标签： Dominica

Dominica is set to host a pivotal two-day regional workshop titled “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Advancing Social Justice.” Organized by the Cooperative Development Division (CDD), the event will convene government officials, cooperative leaders, and technical experts from across the Eastern Caribbean. The workshop aims to foster the exchange of successful practices, develop actionable strategies, and establish priority initiatives to strengthen cooperatives in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The focus on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations highlights their critical role in revitalizing rural economies, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting inclusive economic growth. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including outdated legal frameworks, data collection gaps, limited institutional coordination, and restricted access to financial and non-financial support services. The seminar is part of the EUCaN project, funded by the European Union and implemented by FIAP in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Vehicle Association (CPVA), 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. Aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the event will emphasize the transformative potential of SSE and cooperatives in creating inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Key speakers include Gretta Roberts, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development; representatives from the EU Delegation; Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean at ILO; and Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission. The workshop will also feature presentations on international frameworks and national experiences from the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy of Spain and the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy, exploring legal structures, institutional support systems, and innovative financing models. Expert contributions from organizations like ILO, FAO, IICA, and Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies will provide practical insights into governance, market aggregation, inclusive finance, and climate-resilient practices. Participating countries will present analyses of their cooperative landscapes, identifying legislative gaps, capacity-building needs, data system improvements, and market development opportunities. The CDD emphasized that cooperatives are essential for generating decent work, improving market access for small producers, strengthening community resilience to climate shocks, and enabling shared investment in infrastructure, processing, and logistics.

In a poignant celebration of International Men’s Day, BPW (Business and Professional Women) Dominica hosted a significant ceremony on November 19 at the Public Service Union (PSU) headquarters. The event, titled ‘Homage to Men,’ was a heartfelt tribute to the indispensable roles men play in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Nineteen exemplary men from the local community were honored for their exceptional leadership and service. The ceremony highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities men undertake, both within their households and across various sectors of national life. Traditionally seen as the primary providers of guidance, stability, and resilience, men were celebrated for their contributions to families and society at large. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a new tradition for BPW Dominica, which plans to make it an annual occurrence. The organization emphasized the importance of recognizing men’s positive impact to foster a community grounded in respect and appreciation. By honoring these often-overlooked heroes, BPW Dominica aims to inspire the younger generation and acknowledge the leaders, mentors, and pillars of strength who uphold families, communities, and the nation.

On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing that the future of humanity hinges on the well-being of its youngest members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified treaty in history, was signed 36 years ago, affirming the fundamental principle that protecting children is essential for building a better world. However, Guterres warned that children’s rights are increasingly under threat. Poverty, emergencies, and climate change are disrupting education and jeopardizing futures, while the digital world introduces new risks. Many children are forced into labor or caregiving roles, bearing responsibilities far beyond their years. Tragically, famine and conflict have stripped thousands of children of their most basic right: the right to life. Guterres stressed that while every child’s circumstances are unique, their rights are universal, regardless of identity or location. This World Children’s Day, he urged the global community to listen to children, amplify their voices, and unite in creating a safe and equitable world for every child. The future, he concluded, will be defined by how we care for the next generation.

In a heartfelt address on November 20, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams of Dominica marked Universal Children’s Day with a poignant message centered on the theme, ‘My Day, My Rights.’ Speaking to her fellow citizens, Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing children as more than just passive recipients of care but as active holders of fundamental rights. She highlighted the global significance of the day, which serves as a reminder to uphold and protect the rights of children everywhere. Dr. Williams called for collective action to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Her speech underscored the need for societal commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering a future where children’s rights are universally respected and implemented.

Ms. Georgette Deravairere, the principal of L’Etoile Du Matin Préscolaire (The Morning Star Preschool), recently emphasized the significance of Community Outreach Day, celebrated earlier this week. Known affectionately as Miss D within the community, she has been actively recognizing local businesses as part of Early Childhood Development Month, an initiative by the Ministry of Education/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Deravairere believes that fostering connections between schools, families, and the broader community is essential for the holistic development of children. She asserts that such partnerships support children’s safety, well-being, and social skills, while also strengthening ties between families, schools, and organizations. To this end, Ms. Deravairere and her team distributed tokens of appreciation to various community stakeholders, including Emerald Healthcare Ltd, Lindo Mart Supermarket, Waitucare Daycare Center, Nagico Insurance, Bullseye Pharmacy, Central Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Deliverance Baptist Church, and D&D Plumbing & Electrical Inc. She envisions a lifelong commitment to building these connections, ensuring that children receive the nurturing environment they need to thrive. Ms. Deravairere’s efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in early childhood education, creating a supportive network that benefits both children and their families.