximea on September 14, 2025. The recent surge in gun-related fatalities has raised alarm among local authorities and residents alike. Police are actively investigating both cases, but no arrests have been made yet. The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for community intervention and stricter law enforcement measures to curb the growing trend of gun crimes on the island.

The vibrant streets of Roseau are set to come alive this afternoon as the much-anticipated Independence Opening Parade kicks off at 3 pm on September 27, 2025. Following yesterday’s official Independence opening ceremony, the parade promises to be a grand celebration of national pride and cultural heritage. Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has unveiled several exciting changes and enhancements to this year’s event, ensuring it stands out from previous editions. One of the most notable additions is the re-introduction of the Cadet Corps, bringing back the iconic marching band element that once defined the parade. This year’s festivities will also place a stronger emphasis on local dance traditions, featuring bèlè and European round dances, alongside double the number of live amplified bands compared to last year. Matthew has urged attendees to don traditional madras attire to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations. The parade will showcase a diverse array of cultural groups and performers, including the Flambouyant Dancers, Kalinago Traditional Mas, Veteran 7, Paix Bouche Drummers, and the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, among others. For those unable to attend in person, live coverage of the parade will be available on DNO’s main page and Facebook starting at 3 pm. This year’s Independence Parade not only honors the nation’s history but also highlights the richness and diversity of its cultural tapestry.

Despite significant strides in education, poverty reduction, and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, eroding trust in institutions, and sluggish advancements in key areas continue to impede global social justice, according to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Titled ‘The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress,’ the report reveals that 71 percent of an individual’s income is still heavily determined by factors such as their country of birth and gender. Published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha and marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, the study acknowledges that while global wealth, health, and education levels have improved since 1995, these benefits have not been equitably distributed, and progress in reducing inequality has stagnated. The report highlights a steady decline in public trust in institutions since 1982, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with perceived unfair rewards for effort. The ILO warns that without urgent efforts to strengthen the social contract, this erosion of trust could undermine democratic governance and international cooperation. On a positive note, the report points to notable achievements, including a 50 percent reduction in child labor among children aged 5 to 14, a drop in extreme poverty from 39 to 10 percent, a ten percentage point increase in primary education completion rates, and social protection coverage for over half of the global population. However, persistent challenges remain: 58 percent of workers are still in informal employment, the gender participation gap in the workforce has only slightly decreased since 2005, and closing the global gender wage gap could take a century at current rates. These issues are exacerbated by rapid environmental, digital, and demographic changes reshaping labor markets at an unprecedented pace. The ILO emphasizes that without targeted policies, disparities will deepen, but strategic interventions—such as investing in skills development, social safety nets, equitable wage policies, and active labor market programs—can foster inclusion and resilience. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed, ‘Social justice is not only a moral imperative—it is essential for economic security, social cohesion, and peace.’ The report calls for immediate action to address unequal access to opportunities, promote fairer economic benefits distribution, and manage global shifts in a way that leaves no one behind. It also advocates for embedding social justice at the core of all policy frameworks and enhancing collaboration among governments, international agencies, and social partners. The findings are expected to shape discussions at the upcoming World Social Summit in November and support the initiatives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the ILO, which unites stakeholders committed to building fairer and more inclusive societies.