Dominican author, musician, and cultural advocate Ian Jackson has achieved a remarkable literary milestone with the simultaneous release of three new books, marking the first-ever triple publication by a single author in Dominica. This historic event underscores Jackson’s enduring contributions to the island’s cultural and literary heritage. Jackson’s artistic journey began at the age of nine with the Kiddie’s Corner Show at the Parish Hall, and he has since emerged as a versatile figure in the performing arts, excelling as a musician, songwriter, actor, and writer. He is a founding member and former president of the Dominica Writers Guild, a former leader of the RSB band, and served as president of the Dominica Calypso Association from 2000 to 2004. Despite his diverse artistic endeavors, Jackson has always prioritized writing, a passion that blossomed during his school years. As Deputy Head Boy and editor of the Clarion magazine at Dominica Grammar School, he gained recognition for his poetry, winning numerous national and regional competitions. Inspired by historian Lennox Honychurch, Jackson committed in 1980 to documenting Dominica’s cultural arts. His journalistic career includes a weekly column in the Sun newspaper, work at the Chronicle, and ongoing contributions to Vibes Radio, where he critiques and celebrates local performing arts. Jackson credits cultural icon Alwin Bully for recognizing his talent early and facilitating his participation in a fine arts program at CARIMAC in Jamaica. He also studied under Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott at the University of Miami. Jackson’s accolades include the Golden Drum Award in 2013 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2022. The three newly launched books include a biography of the late Fitzroy Williams, a prominent cultural figure who played steel pan with Jackson’s father, Ulric Jackson, Dominica’s first three-time Calypso King. The second book, *In the Still of Night*, is a collection of 69 articles celebrating and critiquing Dominican arts and culture. The third book blends poetry, short stories, and essays rooted in Dominican myths and beliefs. During the launch, Jackson urged the Ministry of Education and Culture to incorporate Dominican literary works into school curricula and proposed renaming the Arawak House of Culture in honor of the late Alwin Bully. He also paid tribute to his late mother, his daughter Janae, and the late educator Josephine Joseph, whose influence ignited his love for literature. The books are available at Jay’s Bookstore and on Amazon in English and French.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Father and daughter die in airplane crash in Florida, heading to deliver aid to Jamaica
A devastating aviation incident in Florida has claimed the lives of a father and daughter who were on a mission to deliver aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The victims, identified as Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter Serena, tragically lost their lives when their Beechcraft King Air aircraft crashed into a lake in Coral Springs, a residential area north of Miami. The crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Fort Lauderdale, with security footage capturing the harrowing moment of impact, showing the aircraft disintegrating upon contact with the water. Alexander Wurm was renowned for founding Ignite the Fire, a Christian ministry with a strong evangelical presence across the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands. The organization had previously been involved in delivering aid to Jamaica, and this flight was part of their ongoing humanitarian efforts. Emergency services, including police and fire rescue teams, swiftly responded to the scene on Monday. Divers were deployed in a desperate search for survivors, but officials later confirmed that the operation had transitioned from rescue to recovery. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. It is noted that Wurm’s most recent aid mission to Jamaica was successfully completed on November 4.
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OP-ED: Why are women and youth still mentioned separately in climate conversations?
In 2005, Guyana faced catastrophic floods that left communities submerged and lives disrupted. Christine Samwaroo, then a young student, vividly recalls the fear and uncertainty as her grandmother was trapped in their home. This experience profoundly shaped her understanding of resilience and justice, leading her to found The Breadfruit Collective, an organization dedicated to addressing climate impacts in the Caribbean. Today, Christine emphasizes that even brief heavy rains now trigger flooding in Guyana, exposing the inadequacies of systems designed to protect vulnerable populations. ‘We still don’t design for people with disabilities or the elderly,’ she notes, ‘but when you build for the most vulnerable, everyone benefits.’ Despite being recognized as key stakeholders in climate policy, women and youth in the Caribbean often face limited participation in decision-making. Christine, who has worked in both government and civil society, criticizes the superficial inclusion of these groups in projects. ‘We’re invited to the table, but not always heard,’ she says. This sentiment is echoed across the region, where community groups led by women and young people struggle with unstable funding and inadequate disaster budgets. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that fewer than one in three community organizations include women in financial decision-making roles related to disaster preparedness, and only about 25% have active youth representatives involved in climate or disaster response planning. Elishah St. Luce, a Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist from Dominica, highlights the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on vulnerable groups, using Hurricane Maria as an example. ‘A lot of elderly women couldn’t leave shelters for long periods after Maria,’ she explains. ‘Some lost their homes completely and, without insurance or income, couldn’t rebuild.’ Elishah cautions against treating ‘women and youth’ as a uniform category, stressing the importance of understanding the intersections of age, gender, income, and ethnicity in disaster planning. Both Christine and Elishah envision a resilient Caribbean that prioritizes social cohesion, local ownership, and inclusive design. ‘Resilience means being good ancestors, protecting nature so it can keep protecting us,’ Christine says. Elishah adds that rebuilding resilience requires restoring the networks of care that women and young people have sustained for generations. New regional models, such as meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI), aim to strengthen these networks by channeling funds through community groups, cooperatives, and women’s organizations. Ultimately, Caribbean resilience is not just about disaster response or economic recovery—it’s about empowering those who have long been at the forefront of community care.
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Seventeen regional utilities and two private contractors head to Jamaica under CARILEC’s disaster assistance program
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has activated its Disaster Assistance Program (CDAP) to aid the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in restoring electricity across the island. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, left over 70% of the island’s electrical consumers without power, prompting an urgent regional response. As of November 10, JPS reported that 64% of its customers had regained electricity, with significant progress in restoring critical facilities such as health centers, telecommunication sites, and water commission locations. CARILEC, in collaboration with seventeen regional utility companies and two private contractors, has mobilized 131 lineworkers to Jamaica, with additional teams expected to arrive soon. The initiative, supported by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UKFCDO), underscores the importance of regional cooperation in disaster recovery. Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC’s Executive Director, emphasized the program’s foundation on mutual assistance and the critical role of trained personnel in restoring power swiftly and safely. Established in 1998, CDAP has been instrumental in enhancing the preparedness and efficiency of lineworkers through ongoing training programs and annual symposiums.
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Agriculture ministry announces availability of subsidized citrus plants for sale
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in Dominica has unveiled a new initiative aimed at bolstering citrus production across the island. The program is designed to assist commercial citrus growers in expanding or establishing their plantations, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the local citrus industry.
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Dominica Freedom Party leader Bernard Hurtault warns of erosion of civil liberties amid voter confirmation controversy
Bernard Hurtault, the leader of the Dominica Freedom Party, has voiced strong criticism of Dominica’s voter confirmation process, labeling it as a systemic erosion of civil liberties and administrative integrity. Speaking at a recent press conference organized by the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC), Hurtault highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly and economically disadvantaged, in confirming their voter registration. He argued that the process should not be more cumbersome than the initial registration itself.
Hurtault drew historical parallels, comparing the current barriers to voting to past civil rights violations, such as property and literacy requirements that once disenfranchised Dominicans. He warned that the new procedures, which mandate costly government-issued identification, risk reviving discriminatory practices. “Your wealth should not determine how and where you vote,” he asserted, emphasizing the financial strain on those unable to afford documents like passports or driver’s licenses.
Additionally, Hurtault raised concerns about the impartiality of the confirmation process, alleging that many confirmation centers are located in offices affiliated with the ruling Dominica Labour Party. He questioned the transparency and fairness of the Electoral Commission, noting that the majority of staff hired for confirmation duties appear to be government supporters. “What is the statistical reality that you end up with that distribution?” he challenged.
Hurtault also warned of a broader pattern of institutional capture, accusing the government of undermining transparency and creating administrative chaos to entrench power and suppress dissent. Despite these concerns, he urged citizens to participate in the confirmation process, stressing that failure to do so could solidify the incumbent party’s political advantage for decades. “We have a fight on our hands to assure the civil rights of Dominicans,” he declared, vowing that opposition leaders would continue to advocate for electoral fairness.
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Ambassador Benoit Bardouille appointed as Dominica’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization
In a significant diplomatic move, Dominica has appointed Ambassador Benoit Bardouille as its Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, who highlighted Bardouille’s extensive experience and leadership in maritime affairs. Bardouille, the former CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), brings over two decades of expertise in port management and maritime administration to this pivotal role. Minister Charles-Pemberton emphasized that this appointment underscores Dominica’s commitment to advancing its interests in maritime safety, ocean governance, and the sustainable development of its blue economy on the global stage. She expressed confidence that Bardouille will represent the nation with distinction, dedication, and national pride, further strengthening Dominica’s position in international maritime affairs.
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DA named leading nature destination, confirms world-class eco reputation, says tourism minister
Dominica has once again been recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination at the 32nd World Travel Awards, held last month at the Sandals Grande in Saint Lucia. The prestigious accolade underscores the island nation’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and its growing reputation as a haven for nature and wellness enthusiasts. Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton expressed immense pride in the achievement, attributing it to the collective efforts of the country’s tourism stakeholders and the unique natural beauty of Dominica. The event, attended by top tourism professionals and industry leaders from across the Caribbean and North America, celebrated Dominica’s innovative approach to eco-tourism. Charles-Pemberton highlighted the recently launched “Nature of Love” campaign by Discover Dominica, which invites visitors to experience the island’s warmth, beauty, and deep connection with nature. Additionally, Jungle Bay Dominica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Retreat 2025, further solidifying Dominica’s dedication to wellness-focused travel. Other local businesses, including Leisure Car Rental, Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa, and Just Go Dominica, were also recognized for their contributions to the island’s tourism excellence. The minister extended congratulations to all winners and nominees, emphasizing the shared mission of showcasing Dominica’s “Nature of Love” to the world.
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Assistant principal of Pierre Charles Secondary School dies suddenly
The Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS) community is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Assistant Principal Claudia Toussaint. The tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when Toussaint, after reportedly feeling unwell, collapsed on the school premises. She was immediately rushed to the Grand Bay Health Centre, where medical professionals pronounced her dead. The cause of her sudden demise remains undisclosed. Dominica News Online (DNO) has expressed heartfelt condolences to Toussaint’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging her significant contributions to the school and the broader educational community. Her untimely death has left a profound void, with students and staff grappling with the loss of a dedicated and beloved educator.
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Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.