The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has announced the appointment of Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer as the new Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. This decision, made under the leadership of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, follows a highly competitive global selection process. Mr. Orellana Halkyer, a Bolivian national, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. He holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Interlegality and Legal Fields, along with advanced degrees in Law and Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. His professional journey includes serving as Bolivia’s Ambassador to Uruguay, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and various ministerial roles in Bolivia, including Minister for Environment and Water. Mr. Orellana Halkyer has also been actively involved in international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his new capacity, he emphasized the region’s potential to lead sustainable food and agriculture systems, stating, ‘We will work to promote strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as Hand-in-Hand, to strengthen productivity, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life of communities.’ He officially assumed his role on November 1, 2025.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Muhammad Ibrahim elected new head of IICA, promises to work across the board for Caribbean region and Latin America
Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana has been elected as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), marking a significant milestone in regional agricultural leadership. The decision was finalized during the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), held in Brasília, Brazil, and attended by Agriculture ministers from across the Americas. Ibrahim secured the position through a majority vote, defeating Fernando Mattos of Uruguay, who graciously congratulated him on his victory.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude and outlined his vision for collaborative progress. ‘We will work together with all countries of the Americas to forge a path of cooperation,’ he stated. ‘I am honored and grateful to have been elected to lead this great institution and recognize the commendable work carried out by outgoing Director General Manuel Otero.’
With over three decades of experience as an agricultural engineer, Ibrahim has dedicated his career to enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector. His nomination by the government of Guyana underscores his reputation as a seasoned leader in international agricultural management. Ibrahim has pledged to prioritize research, innovative technologies, and sustainable growth to strengthen food security across the Americas.
His leadership will officially commence on January 15, 2026, during a ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. He will succeed Manuel Otero, whose tenure began in 2018 and was extended through reelection in 2021. Ibrahim’s election signals a new era of cooperation and innovation for IICA, as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural landscape of the Americas.
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JCI’s Future Fest 2025 promises career and wellness growth resources for Dominican youth
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dominica has unveiled plans for Future Fest 2025, a groundbreaking event set to take place on November 7, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. Designed to inspire and prepare secondary school students across Dominica, the festival aims to provide them with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate life after graduation. The event will bring together professionals, organizations, and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors to highlight the myriad of career opportunities, skills, and pathways available to young people. Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry experts, explore various career options, and gain valuable insights into emerging professions and the skills required for the future workforce. Through interactive displays, motivational talks, and hands-on demonstrations, Future Fest 2025 seeks to encourage students to think ambitiously and strategically about their personal and professional growth. ‘Our mission is to empower our youth with the knowledge and inspiration they need to confidently take their next steps after graduation,’ stated a JCI Dominica representative. The event promises to be an exciting, informative, and transformative experience, inviting secondary schools across the island to participate in this impactful initiative. JCI Dominica remains committed to nurturing young leaders who can drive positive change within their communities.
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IN PICTURES: A few shots of National Day of Community Service
The National Day of Community Service in Dominica showcased the enduring spirit of ‘koudmen,’ a cornerstone value emphasizing mutual aid and collective effort. Citizens across the island were captured in a series of photographs, diligently working together to strengthen their communities. The images, submitted by Kassim Lewis, depict individuals engaging in various acts of service, from cleaning public spaces to repairing infrastructure, embodying the principle of ‘each one, help one.’ This annual event not only highlights the importance of community collaboration but also reinforces the cultural significance of solidarity in Dominican society. The initiative serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in fostering resilience and unity, particularly in the face of challenges. The photos, shared widely, have inspired admiration and pride, both locally and internationally, for the nation’s commitment to communal well-being.
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Democrats dominate U.S. local elections races after Trump’s first year in office
In a remarkable electoral surge reminiscent of 2018, U.S. Democratic candidates clinched significant victories across four pivotal races on Tuesday night. These included the New York City mayoral race, gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, and California’s Proposition 50, a redistricting measure. The scale of these wins underscores a growing voter inclination to challenge Donald Trump as his first year in office nears its end, with economic concerns and dissatisfaction with the nation’s current trajectory playing central roles. CBS News exit polls revealed that voters prioritized economic issues, reflecting broader discontent. The results showcased a diverse Democratic success spectrum, with moderates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger winning gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. Meanwhile, progressive socialist Zohran Mamdani triumphed in the New York City mayoral race, defeating moderate independent Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s victory speech honored socialist icon Eugene Debs, signaling a progressive shift. In California, voters approved Proposition 50, empowering state legislators to redraw district lines ahead of midterm elections, a move seen as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. CBS polling indicated that opposition to the Trump administration motivated many Prop 50 supporters. Notably, Democratic candidates in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City all secured over 50% of the vote, according to Politico. A Republican strategist expressed concern over Democratic gains in Georgia, a GOP stronghold, where two statewide seats flipped in a low-profile Public Service Commission race. Analysts suggest these results highlight potential vulnerabilities for the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Trump responded with a barrage of social media posts, attributing Republican losses to his absence from the ballot and the government shutdown, though he did not specify his sources.
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Waste management authorities admonish misuse of trash cubicle in Fond Cole: ‘Your waste is your responsibility’
The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has voiced its deep disappointment and concern regarding the improper handling of communal waste by residents of Fond Cole. The corporation provided a waste cubicle to ensure efficient disposal and collection of garbage. However, residents have been dumping waste outside the designated area, resulting in a significant pile that obstructs vehicular traffic and poses a serious public health risk.
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Discover Dominica launches new multi-pronged ‘Nature of Love’ initiative for visitors
The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has unveiled its latest initiative, the ‘Nature of Love’ campaign, designed to spotlight the island’s untouched natural beauty and its potential to foster romance, adventure, and deep personal connections. This campaign targets nature enthusiasts, couples, families, and solo travelers, positioning Dominica as a premier destination for shared experiences, self-discovery, and the appreciation of pristine landscapes. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the ‘Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026,’ Dominica promises unique encounters that bring visitors closer to nature. Marva Williams, CEO of the DDA, emphasized that the campaign invites travelers to forge meaningful connections, whether through romantic getaways, family bonding, or personal wellness journeys. The island’s culture, people, and natural environment collectively create a transformative experience that lingers long after departure. The campaign highlights several new and enhanced offerings, including advanced canyoning excursions in Trois Piton Canyon, expanded accommodations along the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, and the world’s first conservation distillery at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa. Additionally, new hotel developments, such as Secret Bay’s Clifftop Villas and Fort Young Hotel’s expanded dive fleet, cater to diverse traveler preferences. Special packages, like Jungle Bay’s Adventure Wellness Package and Coulibri Ridge’s honeymoon offerings, provide curated experiences. Enhanced accessibility is also a focus, with new and expanded flight routes from major carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Caribbean Airlines, ensuring easier access to Dominica’s natural wonders.
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Dominica’s solid waste management receives four new trucks
The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has unveiled a major upgrade to the nation’s waste management infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in addressing operational challenges. In a recent press release, the DSWMC announced the acquisition of four state-of-the-art compactor trucks, delivered at the end of October. These high-capacity vehicles are poised to revolutionize solid waste collection services across the island, ensuring more consistent and timely operations. The investment is expected to significantly boost the Corporation’s efficiency in handling the increasing volume of waste generated by households and businesses. By enhancing logistical capabilities, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing environment for all citizens. The DSWMC expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the government for prioritizing the waste management sector and fulfilling commitments outlined in the 2025/2026 national budget. Preparations are currently underway for a formal handing-over ceremony, where the new trucks will be officially commissioned. The public will be informed of the event details in the coming weeks. Additionally, the DSWMC urged citizens and communities to continue practicing source sorting and proper waste containerization as the new resources are integrated into the island’s waste management system.
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Cadence-lypso innovator, Fitzroy Williams’, biography set to debut at upcoming triple book launch
A significant literary event is set to unfold on Friday, November 7, at the University of the West Indies in Dominica. The highlight of the evening will be the official launch of ‘Fitzroy Williams – A Biography,’ a bilingual publication adorned with captivating photographs, designed to engage both English and French-speaking audiences. This event is part of a triple book launch that also features ‘Spotlighting the Arts 2,’ a compilation of essays exploring calypso, theatrical works, and commentary, and ‘In the Still of Night,’ a collection of short stories, skits, and poetry by Ian Jacko Jackson, the 2022 Meritorious Award recipient. The evening will be chaired by Creole Ambassador Leroy “Wadix” Charles and will include brief speeches from notable officials, family members, and friends, alongside light entertainment. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the three titles at a discounted rate during the launch, with additional availability at Jays Book Store.
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Dominica State College admissions to open soon
Dominica State College (DSC) has officially announced that applications for its January 2026 intake will commence on November 10, 2025. In a recent press release, the institution urged prospective students to start gathering necessary documents and to explore the wide array of academic programs offered across its diverse faculties. DSC emphasized its commitment to providing tailored opportunities to help individuals achieve their academic and continuing education goals.
To streamline the application process, the online application form will be available on the DSC website (www.dsc.edu.dm) and through the College’s official social media channels starting from the opening date. The administration has advised applicants to submit their applications early and ensure all required information is accurate to avoid delays or complications.
This announcement underscores DSC’s dedication to fostering educational growth and accessibility for students in Dominica and beyond. For further details, prospective students can also access an audio announcement provided by the College.