标签： Dominica

As World Priest Day approaches on Sunday, September 28, the Family Life Commission of the Diocese of Roseau is urging parishioners and the broader community to honor and celebrate the contributions of priests and deacons. This annual event, observed globally on the last Sunday of September for the past 24 years, is being celebrated for the first time within the Diocese of Roseau, according to a press release from the commission. The occasion holds special significance this year as the diocese marks 175 years of evangelization, providing a poignant backdrop for the jubilee celebrations. The Family Life Commission encourages the community to express heartfelt appreciation for the clergy in meaningful and personal ways, highlighting their indispensable role in fostering faith and community life. The release emphasized the profound connection between families and priests, stating that without families, there would be no priests, and without priests, the celebration of Mass and the sustenance of faith would not be possible. The commission extended its gratitude to all priests and deacons, both current and former, for their dedication and service, urging the community to affirm and appreciate their clergy like never before.

A groundbreaking initiative titled ‘Designing Policy Frameworks for Agricultural Carbon Markets’ has been launched to promote sustainable agricultural practices across Latin America and the Caribbean. This innovative program, developed by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), represents the first of its kind in the region, focusing on the critical intersection of agriculture and climate policy. The course is designed as a flexible, self-paced online program, available free of charge in both Spanish and English. It aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of government officials, advisors, and regulatory bodies by equipping them with in-depth knowledge of agricultural carbon markets and their role in achieving national climate goals. Participants will learn to develop robust regulatory frameworks that ensure integrity and credibility, fostering private investment without imposing financial strain on governments. The curriculum also highlights the importance of social safeguards and inclusivity, ensuring that small and medium-sized farmers can actively participate in and benefit from these emerging markets. Registration for the course is now open, with links provided for both English and Spanish speakers.

The Dominican police force has taken a significant step toward modernization with the introduction of a new Police Records Management Information System, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, part of a regional pilot project, was officially launched during a ceremony on Wednesday, attended by key stakeholders including UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Stephanie Ziebell and Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore. The system, already operational in six Caribbean nations—Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Guyana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—aims to streamline judicial processes and enhance the professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Ziebell emphasized the UNDP’s commitment to supporting Dominica’s digital transformation and national priorities, calling the equipment a symbol of their enduring partnership. Blackmoore highlighted the project’s potential to improve productivity, decision-making, and crime prevention through advanced data analysis and centralized management. The initiative will equip every police station on the island with the necessary hardware and software, marking a transformative milestone for the Dominican police force.

Electricity services have been fully reinstated across the entire ITS north feeder as of 11:19 AM today, following a significant outage that affected multiple areas. Earlier in the day, the Dominica Electricity Services Company (DOMLEC) reported disruptions caused by a technical fault on the feeder. The utility provider assured the public that its technical team was working tirelessly to resolve the issue. Officials expressed their appreciation to the community for their patience and understanding during the outage, acknowledging the inconvenience caused. The swift restoration of power highlights the efficiency of DOMLEC’s response team in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

In honor of Dominica’s Month of the Elderly, Premium Home and Residential Care Services (PHARCS) has unveiled a series of initiatives, including a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving services for seniors. September, designated as the Month of the Elderly, culminates in the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, a global observance dedicated to honoring senior citizens. PHARCS, which took a break last year, is now reaffirming its commitment to supporting the elderly through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and strategic collaborations. Historically, the month has featured events organized by the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA), such as Grandparents Day, youth workshops, and creative contests. This year, PHARCS is actively participating in national festivities, hosting events and promoting elder care initiatives. Marie-Therese Junkerre, Founder and CEO of PHARCS, emphasized the organization’s mission to provide dignified, person-centered care, stating, ‘Every day should be like this for our seniors.’ As PHARCS marks its 11th anniversary, it continues to innovate with programs like ‘Meals on Wheels for Seniors’ and ‘Senior Day Care Service,’ aimed at fostering independence and well-being. A significant development is the partnership with OVE-CARAÏBES, a French-Caribbean organization focused on supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly. This collaboration aims to exchange best practices and develop new services to benefit Dominica’s elderly community. Junkerre expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to provide training, resources, and programs that enhance seniors’ quality of life. PHARCS is also encouraging community participation in its bi-weekly radio program, ‘Information Portal for Senior Citizens,’ which will focus on the Month of the Elderly theme and dementia awareness. The program will also address elder rights, healthcare access, and intergenerational connections. PHARCS is calling on individuals, businesses, and youth groups to participate in events like Senior Citizens’ Sports Day and educational workshops to foster an age-friendly community. Through collaborations with international and local partners, PHARCS is poised to expand its elder care services significantly. For more information, the public is invited to tune in to DBS RADIO on September 24 or contact PHARCS directly.

Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) has issued a formal apology to residents in several communities following an unexpected power outage on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The disruption, which affected areas including Fond Canie, Louisville, Silver Lake, and Bath Estate, among others, was attributed to a fault on the company’s north feeder. DOMLEC has assured customers that its technical team is actively investigating the issue and working diligently to restore electricity. Updates on the restoration timeline will be provided as soon as they become available. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged affected residents to remain patient while repairs are underway. The outage has impacted key locations such as schools, residential areas, and major streets, highlighting the importance of reliable power infrastructure in the region.