The Commonwealth of Dominica Commonwealth Scholars Alumni Association (CDCSAA) is set to host the 2025 Commonwealth Scholarship Information Session on Friday, October 10, at 3:00 PM. The event will take place at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in Elmshall, offering a comprehensive platform for aspiring scholars to explore fully-funded educational opportunities in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations. The session aims to guide prospective applicants through the application process for the 2026–2027 academic year, while also highlighting the transformative impact of these scholarships on Dominican recipients. Attendees will gain insights into eligibility criteria, application requirements, and strategies for crafting compelling submissions. The program will feature keynote remarks from Ronald Charles, a distinguished alumnus and member of the CDCSAA Steering Committee, alongside presentations from representatives of the Ministry of Education and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Alumni speakers, including Dr. Valda Henry, will share their personal journeys, underscoring the scholarship’s role in fostering personal and national development. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, providing a space for attendees to address specific concerns and network with alumni and fellow applicants. Targeted participants include students from Dominica State College, other tertiary institutions, and secondary school fifth formers. The Commonwealth Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is designed to support citizens from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries in pursuing advanced studies abroad, emphasizing development, global collaboration, and capacity-building.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
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Republic Bank EC Ltd donates $50,000 towards staging of 25th Edition of WCMF
Republic Bank EC Limited has pledged a generous donation of $50,000 to support the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set to take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica. The announcement was made during the weekly WCMF press conference on Thursday, where Nicole Karam, Assistant Manager of the Processing Unit at Republic Bank EC Ltd, expressed the bank’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting Dominica as a global destination. Karam emphasized that the festival not only celebrates regional music and culture but also serves as a platform to nurture and protect Dominica’s rich traditions. The donation aligns with the bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference Program,’ which focuses on empowering communities, supporting cultural initiatives, and fostering national resilience. Karam highlighted the festival’s role in creating a musical legacy, showcasing local and regional talent, and ensuring future generations take pride in Dominica’s cultural identity. Additionally, she advised Republic Bank customers to safeguard their banking details during the festive season and announced new features, including online account opening, three new ATMs with TAP functionality, and a cardless cash feature. The bank’s ‘Make Your Christmas’ campaign, launching on October 15, 2025, will also offer reduced rates on mortgages, personal loans, and car loans.
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ACSOM, RayAsta Foundation and gov’t of Dominica collaborate for Stroke Awareness Day 2025
The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM) has joined forces with the RayAsta Foundation and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to organize Stroke Awareness Day, a pivotal event aimed at raising critical awareness about stroke on the island. Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the ACSOM campus on Ross Boulevard, Picard, Portsmouth, the initiative seeks to educate the community on stroke prevention, recognition, and rehabilitation. Dr. Sofiia Kozyreva, a rehabilitation specialist and ACSOM faculty member, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, ‘Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death.’ She highlighted the importance of understanding risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet, and smoking, which can be mitigated through early detection and medical intervention. The event will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, BMI, waist circumference, cardiovascular risk assessments, and cognitive and reflex testing. Attendees will also participate in interactive sessions covering stroke anatomy, risk factors, lifestyle changes, preventive strategies, rehabilitation options, and resources for family caregivers. In addition to educational activities, the day will feature games, refreshments, and opportunities to interact with ACSOM students and faculty, fostering community engagement and learning. This initiative aligns with ACSOM’s broader mission to promote community health education and proactive disease prevention, while the RayAsta Foundation views it as a vital step in empowering communities through health awareness and education.
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Gov’t working to press out home titles, Bellevue group first to benefit, says Poponne-Skerrit
In a significant move to enhance housing security, the government has expedited the process of issuing home titles to 28 families residing in the Bellevue Housing area. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, revealed this development during her appearance on the ‘Focus on Government and Development’ program aired on DBS Radio. Traditionally, the title issuance process has been lengthy and expensive, but the current administration is committed to ensuring full ownership for beneficiaries at no cost.
Minister Poponne-Skerrit emphasized the importance of homeownership, stating, ‘Owning a home is one thing, but having a title in your hand truly provides peace of mind.’ To streamline the process, the Ministry has appointed Ms. Esprit, a state attorney, whose sole responsibility is to process titles for homes distributed thus far.
The Minister announced that the first batch of 28 titles for Bellevue residents is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone. A dedicated team has been visiting various housing sites across Dominica to gather necessary information, ensuring titles are issued to the rightful owners, whether they are parents, married couples, or common-law partners.
Poponne-Skerrit outlined two key policies to be presented to the cabinet this week. The first focuses on standalone homes built on individual lots, while the second addresses apartment-style or multi-unit homes, known as strata titles. She expressed confidence in the progress being made, stating, ‘We are finally putting the right policies in place so that homeowners can enjoy full ownership and pass it on to their children or use it for financial purposes.’
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Community-building event planned for holistic nutrition book launch
The upcoming book, *The Herbal Physician’s Guide to Food and Nutrition for Health, Healing & Well-being*, champions the philosophy that food can serve as medicine. Authored by Dr. Paula Lockhart and Herbal Physician Renauld Deschamps, the guide underscores the profound connection between dietary choices and overall health. It emphasizes that daily food intake is not just a source of energy but a powerful tool for disease prevention, recovery, and long-term wellness. The authors advocate for a natural, plant-based approach to nutrition, enabling individuals to take charge of their health and foster healthier communities. The book highlights the Caribbean region, particularly Dominica, as a treasure trove of diverse foods and herbal resources that can support health without resorting to fad diets or pharmaceuticals. It offers a comprehensive exploration of plant-based nutrition, covering essential elements like antioxidants, minerals, and phytonutrients, while also addressing hydration and digestive health. The guide encourages a gradual transition away from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and provides a structured three-week meal plan. It also features a rich collection of recipes inspired by Caribbean and African cuisines, including low-sugar and gluten-free options. Key topics include the role of nutrition in disease prevention, the benefits of antioxidants and minerals, strategies to reduce UPFs, and practical advice on hydration, digestion, and oral health. The book’s launch event is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Dominica Public Service Union in Roseau. Attendees can expect a presentation on healing foods and herbs, a Q&A session, autographed book sales, and a live demonstration of grounding techniques.
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WEATHER (8:00 AM, October 8): Shower and thunderstorm activity, gusty winds expected today as TS Jerry approaches
As Tropical Storm Jerry advances, regions in its path are bracing for severe weather conditions. The storm, currently positioned near latitude 15.7°N and longitude 58.4°W, approximately 195 miles east of Dominica, is moving west-northwest at 20 mph. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a minimum central pressure of 999 mb, Jerry is expected to intensify into a hurricane by late Friday or Saturday. The storm’s trajectory suggests it will pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later today and tonight, bringing heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches and gusty winds. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with waves reaching up to 8 ft on the west coast and 12 ft on the east coast. A smallcraft warning and high surf advisory have been issued, urging sea users and coastal residents to remain vigilant. Authorities are advising residents in flood-prone zones, landslide areas, and regions susceptible to falling rocks to exercise extreme caution. Loose objects should be secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds, and broken branches should be monitored. The public is encouraged to stay updated on the storm’s progress and take necessary precautions to safeguard life and property.
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Roseau Enhancement Project: ‘Alive and moving’, more info coming, says Poponne-Skerrit
Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, the Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, has reaffirmed the ongoing progress of the Roseau Enhancement Project, emphasizing transparency and stakeholder involvement. Speaking on the ‘Focus on Government and Development’ program aired on DBS Radio, Poponne-Skerrit assured the public that the project is advancing steadily, with technical aspects nearing completion. Key steps, such as appointing a project manager, finalizing tender agreements, and sorting contracts, are being meticulously addressed before physical work commences.
Poponne-Skerrit highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, particularly vendors, residents, and business owners along Great George Street, the first area slated for transformation. She plans to discuss temporary relocations, construction timelines, traffic diversions, and other logistical details to minimize disruptions. The project aims to modernize Roseau, making it resilient, wheelchair accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, initiatives like the ‘Paint the Town’ program will enhance buildings alongside infrastructure improvements.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recently addressed delays in setting up the project information unit and staffing decisions during a press conference. He confirmed that negotiations with a supervisory firm are ongoing, with a contract expected by the end of October. Once approved, the project will proceed to the tender phase. Skerrit clarified that the $40 million loan from the Saudi Fund remains in Saudi Arabia, with disbursements scheduled in phases upon contract signing and certification of completed work.
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LIVE: Our Lady of Fatima Novena Night 5
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, social media platforms continue to redefine how we share and interact with content. The recent surge in engagement tools such as ‘Share’, ‘Tweet’, ‘Pin’, and others has transformed the way users disseminate information across the globe. These features not only facilitate the rapid spread of news but also foster a sense of community among users who can now easily contribute to the digital conversation. The integration of multimedia elements, like images, further enriches the user experience, making content more appealing and shareable. As we move forward, the emphasis on user-friendly interfaces and innovative engagement strategies is expected to grow, shaping the future of online interactions.
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Over one hundred teachers appointed permanently; delays ‘not fair’ says PM
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has officially announced the permanent appointments of 125 teachers in 2025, marking a significant step in addressing the nation’s educational staffing needs. During a recent press conference, Skerrit disclosed that while these appointments have been confirmed, numerous additional requests are still pending review by the public service commission. He emphasized the need for more efficient communication within the system, citing delays in notifying appointees as a critical issue. ‘It takes too long for a letter to reach the employee,’ Skerrit stated, recounting an instance where a decision made in April was only communicated months later. He stressed the importance of timely updates to ensure fairness and transparency. Beyond the 125 confirmed appointments, the Prime Minister hinted at more permanent positions being granted to teachers in the near future. Skerrit also expressed concern over public officers remaining in temporary or acting roles for extended periods, labeling such practices as ‘unfair’ and ‘borderline unjust.’ He highlighted the challenges posed by study leaves and secondments, noting that these often delay permanent appointments for others. The cabinet has since taken a firm stance on limiting secondments to ensure smoother staffing processes. Skerrit explained that while ending a secondment might be misinterpreted as personal conflict, it is often necessary to facilitate permanent appointments for those in acting roles. He concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues to improve the overall efficiency of public service appointments.
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Gov’t continues to make case for restoration of visa-free travel to UK
Dominica is actively negotiating with the United Kingdom (UK) government to reinstate visa-free travel for its citizens, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed during a recent press conference. This development follows the UK’s decision in July 2023 to impose visa requirements on Dominica nationals, citing concerns over the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). The UK Home Office expressed apprehensions about the misuse of the CBI scheme, particularly the granting of citizenship to individuals deemed a potential risk to the UK. Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized these issues in a statement to the British parliament, leading to the implementation of the new visa regime on July 19, 2023. Prime Minister Skerrit remains optimistic, highlighting ongoing discussions with the UK and the appointment of a new High Commissioner in London, who has been instructed to prioritize this matter. Skerrit expressed confidence in the strength of Dominica’s case for the restoration of visa-free travel, underscoring the importance of regional agreements and legislative measures in influencing the UK’s decision.