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Riverland Mas Jouvert Band is proud to announce its exclusive participation as the only Dominican carnival band at the Miami Broward One Carnival 2024! With over 20 years of vibrant celebration in Miami, Riverland Mas has significantly grown its presence and influence, and this year, we are excited to partner with Fantastic Five Plus 1 Entertainment to showcase Dominica's rich cultural heritage and music on an international stage. At the heart of carnival lies the spirit of unification, a celebration of diverse cultures that strengthens community bonds while uplifting the soul. Riverland Mas is committed to embodying this ethos, recognizing that carnival is an essential part of Caribbean heritage. It represents a joyful equilibrium—a "whistle while you work" mentality that highlights the unique contributions of every island, collectively forming the vibrant tapestry we celebrate as Carnival, our Happy Place. This year, Riverland Mas is even more thrilled to bring Bouyon to the forefront as the headliner for its Jouvert Mas Band on October 12, 2024, at Central Broward Regional Park, from 7AM to 3PM. Joining us will be Triple Kay International and Bouyon Ambassador Asa Banton, along with an exciting lineup of artists and DJs, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with unlimited food and drinks, foam, paint, bubbles and so much more. “Dominicans from far and wide, the stage is ours to hold,” said Elka Cools-latigue of Riverland Mas. “Let’s show up and show out for a Jouvert experience on the road like no other—one that should not be missed!” Join us as we celebrate the essence of carnival and Dominica’s vibrant culture. Dont miss out, be ready to be part of this extraordinary event!, A fantastic celebration—register now at www.myfetetickets.com Stay connected and follow us on Instagram @Riverlandmas and @Fantasticfiveplus1 for exciting updates and surprises leading up to the event!

The Government of Dominica has launched a new e-Services Portal, eservices.gov.dm, which provides online access to over 90 government services. The platform aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of public services, offering a secure, seamless, and user-friendly experience. Through the e-Services portal, citizens can apply for or renew a variety of documents and services, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, passports, and business permits, all without needing to visit government offices. The platform also supports secure payments via debit or credit card. Designed with user convenience in mind, the portal includes interactive features such as live chat support to assist with any questions or concerns. The platform is also disability- friendly and multilingual, ensuring that it is accessible to all users. The user dashboard allows individuals to track the progress of their requests and receive real-time updates as needed. E-services, or electronic services, refer to the delivery of services via digital channels, typically online, enabling access to information, transactions, and process management without the need for physical presence or paper-based methods. The e-Services Portal is a key component of the Government's digital transformation initiative, aimed at improving productivity and creating citizen-centric digital services. The project was funded through the World Bank Caribbean Digital Transformation Project. The e-Services Portal is available at eservices.gov.dm.

The Government of Dominica has finalised a loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to advance the Roseau Enhancement Project. The agreement was signed by the Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre and the CEO of the SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad at the Douglas- Charles Airport on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Melissa Skerrit, and other government officials were also present at the event. Earlier, Parliament had approved a US$41 million (EC$111 million) loan at a 2.5% interest rate, to be repaid over 28 years with a grace period of eight years. The signing ceremony symbolised the formal start of the transformative Roseau Enhancement Project. The project aims to rehabilitate seven key streets in Roseau, promoting commercial and residential growth, improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety. The upgrades are also expected to boost tourism and create new job opportunities. Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street, and King George Street are set for significant upgrades. Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the vision for transforming Roseau into a vibrant, modern city. “The Roseau Road Infrastructure Project is not just about improving our streets; it is about creating a city that attracts investment, boosts tourism, and elevates the standard of living for all our citizens,” she remarked. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted the project's long-term benefits, stating it represents a substantial investment in Roseau’s future. “Our efforts in the capital will stimulate local businesses and open doors for new enterprises, creating more jobs and opportunities for everyone. Equally important is the chance to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Improvements to streets, sidewalks, and public spaces will make daily activities safer and more convenient. This initiative is not only about aesthetics but about creating a space where people want to live, work, and invest in the future,” he said. The Government of Dominica welcomed the partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, viewing it as a step towards strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia. Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre expressed gratitude, stating, "The activities, to be supported by the Saudi Fund for Development, are an initial but critical step in addressing the problems, issues and opportunities within the city of Roseau. On behalf of the Commonwealth of Dominica and on my own behalf, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, His Majesty the King, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for this opportunity.”

The Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership and Small Business Development is hosting a Creole Attire & Accessories Exhibition and Sales, an event that focuses on showcasing and selling Dominica’s traditional and contemporary creole clothing and accessories. This exhibition will be held downstairs the Government Headquarters commencing Friday September 20, 2024; and will also be held on the following three (3) consecutive Fridays: September 27, October 4 and October 11, 2024. The exhibition will commence from 9am daily and end at 5:00pm This event serves both cultural and economic purposes, aiming to sustain the creole fashion tradition while supporting our local talent and businesses. The ultimate objectives are to promote a rich cultural heritage through its traditional and modern fashion and support local small businesses by providing a platform for local designers and artisans to showcase their work and reach a broader market. Exhibits on display and for sale will comprise of display of creole garments like madras fabric attire, and modern creole-inspired designs such as brooches, fascinators, clutches, bags, hats, jewelry and footwear. In addition, on each Friday, we will provide the opportunity for a food vendor to prepare and sell some of our locally made foods including roast breadfruit and codfish, cassava bread/cakes, coconut products and confectionaries to name a few Picture copyright VNG.

Acclaimed jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud has been announced as a winner in the Jazz category of the 2024 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA). The annual awards showcase global talent across a variety of genres, celebrating musical excellence from artists around the world.   Marie-Claire, originally born on the island of Dominica and raised in the Bronx, New York City, is elated to receive this honor.  "To win “Best of America Jazz at the for my original song CHASIN’ RAINBOWS is beyond wonderful because winning means more people will hear my song which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams.” said Marie-Claire.   The 2024 competition saw submissions from over 55 countries- underscoring the diversity and unity that the awards strive to promote. The final list of 116 winners included artists across genres like Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz. Entries were also categorized by geographic regions, highlighting talent from Africa, Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.   "We weren’t just celebrating individual melodies but a harmonious global symphony, where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories," remarked Shahed Mohseni, Founder & Executive Director of ICMA.   The ICMA judges, comprising a panel of experts from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries, evaluated entries based on their originality, message, melody, harmony, composition, and production quality. Winners, including Marie-Claire, will receive career-enhancing rewards such as scholarships to the DIY Music School’s Music Industry Online Course, personalized mentoring sessions with ICMA judges, promotional support, and official award certificates.   Marie-Claire is currently recording her Jazz album, CARAVAN, with Plaid Dog Recording.   It is expected to be released by late October 2024. A familiar face on jazz stages, she regularly performs with pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge- owned by Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli and his wife Victoria.  Prior to that, her one-woman show, "The Great American Songbook at the Movies," was a staple at Parker’s Thompson Hotel Central Park, where she would sometimes be accompanied by renowned pianist Lee Musiker and other talented musicians.   Recently Marie-Claire performed in Honolulu at the Hawaii Classical Music International Competition Winner’s Concert and headlined a sold-out show in Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series. Before that, she debuted in her first film, $FREE99, which will be featured at major upcoming film festivals. She made her off-Broadway debut in 2022 when she starred in Tennessee Williams’ one-act play “Hello From Bertha.”   Marie-Claire's diverse career also includes performances at iconic venues like the Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, New York City Hall, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, and Small’s Jazz Club in Jamaica. She has graced stages at international festivals, including Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival.   A recipient of the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and an award for her career achievements and community service from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Marie-Claire is a soprano who sings Opera, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and is also a songwriter. She has also been honored with citations from the New York State Senate, New York City Hall, and the United Nations.   Stay tuned for more news and updates on Marie-Claire's upcoming performances in the U.S. and abroad by visiting her official website marie-clairegiraud.com . - Marie-Claire is represented by the Kenneth Carol Agency.   -END-

The Dominica Hospitals Authority (DHA) proudly celebrates one year of service at the Marigot Hospital. Over the past year, the Marigot Hospital has served the Marigot district by providing access to quality healthcare services, including specialist clinics, urgent care services, pharmacy, x-rays, ECG and other diagnostic services. In July 2024, a new dental service was introduced, further enhancing access to medical provisions for residents within the surrounding communities. Over the last year, through the services offered at the Marigot Hospital, a total of seventy (70) specialist clinics were held and care was administered to over three thousand, five hundred (3500) patients at the urgent care. In the coming months, the DHA will expand services as the Government moves towards full utilization of the hospital. The DHA remains committed to delivering quality, people-centered care at both the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and the Marigot Hospital. Management extends sincere thanks to the DHA staff for their dedicated and professional service throughout the past year. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the residents of the Marigot district for welcoming us as part of the community. Once again, happy one-year anniversary to the management and staff of the DHA and to the residents of the Marigot district.

Dominica put up a spirited effort but came up short against superior opponents as they suffered their first defeat in the Concacaf Nations League losing to the Dominican Republic in their Group D, League B match on Tuesday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center. Dominica fresh of the heels of a historic win over Antigua on the weekend, were put on the backfoot early as they tried to cope with the speed and ball movement of the Dominican Republic Team. The team weathered the early storm, but the Dominican Republic managed to push ahead when Ronaldo Vasquez got on to the scoresheet in the 11th minute of play, while Dominica was down to 10 men with a player dealing with an injury. The Dominican Republic pounced again a few minutes later as Dorny Romero made it 2-nil in the 25th minute of play, again with Dominica with only 10 men on the field an injured player was being attended too. The Dominican Republic took the 2-nil lead into the half time break. Dominica gave a much better showing in the 2nd period and were able to string a few passes, but their efforts were didn’t result in the needed goals to get back into the match. Defensively the team held its shape and didn’t concede further goals and the match ended 2-nil in favour of the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Dominica Authority, is set to host the 2024 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 12. The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. each day. This two-day event aims to provide valuable insights and resources for Dominica's cruise industry stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to:  Discover the latest cruise trends: Gain insights into current trends and the cruise industry's future outlook.  Elevate service quality: Learn strategies and best practices to enhance service quality and exceed visitor expectations.  Access health screenings: Take advantage of on-site health screenings to ensure preparedness for the upcoming cruise season.  Explore additional opportunities. Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, emphasized the event's significance: "The symposium will feature presentations on a range of topics, including health protocols, financing options, and other essential cruise-related matters. It is an excellent opportunity for all cruise stakeholders—craft and souvenir vendors, tour guides, hair braiders, taxi service providers, and others—to come together, network, and equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the industry. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to sign up and attend this important event to ensure we are fully prepared for the upcoming cruise season." Interested stakeholders are encouraged to confirm their attendance by contacting Cory Sergenton at csergenton@dominica.dm or calling 767-255-8249 or 767-255-8226.

Jael Joseph’s Digital Platform Embarks on a New Chapter of Empowerment and Creativity Jael Joseph has officially relaunched BlackIslandGirl.com , transforming her passion project into a dynamic multimedia platform that caters to a wide array of interests and communities. Originally created in 2021 as Joseph’s capstone project at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Black Island Girl has now evolved into a comprehensive digital space that reflects her creative vision and commitment to representation, storytelling, and empowerment. The newly revamped site features a broad range of content sections, including Beauty, Business, Culture, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Politics, and “The BIG Feature,” a spotlight segment focusing on in-depth stories and profiles. In addition to articles and features, the site’s new “What’s New” section provides event promoters with the opportunity to list their events, making Black Island Girl a go-to source for cultural and community engagement. One of the most significant changes in this relaunch is the platform’s shift towards multimedia offerings. Businesses can now request custom commercials and podcasts, giving them new avenues to promote their products and services. This expanded functionality opens the door for Black Island Girl to tap into every corner of modern media, creating a space that engages audiences through multiple forms of content. Advertisers can now leverage the platform’s growing reach, promoting their brands and services within a diverse and inclusive community. Jael Joseph’s vision for the site goes beyond traditional media, offering opportunities for men and women alike to find inspiration, learn, and connect. The relaunch of Black Island Girl comes at a time when Joseph is dedicating more time and energy to the project, following the registration of Black Island Girl Multimedia. This business venture further underscores her intent to build a creative and empowering space. Under the same multimedia banner, she also released her debut film Territory, a powerful short documentary that has been recognized internationally. Territory was nominated at several film festivals and took home the award for Best Short Documentary at the 2023 Caribbean Tales International Film Festival, marking another major achievement in Joseph’s creative career. This relaunch highlights the multifaceted talent of Jael Joseph and her dedication to creating a platform that not only showcases her work but also serves as a source of inspiration for others. With its enhanced offerings, Black Island Girl is now positioned as a go-to multimedia hub for those interested in culture, wellness, business, and more. As Joseph continues to focus her energy on Black Island Girl, the platform is poised to become an essential digital space that empowers and uplifts. Whether through its rich content, multimedia offerings, or community-focused event listings, Black Island Girl is set to carve out a unique niche in the media landscape, fueled by Jael Joseph’s passion and creativity.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through its partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, is conducting a three-day training for health care providers in order to implement the Mental Health Gap Intervention Guidelines (mhGAP-IG). The mhGAP-IG is a program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the objective of scaling up care for priority mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders. The Intervention Guide presents the integrated management of priority MNS conditions using algorithms for clinical decision making. The overarching objective is to develop competencies to identify and assess people with MNS conditions, deliver care, and refer to specialist care as necessary, through the primary health care system. This training will be facilitated by PAHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health, Dr Claudina Cayetano, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, and Social Worker at the APU, Mr Dave Laudat. Chief Medical Officer (Ag), Dr Andy St Hilaire, while offering welcome remarks, noted that everyone has a moral responsibility to attend to those with mental health issues. “Through this workshop, we will gain the tools to bridge the gap between mental health needs and accessible care, ensuring that everyone in Dominica has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, far too often, these issues remain in the shadows, hidden behind stigma and misunderstanding. It is our duty to shed light on these challenges and to provide the support and care that every individual deserves,” he stated. “This training is particularly timely, as we continue to face the lingering impacts of the global pandemic, natural disasters, and social challenges that have intensified the need for robust mental health services. Today marks an important step in our journey toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive health care system—one that recognizes the dignity of every individual, regardless of the challenges they face.” Meanwhile, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, indicated that the role of the health care worker is paramount in addressing mental health issues. “Throughout this training, you will hear the term MNS, which means mental, neurological and substance abuse conditions. These account for 13 percent of the global burden of disease, yet between 75 and 95 percent of persons don’t receive the treatment that they require, although effective treatment exists. This is what represents the mental health gap. And this is why this training is so important toyou as non-specialized healthcare workers in psychiatry in helping to address the needs of people with priority MNS conditions.” It is anticipated that the training will lead to increased access to mental health care in primary care settings, improved quality of care for MNS conditions in primary care settings, reduced referral burden on mental health specialists and strengthened health systems for MNS care in all health regions of the country.

The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kenrick “Soulka” Emanuel as the Technical Director of its Football Program for the 2024-2025 year. Emanuel, a highly respected figure in Dominican football, brings over 13 years of national team experience, including five years as team captain, and five years playing in the Canadian National Soccer League with London City. His appointment marks a key milestone in advancing football development in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean region. Emanuel, who began his football journey at the age of 14, continues to demonstrate a deep passion for the game at 55. His extensive experience working with players of all ages—from Under-15 teams to the senior national squad—has shaped his ability to mentor and nurture young talent. His new role at the 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy will focus on leveraging his wealth of experience to help develop Dominica's next generation of football stars. “I’m excited to work with this talented group of young footballers. My goal is to help them grow as players while ensuring they stay committed to their clubs,” Emanuel said. “I’m not here to form a new team but to elevate individual skills. Each player is unique, and my approach will focus on refining their specific strengths, whether it’s dribbling, accuracy, or tactical awareness. It’s all about helping them reach their full potential.” As Technical Director, Emanuel will oversee the training and development of the Academy’s footballers, with a focus on enhancing technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical fitness, and mental resilience. His personalized approach aims to provide tailored development paths for each athlete, positioning them for success at the collegiate level in the United States and beyond. “We are thrilled to have someone of Kenrick 'Soulka' Emanuel’s caliber leading our Football Program,” said Jerry Williams, Director of Da Next Level Sports Management and Recruiting Group. “His in-depth knowledge of the game and his unwavering commitment to youth development make him the ideal fit for our Academy. We are confident his leadership will elevate our program and help guide our athletes toward success.” The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of athletes, both on and off the field. Under Emanuel’s leadership, the Academy will collaborate with parents, coaches, clubs, and the broader community to ensure young footballers receive the highest level of training and support as they pursue their athletic dreams. The Academy officially launched its 2024-2025 program on Friday, September 6, 2024, with training sessions commencing on Saturday, September 7, 2024. As the Technical Director, Emanuel will play a pivotal role in the Academy’s mission to cultivate Dominica’s football talent and open pathways to opportunities in competitive sports globally.

Dominica kicked off its campaign in the Concacaf Nations League on a winning note as they got past host Antigua and Barbuda in their opening Group D, League B match on Saturday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center. Dominica hit the ground running and created many opportunities to score in the first half, but despite all their dominance on the ball in the first 45 minutes they were not clinical enough in front of goal and the two teams went into the half time break tied at 0-0. Chad Bertrand eventually broke the deadlock when play resumed getting a brilliant goal from distance. The Dublanc FC midfielder caught the Antiguan goal keeper off guard with his strike and put Dominica in front in the 46th minute. The lead was short lived as Antigua got the equalizer a few minutes later. Goal Keeper Glenson Prince made the initial brilliant save, but the ball fell in the path of Javorn Stevens who levelled for Antigua in the 53rd minute of play. The Dominican team quickly responded and it was the premier league’s leading goal scorer Travist Joseph who got the go-ahead goal. Joseph rewarded coach Ellington Sabin’s decision to start him upfront as opposed to the defence as he got onto the end of a Troy Jules cross into the box to put Dominica back in front in the 57th minute of play. It was then the captain and goal keeper Glenson Prince’s turn to take center stage as he came up with some big saves to keep Dominica in front. The Dominica defence stood tall as they secured the 2-1 win. The win puts Dominica level with on points with the Dominican Republic after the first round of matches. Dominica will play the Dominican Republic in their next match on Tuesday September 10th at 11am at the same venue. Credit G. Richards