标签： Dominica

The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has officially reopened the Fond Cole Landfill for the disposal of white goods, derelict galvanize, and other metal items. This announcement marks a significant shift from the temporary restrictions imposed earlier this year. The landfill will now accept these materials from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. White goods, which include large household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, air conditioners, and water heaters, had been barred from disposal since July. This restriction was implemented following a fire at the Fond Cole Landfill on June 30, which caused thick smoke to engulf parts of the surrounding community. During the interim period, the landfill was restricted to accepting only general waste. Rhoda St. John, the DSWMC Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of responsible waste management in a previous statement, urging the public to adhere to proper disposal practices. The reopening of the landfill for these items is expected to alleviate the backlog of waste and improve community safety and environmental conditions.

The Kalinago Council has issued a stark warning regarding the severe environmental degradation caused by construction activities linked to the International Airport Project near the Concord River. In a formal statement to the media, the Council highlighted the contamination of the river with murky wastewater, a vital water source for the Kalinago Territory’s residents. This pollution not only threatens the health and hygiene of the community but also undermines their dignity and way of life. Additionally, the destruction of surrounding forested areas has destabilized the river’s ecosystem, posing long-term risks to both the Kalinago people and Dominica’s broader environment. The Council urgently called on the Minister of Environment and relevant government agencies to intervene, advocating for the use of alternative construction sites to protect the river’s integrity and the well-being of the community. The statement concluded with a plea for immediate action to prevent further harm.

Tzaddi Trocard, a student at Dominica Grammar School, has earned the honor of representing Dominica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress. The event, set to take place on October 2, 2025, in Barbados, is a key component of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the Caribbean’s foremost forum for discussing tourism advancements and challenges. Trocard secured this prestigious opportunity by winning the local Tourism Youth Congress in May, which coincided with Tourism Awareness Month. At the regional congress, he will present his ideas on “Connecting the Caribbean with Sustainable Transport.” Trocard will be accompanied by his coach and chaperone, Mrs. Dorcus Francis-Simon, an educator at Dominica Grammar School. Expressing his enthusiasm, Trocard remarked, “It is a privilege to represent my school and my country on such a big stage. I want to share ideas that can help us build a more connected and sustainable Caribbean, and I hope to make Dominica proud.” The CTO Tourism Youth Congress provides a platform for secondary school students across the Caribbean to present innovative solutions to critical tourism-related issues, fostering sustainability and resilience in the industry. The competition underscores the vital role of youth in tourism development, aiming to nurture leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills among young participants.

The Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) is embroiled in a significant leadership crisis, with former president Ian Jackson shedding light on the controversies surrounding the organization’s executive leadership. The dispute centers on allegations of constitutional violations, particularly concerning term limits for executive members. According to the DCA’s constitution, executive members are restricted to two consecutive terms, followed by a mandatory one-year hiatus before re-election. However, several outgoing executive members, including President Davidson “Observer” Victor, Treasurer Narin Murphy, and Secretary Daryl Bobb, have reportedly exceeded this limit, prompting a group of petitioners to challenge their legitimacy. Jackson acknowledged the validity of these claims, stating, “The petitioners are right in making that claim, although the practice has not always followed the constitution, but it should stand.” Beyond term limits, the executive has faced criticism over financial management, with some members questioning the appropriateness of stipends averaging $4,000 and the Association’s efforts to promote calypso both locally and internationally. The situation reached a boiling point during a chaotic meeting on September 27, 2025, which lacked a quorum and was chaired by a petitioner, Emmanuel “Haxey” Salamat, rather than a neutral party. This led to the resignation of eight out of nine executive members, with only Curtis Johan Lloyd (Joey Lloyd) remaining as caretaker to oversee fresh elections scheduled for October 11, 2025. However, petitioners have contested Lloyd’s authority, arguing that only a steering committee, not an individual, should manage the election process. Jackson confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the crisis, including a potential review of the constitution by legal counsel and the formation of a steering committee. The outgoing executive emphasized their commitment to accountability and transparency, stating, “This transition represents a moment of renewal for the Association, reinforcing our commitment to service to the calypso community and people of Dominica.” The outcome of these efforts is expected to be clarified at the upcoming meeting on October 11.