标签： Dominica

Dominica recently hosted a pivotal regional workshop addressing the transformative potential of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations, particularly cooperatives within agriculture and fisheries. Convened as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 observances, the two-day forum assembled government officials, sector leaders, and technical experts from across the Eastern Caribbean. The primary objective was to forge actionable strategies for enhancing the capacity and influence of cooperatives in driving social justice, economic inclusion, and rural community resilience. Despite their recognized role in fostering social integration and decent employment, participants identified significant systemic constraints. Outdated legislation, fragmented institutional coordination, insufficient data collection mechanisms, and limited access to financial and non-financial services were cited as major impediments to progress. The event was orchestrated under the EU-funded EUCaN initiative, implemented by the Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP) and the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA). It enjoyed collaborative partnerships with a consortium of international bodies, including the OECS Commission, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dominica’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development. Keynote addresses underscored the necessity of people-centered development. Hon. Gretta Roberts, Dominica’s Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, emphasized the critical need for solidarity-driven models that synergize civil society, private enterprise, and government policy. A representative from the European Union Delegation to Barbados reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, through initiatives like EUCaN, to bolster regional food systems and resilience by supporting cooperatives as vital actors in creating inclusive value chains and ensuring local food sovereignty. Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Office for the Caribbean, championed the power of collective action, stating that collaborative efforts are fundamental to building an SSE ecosystem that empowers communities and secures sustainable livelihoods. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director at the OECS Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of partnerships aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to convert shared regional challenges into cooperative solutions. The forum featured knowledge-sharing sessions with international experts. Presentations from Spain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Economy and the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy offered adaptable frameworks on legal structures, institutional support, and innovative financing models. Contributions from the FAO, IICA, and the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies provided practical insights into governance, market integration, inclusive finance, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Delegates from participating nations conducted thorough analyses of their cooperative landscapes, pinpointing urgent needs in legislative modernization, capacity-building, data management, and market development. Consensus culminated in a preliminary work plan prioritizing capacity enhancement, inclusive policy formulation, robust data collection, and the strategic integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to propel the sector forward. In a conclusive statement, organizers affirmed that cooperatives serve as locally-anchored vehicles for generating dignified work, improving market access for small producers, fortifying climate resilience, and enabling shared investments in critical infrastructure and logistics.

Meteorological authorities are advising residents across the Lesser Antilles to prepare for significant weather developments unfolding through Thursday. A pronounced trough system is introducing elevated moisture levels and atmospheric instability throughout the region, creating conditions ripe for substantial precipitation.

The immediate forecast indicates persistent cloud cover progressing to fully overcast skies, accompanied by widespread scattered showers. Meteorological models suggest these showers will intermittently intensify into isolated thunderstorms, particularly during evening and overnight hours. Officials have issued specific alerts for communities in topographically vulnerable zones, highlighting imminent risks of flash flooding, landslides, and dislodged rocks. Residents in these areas are urged to maintain heightened awareness and implement precautionary measures. A formal flood watch remains under consideration for overnight implementation.

Compounding the situation, a moderate concentration of Saharan dust particles is projected to traverse the island territories overnight. Health specialists advise individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, including asthma and allergies, to minimize outdoor exposure and consider protective measures due to anticipated reductions in air quality.

Maritime conditions present additional concerns, particularly for vessel operators. While western coastal waters will experience relatively manageable wave heights not exceeding three feet, eastern sectors face dramatically different conditions. Swells along eastern coastlines are forecast to build to approximately eight feet during afternoon hours, with further intensification expected overnight. Projections indicate waves may approach ten feet by Thursday morning, prompting the immediate activation of a Small Craft Advisory. This advisory will escalate to a full marine warning starting Thursday morning, indicating hazardous seafaring conditions. All maritime users, including fishermen and recreational boaters, are strongly advised to continuously monitor maritime updates and exercise extreme caution, with particular emphasis on avoiding eastern coastal waters.

In a powerful global affirmation, the recently adopted Doha Political Declaration has established that sustainable development remains unattainable without the full inclusion of persons with disabilities. This landmark document, ratified during last month’s World Summit for Social Development, underscores a fundamental truth: meaningful progress requires the active participation of all community members.

Across the globe, individuals with disabilities are driving transformative societal changes—spearheading innovation, shaping policy frameworks, and advocating for justice. Their contributions have already yielded significant benefits for broader society, including enhanced disaster preparedness protocols, expanded access to inclusive education and employment opportunities, and more effective humanitarian interventions that prioritize those most vulnerable.

Remarkably, many technological innovations that have become ubiquitous in daily life originated as disability-focused solutions. Everyday conveniences such as text messaging and voice-activated technologies trace their origins to adaptations initially created by and for people with disabilities.

Despite these demonstrated contributions, persistent systemic barriers continue to exclude over one billion people with disabilities worldwide. Discrimination, economic marginalization, and inaccessible infrastructure and services remain substantial obstacles to full participation.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, there is a renewed call for collaborative action. The challenge is to work alongside people with disabilities—in all their diversity—as equal partners in development. When societies achieve genuine inclusion, the benefits extend to all citizens, creating more resilient communities where every individual can thrive and contribute to collective advancement.