Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • Trump halts all Asylum decisions and vows once more to pause immigration from third world countries

    Trump halts all Asylum decisions and vows once more to pause immigration from third world countries

    In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has implemented an immediate and comprehensive suspension of all asylum adjudications. This decisive action comes directly in response to a security incident in Washington DC that resulted in the fatal shooting of one National Guard soldier and left a second in critical condition.

    The directive was formally announced by Joseph Edlow, the Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In an official statement, Edlow declared that the processing pause will remain in effect indefinitely until federal authorities can implement enhanced vetting protocols. He emphasized the administration’s new benchmark, stating asylum applications will only resume once officials can ‘ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.’

    This suspension marks a rapid operationalization of President Trump’s earlier rhetoric. Mere hours before the official USCIS announcement, the President had publicly vowed to permanently halt immigration from what he characterized as ‘third world countries.’ The administration is now framing the shooting incident as a catalyst justifying an immediate and sweeping tightening of the U.S. immigration system, linking national security concerns directly to asylum procedures.

    The move is anticipated to create immediate and profound logistical challenges, generating a massive backlog of cases and leaving thousands of asylum seekers in a state of legal limbo. Policy analysts predict this will likely face swift legal challenges from immigrant advocacy groups who argue it effectively nullifies established national and international refugee protections.

  • Dominican economist at FIED urges Africa to build its own farm–to–market highways

    Dominican economist at FIED urges Africa to build its own farm–to–market highways

    At the International Forum of Dynamic Women Entrepreneurs (FIED) in Ouagadougou, agricultural economist McCarthy Marie delivered a compelling vision for transforming Africa’s agricultural trade landscape. Speaking before delegates from approximately 30 African nations, Marie emphasized that unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade requires urgent investment in physical infrastructure and thoughtful food processing policies.

    The Dominican economist, who accompanied Creole music icon Ophelia to the forum, presented a dual-focused strategy during a high-level panel on strengthening agricultural trade. His first priority addressed the continent’s infrastructure deficit, noting that reliable transportation networks form the foundation of successful trade ecosystems.

    “We must establish efficient pathways from farming communities to distribution centers,” Marie asserted. “This demands substantial investment not just in export corridors but within rural areas themselves—roads, storage facilities, logistics systems, and market infrastructure are all essential components.”

    Marie highlighted the paradoxical reality where shipping agricultural products to Europe often proves easier and cheaper than transporting them to neighboring African regions. He advocated for developing an integrated continental grid of farm-to-market highways connecting West, Central, East, and Southern Africa through both road and rail networks.

    Turning to food policy, the economist issued a cautionary warning based on Caribbean experiences with ultra-processed foods. He noted that aggressive promotion of heavily processed products has led to devastating health consequences, including skyrocketing rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases that now overwhelm public health budgets.

    “African nations have the unique opportunity to design food systems that protect public health rather than compromise it,” Marie advised. “Processing is necessary, but over-processing creates preventable health crises.”

    The economist pointed to Burkina Faso’s cotton sector as an exemplary model of value chain development. He praised how Burkinabè producers have mastered the entire production process—from cultivation to spinning, dyeing, design, and garment fabrication—thereby capturing more value within the country.

    Marie further advocated for increased utilization of intellectual property tools, particularly geographical indications. He suggested that legally protecting products like Burkinabè cotton textiles through geographical indications could significantly enhance their market value and establish recognizable quality benchmarks worldwide.

    The forum, which gathered entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from across Africa, focused on practical strategies to strengthen intra-continental trade, with agriculture identified as a crucial driver for job creation, food security, and industrialization.

  • MATCH DAY: Sisserou Girls take on Jamaica in opening qualifier

    MATCH DAY: Sisserou Girls take on Jamaica in opening qualifier

    GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA – Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team commences its 2025–2026 CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers journey with a highly anticipated match against Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz. The encounter kicks off at 3:00 p.m. local time today at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, marking the beginning of a demanding qualification phase for the Sisserou Girls.

    This inaugural match represents the first step in a challenging group stage that will subsequently see Dominica confront Guyana in February, followed by clashes with Nicaragua and Antigua & Barbuda in April. The team’s campaign is characterized by a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, aiming to make a profound statement on the international stage.

    In a historic appointment, 17-year-old prodigy Dymond Daniel will lead the squad as captain, becoming the youngest individual ever to skipper Dominica’s senior women’s team in international competition. The roster showcases a strategic combination of promising domestic talent and veterans playing abroad, all united in their ambition to proudly represent the Nature Isle.

    Head Coach Ronnie Gustave revealed his psychological approach to preparing the team for facing world-class opponents like Manchester City’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. ‘My central theme today is faith over fear,’ Gustave stated. ‘While acknowledging the caliber of players we’re facing, football is ultimately decided on the pitch. With collective belief and unified effort, we are confident in our ability to deliver a strong performance.’

    Physical Trainer Duly Polydore emphasized the importance of incorporating enjoyment into their preparatory routines. ‘Our muscle activation process focuses on relaxation and acid removal to ensure optimal physical readiness,’ Polydore explained. ‘We intentionally design these activities to be enjoyable and football-specific, aligning with the game’s inherent nature.’

    Supported by months of intensive preparation, the Sisserou Girls approach today’s match with remarkable unity and determination, symbolizing a growing movement for women’s football development in Dominica. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Disney+, enabling fans nationwide and throughout the diaspora to support their national team as they embark on this exciting competitive journey.

  • UWI Centre for Reparation Research launches 2nd international debate

    UWI Centre for Reparation Research launches 2nd international debate

    The University of the West Indies’ Centre for Reparation Research (CRR), alongside regional collaborators, has unveiled plans for the second International Reparation Debate Competition scheduled for 2026. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in early 2025, this intellectual contest will initiate virtual qualifying rounds in January before culminating in a live championship event in Kingston, Jamaica come March.

    Designed specifically to empower Caribbean youth and diaspora communities, the competition creates an educational platform for rigorous examination of reparatory justice themes. Participating teams—each comprising five students guided by two educators—will engage with complex topics derived from the CARICOM 10-Point Reparatory Justice Framework. Key discussion points will include moral imperatives for restitution, economic dimensions of historical wrongs, and ongoing responsibilities of former colonial powers in rectifying systemic disparities.

    The precedent-setting 2025 tournament featured academic institutions from five Caribbean nations and the United Kingdom, ultimately crowning St. Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain from Trinidad and Tobago as champions. Their triumph was particularly noted for articulate argumentation and scholarly activism that impressed both judicial panels and dignitaries. Beyond competitive debates, the initial program incorporated educational workshops and expert-led discussions to deepen participants’ understanding of global reparations movements, while strategic social media engagement expanded public involvement.

    Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, CRR’s Director, emphasized the initiative’s continued significance: ‘Merging academic rigor with digital innovation allows the CRR and its partners to maintain vibrant, accessible dialogues around reparations.’ The 2026 iteration will enhance its reach through influencer collaborations, live-streamed debates, and broadened partnerships targeting audiences across the Caribbean, Americas, Africa, and Europe.

    Established in 2017, the CRR operates as a pivotal institution advancing reparatory justice through multidisciplinary research, policy advocacy, and international cooperation. It actively supports the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s objectives while contributing to worldwide movements addressing historical crimes including indigenous genocide, African enslavement, and colonial exploitation.

    The University of the West Indies, housing the CRR, celebrates over 75 years as a cornerstone of Caribbean intellectual development. Since its 1948 founding in Jamaica with merely 33 medical students, the institution has evolved into a globally recognized academic force serving nearly 50,000 learners across five campuses—Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and its Global Campus. Offering more than 1,000 accredited programs, The UWI consistently earns top positions in international university rankings by Times Higher Education.

    Educational institutions across the Caribbean and United Kingdom are presently invited to register for the 2026 competition through the official portal: www.uwi.edu/crr.

  • MP for Salisbury Jesma Paul: Government has neglected her constituency in providing housing benefits

    MP for Salisbury Jesma Paul: Government has neglected her constituency in providing housing benefits

    Jesma Paul-Victor, Parliamentary Representative for the Salisbury Constituency, has delivered a powerful condemnation of the government’s housing allocation practices during a recent parliamentary session. The elected official revealed that despite millions in approved housing funds, her constituency has received zero benefits from national housing initiatives.

    Paul-Victor detailed how families in the Coulibistrie area continue to inhabit substandard living conditions eight years after Hurricane Maria devastated the region. Residents remain in partially repaired homes, deteriorating structures, and temporary accommodations originally intended as short-term solutions.

    The parliamentarian expressed frustration that while other communities have received modern apartment complexes and climate-resilient housing units, her constituents face perpetual neglect. She emphasized her support for the national housing project and congratulated recipients elsewhere, but questioned the equity of distribution.

    ‘How long can my people endure this wait? How long must they tolerate these conditions?’ Paul-Victor challenged the assembly. ‘After eight long years, my constituents feel forgotten, unseen, and that their suffering since Maria has been normalized and dismissed.’

    The representative’s address highlights growing concerns about regional disparities in post-disaster recovery efforts and raises questions about the transparency of housing fund distribution across constituencies.

  • Parliament adjusts excise tax to encourage import and trading of older vehicles

    Parliament adjusts excise tax to encourage import and trading of older vehicles

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has enacted significant fiscal legislation through parliamentary approval, introducing a dual-measure approach to transportation policy. The Excise Tax Amendment for 2025 establishes a tiered taxation system for imported vehicles based on manufacturing age, while simultaneously reintroducing the Highway Maintenance Levy to fund infrastructure projects.

    Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre presented the comprehensive policy framework during the 2025-2026 National Budget address. The revised excise structure maintains a minimal 1 percent charge on vehicles under five years old, while implementing progressive increases: $3,000 for vehicles aged 5-10 years, $4,000 for 10-15 years, and $10,000 for vehicles exceeding 15 years. Concurrently, the general excise tax rate for vehicles under ten years will decrease from 28 percent to 25 percent.

    Dr. McIntyre emphasized the environmental and economic rationale behind these measures. “This initiative encourages population transition toward newer, more efficient vehicles with reduced carbon emissions and lower maintenance costs,” he stated during parliamentary proceedings. The minister highlighted multiple benefits including improved road safety, reduced environmental impact, and support for local vehicle commerce.

    Separately, the government legislated the reinstatement of the Highway Maintenance Levy effective October 1, 2025. Private vehicles will incur a $100 annual charge, with motorcycles assessed at $50. Commercial vehicles face scaled rates based on weight classifications, ranging from $150 for vehicles under 6,721 pounds to $500 for those exceeding 33,600 pounds.

    The levy, originally implemented in 2015-2016 and generating $10.4 million before its 2022 suspension, previously funded critical infrastructure including the Charles Avenue rehabilitation project. Dr. McIntyre noted the initial repeal responded to fuel price surges during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but current normalized fuel prices and substantial road infrastructure investments necessitate the levy’s restoration.

    Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider these contributions as investments in national development and infrastructure sustainability.

  • LIVE: Official Launch of Dominica Carnival 2026

    LIVE: Official Launch of Dominica Carnival 2026

    A groundbreaking shift is underway in meteorological science as artificial intelligence demonstrates unprecedented capabilities in weather prediction. Google’s DeepMind has unveiled GraphCast, an advanced AI model that is setting new benchmarks for forecasting accuracy and efficiency across global weather patterns.

    This revolutionary technology represents a paradigm shift from conventional numerical weather prediction (NWP) methods that have dominated the field for decades. Unlike traditional systems that rely on complex physics-based computations, GraphCast utilizes machine learning to analyze vast historical weather datasets, identifying patterns and relationships that enable remarkably precise forecasts.

    The AI system has demonstrated superior performance in predicting severe weather events days in advance, including the precise tracking of hurricane paths and the intensity of atmospheric rivers. Meteorological agencies worldwide are taking notice of GraphCast’s ability to provide high-resolution, medium-range forecasts with significantly reduced computational requirements compared to established systems.

    Researchers emphasize that AI doesn’t replace traditional forecasting but complements it, creating a powerful synergy between physics-based modeling and data-driven machine learning approaches. The integration of AI technology allows meteorologists to process enormous datasets more efficiently, potentially providing earlier warnings for extreme weather events that threaten communities globally.

    This technological advancement comes at a critical juncture as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena. The enhanced predictive capabilities offered by AI systems like GraphCast could prove instrumental in improving disaster preparedness and response strategies worldwide, potentially saving lives and reducing economic impacts of severe weather events.

    The rapid development of AI weather models signals a new era in meteorological science, where machine learning algorithms work alongside human expertise to create more reliable, detailed, and accessible weather forecasts for professionals and the public alike.

  • Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has unveiled a comprehensive revision of its national minimum wage structure, set to become effective December 1, 2025. This landmark adjustment follows through on commitments made during the July 2025 Budget Address and represents the first major wage review since 2021.

    The government established a specialized Minimum Wage Advisory Board comprising representatives from public and private sectors, employer associations, and trade unions. This tripartite body conducted an extensive evaluation of current labor market conditions and comparative wage levels across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region.

    Under the newly enacted Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order, 2025, cabinet has approved substantial increases across numerous occupational categories:

    Agricultural workers will see the most significant hourly raise, moving from EC$7.50 to EC$9.75 per hour—a 30% increase. Similarly, cashiers and receptionists will receive a 30% boost from EC$7.25 to EC$9.42 hourly.

    Multiple sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and service industries will benefit from 20-24% increases. Factory and tourism daily workers rise from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly, while security guards increase from EC$8.00 to EC$9.60 per hour.

    Domestic workers receive substantial weekly raises: home assistants with meals increase from EC$200 to EC$240 weekly (20%), while those without meals jump from EC$250 to EC$300 weekly (20%). Live-in home assistants rise from EC$220 to EC$264 weekly.

    Numerous positions including bartenders, servers, room attendants, groundskeepers, and janitors all move from EC$7.24 to EC$9.00 hourly—a 24% enhancement. Construction laborers and other unskilled workers increase from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly.

    This sweeping reform aims to establish a more equitable compensation framework, bolster household earnings, and strengthen social safeguards for low-income workers. The Dominican government reaffirms its dedication to fostering a labor market environment that prioritizes worker welfare and sustainable economic security.

  • STATEMENT: ERC congratulatory message to New Democratic Party and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    STATEMENT: ERC congratulatory message to New Democratic Party and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

    In a landmark development for Caribbean politics, the Electoral Reform Coalition based in Dominica has formally applauded the New Democratic Party’s decisive victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general elections. This electoral outcome marks a profound political transformation, terminating a quarter-century of opposition status for the NDP while ushering in a new governance era under Prime Minister-elect Dr. Godwin Friday.

    The coalition’s statement emphasized the exemplary democratic exercise demonstrated by Vincentian citizens, whose peaceful electoral participation resulted in the NDP securing eleven parliamentary seats—a commanding majority enabling government formation. This political transition represents not merely a domestic power shift but signals broader implications for democratic standards throughout the Caribbean region.

    Dr. Friday, now poised to become the nation’s seventh post-independence prime minister, receives commendations for his leadership during this historic transition. The ERC’s message specifically highlighted expectations for the incoming administration to prioritize transparency, strengthen electoral integrity mechanisms, and advance socio-economic policies benefiting all citizens.

    Notably, the coalition’s commentary extended beyond congratulatory remarks to draw parallels with Dominica’s political landscape, where a similarly prolonged administration has governed for 25 years. This comparative framing suggests the Vincentian election serves as both inspiration and potential catalyst for renewed civic engagement across neighboring nations.

    The ERC concluded with expressions of optimism regarding national reconciliation efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic processes throughout the Caribbean community.

  • Regional leaders congratulate Dr. Godwin Friday on historic election victory

    Regional leaders congratulate Dr. Godwin Friday on historic election victory

    The Caribbean political landscape has witnessed a seismic shift as Dr. Godwin Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) secured a landmark victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general elections, ending a quarter-century of opposition status. The NDP captured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats, marking one of the most decisive electoral triumphs in the nation’s history since gaining independence in 1979.

    Regional leaders have unanimously extended congratulations to Dr. Friday, who is poised to become the country’s seventh prime minister. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking through official state channels, commended the democratic process and expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties. “Dominica looks forward to working with Dr. Friday to reinforce the bonds of friendship and regional solidarity between our nations,” Skerrit stated.

    The sentiment was echoed by Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of Dominica’s United Workers Party, who characterized the outcome as “a new beginning” for Vincentians. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness similarly praised the peaceful democratic exercise, emphasizing Jamaica’s commitment to collaborative regional development. “May this new chapter bring hope, unity, and progress for all Vincentians,” Holness remarked, underscoring the collective aspiration for enhanced Caribbean resilience and prosperity.

    This electoral upset concludes the lengthy tenure of former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and introduces a transformative era of governance under Dr. Friday’s leadership. The overwhelming mandate reflects public appetite for change and sets the stage for potential policy reorientation in both domestic affairs and regional diplomacy.