标签： Dominica

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica collaborated with the organizers of the Flavours of the World Festival on September 28, hosting a farm-to-table showcase that highlighted local agricultural creativity while fostering discussions on migration and inclusion. Held at the Stadium Forecourt in Roseau, the event celebrated Dominica’s cultural diversity through food, music, dance, and storytelling, while raising funds for the restoration of the historic Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral. IOM Dominica’s booth featured innovative culinary creations such as plantain waffles drizzled with Bud’s Backyard Honey and guava cookies developed by 25-year-old entrepreneur D Baked That. These products showcased how everyday crops can be transformed into value-added items, reducing food waste, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. D Baked That shared her inspiration for using guava, a fruit abundant on the island, to create unique treats with economic potential. Her participation underscored the importance of youth innovation in agriculture, a key focus for both the festival and IOM Dominica. The event also included IOM’s interactive ‘I Did Not Know I Was a Migrant’ campaign, which encouraged attendees to reflect on their family histories and the deep-rooted migration stories in Dominica. Natasha Greaves, Head of Office of IOM Dominica, emphasized the connection between food and migration, stating that the festival aimed to promote sustainability, inclusion, and compassion. The Flavours of the World Festival featured cuisines from Haiti, Africa, China, India, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia, supporting Dominica’s health and wellness agenda by promoting healthy eating to combat non-communicable diseases. Proceeds from the event will aid the restoration of Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral, a cultural landmark tied to Dominica’s migration history.

Dominican beekeepers have once again proven their regional supremacy by clinching an impressive ten awards at the 2025 OECS Honey Show, held in St. Kitts on October 2 as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). This remarkable achievement not only marks the highest number of awards won by any participating country but also solidifies Dominica’s standing as a leader in Caribbean apiculture. All awardees are members of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd., whose collective success builds on their sweeping victory in last year’s competition. The group’s continued excellence across diverse categories underscores the strength and innovation of Dominica’s beekeeping sector. The awards were distributed as follows: Nathaniel Lovell secured first place in Light Amber Honey and Chunk Honey, while Terri Henry-Lovell won first place in Beeswax Block and Commercial Product. Lovell also took second place in Medium Amber Honey, with Keeyah Casimir and Erica Burnette-Biscombe winning in Photography and Honey Cake, respectively. Henry-Lovell added third-place wins in Beeswax Candles and Commercial Product Honey, and Lovell claimed third place in Mead. The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. emphasized in a statement that these awards reflect not only individual talent but also the collective growth of Dominica’s beekeeping community. Through training, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, the island’s beekeepers continue to set regional standards in honey production and value-added products. The Vice President of the Cooperative Society, a veteran awardee, remarked, ‘Winning again at the OECS Honey Show proves that Dominican honey and products maintain a consistent high standard across the region, and I’m proud to represent Dominica and showcase our potential.’ The Cooperative Society has congratulated all winners and reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the apiculture industry, promoting sustainability, and maintaining Dominica’s position as a top producer of honey and bee-derived products in the Caribbean and beyond.

In a significant development in Dominica’s fight against illegal firearms, law enforcement authorities have confiscated five firearms and a sum of money during recent operations. The announcement was made by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Inspector Alleyne Maximea during a press conference held at Police Headquarters on Friday. The operations, conducted with the support of the Regional Security System (RSS), aim to eradicate illegal weapons from the island. Maximea emphasized that the recovery of these firearms and the accompanying funds is part of an ongoing investigation. He reiterated the police force’s zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed or illegal firearms, warning that offenders would face strict legal consequences. Maximea also called on the public, including churches, local groups, and civic-minded individuals, to assist in identifying and removing illegal weapons from the streets. He underscored the collective responsibility of society in maintaining peace and security, stating, ‘There is no smart bullet, so it is the responsibility of all of us to join our efforts in getting rid of the illegal firearms which are on our streets.’ The ACP expressed gratitude to the officers working tirelessly to ensure Dominica remains safe and peaceful.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica, in collaboration with the Division of Culture, is set to host the 12th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Alwin Bully Auditorium at UWI and will feature a panel discussion centered on community livelihoods and cultural resilience in Dominica. This year’s lecture aligns with the theme of Dominica’s History Week during Independence Celebrations, emphasizing the integration of traditional practices and modern innovations in fostering community resilience. The panelists include Miranda Stephenson, who will discuss ‘Toloma: Roots of Sustainability & Community Resilience’; Derrick Theophille, presenting on ‘Annou wivé bò lanmè-a: The Fishing Culture of Soufriere & Scottshead’; and Gweneth Frederick, exploring ‘Kalinago crafts: Weaving traditional practice and modern business innovations.’ The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Micah Walter, Coordinator of Private Sector Relations in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Development. Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica, highlighted the lecture’s focus on how Dominica’s communities have historically sustained themselves through cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic survival. The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture series honors the legacy of Edward Oliver LeBlanc, Dominica’s first Premier, who was deeply committed to culture, literature, and poetry.

The region is set to experience heightened moisture levels throughout the day, though dry sinking air is likely to limit substantial shower activity across the island. Light winds combined with elevated daytime temperatures may trigger sporadic showers, with a slight possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant. Additionally, sea conditions are predicted to range from slight to moderate, with waves reaching up to 7 feet. Northerly swells are expected to impact the western, northern, and eastern coastlines today. Those living near or traveling through these coastal areas, as well as sea users, are advised to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures.

The fourth edition of the highly anticipated Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl has officially been launched, marking a significant milestone in Dominica’s cultural calendar. Scheduled to take place from October 20 to 23 at the Botanic Gardens, the event is a cornerstone of the island’s Independence Celebrations. This year, the festival will place special emphasis on honey, highlighting its cultural and economic significance.

Fenella Wenham-Sheppard, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, emphasized the event’s growing prominence during the launch ceremony on Thursday. ‘Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl has firmly established itself as a household name and a cultural product in Dominica,’ she stated. ‘Last year, the event attracted approximately 9,100 paying patrons, and this year, we aim to surpass that number by 50 percent.’

Wenham-Sheppard underscored the collaborative efforts of the ministries of labor and tourism, as well as the public and private sectors, in supporting the event. ‘Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl is more than just an event; it is a platform for commerce, exposure, entrepreneurship, networking, reconnection, entertainment, cultural affirmation, and nation branding,’ she explained.

Over the four-day festival, attendees can expect a vibrant showcase of music, food, crafts, storytelling, demonstrations, and immersive experiences. The event aims to draw Dominicans from across the island and international visitors, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. Ti-Vilaj Kwéyòl continues to serve as a testament to Dominica’s rich heritage and its commitment to cultural preservation and economic growth.

The Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) marked World Teachers’ Day on Friday, October 3, with a vibrant series of events in Roseau, capping off a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring educators across the island. The festivities commenced with an ecumenical service and a recognition awards ceremony at the Roseau Cathedral, as highlighted by DAT Public Relations Officer Juanita Carbon. ‘Teachers from all corners of Dominica gathered at the cathedral for the service and to honor outstanding educators and schools,’ Carbon remarked. Following the service, the celebrations moved to St Gerard’s Hall and the St Mary’s Academy Courtyard, where a talent showcase and social gathering took place. ‘The day’s events continued with a lively talent showcase and a social event, bringing teachers together in a spirit of camaraderie,’ Carbon added. The week-long observance, known as Teachers’ Week 2025, began on Sunday, September 28, with prayer and thanksgiving services held in churches island-wide. On Monday, September 29, DAT hosted a radio talk show on DBS Radio titled ‘Voice of Teachers,’ providing a platform for educators to share their experiences and insights. Tuesday’s agenda included a hybrid panel discussion titled ‘Breaking the Silence: Masculinity and Mental Health for Men,’ followed by a basketball match at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth, where male and female teachers teamed up with students. Another highlight of the week was the ‘Teachers in the Streets’ initiative, which encouraged the public to express their gratitude and appreciation for educators through heartfelt tributes and messages.