标签： Dominica

In a recent press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Dominica, His Excellency Ambassador Chu Maoming highlighted the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The session, held in Beijing on October 23, marked a pivotal moment as it adopted the Recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. This plan, the 15th in a series since 1953, underscores China’s commitment to sustained growth and global leadership. Ambassador Chu emphasized that the 14th Five-Year Plan, now concluding, has propelled China’s GDP beyond RMB 130 trillion, with significant advancements in artificial intelligence and new energy sectors. China’s transformation from the ‘world’s factory’ to a global innovation powerhouse was also noted, alongside its high-standard opening-up policies, including a reduced foreign investment negative list and a lowered overall tariff level to 7.3 percent. The Belt and Road Initiative, involving over 150 countries and 30 international organizations, has further cemented China’s role as a key driver of global economic growth, contributing approximately 30 percent. Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan aims to address global challenges such as unilateralism, protectionism, and regional instability, offering a message of consistency and stability. Ambassador Chu outlined seven main objectives for the next five years, focusing on high-quality development, technological self-reliance, cultural progress, and environmental sustainability. China’s strategic alignment with Belt and Road partners will be strengthened, with enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, green development, and digital transformation. Additionally, China will intensify efforts in pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and carbon emission reduction, aiming to peak carbon emissions and transition to eco-friendly practices. The 15th Five-Year Plan not only charts a course for China’s future but also provides a beacon of certainty in an increasingly volatile world.

Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has urged Dominicans to actively participate in the ongoing voter confirmation process, despite perceived challenges. Speaking at a recent press conference, Francis emphasized the importance of civic duty in ensuring a robust democratic system. The voter confirmation process, initiated on October 15, 2025, is a cornerstone of Dominica’s electoral reform agenda, aimed at modernizing the voting system and enhancing democratic participation. Francis highlighted the difficulties faced by many citizens who lack essential identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or social security cards. He called on the Electoral Commission to prioritize the interests of all Dominicans, ensuring inclusivity in the process. Francis also shared his personal experience, describing the confirmation process as straightforward and encouraging others to follow suit. He advised those encountering issues to seek assistance from legal professionals or the Chief Elections Officer. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision to exclude birth certificates as a valid form of identification for voter confirmation. Fontaine argued that this exclusion would disenfranchise thousands of Dominicans, particularly those without the means to obtain alternative IDs. He condemned the move as a violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that it undermines the democratic principle of universal suffrage. The voter confirmation process involves multiple steps, including name verification, document validation, and electronic data entry, culminating in the issuance of a confirmation receipt. The debate over the process underscores the broader challenges of balancing electoral integrity with accessibility in Dominica’s evolving democratic landscape.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica is poised to join the CELAC-EU Summit, a pivotal gathering of Caribbean, Latin American, and European Union leaders, taking place on November 10, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia. The summit, hosted by Colombia’s President, aims to foster enhanced dialogue and collaboration among the participating regions. Key figures from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including its Secretary-General, alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, will be in attendance. The European Union will be represented by prominent leaders such as the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the rotating EU Presidency. The agenda for the summit is expected to focus on critical global issues, including sustainable development, climate adaptation, trade relations, and international cooperation. In the interim, Honourable Cassanni Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, will serve as Acting Prime Minister during Prime Minister Skerrit’s absence.