Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Mrs Elaine LeBlanc of Penville is 101 today!

    Mrs Elaine LeBlanc of Penville is 101 today!

    The Commonwealth of Dominica witnesses an extraordinary milestone as Elaine LeBlanc, a remarkable resident born on January 20, 1925, celebrates her 101st birthday today. Hailing from the humble beginnings of Lower Penville, Mrs. LeBlanc’s life journey embodies resilience, faith, and familial devotion.

    As a widowed mother of eight children—seven sons and one daughter—LeBlanc dedicated her earlier years to nurturing her extensive family while maintaining an active community presence. Her weekly routine characteristically included Saturday market visits, diligent household management, and participation in church activities. Beyond her domestic responsibilities, she cultivated passions for social dancing and exploratory travel, demonstrating a vibrant engagement with life.

    A century of living has blessed Mrs. LeBlanc with an impressive five-generation familial legacy. Contemporary accounts from relatives describe her as remarkably spirited—maintaining physical mobility through regular walking, engaging in animated conversations, and cherishing social interactions with companions. She continues to captivate listeners with firsthand narratives spanning decades of Dominican history and personal experience.

    Dominica News Online extends heartfelt congratulations to this national treasure, whose life story reflects the cultural richness and enduring spirit of the Caribbean nation. Mrs. LeBlanc’s longevity serves as an inspirational testament to the vitality possible in advanced age when coupled with community connection and purposeful living.

  • Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has marked the 2024-2025 period as exceptionally significant in its ongoing battle against financial crimes, according to Director McKelson Ferrol. Speaking at a recent Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs press conference, Ferrol detailed substantial operational advancements including the establishment of a specialized subunit and enhanced staffing capabilities.

    The Unit’s analytical department has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in processing suspicious activity reports while developing both operational and strategic analyses to support key authorities including the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Financial Services Unit, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and Customs Division. FIU personnel have additionally strengthened their expertise through participation in regional and international training programs, seminars, and conferences, serving in capacities ranging from assessors to trainers.

    Critical collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecution, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and multiple regional and international agencies has yielded successful investigations and prosecutions across various financial crime categories, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trade.

    In a strategic move toward regulatory compliance, Dominica will present its CFATF 4th Round Mutual Evaluation Third Follow-Up Report at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2026. This follows the October 2024 presentation and November 2025 gazetting of three pivotal legislative measures: the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism Act, Money-Laundering Prevention Act, and Anti-Money-Laundering and Suppression of Terrorism Finance Amendment, Code of Practice 2025.

    The nation will seek re-rating for three previously partially compliant recommendations and one non-compliant recommendation. Director Ferrol expressed confidence in obtaining favorable outcomes during the May 2026 CFATF Plenary session.

    Notably, under the provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore facilitated a substantial disbursement of $2,042,096.42 from the asset recovery fund to support critical institutions including the Roseau District Court, FIU, Supreme Court, Customs Division, and Regional Security System.

  • Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    In a significant demonstration of civic engagement, the Dominica Lions Club delegation, accompanied by the District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 60B, was formally received by Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton at the presidential residence on January 16, 2026. This high-level courtesy call formed an integral component of the District Governor’s official agenda, highlighting the organization’s sustained commitment to national development through voluntary service.

    The dialogue centered on the Lions Club’s multifaceted contributions to Dominican society, particularly their impactful interventions in healthcare accessibility, youth development programs, disaster response coordination, and community enhancement initiatives. The District Governor articulated the organization’s strategic vision for the region, emphasizing three core priorities: enhancing service delivery effectiveness, cultivating leadership capabilities among members, and expanding participatory engagement across the district’s operations.

    President Burton expressed profound appreciation for the organization’s dedicated service, acknowledging both its local impact and global humanitarian network. She specifically emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in fostering social cohesion and driving national progress, with particular commendation for engaging young men in constructive community activities. The President also recognized the Leo Club’s instrumental role in shaping youth development trajectories through structured mentorship and service opportunities.

    The Dominica Lions Club reaffirmed its institutional commitment to maintaining collaborative partnerships with national stakeholders while continuing to operationalize the Lions Clubs International motto, “We Serve,” through concrete community-driven projects and humanitarian interventions.

  • Republic Financial Holdings Ltd exceeds US$200 million climate finance goal

    Republic Financial Holdings Ltd exceeds US$200 million climate finance goal

    Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by exceeding its climate finance mobilization target. The Caribbean-based financial group has allocated approximately US$235.5 million toward climate-related initiatives, surpassing its original US$200 million goal set in 2021 by nearly 18%.

    The climate financing strategy, designed to support the transition to low-carbon economies across RFHL’s operational territories, has seen renewable energy projects emerge as the primary beneficiary. Accounting for 46.46% of total allocations, renewable energy initiatives form the cornerstone of RFHL’s climate financing portfolio. Sustainable transportation follows closely, representing 40.28% of funded projects.

    Geographically, Trinidad and Tobago leads in climate financing distribution with 42.17% of total funds, followed by Barbados at 25.36%. Guyana and Ghana account for 12.17% and 10.36% respectively, demonstrating RFHL’s expanding commitment to both Caribbean and African markets.

    Group President and CEO Nigel Baptiste emphasized the achievement reflects growing regional demand for sustainable finance solutions. ‘This milestone underscores the critical role financial institutions can play in supporting the transition to more resilient, low-carbon economies,’ Baptiste stated, acknowledging the collaborative efforts across RFHL’s branches and subsidiaries.

    The financed projects span multiple sectors including renewable energy production, eco-friendly transportation, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives aim to enhance climate resilience while promoting long-term environmental and economic stability.

    Looking forward, RFHL has committed to expanding its sustainability initiatives with particular focus on supporting vulnerable and low-income communities through specialized financing programs and technical assistance for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

  • Progressism 2026 Summit concludes in Dominica with strong message of Caribbean-Africa collaboration and shared vision

    Progressism 2026 Summit concludes in Dominica with strong message of Caribbean-Africa collaboration and shared vision

    The recent Progressism 2026 summit in Dominica has emerged as a transformative platform for strengthening ties between the Caribbean and African nations. This gathering of professionals and entrepreneurs emphasized that genuine progress stems from human connections and shared purpose rather than merely policy frameworks or market forces.

    Keynote speaker Kareem Guiste drew from his extensive international experience to present a compelling case that relational capital often outweighs financial resources in achieving success. He challenged attendees to overcome fear of failure and embrace calculated risks in pursuing new opportunities.

    Dr. Hilary Thomas Lake, an authority on Africa-Caribbean relations, addressed persistent misconceptions between the regions while highlighting concrete opportunities in trade, education, and cultural exchange. She emphasized that sustainable partnerships must be rooted in mutual respect and historical awareness.

    Practical dimensions of economic cooperation took center stage during panel discussions featuring Alisha Ally, Dr. Clementine Afana, and Kenneth Oguzi. Experts explored mechanisms for leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Caribbean Community’s Single Market and Economy (CSME), while addressing persistent challenges including visa restrictions, transportation limitations, and underdeveloped financial infrastructure. Throughout these dialogues, participants consistently identified cultural understanding and people-to-people exchanges as foundational to lasting economic relationships.

    The summit showcased innovative entrepreneurial models already bridging the regions. John Francois, CEO of Asili Coffee, presented Ghana-based initiatives promoting coffee production through outgrower programs and sustainable practices. From Dominica, Terry Henry Lovell of Be Natural inspired attendees with her journey from a single bee-based product to a multi-award-winning brand that has educated over 600 children through its Buzz Academy.

    Beyond conference sessions, delegates experienced Dominica’s innovation firsthand with a visit to the Geothermal Power Plant, followed by networking opportunities during a sunset cruise along the island’s coastline.

    Lizra Fabien, founder of The Progressive Mind and organizer of Progressism, reflected: “This summit was not just about conversations but about confidence restored, collaborations ignited, and dreams given permission to expand. Our mission is to create spaces where professionals recognize their collective power.”

    The event’s success was supported by sponsors including The National Bank of Dominica Limited and Discover Dominica Authority. Organizers have already announced plans for the sixth edition in January 2027, committed to building “bridges without borders” and transforming connections into collective prosperity.

  • Jesma Paul-Victor reappointed Leader of the Opposition in Dominica

    Jesma Paul-Victor reappointed Leader of the Opposition in Dominica

    In a significant political development, Jesma Paul-Victor has been formally reinstated as Leader of the Opposition in Dominica’s House of Assembly. The President’s Office confirmed the appointment on January 20, 2026, following an official nomination process.

    Paul-Victor, who represents the Salisbury constituency, initially assumed the opposition leadership on December 20, 2022, under a unique power-sharing arrangement with Marigot MP Anthony Charles. This agreement emerged from the unusual parliamentary situation created by the December 2022 snap general election, which resulted in only two opposition members being elected as independents.

    The original understanding between the legislators stipulated an 18-month rotational leadership, with Paul-Victor’s term scheduled to conclude on June 19, 2024. However, the transition encountered constitutional complications when Paul-Victor submitted her resignation on June 20, 2024. The President’s office invoked Section 66 of the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution, requiring both opposition members to jointly designate their preferred leader through formal communication.

    Despite Charles’ public statements in June 2024 expressing readiness to assume the leadership role and his affiliation with the newly established United Progressive Party (UPP), the necessary joint documentation wasn’t submitted to facilitate the transition. Charles had previously emphasized the importance of their rotational agreement and outlined plans to consolidate opposition voices while engaging youth in national development initiatives.

    The recent reappointment process was initiated through an official letter from Charles to the President, nominating Paul-Victor for the position. This development resolves the prolonged leadership uncertainty, though questions remain regarding the future of the original alternating leadership agreement between the two independent parliamentarians.

  • Wanted Guyanese man accidentally shoots himself on livestream

    Wanted Guyanese man accidentally shoots himself on livestream

    In a shocking incident that underscores the dangers of social media recklessness, Jamal Bourne, a 24-year-old Guyanese man under investigation for homicide, fatally shot himself in the head during a live TikTok broadcast. The event occurred on Sunday evening while Bourne, who operated under the alias ‘Skinny,’ was streaming alongside another armed individual.

    According to reports from Times Caribbean, Bourne was visibly handling a firearm while wearing a ski mask and issuing threats to viewers during the broadcast. The live session took a tragic turn when the weapon accidentally discharged, resulting in immediate fatal injury. Numerous viewers witnessed the incident in real-time before the stream terminated abruptly following the gunshot.

    Guyanese law enforcement officials confirmed Bourne was a prime suspect in a recent murder case. During the livestream, he allegedly brandished the weapon aggressively while boasting about previous acts of violence. Police pronounced him dead shortly after the incident.

    Authorities are currently analyzing the digital footage and other electronic evidence as part of their investigation. The public has been strongly advised against sharing or viewing the disturbing video content to prevent further trauma and maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

  • PRESS RELEASE: A call for hope -12-year-old girl battles Leukemia and needs urgent support

    PRESS RELEASE: A call for hope -12-year-old girl battles Leukemia and needs urgent support

    A vibrant future filled with artistic promise has been abruptly interrupted for T’niah Toussaint, a 12-year-old student from Barbados who recently began her first year at Wesley High School with great enthusiasm. The aspiring artist and performer now faces the fight of her life after receiving a devastating diagnosis of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer requiring immediate and extensive medical intervention.

    Medical confirmation came on January 7th when T’niah was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where physicians outlined an arduous treatment roadmap. Her therapeutic journey will commence with approximately nine months of intensive inpatient care, followed by several years of ongoing outpatient treatment and vigilant monitoring. The comprehensive medical protocol presents not only physical challenges but also creates substantial emotional and financial strain for her family.

    Despite the overwhelming circumstances, T’niah demonstrates extraordinary fortitude that inspires those around her. Described as quietly determined and profoundly creative, she maintains her passions for dance, vocal performance, and visual arts throughout her medical ordeal. Her mother has undertaken the tremendous responsibility of navigating complex healthcare systems, relocating for treatment access, and mastering medical terminology while providing constant emotional support.

    Community mobilization has become essential for T’niah’s survival prospects. Critical needs include specialized leukemia treatment, financial assistance for medical expenses, and O-positive blood donations. The I Have a Right Foundation Inc. has established a GoFundMe campaign with a $60,000 target to address treatment costs, medications, and essential testing. Alternative donation methods include direct transfers to NBD MoBanking account 7673174809 (Reference: TniahCancerCure) or contributions at designated collection points at The Happy Box or The Vibe @ The Realm.

    The foundation emphasizes that public participation through financial contributions, blood donations, social media advocacy, and emotional support through prayers and positive thoughts could significantly impact T’niah’s prognosis. All generated funds will be exclusively allocated to medical expenses associated with her leukemia treatment, providing the young patient with the comprehensive care she requires during this critical period.

  • Barbados goes to the polls for another snap election on February 11

    Barbados goes to the polls for another snap election on February 11

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has officially declared February 11, 2026, as the date for the nation’s next general election, marking her second consecutive early electoral call. The announcement came during a significant political gathering at Westbury Primary School, where the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) finalized its candidate nomination process for the City of Bridgetown constituency.

    The event witnessed attorney Michael Lashley securing his nomination as the BLP’s candidate, completing the party’s full slate of 30 contenders. Lashley, who transitioned from the Democratic Labour Party to join the BLP just last year, faced no opposition during the nomination process.

    Prime Minister Mottley disclosed that she had formally consulted with President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic at State House earlier in the day, initiating the constitutional process for dissolution. She subsequently directed Attorney General Dale Marshall, present at the gathering, to commence immediate preparations for the election writs.

    According to the established timeline, Barbados’ Parliament will undergo formal dissolution on January 19, with Nomination Day scheduled for January 27, creating a three-week campaign period leading to the February 11 election. Mottley, who secured overwhelming victories for the BLP in both the 2018 and 2022 elections, now seeks an unprecedented third consecutive term as the nation’s leader, testing her party’s continued dominance against the opposition Democratic Labour Party.

  • THE CHOSEN: Twenty for the 2026 calypso semifinals

    THE CHOSEN: Twenty for the 2026 calypso semifinals

    SenseTime, a leading Chinese artificial intelligence enterprise, has officially launched its groundbreaking multimodal large language model, the ‘Book of Time’ (Ri Yue Da Zao), marking a significant leap in the global AI race. This sophisticated AI system demonstrates exceptional capabilities in processing and generating content across text, images, and potentially other data formats, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to established Western models like OpenAI’s GPT-4.

    The development represents a crucial milestone in China’s pursuit of technological sovereignty and innovation in generative AI. SenseTime’s breakthrough centers on the model’s advanced architecture, which enables more seamless understanding and creation of complex, multi-format content. This technological advancement potentially bridges communication gaps between different media types, offering more intuitive and comprehensive AI interactions.

    Industry analysts highlight the strategic importance of this development amid growing global competition in AI supremacy. The ‘Book of Time’ not only showcases China’s rapidly advancing capabilities in artificial intelligence but also signals intensified competition in the commercial AI sector. This launch may trigger accelerated innovation and potentially reshape market dynamics as technology companies worldwide strive to achieve superior multimodal integration.

    The introduction of this model coincides with increasing focus on AI governance and ethical considerations globally. SenseTime’s advancement contributes to the diversification of AI development pathways, potentially offering alternative approaches to responsible AI implementation while addressing unique linguistic and cultural contexts specific to Eastern markets.