Carib Scope

标签： Dominica

多米尼克

  • DOWASCO GM wraps 2025, assures customers of expanded service in new year

    DOWASCO GM wraps 2025, assures customers of expanded service in new year

    The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO) has characterized 2025 as a year of substantial advancement in its nationwide water infrastructure development program. General Manager Bernard Ettinoffe provided a comprehensive progress report during an interview with State-Owned Radio DBS, highlighting multiple successful initiatives across the island nation.

    Substantial completion has been achieved in the Castle Bruce area, where pipeline installation from water intake sources to treatment facilities and new storage tanks is nearly finalized. Ettinoffe confirmed that construction of a new intake structure is scheduled for early 2026, promising enhanced water supply reliability for the Castle Bruce community.

    Similar infrastructure upgrades have been successfully implemented in Grand Fond, Morne Jaune, and Riviere Cyrique, though Ettinoffe acknowledged occasional challenges with existing pipe systems during replacement operations. The utility maintained continuous community engagement through site visits and consultations to address concerns throughout the construction process.

    In the Calibishie region, DOWASCO is currently constructing the community’s primary storage tank while having already installed most supply and distribution lines. Although the intake facility remains pending, the overall project promises substantial improvements to local water systems.

    Additional communities including Grand Savanne, Coulibistrie, and Salisbury are witnessing ongoing progress, with project completion anticipated by April 2026. These developments form part of Dominica’s comprehensive water sector modernization effort, despite challenges posed by increasingly intense rainfall patterns affecting water quality.

    Ettinoffe extended gratitude to customers for their support throughout 2025 and commended DOWASCO staff as the ‘engines’ of the organization for their dedicated field work under pressure. The general manager additionally emphasized the continued necessity of governmental support for maintaining the critical water infrastructure development momentum.

  • Prime Minister Skerrit: International airport on track, pray for its completion

    Prime Minister Skerrit: International airport on track, pray for its completion

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a compelling call for national solidarity regarding Dominica’s transformative international airport initiative, emphasizing that collective will remains crucial for the project’s successful realization. During his year-end press conference earlier this month, Skerrit revealed substantial progress in the massive infrastructure undertaking that multiple governments have promised since before the nation’s independence.

    The Prime Minister provided detailed construction metrics as of December 12, 2025, indicating significant advancement across all critical work areas. The project has achieved 88.6% completion in total backfilling, 83.4% in excavation, and 91.8% of runway construction to formation level, spanning 2,616 linear meters. Building foundations stand at 85% complete while superstructure work has commenced with 30% progress.

    Skerrit framed the airport as central to Dominica’s economic transformation, stating it would ‘unlock opportunities for trade, investment, education, and direct global access.’ He emphasized the project’s role in empowering Dominican youth and positioning the nation confidently among developing countries with first-class infrastructure.

    Remarkably, the billion-dollar project (XCD 1 billion+) is being constructed without creating debt repayment burdens, primarily funded through the Citizenship by Investment program. The development already provides substantial local economic benefits, employing 405 Dominican workers on site.

    The Prime Minister concluded with both practical updates and philosophical reflection, urging citizens to ‘wrap the project with the national flag’ and view it as a national achievement rather than a political victory. The airport remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2027, potentially ending decades of anticipation for enhanced global connectivity.

  • United Progressive Party alleges partisan distribution of holiday assistance

    United Progressive Party alleges partisan distribution of holiday assistance

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) of Dominica has launched a formal condemnation against the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) for allegedly distributing Christmas assistance exclusively to its political supporters while systematically excluding opposition affiliates. Under the leadership of Attorney Joshua Francis, the UPP characterized the practice as both morally reprehensible and fundamentally contrary to national values.

    In an official statement, Francis denounced what he termed the ‘weaponization of holiday assistance,’ asserting that the partisan allocation of seasonal goods—including Christmas hams and other aid packages—violates the spirit of unity and compassion central to the holiday season. ‘This behavior is outrageous, un-Christian, and un-Dominican,’ Francis stated. ‘It reveals that the DLP prioritizes political gain over genuine national care.’

    The UPP claims to have gathered widespread testimony from residents across the island who were denied aid due to their opposition ties or refusal to pledge allegiance to the ruling party. Such actions, the party argues, illustrate a deeper trend of using public resources and charitable programs as mechanisms of political patronage, thereby exacerbating social divisions.

    Francis emphasized that the discriminatory distribution undermines dignity and fairness, serving as a ‘catalyst for disunity’ in a period that should foster collective solidarity. He warned that the practice breeds resentment and erodes the nation’s social fabric.

    The UPP has issued a series of demands to the DLP-led government, including the immediate cessation of partisan-based aid distribution, implementation of equitable allocation protocols, a renewed commitment to governance for all citizens, and active promotion of national unity over political tribalism.

    Concluding its declaration, the UPP urged all Dominicans to reject divisive tactics and advocate for a government that serves everyone equally, irrespective of political allegiance.

  • PM Skerrit calls on more Dominicans to join ongoing voter confirmation process

    PM Skerrit calls on more Dominicans to join ongoing voter confirmation process

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a compelling call to action for all eligible Dominican voters, both domestically and overseas, to participate in the ongoing national voter confirmation initiative. Speaking at his year-end press conference, the Prime Minister revealed that approximately 9,000 citizens have already verified their registration details since the process commenced on October 15, 2025.

    Emphasizing the critical nature of civic engagement, Skerrit stated, ‘This is not a time to stay away or to be discouraged. It is a time to engage. Confirming your registration is both your right and your responsibility.’ He positioned the confirmation drive as the culmination of extensive electoral reforms implemented throughout 2025, designed to enhance the transparency, integrity, and credibility of the nation’s democratic processes.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that these reforms followed nearly twenty years of national discourse, consultation, and advocacy, culminating in parliamentary approval of legislation modernizing Dominica’s electoral framework. The confirmation process requires registered voters to visit designated centers where they verify personal information, present required identification documents, undergo photograph capture, and confirm eligibility under the updated system.

    Skerrit emphasized that this comprehensive exercise serves to cleanse and update voter rolls while paving the way for issuing official voter identification cards. ‘This ensures the register accurately reflects those legitimately entitled to vote in Dominica’s elections,’ he affirmed.

    According to recent reports from Dominica News Online, electoral authorities have received over 9,000 verification applications, with more than 700 already officially confirmed by the Electoral Office headed by Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph.

  • STATEMENT: Timothy N. J. Antoine, Governor, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank 2025 christmas message (with video)

    STATEMENT: Timothy N. J. Antoine, Governor, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank 2025 christmas message (with video)

    Timothy N. J. Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), has officially released his annual Christmas address for 2025. The message, a highly anticipated tradition within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), was disseminated through the bank’s official communication channels, accompanied by a formal portrait of the Governor.

    While the full textual transcript of the address was not provided in the initial alert, these annual speeches are known to extend beyond seasonal greetings. They typically serve as a strategic communication tool where the Governor reflects on the region’s economic performance over the past year and outlines key priorities and challenges for the upcoming period.

    Given the ECCB’s pivotal role in monetary stability and economic development for its eight member states—Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—the address is closely analyzed by economists, policymakers, and the financial sector. Key areas of focus in recent years have included navigating global inflationary pressures, promoting digital currency initiatives, fostering sustainable growth, and building economic resilience against climate change and external shocks.

    The public dissemination of the message, encouraging citizens to ‘listen below,’ indicates a continued effort by the ECCB to engage directly with the people it serves, reinforcing transparency and public trust in the region’s central banking institution.

  • STATEMENT: Christmas message from the Dominica Red Cross Society- President Mr. Reginald Winston

    STATEMENT: Christmas message from the Dominica Red Cross Society- President Mr. Reginald Winston

    In a heartfelt Christmas message, Reginald Winston of the Dominica Red Cross Society has framed humanitarian service as the ultimate expression of faith, drawing direct inspiration from the biblical narrative of divine sacrifice. The organization’s holiday communique transforms seasonal goodwill into a call for sustained action, emphasizing that the core message of Christmas—selfless giving—should extend throughout the entire year.

    The Society’s philosophy centers on operationalizing religious principles through concrete community service. Winston’s statement articulates a vision where volunteering time, resources, and talents becomes a living embodiment of spiritual values. This approach reframes humanitarian work as active worship, suggesting that serving vulnerable communities represents a higher form of religious practice than ritual observance alone.

    As the New Year approaches, the Red Cross specifically invites broader community participation not just during emergencies but during periods of stability and growth. The message emphasizes that the most meaningful gift one can offer mirrors the love demonstrated centuries ago through biblical sacrifice—a love made tangible through ongoing service to humanity.

    The organization recognizes its volunteers’ dedication to protecting and caring for communities across the island nation, presenting this work as both a civic duty and spiritual practice. Winston extended holiday wishes to all volunteers, staff, board members, partners, and those served by the organization’s programs, creating an inclusive vision of shared purpose that transcends the Christmas season.

  • Caribbean travel and cruise industry executives collaborate on strengthening resilience, recovery and shared growth

    Caribbean travel and cruise industry executives collaborate on strengthening resilience, recovery and shared growth

    In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, Caribbean tourism leaders convened aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for the landmark “Iconic Summit” this month. The high-level gathering, organized during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s second annual Caribbean Weekend in Miami, addressed critical recovery efforts following October’s devastating Hurricane Melissa while charting a course toward sustainable industry growth.

    Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley detailed his company’s rapid humanitarian response, describing how over 100 pallets of essential supplies—including generators, food, and water—were deployed through Jamaica’s Falmouth port. The cruise giant coordinated with multiple partners to ensure effective distribution in hardest-hit communities.

    “Our connection to the Caribbean runs deep,” Bayley emphasized during a dialogue with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper. “In times of crisis, we answer the call and do everything possible to support these communities that are so integral to our operations.”

    CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who also serves as Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, expressed profound gratitude for Royal Caribbean’s support while championing innovative public-private partnerships. “The future of Caribbean tourism depends on our ability to reimagine together—to innovate, collaborate and believe in our region’s boundless potential,” he asserted, highlighting the necessity of data-driven policies and enhanced connectivity.

    The summit produced concrete frameworks for collaboration, with Bayley advocating for comprehensive “master planning” to develop sustainable tourism models. He identified significant opportunities for closer cruise-port coordination and creating career pathways for Caribbean youth through engagement with labor ministers and industry stakeholders.

    Royal Caribbean further committed to advanced sustainability measures including environmental technologies, shore power systems, and resilient port infrastructure. Despite recent challenges, industry projections indicate millions of cruise visitors will arrive in 2025, underscoring tourism’s vital role in regional economies and employment.

    The gathering maintained a purposeful tone throughout, reinforcing that tourism represents a shared responsibility requiring “all hands on deck”—a sentiment echoed even as attendees enjoyed cultural presentations including “The Wizard of Oz” and an appearance by the ship’s “Chief Dog Officer.”

  • Dr. Damien Dublin, Chairman Of Dominica’s National Reparations Committee, interview with The Repair Campaign

    Dr. Damien Dublin, Chairman Of Dominica’s National Reparations Committee, interview with The Repair Campaign

    A significant advocacy movement for reparatory justice continues to develop in the Commonwealth of Dominica, spearheaded by Dr. Damien Dublin and the Dominica Reparations Committee. In a recent interview originally published by The Repair Campaign, Dr. Dublin detailed the committee’s formation and strategic progress since its establishment in 2014.

    The committee emerged following a historic decision by CARICOM (Caribbean Community) heads of government to create National Reparations Committees across member states. As Chairman, Dr. Dublin explained that Dominica faced initial challenges due to the absence of any preexisting reparations commission structure. This necessitated a comprehensive public education campaign to familiarize citizens with reparations terminology and concepts.

    Before the committee’s formal establishment, calls for reparations in Dominica were primarily championed by the Rastafari movement and other progressive groups. Dr. Dublin’s team implemented multifaceted outreach strategies including radio panel discussions, educational visits to colleges and schools during Black History observances, and commemoration of influential figures including Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., and local heroes. The committee also highlighted significant dates connected to African leadership and the broader reparations movement.

    The educational initiatives aimed to demonstrate the personal relevance of reparations for Dominican citizens, encouraging broader public engagement with the concept. This foundational work has been crucial in building societal awareness about reparatory justice for historical injustices. The movement represents part of a larger regional effort within CARICOM nations addressing the enduring legacies of historical wrongs.

  • STATEMENT: End of year message from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

    STATEMENT: End of year message from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout 2025 while confronting unprecedented natural disasters and geopolitical pressures. The region faced catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted severe damage across Jamaica and Haiti following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl in 2024. These climate events resulted in significant loss of life and property, necessitating extensive recovery efforts that will demand substantial resources and time.

    Despite these challenges, CARICOM member states have made significant strides in regional integration. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated full free movement of persons among themselves, marking a crucial advancement in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. This development promises to stimulate economic activity and enhance people-to-people connections throughout the region.

    The community has also progressed substantially in developing a comprehensive Industrial Policy and Strategy, establishing foundations for strengthened productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification. Agricultural initiatives under the 25 by 2025+ strategy showed production growth, though hurricane-related climate events created substantial setbacks for farming communities.

    Cultural achievements flourished with CARIFESTA XV in Barbados celebrating the region’s vibrant artistic traditions, while democratic processes were upheld through peaceful general elections in seven Member States and five Associate Members. The community has maintained focus on human capital development, particularly supporting increased participation of youth and women in economic activities and decision-making processes.

    Looking forward, CARICOM is examining artificial intelligence implications for regional business practices while working to expand physical and digital connectivity. Disaster resilience building and enhancing food security programs remain critical priorities. The outcomes from the 2025 Conference of Heads of Government meetings in Barbados and Jamaica demonstrate strategic commitment to addressing trade, regional security, reparations, governance, and climate change challenges.

    CARICOM leadership acknowledges the contributions of regional citizens, Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and the diaspora community. As the new year approaches, the community moves forward with renewed determination to achieve its vision of a resilient, prosperous, and united ‘Community for All’.

  • Dominica State College set to welcome over one hundred new students in new semester

    Dominica State College set to welcome over one hundred new students in new semester

    Dominica State College (DSC) is gearing up to welcome approximately 150 new students for the January 2026 academic term, with comprehensive orientation activities planned to ensure a successful transition to higher education.

    The institution has announced a three-day New Student Orientation scheduled from January 12-14, 2026, designed to familiarize incoming students with academic expectations, campus regulations, and available support services. The mandatory sessions will provide essential information about college resources, extracurricular activities, and strategies for academic success within DSC’s learning environment.

    According to the college’s official statement, the orientation program aims to equip new students with the necessary tools to navigate their higher education journey effectively. The carefully structured sessions will cover critical aspects of college life, creating a foundation for student achievement and institutional engagement.

    Academic instruction for the new semester will formally begin on January 19, 2026, with programs commencing across all college faculties. The institution emphasized its commitment to maintaining a supportive and high-quality educational environment for all enrolled students.

    “Dominica State College looks forward to welcoming its newest cohort and remains dedicated to providing an engaging, supportive, and excellence-driven learning community,” the college stated in its announcement, highlighting its ongoing commitment to student success and educational development.