标签： Dominica

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law is set to host its 8th Biennial Conference from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Marking the CCJ’s 20th anniversary, the event, themed ‘The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence,’ will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including judicial officers, legal practitioners, academics, policymakers, and regional partners, to reflect on the Court’s two-decade legacy and its future trajectory. The conference will feature an Opening Ceremony with addresses by Senator John Jeremie, SC, Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, and Deputy Chair of the CCJ Academy for Law, Justice Chantal Ononaiwu. Representatives from CARICOM, the European Union, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank will also contribute. The three-day program will delve into critical legal topics such as constitutional law, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and the role of technology in law. Notable sessions include discussions on the CCJ’s Original Jurisdiction and its impact on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron and Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, will also deliver key presentations. The event underscores the Academy’s mission to advance legal education and foster a resilient regional justice sector, supported by partners including LexisNexis, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the European Union.

The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched an investigation following the discovery of a deceased male near the premises of Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC) on Tuesday morning. Initial reports suggest that the individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was likely homeless. Authorities have yet to release comprehensive details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Dominica News Online (DNO), a reliable local news outlet, has confirmed the ongoing investigation and pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available. The discovery has sparked concerns within the community, highlighting the pressing issue of homelessness and public safety in the region.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has joined the global initiative to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10. Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett emphasized the pressing need to address both traditional and emerging forms of violence against women and girls, particularly in the digital realm. In her campaign message, Dr. Barnett highlighted the escalating threat of digital abuse, including online harassment, deepfake attacks, and technology-facilitated violence, which are undermining women’s rights and safety in virtual spaces. She reaffirmed CARICOM’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive societies where women and girls can thrive. The campaign aligns with four key observances: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), Human Rights Defenders’ Day (November 29), World AIDS Day (December 1), and Human Rights Day (December 10). Dr. Barnett stressed that violence continues to deprive women and girls of their fundamental human rights, perpetuated by harmful gender norms, stigma, and impunity. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” sheds light on the alarming rise of online abuse. UN Women reports that 1.8 billion women and girls globally lack legal protection from technology-facilitated violence, with fewer than 40% of countries having relevant legislation. Dr. Barnett warned that artificial intelligence and online anonymity have exacerbated the spread of abuse, making it more targeted and harder to detect. Deepfake pornography, in particular, disproportionately impacts women. She also pointed to the rise of the “manosphere”—online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny—as a growing threat to gender equality, with real-world consequences for culture, careers, and safety. To combat these challenges, Dr. Barnett called for multifaceted strategies, including legislative reform, greater representation of women in digital spaces, swift removal of harmful content, public education on gender equality, and youth-focused digital literacy programs. Prevalence surveys conducted in five CARICOM Member States between 2017 and 2019 revealed that up to one in two women aged 15–64 had experienced violence, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive national responses. CARICOM Member States are advancing measures to address violence against women and girls by strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender equality, and enhancing survivor support systems. The CARICOM Secretariat supports these efforts through training for frontline professionals, including police, healthcare workers, and social service providers. Dr. Barnett concluded by honoring the courage of survivors, amplifying their voices, and reaffirming CARICOM’s commitment to justice and equality. She emphasized that ending violence against women is not only a moral and human rights imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity. With over half of the region’s 16 million citizens being women and girls, CARICOM reiterated its collective responsibility to create safe, inclusive, and equitable societies where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

In a compelling address at the recent Police Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the critical importance of community policing as a fundamental strategy for law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Blackmoore underscored the necessity of fostering trust between the police force and the public, asserting that such collaboration is indispensable for effective policing. ‘The only way to cultivate the essential element of trust is through forging partnerships and relations with the public,’ he declared. ‘The existing suspicion between the police and citizens can only be mitigated by ensuring they work together.’ Blackmoore lauded the efforts of the Chief of Police, Mr. Andrew, and the community policing unit, but called for a more comprehensive and serious implementation of the program across the nation. He stressed that community policing should be a standard practice in every district and police station throughout Dominica. ‘This initiative is not optional; it is vital for our future,’ Blackmoore stated. ‘It is the only way we can address policing and community issues effectively.’