标签： Dominica

The Dominica Bar Association has unveiled its newly appointed Executive Committee following a seamless election process at its Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2025. All candidates were elected unopposed, marking a harmonious transition of leadership within the organization. The newly elected team comprises Noelize Knight Didier as President, Mary A. Roberts as Vice-President, Gina Abraham-Thomas as Treasurer, Shanice Henry as Secretary, Carlita Benjamin as Assistant Treasurer, Chelsea Frampton as Assistant Secretary, and Jodie Luke as Committee Member. In an official statement, the Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Executive members for their unwavering dedication and significant contributions during their tenure. Simultaneously, it extended warm congratulations to the incoming and returning officers as they embark on their new roles. The Association emphasized its renewed commitment to advancing the legal profession and ensuring the effective administration of justice in Dominica. The press release concluded with optimism, highlighting the Executive Committee’s readiness to uphold the Association’s mission with vigor and purpose.

In a significant move to bolster climate-smart agriculture and women’s empowerment, Her Excellency Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently visited Castle Bruce, Dominica. The visit focused on engaging with Ms. Tamisha Darroux, a budding farmer participating in Agrihub’s SheHarvest initiative, which emphasizes gender-sensitive business strategies for climate-resilient farming. The initiative is part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a program dedicated to supporting community-led projects that advance women’s economic rights, leadership, and environmental resilience. Accompanied by Political Counsellor Ms. Stephanie Sprott, High Commissioner Wills toured Ms. Darroux’s farm, discussing her agricultural journey and the transformative impact of the SheHarvest program. The initiative has provided 30 women farmers in Dominica with business planning, financial literacy, and practical training in climate-smart techniques. Currently, six participants, including Ms. Darroux, are piloting their business plans in a 12-week phase aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience, and income. High Commissioner Wills emphasized the importance of empowering women farmers, stating, ‘Empowering women farmers is a key component to building resilience and strengthening food security in the region.’ She highlighted how initiatives like SheHarvest are creating opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth in agriculture. Ms. Darroux, who began farming just a year ago, exemplifies the new generation of women adopting innovative practices to strengthen Dominica’s food systems and rural economy. Ms. Abigail Shillingford, Executive Director of Agrihub, praised the resilience and ambition of women like Ms. Darroux, noting that SheHarvest is helping women view agriculture as a pathway to sustainable business and leadership. This visit underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Dominica in fostering locally driven initiatives that empower women, promote inclusive economic development, and enhance climate resilience.

In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, law enforcement authorities have incinerated a substantial cache of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$53 million. The destruction took place at Morne Bruce on Wednesday as part of Police Week, a campaign aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the police force and showcasing their relentless efforts to combat crime. Superintendent Delvin Jno Jules, in charge of the Southern Division, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘We are destroying cocaine and marijuana to demonstrate our commitment to keeping the streets clean and safe.’ The seized drugs included EC$52 million worth of cocaine and EC$1.2 million worth of cannabis, marking a major victory in the ongoing Operation Clean Street. Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette underscored the message sent to criminals, declaring, ‘We will not back down. These dangerous substances will be tackled head-on, and the fruits of your illegal labor will be destroyed.’ The operation also saw the disposal of 348 antiquated firearms and smoke grenades, part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security. Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore praised the efforts, highlighting the confiscation of EC$89 million worth of drugs over the past year and the implementation of CARICOM’s firearms roadmap to address illegal arms trafficking. The police force’s dedication to training and modernization was also commended, ensuring they remain equipped to handle contemporary challenges.

The 2025 Police Week in Dominica commenced with a solemn Church Service at La Plaine, marking the start of a week dedicated to honoring law enforcement and addressing pressing security challenges. Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat gun violence, which he described as the most significant threat to the nation’s civility and security. Speaking at the official launch event on Monday, Blackmoore highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping the police with necessary resources, including the establishment of a specialized unit focused on investigating and apprehending suspects. He stressed that tackling gun violence requires a unified effort from all sectors of society, including families, schools, churches, and peer groups, to foster character development and instill core values. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenges faced by police officers and expressing his personal respect and appreciation for their dedication to protecting the community. He urged officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism while enhancing partnerships with the community, emphasizing that effective policing relies on trust and cooperation.

The Government of Dominica has announced a significant change in its urban traffic management strategy, aiming to alleviate congestion in the capital city of Roseau. Starting January 1, 2026, the government will implement a new system that limits reserved parking areas and introduces fees for authorized reserved parking permits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline traffic flow and reduce overcrowding in the city center. Current holders of authorized reserved parking permits are notified that all existing permits will be discontinued effective December 26, 2025. The public is encouraged to submit new applications for reserved parking permits to the Dominica Transport Board, c/o the Office of the Chief of Police, located on Bath Road in Roseau. Both individuals and businesses, including current permit holders, are urged to apply promptly to secure their parking permits under the new system. This policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has announced a significant step in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and enforce the law. Today, a formal destruction of confiscated illegal drugs will take place at Morne Bruce, starting at 2:30 PM. This operation is being conducted under strict court directives and established safety protocols to ensure the secure and proper disposal of the substances. The CDPF has emphasized that access to the immediate area will be restricted during the procedure to maintain safety and security. In a public statement, the police force reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens, upholding the rule of law, and enhancing public safety. This initiative underscores the CDPF’s dedication to eradicating illegal drug activities and fostering a safer community.

Dominica joined the global community in celebrating International Men’s Day on November 19, 2025, under the theme ‘Celebrating Men and Boys.’ This annual event, observed worldwide, aims to acknowledge the positive impact men have on society and to highlight issues related to men’s health and well-being. The concept of International Men’s Day was first proposed in the 1960s but was officially established on November 19, 1999, by Dr. Jerome Tellucksing in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Tellucksing selected this date to honor his father’s birthday and to commemorate the unity displayed by the Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team in 1989. In Dominica, the Business Professional Women (BPW) organization marked the occasion by recognizing 19 men for their significant contributions to the community across various fields. An awards ceremony was held to honor these individuals, showcasing their dedication and achievements.