标签： Dominica

BELLVUE CHOPIN, DOMINICA – In a landmark demonstration of communal solidarity, the village of Bellvue Chopin witnessed an unprecedented convergence of civic forces on January 21, 2026. Community leaders, local entrepreneurs, religious figures, and concerned residents united with officers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) to architect a comprehensive strategy for enhanced public safety.

The assembly served as a dynamic forum for addressing pressing local issues, facilitating candid dialogues between citizens and law enforcement. Participants engaged in substantive discussions that transcended conventional grievance airing, instead focusing on developing actionable solutions to communal challenges. The exchange of powerful personal narratives underscored the collective resolve to foster a secure environment.

This collaborative endeavor culminated in the establishment of two pivotal entities: a Core Committee and a Neighborhood Watch Group. These bodies are designed to operate in synergistic partnership with the CDPF, creating a structured framework for ongoing cooperation and proactive community upliftment.

Police officials heralded the initiative as tangible validation of their Community Policing Program’s efficacy, noting its demonstrable impact throughout Dominica. The undertaking represents a continuous joint commitment to cultivating communities where safety permeates all aspects of daily life—residing, working, vacationing, and recreational enjoyment.

This pioneering model of community-law enforcement collaboration establishes a potential benchmark for other Dominican communities seeking to strengthen public safety through participatory governance and shared responsibility.

A deeply religious mother has penned an emotional public letter celebrating the birth of her daughter while paying tribute to the healthcare professionals who supported her throughout the pregnancy journey. The heartfelt acknowledgment comes as the family marks their newborn’s first month of life, an occasion they attribute to divine blessing and medical excellence.

The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, described her pregnancy as particularly meaningful given her age of nearly 40 years and previous experience raising a now-21-year-old daughter. Her journey began at Newtown Health Centre during her second trimester after experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Despite initial apprehensions about her age, the medical team provided exceptional care that made her feel as comfortable as during her first pregnancy decades earlier.

Central to her praise were the midwife nurses at Newtown Health Centre, whom she identified as the cornerstone of family healthcare systems globally. She specifically commended Nurse Lambert (Head of Midwifery), Nurse Mitchel, Nurse Durand, and Nurse George for their professionalism, empathy, and humility. According to the mother, these healthcare professionals demonstrated innate abilities to comfort, support, and empower pregnant women through all stages of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.

The mother’s medical journey eventually led her to the High-Risk Clinic at Dominica Friendship Hospital, where she connected with other women in their forties experiencing pregnancy. She expressed particular gratitude to Nurse Romancia Darroux-Thomas and her team, along with Obstetrician Dr. Roberts and Medical Doctor Dr. Shillingford, who provided solace during moments of concern.

Additional recognition extended to Medicus Diagnostic Inc. and ultrasound technologist K. Victor for their professional service, as well as security personnel, community health aides, and even janitorial staff who contributed to her comfort. The birth itself occurred at Stronach Ward, where Dr. Shillingford and Nurse Frederick were described as “divinely sent” for embodying compassionate care during delivery.

The newborn required observation in the Neonatal Ward, where Dr. Anthony’s team and Dr. Laronde received special mention for their thoughtful assistance during recovery. The mother also acknowledged several local businesses including Sheryl’s Closet, Majestic Kidz, Jolly’s Pharmacy, and J. Astaphans and Company Ltd. for providing accessible baby supplies.

Throughout the letter, the mother emphasized biblical principles of parenting, quoting multiple Psalms and Proverbs passages that underscore children as divine blessings. She extended encouragement to other expectant mothers, reminding them of their strength and capacity through faith. The family concludes their message with optimism, citing Jeremiah 29:11 regarding God’s plans for prosperity and hope.

A significant discrepancy has emerged between official government assessments and ground-level observations regarding the massive landslide that struck Pichelin, Dominica, last week. While Public Works Minister Rayburn Blackmore asserts there is “no immediate threat to life and property,” local resident Mervin Bellot, who witnessed the catastrophic event firsthand, presents a starkly different perspective.

Bellot, whose residence neighbors the slide zone, described awakening to seismic tremors before observing an enormous portion of mountainside collapse into the riverbed. The resulting debris formed a natural dam approximately 60 feet high, currently restraining a substantial volume of water. Bellot expressed grave concerns about the structure’s stability, particularly with ongoing rainfall conditions. “The soil composition remains unstable, water levels continue rising, and persistent precipitation could trigger complete structural failure,” he stated.

The local resident reported immediately alerting community members and facilitating evacuations following the incident. While some households have voluntarily relocated, Bellot emphasizes the necessity for more comprehensive protective measures. He further criticized governmental authorities for permitting contractors to deposit materials into the river, alleging this practice has exacerbated the situation by constricting natural water flow pathways.

Contrary to official monitoring reports indicating controlled conditions, Bellot maintains the situation demands urgent intervention. He advocates for immediate engineering solutions to establish controlled water release mechanisms and cessation of all river dumping activities. “Government representatives must exercise extreme caution in their risk evaluations,” Bellot cautioned. “Catastrophic dam failure would impact not only Pichelin village but also transportation infrastructure and coastal communities throughout the southern region.

Minister Blackmore confirmed during a Monday radio interview that clearance operations are scheduled to commence imminently, utilizing anticipated favorable weather conditions through Tuesday. Government priorities reportedly focus on maintaining river channel integrity and implementing comprehensive mitigation protocols to ensure downstream community safety.

Authorities in Belfast are conducting a thorough investigation following a significant burglary at St Clements House, the historic residence of the Redemptorist Catholic missionary order. The incident, which police are treating as an aggravated burglary, occurred overnight and resulted in the theft of substantial cash amounts and a vehicle.

Initial reports confirm that perpetrators successfully made off with EC$2,500, US$600 in cash, and a Mitsubishi Pickup truck bearing registration number PP634. The burglary targeted the long-standing religious institution that has maintained a presence in Dominica since 1902.

In a developing turn of events, law enforcement officials have successfully located the stolen vehicle in the Zabrico area. The recovery represents a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, though authorities continue to pursue leads regarding the suspects and the stolen currency.

St Clements House serves as the operational base for the Redemptorist order, which currently maintains between 4,500–5,500 members across more than 80 countries worldwide. The religious organization has deep roots in the local community, having established its mission work in Dominica over a century ago.

Local news outlet DNO has committed to providing continuous coverage as additional details emerge from the police investigation. The community awaits further updates regarding security measures and the status of the investigation into this violation of the religious institution’s premises.

Dominica’s Public Works Minister Rayburn Blackmore has provided reassurances to citizens following a significant landslide in the southern community of Pichlen that occurred during the night of January 24-25. The geological event, which took place along an active road rehabilitation corridor, resulted in substantial earth displacement into the Pichlen River channel, triggering immediate multi-agency emergency assessments.

Minister Blackmore confirmed to media outlets that a comprehensive technical team comprising geotechnical engineers, disaster management specialists, emergency services personnel, and forestry officials has conducted thorough evaluations of the situation. Their collective assessment indicates no imminent danger to residential areas or infrastructure downstream from the landslide site.

Critical transportation routes between Bellevue Chopin and Pichelin remain fully operational, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for local communities. As a precautionary measure, authorities have established security perimeters around the original construction zone, advising public avoidance of the designated area.

Remediation operations commenced Monday under improved meteorological conditions, with clearing efforts focused on preserving the integrity of the river channel while implementing robust mitigation protocols. The government’s coordinated response prioritizes environmental conservation and community safety through strict adherence to geotechnical safety standards.

Minister Blackmore contextualized this incident within Dominica’s broader National Resilience Development Plan 2030, highlighting ongoing infrastructure investments exceeding $160 million dedicated to slope stabilization, advanced drainage systems, and expanded roadway designs specifically engineered to minimize landslide risks. The official commended emergency responders and technical staff for their continuous monitoring efforts and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizen safety as its fundamental governance priority.