标签： Dominica

In a moment of national pride and personal triumph, Zebbie has been crowned Miss WÒB 2025, a title she dedicates to her family, community, and the village of Tarreau. The newly crowned queen expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support she received throughout her journey. From her immediate family, who stood as her guiding force, to the dedicated teams working tirelessly behind the scenes, Zebbie acknowledged the collective effort that shaped her success. She also extended heartfelt thanks to her coaches, sponsors, and the villagers of Tarreau, whose belief in her propelled her to this historic achievement. ‘This crown belongs to all of us,’ she declared, emphasizing the shared victory.

While celebrating this milestone, Zebbie also addressed her absence from this year’s Independence Day celebrations and the Military Parade, events of immense national significance. She explained that her attendance at the One Young World Summit—a global platform uniting young leaders to drive positive change—took precedence. Being chosen as the nation’s flag bearer at the summit filled her with immense pride, a moment she described as even more exhilarating than receiving the scholarship to attend.

Zebbie vowed to return with renewed energy, innovative ideas, and a steadfast commitment to serve her community and nation. Her message concluded with gratitude and a call for unity: ‘One LOVE. Happy Independence! Domnik 47 Strong!’

The National Library Service (NLS) has announced its first-ever conference, titled “The Future of Libraries: Embracing Technology, Strengthening Community Engagement, and Sustaining Development in a Digital Era.” Scheduled for February 20, 2026, the event will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. This groundbreaking symposium aims to address the evolving role of libraries in the Caribbean, focusing on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and community engagement. The timing is significant, as it coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026 and precedes the NLS’s 180th anniversary in 2027, highlighting the dual importance of preserving cultural heritage and advancing technological innovation. Jennifer Yarde, Director of the NLS, emphasized the need for Caribbean libraries to lead discussions on digital preservation while adopting cutting-edge technologies. The conference will bring together library professionals, archivists, educators, researchers, and tech experts to exchange ideas and develop strategies for modern information management. A key feature of the event is a call for scholarly papers addressing critical issues such as AI integration, digital inclusivity, and the preservation of Caribbean cultural identity. Selected submissions will undergo peer review and be included in the official proceedings, contributing to the advancement of library and information science. The symposium will explore six core themes: AI and emerging technologies, inclusive digital library design, community outreach, e-libraries, cultural preservation, and the integration of archives and libraries. Interested participants are invited to submit 300-word abstracts by November 18, 2025, with full papers due by December 15, 2025. Details on submissions and registration are available on the NLS’s social media platforms. The NLS encourages all stakeholders to join this transformative event and contribute to shaping the future of libraries.

Meteorological conditions are set to shift significantly as a trough system brings weak to moderate instability, resulting in cloudy skies and light to moderate showers across the region this morning. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, though less likely. As the day progresses, a tropical wave is expected to approach, amplifying moisture levels and instability from tonight onward. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and rockfalls are urged to remain vigilant during this period. Simultaneously, a frontal system in the north Atlantic is generating northerly swells along the western, northern, and eastern coastlines today. Wind speeds are anticipated to increase, leading to moderate sea conditions. Waves are forecast to reach up to 5 feet along the west coast and near 8 feet in open waters to the east. In response, authorities have issued a Small Craft Advisory and High Surf Advisory, advising sea-bathers and small-craft operators to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous marine conditions.

Attorney General Levi Peter has shed light on the persistent backlog within Dominica’s justice system, expressing confidence that recent systemic upgrades, facilitated by a donation of equipment, will significantly alleviate the issue. Speaking at a ceremony on Wednesday, where the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) PACE Justice Project handed over equipment to the Government of Dominica, Peter acknowledged the extensive nature of the problem. He emphasized the critical importance of addressing delays, particularly in criminal cases, which directly impact individual liberties. While civil cases often involve financial matters, Peter clarified that the urgency in criminal cases stems from their profound implications on personal freedom. The Attorney General highlighted the necessity of a streamlined system capable of resolving court matters promptly. He noted that the donated equipment, distributed across various departments including the police, magistrates’ court, high court, and prisons, is already yielding positive results. Peter expressed optimism that the long-term benefits of these upgrades will be substantial, fostering a more efficient justice system. He also underscored the collaborative efforts of the government, aiming to serve not only Dominica but the broader Caribbean region, where similar challenges are prevalent. Peter remains hopeful that the backlog will see a significant reduction and that other systemic issues will be addressed in due course.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) PACE Justice Project has taken a significant step toward enhancing Dominica’s judicial system by handing over advanced equipment to the government. This initiative aims to reduce the backlog of criminal cases and streamline justice delivery, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s justice reform efforts. The official handover ceremony was held at the Attorney General’s Conference Room on Wednesday, attended by key stakeholders including Limya Eltayeb, Resident Representative of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Eltayeb emphasized the project’s timely relevance, noting that justice reform and citizen security are currently at the forefront of public discourse. She highlighted the multifaceted approach of the PACE Justice Project, which integrates technology, human resource development, capacity building, and policy reform to create a more efficient and people-centered justice system. The introduction of digital solutions is expected to expedite case management, ensuring seamless coordination between the police, courts, and other judicial entities. Eltayeb also underscored the importance of infrastructure investment to maintain system reliability and prevent disruptions. Additionally, the project includes training programs in AI, digital criminal justice systems, and alternative dispute resolution, further strengthening Dominica’s judicial framework. The interoperability assessment conducted earlier this year revealed Dominica’s unique advantage in adopting a unified digital system, setting the stage for a transformative approach to justice delivery. This initiative not only aims to enhance efficiency but also to rebuild public trust in the judicial system and, by extension, the government.