标签： Dominica

In an exceptional display of academic distinction and cross-cultural engagement, Kande Charles from Dominica has been honored with the prestigious “Studentul Anului” (Student of the Year) award at Romania’s West University of Timișoara (UVT). This recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to academia, community leadership, and international dialogue within the university environment.

Charles, who made history in May 2025 as the first Dominican graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree from UVT, is currently advancing her academic journey through master’s studies at the same institution. The Student of the Year distinction evaluates candidates across multiple dimensions including scholarly achievement, voluntary service, social activism, and dedication to institutional values—all areas where Charles has demonstrated remarkable excellence.

Her transformative impact on campus life includes significant roles in fostering intercultural connectivity. As coordinator of the Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Program, she has been instrumental in guiding international students through their academic and cultural adaptation in Romania. Charles spearheaded several landmark initiatives that celebrate diversity, including the organization of the Multicultural Camp, the Global Village Festival, and the creation of the “Mosaic of Nations” installation—a permanent artistic homage to diversity displayed prominently in the university’s main hall.

Beyond campus activities, Charles has served as an official “Study in Romania Student Ambassador,” promoting the country’s higher education system while advocating for greater inclusion and international cooperation.

During her acceptance address, Charles acknowledged the significance of the award for international students everywhere: “I extend my deepest appreciation to the selection committee and university leadership for recognizing the vital importance of providing international students not just with opportunities, but with genuine pathways for integration into the UVT community.”

This achievement underscores the growing global impact of Dominican scholars and stands as an inspiring testament to how academic excellence transcends geographical boundaries. As Charles progresses in her graduate studies, she continues to enhance the visibility of Dominican talent internationally while building meaningful bridges between cultures.

Antiguan authorities have launched a formal investigation into a tragic motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man on Popeshead Street in the early hours of November 30th. The victim has been officially identified as Joshua Alexander, a resident of Light Foot, Antigua.

According to preliminary police reports, the incident occurred when Alexander was traveling at excessively high speeds along Popeshead Street. Authorities state he lost control of his vehicle, leading to a violent collision with a wall and sidewalk on the eastern side of the roadway.

Emergency medical personnel responded promptly to the scene but found no signs of life. Alexander was officially pronounced deceased at 3:16 AM despite resuscitation efforts.

The accident has garnered significant attention on social media platforms, with circulating images and unverified claims that the deceased was of Dominican origin. While these reports remain unconfirmed by official sources, local media outlets have committed to seeking clarification from relevant authorities regarding the victim’s background.

This incident marks another tragic addition to Antigua’s road traffic statistics, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and speeding violations. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law concluded its record-breaking 8th Biennial Conference on November 28, 2025, with the adoption of the groundbreaking Port of Spain Declaration – a comprehensive framework for advancing Caribbean jurisprudence. Held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad under the theme ‘The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence,’ the event attracted over 400 judicial officers, legal experts, academics, and civil society representatives from across the region, marking the largest gathering in the Academy’s history.

The conference commenced with opening remarks from Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice and Chair of the CCJ Academy for Law, who reflected on two decades of judicial evolution. ‘This conference invites us to reflect on the strides made, the progress achieved, and the paradigm shifts inspired by the region’s apex court,’ Justice Anderson stated. He simultaneously honored the legacy of former CCJ Judge Mr Justice Wit, recognizing his profound contributions to shaping modern Caribbean jurisprudence.

Ms Lisa Shoman, SC, General Counsel of the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasized the critical importance of developing a distinct Caribbean legal identity. ‘Political independence compels us to shape our own legal landscape,’ she asserted, ‘forging a jurisprudence that reflects our unique culture, social realities, and supports our regional integration process.’

International development partners demonstrated strong support for Caribbean judicial institutions. Her Excellency Cécile Tassin, EU Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted Europe’s 15-year partnership with the CCJ, noting that ‘supporting justice institutions is essential for democratic governance, human rights protection, and sustainable development.’ Similar endorsements came from the Inter-American Development Bank and Caribbean Development Bank, with the latter encouraging development of ‘a justice ecosystem that is technologically-enabled and people-centred.’

The conference featured significant leadership transitions within the Academy, with Honourable Mme Justice Ononaiwu appointed as new Chair and Honourable Mme Justice Mira Dean-Armorer as Deputy Chair. The opening ceremony also showcased the launch of ‘Caribbean Court of Justice: Striving for Excellence – 20 Years of Evolving Justice,’ a commemorative publication analyzing landmark CCJ decisions.

The Port of Spain Declaration emerged as the conference’s centerpiece achievement, advocating for legislative convergence while respecting regional legal diversity. The declaration calls for enhanced constitutional education, modernization of estate practices, protection of environmental justice, and greater enforcement of CARICOM nationals’ rights under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. It specifically encourages ethical technology integration within judicial systems and recognizes the vital role of legislatures, academia, and media in juridical development.

The Declaration will be publicly available on the CCJ Academy’s website, with the next conference anticipated for November 2027.