Dominican author and poet Anella Shillingford has introduced her latest literary endeavor, “Feels Like Home,” a unique fusion of poetry, music, and memory. Described as a “literary mixtape,” the work delves into themes of love, healing, and belonging, offering readers an intimate and soulful experience. Shillingford’s collection combines poetic prose, free verse, found poems, and lyrical storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates like a heartfelt playlist for the soul. Inspired by her deep connection to Caribbean culture and soundscapes, the author employs rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs to evoke movement and emotion through her words. Shillingford describes the work as “nostalgia captured on paper,” likening it to a warm hug or a comforting cup of cocoa tea. Since her debut in 2019 with “Bonfire,” which explored themes of womanhood and resilience, Shillingford has continued to enrich Caribbean literature. Her second collection, “Of Rivers and Oceans” (2022), examined identity, nature, and love. Rooted in the rhythms and languages of the Caribbean, her writing amplifies Black women’s voices, memory, and the transformative power of words.
标签: Dominica
多米尼克
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SMA Class of 1974/75 reunion committee extends heartfelt thanks to alumni and sponsors
Roseau, Dominica — The St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) Class of 1974/75 Reunion Organizing Committee has expressed heartfelt gratitude to alumni, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support, which made the SMA 50th Anniversary Reunion Celebration a resounding success. Held from October 11 to 19, 2025, the event brought together generations of SMA alumni from Dominica and the diaspora for a week of reflection, reconnection, and shared purpose. The celebration featured a series of meticulously planned events, including the Night of Reflection, an Educational Forum, and the unforgettable SMA Old Boys’ Concert, all of which were met with widespread enthusiasm and pride. The Committee extended special thanks to alumni, corporate sponsors, performers, volunteers, and media partners for their contributions. Proceeds from the reunion will fund the restoration of the Egbert Germain Wing at SMA, ensuring future students benefit from the institution’s legacy of excellence. The Committee also pledged to continue fostering initiatives that strengthen both SMA and the broader Dominican community.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Nov 9): Small craft advisory remains in effect, lingering moisture behind tropical wave with pockets of cloudiness
As a tropical wave gradually dissipates this morning, lingering moisture and upper-level instability will continue to influence the region, resulting in partly to occasionally cloudy skies with sporadic passing showers. A ridge pattern is developing across the area, which will help reduce moisture levels throughout the day. However, a surface to low-level trough is anticipated to move in overnight, intensifying shower activity from late tonight into Monday morning. Breezy conditions are expected to persist during this period. Additionally, low concentrations of Saharan dust are present in the area, prompting individuals with respiratory sensitivities to take necessary precautions. Marine conditions remain moderate through Tuesday, with wave heights reaching up to 5 feet on the west coast and 8 feet in open waters on the east coast. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for above-normal seas and strong winds, particularly on the eastern side. Sea-bathers and small craft operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.
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Rotary Club of Dominica gives back to the Acute Psychiatric Unit on National Community Day of Service
The Rotary Club of Dominica, alongside the Rotaract Club of Roseau, commemorated National Community Day of Service on November 4, 2025, by revitalizing the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. This initiative underscores Rotary’s enduring commitment to community development and healthcare. Members dedicated the day to repainting and refurbishing sections of the APU, a facility originally constructed by the Rotary Club of Dominica in 1982. The project symbolizes both continuity and Rotary’s unwavering dedication to service. Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, President of the Rotary Club of Dominica, emphasized the significance of the APU as a testament to Rotary’s contributions to Dominica’s healthcare system. ‘Returning over four decades later to preserve this facility is deeply meaningful,’ he remarked. ‘It reflects our motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ and our ongoing support for mental health care.’ The activity also fostered civic pride and volunteerism, with participation from Rotarians, volunteers, and APU staff and residents. The APU’s continued operation stands as a proud reminder of Rotary’s impactful community partnerships. Beyond this project, the Rotary Club of Dominica remains active in health, education, youth development, and community service, striving to improve lives and promote goodwill both locally and globally.
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JCI Dominica Makes History, Wins Best Local Global Goals Project at 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia
JCI Dominica has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best Local Global Goals Project Award at the 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunis, Tunisia. The accolade was awarded for their transformative initiative, ‘Read With Me,’ which has been instrumental in promoting early literacy, fostering family engagement, and ensuring equitable access to educational resources for children across Dominica. Rooted in Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the project integrates awareness, action, and sustainability through various activities, including reading sessions, book drives, capacity-building workshops for parents and caregivers, and the distribution of literacy tools. Mr. Phael Lander, the Local President of JCI Dominica, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating that the initiative, which began in 2020, was driven by a vision to cultivate a love for reading, enhance family involvement, and make learning accessible to every child. He emphasized that the award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organization’s members, partners, and volunteers. JCI Dominica also extended gratitude to schools, families, and stakeholders who supported the project, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young citizens and driving impactful community transformation.
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New Accident and Emergency Operating Theatre opens at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital
The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) marked a significant milestone in healthcare advancement with the inauguration of a fully equipped Accident and Emergency (A&E) Operating Theatre on November 6, 2025. Valued at EC$1.17 million, this cutting-edge facility was made possible through the generous support of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modernizing Dominica’s healthcare infrastructure. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, hailed the initiative as a testament to the government’s dedication to quality healthcare. He lauded the Trust for its unwavering partnership since 2015, which has previously aided national recovery efforts post-Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. The new theatre, equipped with advanced anesthesia systems, orthopedic extensions, portable imaging devices, and rapid diagnostic tools, is poised to revolutionize emergency care by enabling urgent surgeries directly within the A&E Department, thereby eliminating the need for patient transfers. This development is expected to enhance response times, improve patient outcomes, and increase survival rates. Prime Minister Skerrit also commended the Dominica Hospitals Authority and Health Minister Cassanni Laville for their leadership and technical expertise. The government’s broader vision includes the construction of the Marigot Hospital, upgrades to 13 health centers, and ongoing enhancements at DCFH, all aimed at ensuring accessible, affordable, and dependable healthcare for all Dominicans. Minister Laville emphasized that the new facility will streamline surgical operations, reducing delays and cancellations of elective procedures by localizing emergency interventions within the A&E.
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Caribbean Export and Canada promote fair trade through GRIT initiative launch in Dominica
A groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean was unveiled on November 6, 2025, in Dominica. The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), introduced GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade. The launch event took place at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory, marking a significant step toward reshaping the region’s economic landscape. GRIT focuses on supporting women-led businesses by addressing trade barriers, fostering green transition, promoting digital innovation, and expanding market access. The initiative aligns with broader goals of inclusive development and economic resilience. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials from Dominica and Canada, representatives from the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from across the island. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasized the transformative potential of GRIT, stating, ‘This initiative is not just about empowering women; it’s about shaping the future of Caribbean trade, where businesses, especially MSMEs, can thrive in global markets.’ High Commissioner Brenda Wills of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean reiterated Canada’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth, highlighting trade as a catalyst for equitable economic opportunities. Chief Anette Thomas Sanford of the Kalinago Territory underscored the importance of empowering indigenous and female entrepreneurs in driving local development. Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, emphasized the role of collaboration in enhancing trade prospects for women across the region. Funded with CAD $3.16 million from the Canadian government, GRIT is a four-year program designed to increase women’s participation in export markets, particularly to Canada, by providing resources, training, and business linkages in Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, delivered the keynote speech, celebrating the resilience and contributions of Kalinago women to Dominica’s development. The event also featured a Fireside Chat with Dominican entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze and Natasha Green, who shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of women in the creative sector. Caribbean Export highlighted GRIT as a pivotal step toward achieving inclusive and sustainable trade in the region.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: DOWASCO apologizes for unscheduled service interruption from Mero to Castle Comfort
Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) has issued a formal apology to customers served by the WA-1 System, which spans from Mero to Castle Comfort, including Warner and Campbell, particularly those in elevated areas. The unscheduled interruption in water supply was necessitated by heavy rainfall, which caused extremely high turbidity levels in the water source. This condition forced DOWASCO to temporarily shut down the system to ensure water safety and quality. The company is actively monitoring river flow conditions and is committed to restoring service as swiftly as possible. DOWASCO expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to customers and the general public for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period. The company reaffirmed its motto, ‘Our Water, Our Treasure, Our Life,’ emphasizing its dedication to providing reliable water services.
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At UWI free movement forum, alumnus PM Ralph Gonsalves says delays in solidifying regional integration may undermine the whole
Regional leaders and scholars recently gathered at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Forum to address pivotal issues surrounding the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), free movement, and the broader Caribbean Regionalisation Project. Held on October 21, the event aimed to strengthen unity among Caribbean nations amidst ongoing challenges, according to a press release.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, a UWI alumnus, emphasized the urgency of deeper regional integration. He highlighted the critical need for implementing free movement policies, warning that delays or hesitations by member states could hinder collective progress. Gonsalves urged proactive planning to address demographic and economic challenges, stressing that tackling shared issues is essential for sustainable growth.
Gonsalves identified several pressing concerns threatening regional cohesion, including declining fertility rates, aging populations, and the need for flexible free movement policies tailored to individual island nations. He also raised issues such as trade barriers caused by currency exchange disparities, varying energy costs, and insufficient funding for the CARICOM Development Fund. Additionally, he called for improved airspace management, unified foreign policy strategies, and effective navigation of geopolitical concerns.
The forum, themed “Promises, Passports, and Possibilities: Free Movement, the CSME, and Caribbean Regionalisation,” featured a diverse panel of experts, including diplomats, academics, and policymakers. UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles opened the event, framing regional integration as a moral and historical necessity rooted in the shared destiny of Caribbean peoples. He acknowledged progress but noted persistent internal and external challenges that continue to divide the region.
Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, chaired the forum and reflected on the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, questioning whether its promises had been realized. Presentations from key figures such as Dr. Indira Rampersad, Ambassador Anthony Hylton, and Dr. Delroy Beckford evaluated the current state of regional integration, identified obstacles, and explored future steps.
Dr. Rampersad highlighted deficiencies in regional data collection, which hinder effective policymaking. Ambassador Hylton emphasized the need for enforcing legal frameworks through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), referencing the landmark Shanique Myrie case. Dr. Beckford advocated for aligning national laws with regional treaty obligations, cautioning against superficial integration efforts.
The event, broadcast live on UWItv, reignited discussions on CARICOM’s integration efforts over five decades since the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
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Dr. Kenneth Darroux is now interim CEO of Dominica Hospital Authority
Dr. Kenneth Darroux, former Health Minister of Dominica, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Hospital Authority. He succeeds Nancy Francis, a St. Lucian national, who served in the role for two years. Dr. Darroux expressed gratitude for Francis’s foundational work, which set the authority on a path toward prosperity. He acknowledged the challenges of stepping out of semi-retirement to take on this critical role but emphasized his readiness to address the complexities of managing a national hospital. Dr. Darroux, who has served as a patient, medical doctor, intern, Health Minister, and deputy director of the hospital board, brings a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system to his new position. Since assuming the role, he has been actively engaging with staff across all levels to identify issues and gather insights. He plans to present a detailed report to the Minister of Health outlining necessary steps to steer the hospital in the right direction. A key focus for Dr. Darroux is restoring public trust in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), which has faced criticism despite significant investments in modern facilities and advanced medical equipment. He highlighted the importance of motivated and satisfied staff in delivering quality healthcare and revealed plans to hire a PR consultant to improve the hospital’s public image. Dr. Darroux’s extensive career in healthcare and politics, including his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores his commitment to strengthening Dominica’s health systems and disaster resilience.
