The 12th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, a collaborative effort between the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture, is set to take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The event will be hosted at the Alwin Bully Auditorium on the UWI campus, focusing on the livelihoods and cultural practices of communities across Dominica. This year’s lecture will feature a distinguished panel of experts who will explore various dimensions of community resilience and sustainability. Among the speakers, Mrs. Miranda Stephenson will present on ‘Toloma: Roots of Sustainability & Community Resilience,’ shedding light on traditional practices that enhance environmental and social stability. Mr. Derrick Theophille will delve into ‘Annou wivé bò lanmè-a: The Fishing Culture of Soufriere & Scottshead,’ examining the critical role of fishing communities in local economies. Mrs. Gweneth Frederick will discuss ‘Kalinago crafts: Weaving traditional practice and modern business innovations,’ showcasing how Indigenous crafts bridge cultural preservation and economic development. The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Micah Walter, Coordinator for Private Sector Relations, Industry, Commerce, and Innovation at the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Development. Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica, emphasized that this year’s theme aligns with Dominica’s History Week and Independence celebrations, highlighting the fusion of traditional practices and modern innovations in fostering community resilience. The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series, part of the National Independence Calendar, honors the legacy of Edward Oliver LeBlanc, Dominica’s first Premier, known for his dedication to culture and literature.
标签： Dominica
多米尼克
-
Dominica Electoral Commission confirms October 15 start for voter confirmation process
The Dominica Electoral Commission has unveiled plans to initiate a comprehensive voter confirmation process starting October 15, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s electoral reform efforts. The announcement, made by Commission Chairman Duncan Stowe during a press conference on October 7, 2025, underscores the initiative’s role in restoring public trust in electoral institutions. Stowe described the process as a cornerstone of Dominica’s broader democratic modernization agenda, aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral system. Since the enactment of the Electoral Reform legislation earlier this year, the Commission has focused on operationalizing these reforms through extensive staff training, system upgrades, and logistical preparations. Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph outlined the confirmation process, which will transition eligible voters from the existing register to a new one under the Electors Act of 2025. Only individuals listed on the May 2025 voters register are eligible to participate. The process will be conducted exclusively within Dominica, with designated centers established in each constituency. Overseas confirmation is not permitted. Enrollment officers, appointed and supervised by the Chief Registering Officer, will oversee the process. Applicants must present themselves at their registered constituency’s confirmation center, accompanied by a witness from the same polling district. Required documents include a valid Dominican passport, driver’s license, or social security card for Dominican citizens, while Commonwealth citizens must provide a valid passport and a secondary government-issued document. The confirmation process involves multiple steps, including document verification, data entry, and issuance of a receipt. Discrepancies, such as mismatched names, will be addressed through a hotline staffed by senior personnel. The Chief Registering Officer holds final authority over confirmation decisions, with grounds for refusal including inadequate documentation or absence from the May 2025 register. The announcement follows months of public scrutiny over delays in the confirmation timeline, initially set for September 1 but postponed due to legislative amendments. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the urgency of implementing these reforms, and despite earlier criticism, the Commission expressed confidence in its readiness to meet the October 15 deadline.
-
PHOTO: Minor landslide in Fond Cole
A landslide has occurred in the Fond Cole Housing Scheme area, triggered by the severe weather conditions experienced today. The incident was captured in a photograph by a local resident, providing a stark visual of the event. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. The landslide underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events and raises concerns about the safety and preparedness of local infrastructure. Authorities are likely to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The community remains on alert as weather conditions continue to pose risks.
-
Caribbean Court of Justice holds special sitting for fourth president
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a landmark ceremony on October 6, 2025, at its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to formally inaugurate Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson as its fourth President. The event brought together judiciary leaders from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside distinguished guests and regional judicial officials. Justice Anderson, who was officially sworn in on July 6, 2025, during the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has a distinguished career spanning academia and legal practice. Prior to his CCJ appointment in 2010, he served as a professor and Deputy Dean at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Law, where he also held roles as Head of Teaching and General Counsel to CARICOM. He was instrumental in founding the CCJ Academy for Law in 2010. During the ceremony, President Anderson emphasized the CCJ’s transformative role in enhancing access to final appellate justice across the Caribbean. He highlighted a significant increase in appeals from Barbados to the CCJ, which surged from 19 to 105 cases over a 20-year period—a 450% rise. However, he noted that the Court’s full potential remains untapped due to incomplete compliance with the CCJ Agreement by member states, which limits access to justice and the development of a unified Caribbean jurisprudence. The event’s theme of expanding justice accessibility was echoed by Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago, who pledged collaboration with President Anderson to advance regional judicial integration. Senator John Jeremie, Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General, praised Anderson’s integrity and commitment to the rule of law. Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of UWI St. Augustine, lauded Anderson’s appointment as a victory for both the CCJ and the university. Former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron expressed confidence in Anderson’s leadership, citing his contributions to landmark cases and the Needham’s Point Declaration. CCJ Judge Maureen Rajnauth-Lee commended Anderson’s collaborative approach, while CARICOM General Counsel Lisa Shoman underscored the CCJ’s critical role in fostering regional integration and upholding the rule of law. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the CCJ’s mission to shape a Caribbean jurisprudence that reflects the region’s unique needs and aspirations.
-
FEATURED PHOTO: Can you guess this location of the village nestled into the valley?
Nestled within the tranquil embrace of a lush valley lies a picturesque village that seems to have been plucked straight from a storybook. The idyllic setting, with its charming cottages and verdant surroundings, invites curiosity and wonder. The image, shared widely on social media, has sparked a wave of speculation as viewers attempt to pinpoint the exact location of this hidden gem. The post encourages individuals to showcase their geographical knowledge by guessing the village’s whereabouts and sharing their insights in the comments. This engaging activity not only fosters a sense of community but also highlights the beauty of lesser-known locales across the country. The village’s serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery serve as a reminder of the natural wonders that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced world.
-
Caribbean Tourism Organization signs MOU partnering with Travel Unity for sustainable tourism
In a landmark move to enhance sustainable and inclusive tourism, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has formalized a partnership with Travel Unity, a New York-based nonprofit. The agreement, signed this past summer by Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity, and Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO, aims to foster inclusive practices across the Caribbean’s tourism sector. The collaboration leverages Travel Unity’s expertise in accessible travel to position the Caribbean as a globally welcoming destination. Travel Unity, established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, focuses on making travel accessible through education, professional development, and community engagement. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines joint initiatives, including annual webinars on inclusive tourism, sharing regional success stories, collaborative travel promotions, and youth engagement through CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase. Travel Unity will spotlight CTO’s initiatives and provide speaking opportunities for CTO representatives at international events. In return, CTO will promote Travel Unity’s educational programs and webinars within its network. Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating it underscores CTO’s commitment to socially inclusive tourism and equips members with tools to enhance long-term competitiveness.
-
New head of PISLM highlights key soil care resolutions for region at Caribbean Agriculture Week
Dr. Ronen C. A. Francis, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), has reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean. Speaking at the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Francis outlined key strategic initiatives and projects endorsed by PISLM’s Ministerial Council earlier this year.
-
EU personal data protection rules affect economic and financial players in Dominica and the wider Caribbean
For individuals outside the European Union, the concept of privacy and its implications on daily legal, social, medical, financial, and business transactions often remains overlooked. However, the EU’s stringent privacy regulations serve as a crucial wake-up call for third-country residents, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal data. These regulations mandate the protection of natural persons’ data during its handling, processing, and use, ensuring accountability for processors, handlers, users, and data owners alike. The EU’s legal framework equips authorities with robust mechanisms to address breaches, misuse, or inadequate protection of personal data, with consequences tailored to factors such as the context, timing, and manner of data sharing. Recognizing the evolving nature of transactions and the heightened exposure of personal data, the EU has proactively updated its privacy laws. These updates aim to empower individuals with greater control over their data while compelling businesses—whether in Dominica, the EU, the US, Barbados, or elsewhere—to handle personal information responsibly. Marcia B. Moulon, Esq., a distinguished attorney with expertise across multiple jurisdictions, underscores the significance of these regulations in fostering global data protection standards.
-
Dominica amongst four to join regional fisheries group
In a significant move for regional collaboration, four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially joined the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) by signing the Agreement Establishing the organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event, organized under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, marked a milestone in regional fisheries management. Representatives from the four nations, including Hon. Roland Royer of Dominica, Hon. Kyle Hodge of Anguilla, Mr. Montez Williams of The Bahamas, and Hon. John P. Osborne of Montserrat, collectively signed the agreement, underscoring their commitment to sustainable fisheries practices. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, lauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the organization. Established in 2003 in Belize City, the CRFM is an intergovernmental body under CARICOM dedicated to the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources. The CRFM has implemented several key policies to enhance governance, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Williams also highlighted the CRFM’s efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches and incorporate the perspectives of youth and Indigenous communities in its initiatives. With the addition of these four nations, the CRFM now comprises 17 member states, furthering its mission to manage shared, migratory, and straddling fish stocks effectively. The organization continues to provide technical advice and consultative services to national fisheries authorities, supporting the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
-
WEATHER (6:00 AM, Wed October 8): Overcast skies, scattered showers today from Tropical wave; heavy rainfall, gusty winds expected from Thursday as TS Jerry approaches
A tropical wave continues to influence weather patterns across the region, bringing overcast skies and scattered showers, some of which may intensify to moderate or heavy levels, accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, the Small Craft Warning and High Surf Advisory have been lifted as sea conditions are anticipated to improve today, with waves expected to reach up to 7 feet along the east coast and 3 feet along the west coast over the next 24 hours. However, the approaching Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to worsen sea conditions by Thursday, with swells predicted to reach 10 to 12 feet in open waters on the east coast and around 7 feet on the west coast. Mariners and coastal users are advised to stay updated on weather developments and remain prepared. As of 5:00 AM, Tropical Storm Jerry was positioned near latitude 13.3°N and longitude 50.7°W, approximately 725 miles east-southeast of Dominica. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease in forward speed over the next few days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north by Friday. The core of the storm is expected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Dominica is projected to experience rainfall exceeding 4 inches, accompanied by gusty winds, starting Thursday. Residents and stakeholders in Dominica are advised to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Jerry as it moves closer to the islands.