标签： Dominica

In a powerful New Year’s address, Mervin Alexander, President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), has articulated a compelling vision positioning educators as the fundamental cornerstone of national progress. The message, directed to teachers, principals, and educators across Dominica, opens with profound gratitude for their unwavering dedication throughout the previous year.

The association has formally announced its thematic focus for 2026: “Teachers Are the Foundation to National Development – Value Us.” This theme underscores the critical understanding that without teachers, no other profession could exist, as educators serve as the initial cultivators of all career paths and skillsets.

Alexander’s narrative reframes the teaching profession beyond mere knowledge transmission, describing educators as “architects of the future,” “builders of society,” and the essential foundation upon which national progress is constructed. The address paints a vivid picture of teachers transforming young children with minimal skills into future professionals who eventually serve society in banks, health centers, and hospitals.

While acknowledging education’s recognized role in reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion, the DAT president highlighted a significant disparity between rhetorical appreciation and substantive support. The address calls for concrete actions including respect, adequate resources, and meaningful participation in policy-making decisions.

Specific policy expectations were outlined, including the long-awaited Primary Schools restructuring initially promised for January 2023, now formally agreed upon in the 2024-27 Collective Agreement to commence in January 2026. The association also anticipates salary adjustments for Early Childhood Educators following the revised minimum wage implementation in December 2025.

The DAT reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved working conditions, professional development opportunities, and wages that reflect teachers’ pivotal nation-building role. Alexander concluded with condolences to families of teachers who passed away in 2025 and urged educators to prioritize their health and well-being while continuing their vital contributions to Dominica’s future.

A prominent Caribbean-based environmental nonprofit is celebrating a quarter-century of ecological preservation work with the release of a special anniversary calendar. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), founded in 2000, has expanded from local grassroots beginnings to become a region-wide force spanning more than 20 islands.

The organization operates through its distinctive S.E.A.S. framework—an integrated approach combining Scientific research, Experiential Education, policy Advocacy, and community Stewardship. This methodology has guided EPIC’s multifaceted conservation efforts, which include wetland protection, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, sustainable tourism promotion, and community empowerment programs.

To commemorate its 25th anniversary, EPIC unveiled a 2026 calendar featuring winning entries from its recent ‘Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2025.’ The visual tribute showcases twelve Caribbean islands through stunning imagery capturing diverse coastlines, wildlife populations, and cultural traditions. Each month includes educational trivia about featured locations and inspirational quotations highlighting environmental consciousness.

Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the collaborative nature of EPIC’s achievements: ‘Our work has always been built on partnership with local communities, volunteers, and regional supporters. This anniversary celebrates everyone who has contributed to our mission and represents hope for those committed to the Caribbean’s sustainable future.’

The calendar, available in both digital and print formats, serves dual purposes as both an artistic tribute to regional beauty and a fundraising tool to support EPIC’s ongoing conservation programs. According to the organization, continued public support enables critical research, education, and preservation initiatives that safeguard the Caribbean’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Authorities in the Commonwealth of Dominica have initiated a formal investigation following reports of a shooting incident in the Goodwill Link Road area. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) confirmed they are examining the alleged event, though specific details remain limited as the inquiry is in its preliminary stages.

Law enforcement officials have not released information regarding potential victims, suspects, or the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. The absence of confirmed details has prompted heightened community awareness while authorities work to establish the facts.

Dominica News Online (DNO), a primary local news source, has committed to tracking developments in this case and providing updates as official information emerges. The publication maintains its policy of verifying facts with relevant authorities before dissemination to ensure reporting accuracy.

This incident marks another test for Dominica’s law enforcement agencies, which continue to address public safety concerns across the island nation. Residents near the Goodwill area have expressed concern while awaiting further clarification from police investigators.

The CDPF has encouraged community members with relevant information to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation into the matter.

The Commonwealth of Dominica has solidified its law enforcement leadership with the formal appointment of Lincoln Corbette as Acting Police Commissioner and Jeoffrey James as Acting Deputy Commissioner. The appointments, initially made effective April 1, 2025, have now been extended beyond their original six-month terms, bringing stability to the nation’s top policing roles which had remained vacant since Daniel Carbon’s departure in 2023.

The restructuring initiative was formally announced by National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore, who explained that the vacancy created by the retirement of Acting Commissioner Davidson Valerie prompted Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to advise President Sylvanie Burton on the new appointments. Minister Blackmoore emphasized that these appointments represent a strategic effort to address public concerns through systematic and transparent reforms within the police force.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) publicly celebrated the appointments through an official statement on their Facebook page, recognizing the milestone as a testament to both officers’ unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and longstanding commitment to national security. The statement expressed collective support for Corbette and James, wishing them continued strength, wisdom, and success as they lead the police force with integrity and professionalism.

This leadership consolidation concludes 2025 on a note of institutional stability for Dominica’s law enforcement community, signaling a renewed commitment to public safety and organizational accountability under new command.

Dominica witnessed a transformative educational movement throughout 2025 as Outsource Development Studio launched the comprehensive ‘Little Go Getters Dominica Movement’ in partnership with local organizations. The initiative, formally introduced on June 17th, represents a multifaceted approach to youth development that combines entrepreneurial education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

The program commenced with a series of community block parties at summer’s onset, funded by corporate sponsors including Jollys Pharmacy, Do It Center, Dominica Electricity Services, and Oceans Forward. These events served as introductory platforms for the movement’s vision of nurturing problem-solving capabilities and creative thinking among children.

As the academic year resumed, the organization embarked on an extensive school outreach program, visiting four primary institutions: Berean Christian Academy, Giraudel Primary School, Morne Prosper Primary School, and Massacre Canefield Primary School. Through these visits, students encountered ‘The Little Go Getters’ book series and participated in interactive educational activities designed to stimulate entrepreneurial mindsets. Sponsorship from Corp-EFF Insurance Company Ltd., Express Courier, and Auto Trade Ltd. facilitated these educational endeavors.

Concurrently, the organization partnered with the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management to launch ‘Better Me, Better You, Better Businesses’ executive development courses. These programs specifically target senior managers and executives, emphasizing innovative thinking, organizational transformation, and challenging conventional business practices.

In a significant cultural development, the organization registered EarthGold, a new intellectual property celebrating Afro-Caribbean heritage through arts, fashion, and superfoods. The inaugural collection, ‘I Have a Very Big God,’ is exclusively available at the Earth Gold – Mother Land Store, featuring culturally significant products that honor Caribbean heritage while promoting wellness.

The organization’s year-end communication expressed optimism for 2026, declaring ‘Ascend’ as the thematic focus for the coming year—emphasizing growth, elevation, and purposeful advancement across all initiatives.