标签： Dominica

Aileen Burton, born on January 12, 1950, in Roseau, Dominica, is celebrated as a cultural icon and a dedicated nurse-midwife. Her life’s work intertwines her professional excellence in healthcare with an unwavering commitment to preserving Dominica’s traditional dress and cultural identity. The daughter of Captain David Keith Burton, a World War II veteran, and Ena Burton, Aileen grew up in a family deeply rooted in community and tradition. Her siblings, including Frances Burton, a respected Geography teacher, and Paula Burton, a chartered accountant, also contributed to their community in various ways. Educated at the Dominica Convent High School, Aileen pursued nursing studies in the United Kingdom, where she specialized as a nurse-midwife administrator. Her medical career was marked by distinction, but it was her passion for Dominica’s culture that truly defined her legacy. From a young age, Aileen was captivated by the island’s national dress, particularly the wob dwiyet and jip/chimiz, which are emblematic of Dominica’s Creole heritage. Her mother’s involvement in the Social League of Catholic Women and her family’s participation in cultural events like carnival and Samdi Gwa balls deeply influenced her. After years abroad, Aileen returned to Dominica to find its cultural traditions fading. Determined to preserve these practices, she authored a comprehensive book on Dominica’s traditional dress, meticulously documenting the dwiyet, jip/chimiz, and associated male attire. Her efforts extended beyond writing as she joined the Cultural Division as a research and development officer, dedicating a decade to cultural programming and documentation. In 1990, she co-founded the Roseau Cultural Group, pioneering events like Fête Ti Dou Dou and creating educational initiatives such as a head-tying instructional video. Aileen’s contributions to healthcare were equally significant. She collaborated with the Dominica National Council of Women to launch the first formal “Carers of the Elderly” course, inspiring many to pursue nursing careers. Her work in Guadeloupe as a palliative nurse further exemplified her dedication to service. Aileen’s cultural stewardship has earned her numerous awards, including the Cultural Custodian Award, Cultural Icon Award, and the Golden Drum Award. Today, she continues to advocate for the documentation and teaching of Dominica’s cultural heritage, envisioning children’s books to guide future generations. Aileen Burton’s life is a testament to her dual devotion to healthcare and cultural preservation, ensuring that Dominica’s national dress remains a symbol of identity and pride for centuries to come.

A catastrophic fire erupted in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming the lives of at least 13 individuals and injuring dozens more. The blaze, which engulfed multiple high-rise apartment buildings at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate with nearly 2,000 units, marks the city’s deadliest fire incident in nearly 30 years. The fire began around 3 p.m. local time, trapping numerous residents inside the burning structures. Over 700 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, battling intense flames and thick smoke that consumed seven of the estate’s eight towers. Tragically, 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho lost his life during the rescue operation, while several others sustained injuries. Authorities confirmed that at least 30 people were injured, with two in critical condition. Emergency services worked tirelessly to evacuate residents, many of whom are elderly, as the fire rapidly spread, fueled by bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings. This incident has reignited concerns over the safety of such construction practices, particularly in older housing estates. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

In the wake of a recent robbery at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church in La Romaine, Trinidad, a local priest has pointed to the erosion of familial values as a key driver behind the island’s escalating crime rates. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 24, saw five masked intruders target 69-year-old Father Derek Anton and a 22-year-old security guard. The assailants ransacked the church’s administration building, restrained Fr. Anton, and stole his cellphone, wallet, and a portion of the previous day’s collections before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement later discovered a breach in the property’s wire fence and recovered an envelope containing cash.

Fr. Jayson Grell, a resident priest in San Fernando, spoke to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, linking the attack to broader societal issues. He emphasized the breakdown of family structures as a root cause of rising violence, including home invasions and kidnappings, not only in Trinidad and Tobago but across the Caribbean and globally. Grell called for a return to gospel principles and urged parents to take a more active role in raising their children. He also questioned the impact of technology on family life and critical thinking, advocating for collective societal introspection to rebuild moral values.

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, led by PC Mahadeo of the San Fernando Police Station. No arrests have been made yet. This robbery is the latest in a series of crimes targeting clergy members in Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the urgent need for societal reform.

In a continued effort to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals impacted by dementia, PHARCS, in partnership with community advocate Tina Alexander, is organizing its third Dementia-Friendly Gathering. Scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2025, at the PHARCS Morne Daniel center, the event aims to provide a safe and engaging space for senior citizens, including those living with dementia. The gathering will feature a variety of activities designed to foster social interaction, physical engagement, and emotional well-being. Highlights include gentle physical exercises, craft projects, singing, familiar prayers, domino games, dancing, and a guest speaker. Attendees will also have the option to purchase a hot meal, with transportation available for an additional fee. Marie-Therese Junkerre, founder and CEO of PHARCS, emphasized the positive reception of previous events, stating, ‘These gatherings showcase the transformative power of creating spaces where seniors feel included, respected, and loved.’ PHARCS remains committed to advocating for a national dementia strategy and strengthening community partnerships to enhance the quality of life for Dominica’s elderly population. Community members, caregivers, and families of older individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their participation.