Search Results

Dominicans awaiting the processing of their passports can now find relief, as the Dominican government has disclosed the purchase of 50,000 passport books from the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit shared this update during a media briefing on Tuesday, mentioning that the books will be delivered in phases. Additionally, he noted that while the government had outstanding payments to the company, other factors also contributed to the delays in passport processing at the immigration department. The agreement with the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited aims to streamline the restocking of passport books and acquire necessary software and hardware for scanning the new passports.

The Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association (DSAA) has donated an unprecedented $10,000 in awards to the Dominica State College (DSC to be disbursed evenly among 6 deserving students who are experiencing financial hardship. DSAA’s President, Mr. Wayne Liburd proudly lauded its membership for the unwavering commitment and passion “to give back to ouralma mater, and  by extension, the country, which was so influential in not only shaping our formative years, but influenced our careers and life achievements!”  President Liburd went on to say that “one of the best ways we have found to do so is to make it a bit easier for the students who now attend the DSC to achieve their educational goals – a steppingstone to greater heights.” The awards were presented to the DSC Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Trudy Christian, MPH, by DSAA’s Treasurer Mr. Nicholas (Eddie) Bruno and 2nd Vice President Mr. Keith Benjamin, who are longstanding Board members of the association. In their remarks, both Mr. Bruno and Mr. Benjamin felt honored to represent DSAA and echoed the President’s sentiments of commitment and dedication to the college and to Dominica and praised the students for following in their footsteps by attending the DSC. Ms. Christian was visibly elated and expressed heartfelt appreciation for DSAA’s generosity and partnership.  She articulated that “here at the Dominica State College we endeavor to provide a quality education to our students and to make our programmes accessible to all. Through the tremendous support of the Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association (DSAA), we've been able to enhance the ability of some students to benefit from what is offered here. The provision of six (6) needs-based scholarships by the DSAA to our students is a true Godsend. We trust that this sort of necessary outreach by the alumni of this institution will continue and will improve the educational trajectory of our students in the years to come.” It is significant to point out that this was not the first time that DSAA has been so thoughtful and generous to the college and its student body, and, to other schools. In fact, for the past 3 years DSAA donated subject prizes to DSC graduates, raised funds to support St. Vincent and The Grenadines College Volcano Relief Fund, and awarded scholarships to Dominica’s primary and secondary schools (Convent, Concord, and St. Martin’s schools). The college students were clearly equally inspired by the association’s accomplishments thus far and look forward to mentorship opportunities that are in the works. The awards today come on the heels of DSAA’s remarkably successful 2nd Annual White Sunset signature charity fundraiser that was held last October (2023) during Dominica’s renowned World Creole Music Festival. According to Mr. Paul Philip, Chair of the White Sunset Fundraising Committee, “I feel honored to be a part of such an organization of my esteemed peers who are prioritizing giving back.” He continued to share that, “we are also eternally grateful to so many local sponsors and patrons at home and abroad who supported us and made the event the success that it was.” Mr. Philip further signaled that “we are pumped and inspired by the overwhelming support, and we are already pivoting to making White Sunset with a Hint of Creole 2024 an even greater success.” The other beneficiary of DSAA’s 2023 fundraiser is Operation YouthQuake, and the 2022 fundraiser beneficiary was The Home for the Aged. The relatively young alumni association initiated its fundraising efforts to benefit Dominica just about 3 years ago when it formally launched a dialysis fundraising campaign in December 2021. DSAA delivered on its promise, and raised about a $100,000 USD, and donated two dialysis machines to the island’s main hospital in Roseau, thus aligning its efforts to prioritize dialysis care with similar goals already underway locally by the Ministry of Health, the Dominica Hospital Authority, and the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.

Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit will lead a delegation on a week-long visit to China to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China. On this visit the Dominican leader will meet with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. The Prime Minister will hold discussions with leaders of China’s top state-owned enterprises, officials of the Ministry of Commerce and China Global Advisory; and address the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, which will be held in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. Prime Minister Skerrit is accompanied by Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit; Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre; Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson; Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton; Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Hon. Cassanni Laville; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Hon. Darron Lloyd. Dominica’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, H.E Martin Charles, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Missi Henderson and Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Dionne Durand-Smith are also part of the delegation. In the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, Hon. Fidel Grant, Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy will serve as Acting Prime Minister. -Ends-

Justinn Kase, the Executive Director of the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), emphasizes that the IRC is bound by the government's policy on the tariff review. He notes that since the government ratified a policy in 2021 aiming for 100% of Dominica's electricity demand to be met by renewable energy, the IRC must consider this directive. Kase points out that while renewable energy projects are underway in Dominica, particularly the geothermal plant, their full operation is necessary to positively impact the tariff.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has provided an update on the progress of tabling Sir Dennis Byron's recommendations for electoral reform in parliament. During his address to the nation on Tuesday, he announced that by the second week of April 2024, the government will unveil its chosen recommendations for parliamentary approval. Additionally, he mentioned allocating funds for the electoral commission to implement the reform measures. The Prime Minister also urged political adversaries to support the initiative, recognizing it as a longstanding demand of opposition parties in Dominica.

BOGOTA, Colombia, (March 19, 2024) – The Government of Dominica, through its Ministry of Tourism, announces its participation in the Routes Americas 2024 conference. Commencing today, March 19th and extending through March 21st in Bogota, Colombia, this event marks Dominica's pursuit of enhancing air connectivity and cementing its position as a leading green destination on the global stage. Routes Americas 2024 stands as the foremost air service development forum in the Americas, uniting aviation and tourism professionals from across the globe. This year's conference is set to host senior decision-makers from the region's top airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. Dominica's involvement underscores the nation's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities to boost air access—a critical component of its tourism sector. "Today, as we step into Routes Americas for the third time, our enthusiasm and optimism for what lies ahead are unprecedented. Our previous engagements have led to significant enhancements, such as the Douglas Charles Airport runway improvement and demonstrated to our airline partners and stakeholders that Dominica is serious about its development and future prospects. As we continue to build on established connections and forge new ones, our focus remains on creating a sustainable, accessible, and enriching experience for all who visit our shores. This dedication to relationship-building is the cornerstone of our success and will propel us toward even greater achievements, as we continue to invest in the new international airport, and other initiatives." - Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. Dominica's delegation to Routes Americas 2024 includes Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism; Benoit Bardoille, CEO of Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA); Samuel Johnson, CEO of Dominica’s International Airport Development Company; Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist for Discover Dominica Authority; and Kyanna Dyer, Miss Dominica 2024. The Ministry of Tourism remains optimistic about the outcomes of Routes Americas 2024, anticipating a future where Dominica becomes an even more accessible and sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. (DOWASCO) will, as customary host a week of activities beginning March 18 to observe World Water Day this year. On March 22, Dominica will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day under the theme: 'Water for Peace.’ Every year, DOWASCO hosts Water Week to coincide with the global celebration of the world’s water resources. Plans this year have been curtailed and will focus on our annually planned poster and essay competition for both primary and secondary school students, in-person presentations to schools by DOWASCO staff, tours of our sites at Antrim and Morne Daniel. The activities will culminate with a mini-exhibition at the Botanic Gardens. Staple events like our Debate Competition and Customer Appreciation Day have been excluded this year. The mini exhibition at the Botanic Gardens will be held on Friday, March 22 from 10:00am to 3:00pm and will highlight the work of DOWASCO as well as our partners in water resources management in Dominica. This includes the Forestry Division, the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation, The Dominica Red Cross and the Dominica Meteorological Service. Students participating in the poster and essay competition are encouraged to have their submissions sent in before the deadline of March 25, 2024. In the spirit of raising awareness students and teachers are also encouraged to decorate their schools in observance of World Water Day and email a photo or less than 60 seconds video to DOWASCO at k.stjean@dowasco.dm and get a chance to be awarded Best Water Day- themed school. DOWASCO looks forward to the participation of all for a successful week of activities.

Recently, the Government of Dominica presented keys to 42 deserving Dominicans for homes constructed under the 'Housing Recovery Project.' Dr. Genora Joseph, the Project Manager, emphasized that these new homes will significantly enhance the lives of the recipients. The Housing Recovery Project has engaged 49 contractors and has successfully delivered a total of 248 homes to date. As of March 18th, 2024, the 42 beneficiaries have officially become homeowners.

As Consumer Rights Day was commemorated worldwide on Friday, attention shifted towards the evolving landscape of consumer rights, notably within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In an era increasingly shaped by data and algorithms, ensuring fair and responsible AI usage for consumers emerged as a pressing concern. In the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) consistently advocated for expanded consumer rights in the digital sphere. Recent initiatives emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary challenges while fostering a marketplace characterized by equity and transparency. As the digital economy continues to expand, consumers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the implications of AI. While AI offers various benefits such as convenience and personalized experiences, it also presents risks, particularly concerning consumer data rights and privacy. Through awareness and active engagement, consumers can navigate these complexities and advocate for policies that protect their interests. The CCC plans to release a study on data protection and privacy commissioned by the CCC, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, and conducted by London Economics. This study examines the impact of data protection and privacy regulations on competition and consumer protection within the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME).

Raymond Lawrence, former Chief Cultural Officer, expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of rehabilitation efforts for the Arawak House of Culture. He emphasized the lack of progress six years after Hurricane Maria, lamenting the absence of initiatives to support the sustainability of the arts industry, despite the emergence of numerous cultural and arts groups on the island.

Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), echoed the growing calls for change in Dominica, particularly emphasizing the critical need for effective governance. Speaking to a gathering in Grand Bay on Sunday, he underscored the significance of engaging in dialogues on electoral reform as a means to both honor the legacy of past leaders, such as the late Prime Minister Pierre Charles, and to improve governance standards. Despite Charles's truncated tenure, his advocacy for good governance remains relevant. Dr. Fontaine urged Grand Bay residents to seize the opportunity presented by Electoral Reform Assemblies to showcase Dominica's potential for governance improvement. He encouraged them to embrace electoral reform as a means to empower themselves in selecting representatives who can drive economic and social development for the community.