In a significant display of regional unity, countries across the Americas, governed by diverse political ideologies, have rallied behind a highly qualified candidate to lead the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The organization, pivotal in shaping agricultural public policy, health, and trade, plays a crucial role in maintaining the Americas’ status as a global leader in food production and export. Muhammad Ibrahim, a distinguished Guyanese agricultural engineer, has emerged as the preferred candidate for the position of Director General, with elections scheduled for November 4. Paraguay and Mexico, two major food-producing nations, were among the first to publicly endorse Ibrahim, citing his extensive international experience and technical expertise. The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ibrahim’s leadership is essential for IICA’s next phase, particularly given his unanimous support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). While other candidates from Honduras and Uruguay are also highly experienced, Ibrahim’s unique combination of technical proficiency and regional backing sets him apart. The current IICA Director General, Manuel Otero, has elevated the organization’s prominence and influence, leaving a legacy that underscores the importance of agriculture in the Americas. Moving forward, the region must focus on sustainable food production, trade promotion, and rural development to address challenges such as migration and depopulation. Technical cooperation will be vital in achieving these goals, and Ibrahim’s leadership is seen as instrumental in guiding this process. This collective endorsement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Americas’ agricultural sector and ensuring its continued role in global food security.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Caribbean Court of Justice visits Guyana
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has announced that its President, the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson, will undertake a series of high-profile engagements in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana from October 14 to October 17, 2025. The visit will be marked by the swearing-in ceremony of the Honourable Mr. Justice Arif Bulkan, a distinguished Guyanese jurist, as a Judge of the CCJ. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, and will be presided over by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, at the Office of the President. Justice Bulkan’s appointment underscores Guyana’s commitment to regional judicial excellence and the strengthening of the Caribbean legal framework. Beyond the swearing-in, President Anderson’s agenda includes courtesy visits and strategic discussions with key figures such as the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Honourable Madame Justice Roxane George; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Honourable Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP; and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla N. Barnett, OBE. Additionally, he will engage with representatives from influential organizations, including We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the APNU Parliamentary Group, and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). These interactions aim to foster collaboration and reinforce the CCJ’s role in advancing justice and regional integration.
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Global Gateway Forum: EU Collab to develop value chains, create employment opportunities in region with Sargassum
For over a decade, the Caribbean coastlines have been grappling with extensive sargassum seaweed blooms, severely impacting fishing, tourism, and local communities. These blooms have caused economic losses amounting to millions of dollars, according to a recent media statement. In a bid to address this environmental challenge, the European Union (EU), through its Global Gateway Investment Agenda, has joined forces with Team Europe and Caribbean partners to turn the crisis into an opportunity for cleaner beaches, job creation, and the growth of local enterprises. The third edition of the EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference, held recently, focused exclusively on sargassum, shifting from research and pilot projects to actionable solutions. The conference brought together representatives from governments, the private sector, academia, and international financial institutions to discuss sustainable management and economic utilization of sargassum. Jozef Síkela, the EU’s Commissioner for International Partnerships, highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform the crisis into a source of jobs, innovation, and clean energy. During the event, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico pledged to collect and process a combined total of 660,000 tonnes of sargassum between 2026 and 2027. This ambitious commitment marks the first step toward creating a regional market for sargassum-derived products, supported by EU initiatives to attract investment and develop sustainable policies. The conference concluded with the announcement of a fourth EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, to be held in Mexico, ensuring continued momentum in scaling up solutions across the Caribbean.
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Laville laments vagrancy problem at Mahaut market, highlights underlying issues
Cassani Laville, the Parliamentary Representative for the Mahaut Constituency, has voiced significant concerns regarding the persistent issue of vagrancy at the Mahaut market. Speaking at the “Market Day with a Difference” event held over the weekend, Laville highlighted the challenges posed by vagrants in the area. He emphasized that the presence of vagrants, often linked to drug abuse and hunger, creates a social dilemma that undermines the dignity of the community. Laville recounted personal experiences, including seeing a former football teammate scavenging for food, which he described as deeply distressing. He called for a collective effort to address the issue, urging community members to take responsibility rather than assigning blame. Laville stressed that solving this problem requires a unified approach, with everyone contributing in their own way to improve the situation.
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CBI Regulatory Authority, Sperm Whale Reserve on table for next Parliamentary session
The Parliament of Dominica is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with a packed agenda featuring several pivotal legislative proposals. Among the highlights is the introduction of a bill to implement the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement, which Dominica signed last month. This initiative aims to enhance the credibility, transparency, and sustainability of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across the Caribbean, as emphasized by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
In a significant step toward environmental conservation, lawmakers will also deliberate on the creation of the Sperm Whale Reserve, a project that builds on the government’s 2023 decision to establish a protected marine zone along Dominica’s western coastline. The proposed legislation will outline detailed management strategies, including navigation protocols and monitoring systems, to promote responsible use and conservation of this globally significant habitat.
Additionally, Parliament will review amendments to key financial laws, including the Financial Services Unit Act, the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act, and the Money Laundering Act. These updates are designed to strengthen Dominica’s financial regulatory framework and enhance anti-money laundering measures.
In a tribute to national leaders, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will propose conferring the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.) on the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas and Pierre Charles, recognizing their enduring contributions to the nation’s development.
The parliamentary session will be broadcast live starting at 10:00 a.m. through the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio), enabling the public to engage with these critical discussions in real time.
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CXC® promotes the ethical and responsible application of AI in educational evaluation
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) recently concluded a series of regional engagement sessions in Guyana, focusing on the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational assessments. Held from October 8 to 11, the event attracted over 300 participants, including educators, students, employers, and other key stakeholders. The sessions aimed to introduce CXC®’s standards and guidelines for AI integration, fostering a collaborative approach to modernizing education across the Caribbean. Dr. Wayne Wesley, CXC®’s Registrar and CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to aligning its initiatives with the educational goals of member states. During a meeting with Guyana’s newly appointed Minister of Education, Hon. Sonia Parag, Dr. Wesley highlighted ongoing projects such as the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), which targets out-of-school youth and adult learners through modular learning. Minister Parag praised CXC®’s efforts, noting their alignment with the Ministry’s digital school initiative aimed at enhancing student performance. The engagement sessions, which began in Barbados in mid-September and continued across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the OECS, will culminate in an online webinar on October 17. Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC®’s Director of Operations, expressed satisfaction with the regional response, particularly the consensus reached in Guyana to allow AI tools for idea generation in student assessments, while prohibiting direct AI content in submissions. Looking ahead, CXC® will host a Regional Education Conference in Jamaica from October 28 to 30, themed “Navigating the Digital Age: Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Assessment,” to further advance the region’s educational transformation.
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Living hostages freed in Gaza conflict, sealing conditions of ceasefire
In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas initiated a tentative ceasefire agreement on Monday by exchanging prisoners and hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza. The U.S.-mediated deal has ignited cautious optimism for a potential resolution to the protracted crisis, according to an AP News report. However, significant challenges persist, including Hamas’s potential disarmament, the governance of Gaza, and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood, underscoring the fragility of the accord. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages brought a sense of relief and closure to many Israelis, though efforts to recover those who perished in Gaza remain ongoing. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Beitunia, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and Khan Younis in Gaza, as 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, alongside 1,700 others detained without charges, were freed. Mahmoud Fayez, a detainee released after being held since last year, expressed gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy.” The release of hostages has alleviated some urgency to end the war, reducing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite subsequent phases of the agreement. As part of the initial ceasefire, four deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with 24 more expected soon. The deal also mandates Israel to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and essentials—into Gaza. Despite the celebrations, Gaza’s residents face a grim reality: the territory remains devastated by Israeli bombardments, with its economy in ruins, essential services disrupted, and countless homes destroyed. Netanyahu, absent from the Egypt meeting due to a Jewish holiday, assured the Israeli parliament of his commitment to the deal, claiming it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting the region to celebrate the progress, urged Israeli lawmakers to seize the opportunity for broader Middle East peace. In Egypt, Trump and other global leaders convened to address the agreement’s complexities and lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
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COMMENTARY: IOM chief highlights record disaster displacement and calls for resilience funding
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has left Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in a state of utter devastation. Aerial imagery reveals widespread destruction, with two-thirds of the island’s buildings reduced to rubble and countless residents rendered homeless. Critical infrastructure, including power, water, and transportation systems, lies in ruins, severely disrupting daily life. The tourism sector, a cornerstone of the local economy, has suffered catastrophic losses, triggering a cascade of unemployment, poverty, and escalating food insecurity. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has captured the dire situation in a poignant photograph by Gema Cortés, underscoring the urgent need for action. In light of the escalating frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters, the IOM is advocating for a paradigm shift in global financing priorities. This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) carries the theme ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ emphasizing the need to redirect resources from costly disaster response to proactive prevention and preparedness. IOM Director General Amy Pope has issued a clarion call, stating, ‘Every dollar invested in resilience saves many more in avoided losses and protects the dignity of those most at risk.’ She urges governments, donors, and the private sector to prioritize investments that mitigate disaster risks and bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities. In 2024 alone, nearly 46 million people were displaced by disasters, marking a record high. Despite this alarming trend, disaster risk reduction efforts remain woefully underfunded, with most governments allocating less than 1% of their budgets to prevention. As the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches, the IOM is poised to champion the integration of disaster and climate risk reduction into climate finance negotiations. Leveraging innovative tools like the Risk Index for Climate Displacement and the Climate Catalytic Fund, the organization aims to harness predictive analytics and community-driven finance to preempt displacement and safeguard developmental progress.
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PAHO makes donation to bolster health education in Dominica
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has made a significant contribution to Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services (MOHWSS) by donating a 40-inch Vizio Smart TV and a mobile stand. This initiative, announced in a recent media release, aims to strengthen health education, raise public awareness, and support community outreach programs across the island. The donation highlights PAHO’s dedication to delivering essential health information directly to local communities.
The official handover ceremony occurred on October 8, 2025, with Nicole Slack-Liburd, PAHO Country Programme Specialist, presenting the equipment to Dr. Kyra Paul-L’Homme, Permanent Secretary of the MOHWSS. Mignon Rolle-Shillingford, Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit, also attended the event. Slack-Liburd emphasized the importance of community-centered healthcare, stating, ‘A core principle of the primary healthcare approach is meeting people where they are.’ She added that the mobile stand ensures the device can be utilized not only in health facilities but also in various community locations.
The donation is expected to bolster the Ministry’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and other public health initiatives. Additionally, PAHO continues to support Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2025 by distributing educational materials and extending vaccination service hours at the Fond Cole Health Centre and surrounding areas.
The new equipment will enable health professionals to display educational content, health messages, and awareness videos during outreach events, school visits, and health fairs, fostering improved health literacy and community engagement. Dr. Paul-L’Homme expressed gratitude for PAHO’s unwavering partnership, noting that the donation will significantly enhance the Ministry’s ability to deliver effective and accessible health education to all citizens.
PAHO’s collaboration with the Dominican government remains focused on creating healthier communities through innovative approaches, improved accessibility, and empowerment.
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PM to file motion to honour late leaders Douglas and Charles with nation’s highest award
In a historic move, Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit announced plans to introduce a parliamentary motion on October 14, seeking approval to confer the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.), the country’s most prestigious accolade, upon the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion aims to recognize the exceptional contributions of both leaders, whose visionary leadership and dedication to social justice, education, and community development left an indelible mark on Dominica’s progress. Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the enduring legacy of Douglas and Charles, stating, “Their unwavering commitment to our nation continues to inspire resilience and unity among our people.” The awards will be presented posthumously during the formal commemoration of Dominica’s 47th Independence Anniversary on November 3. Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas served as Prime Minister from February 2000 until his untimely death on October 1 of the same year. Pierre Charles succeeded him, holding office from October 3, 2000, until his passing on January 6, 2004. The Government of Dominica has called upon all citizens to join in celebrating the legacy of these two leaders, whose efforts remain a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and aspirations.