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On 4 December 2025, a major milestone for disaster readiness in the Caribbean was achieved with the official inauguration of the Regional Humanitarian Warehouse — a vital facility designed to enhance rapid response and preparedness across the region. Construction of the warehouse began in 2023 as part of a strategic effort to improve the Caribbean territories’ capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Built to serve as a central hub for emergency supplies, logistics coordination, and deployment operations, the facility stands as a symbol of foresight, partnership, and resilience. The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr Caroline Cross, President of the French Red Cross, alongside senior French officials. They were joined by the presidents of several Caribbean Red Cross National Societies, including representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and other regional partners whose presence underscored the importance of unity in humanitarian work. Together, these leaders celebrated not only the completion of a modern infrastructure project, but also the strengthening of regional and international cooperation. The Regional Humanitarian Warehouse represents a shared commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and the protection of vulnerable communities across the Caribbean. As the region continues to face evolving climate challenges, this new facility stands ready to support swift humanitarian action, serving as a cornerstone for improved disaster response and a powerful testament to what collective effort can achieve.

Though she has been a staple in the Calypso fraternity, popular Calypsonian Sandy Norde, who goes by the sobriquet Sandy, is making a comeback to competitive Calypso. Known for her courageous exploits of the Calypso stage at a time when it was uncommon for women to do so, Sandy rocketed her way into the male-dominated Dominica Calypso Fraternity in 1997/98, and her reputation has unceasingly spanned the last three decades. Sandy first stepped foot on the Calypso stage in 1995/96 as a harmony singer (Calypso Back-up vocalist), two years after capturing the Dominica Miss Wob Dwiyèt title. Sandy won best talent, best in wob and best spectacular wear at that competition. Turning her attention to Calypso, Sandy continued her winning ways. She placed 3rd runner in the Dominica Calypso Monarch competition of 2000 and she took 1st place 2007 Calypso Monarch Finals. Sandy won the Mass Camp Monarch title in 2008. With her timeless Calypsos: Respect Black Woman, Take Back, That’s Life, Respect Your Family, Colors, Take Back Control, I Come, Farmers Children, Agenda 21, Sandy reigns as a formidable Queen of Calypso. Sandy helped to usher in a new era of Calypso, when the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) officially switched from naming its flagship event, the Dominica Calypso King, to the Dominica Calypso Monarch competition. The highest ranked woman in the Calypso Monarch Finals was then declared Queen of Calypso, so by that token, Sandy is the first Queen among Monarchs as the first female to place in the Calypso Monarch Finals Competition. This is why Sandy is Queen Sandy. Queen Sandy will release her 2026 song, Sue & Elleyne , on Friday, December 5, 2025. Queen Sandy has registered with the DCA for the 2026 Calypso season, marking three decades of involvement in Calypso (1996 – 2026).

Financed by the Green Climate Fund with co-financing from the Government of Saint Lucia, the workshop formally launched Saint Lucia’s largest climate-resilience investment for the fisheries sector   — Over 55stakeholders from several government departments in Saint Lucia, including the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development and the Department of Fisheries, representatives from the World Bank UBEC-project, fisherfolk organizations including the Saint Lucia Fisherfolk Co-operatives Society Ltd, cooperatives, NGOs, and development partners, such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened on 26 November at the Bel Jou Hotel for the official Inception Workshop of the USD 16.7 million FISH-ADAPT Project. The project, which was officially launched on July 4, 2025, is primarily funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a contribution of USD 14.75 million, the project also benefits from co-financing by the Ministry of Agriculture (USD 307,250) and the Ministry of Finance (USD 1.66 million), signaling the largest fisheries investment project in Saint Lucia.   The workshop hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries familiarized stakeholders with key aspects of the project’s objectives, implementation framework, and expected results; refined implementation approaches to ensure alignment with Saint Lucia’s Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Fisheries Sector and the country’s climate adaptation priorities; and identified synergies with ongoing national programmes and related initiatives to maximize complementarity and impact. It also served as a platform to validate baselines, review the first-year work plan, and clarify institutional roles to support coordinated implementation throughout the five-year project period.   Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Dr. Randel Esnard, Deputy Permanent Secretary, highlighted the project’s contribution to advancing national climate priorities. He noted, “This project is directly aligned with our National Adaptation Plan, the Managing Climate and Disaster Risks priority in our National Fisheries Policy, and the Fisheries Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. Policies only matter when they are lived and felt on the ground. FISH-ADAPT aims to do exactly that — strengthening livelihoods and ensuring that Saint Lucia’s fishing communities can continue to provide for themselves and the nation.”   Mrs. Yvette Diei Ouadi, Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer with FAO’s Subregional Office for the Caribbean and Lead Technical Officer for the project highlighted that, “Many of us have been mobilized in the development of this project, and for FAO, this is a game-changer: a project we see as groundbreaking in dealing with challenges in a changing climate Caribbean context. The project tackles artisanal fisheries, value chains, marketing systems, mangroves, corals, vessel design, safety at sea, landing site infrastructure, seamoss cultivation, and more”. She added that, “The project will bring together climate resilience, access to finance, and gender equality — it will span over 5 years and while this may seem far in the future, it is just around the corner. If we look backwards, it is five years ago we were in a global pandemic – and it feels like yesterday.”   Ms. Sarita Williams-Peter, Chief Fisheries Officer, who facilitated the workshop highlighted its transformative potential. “ FISH-ADAPT brings the largest climate investment ever directed to our fisheries sector,” she said. “But a project is only as strong as its stakeholders. Today is not just a launch. It is the start of co-creating solutions to safeguard our coastal communities.”   Following the workshop, FAO and the Government of Saint Lucia convened the Second Meeting of the Project Steering Committee(PSC), which endorsed the project’s first-year workplan and strategic plans, including key highlights on procurement and environmental and social safeguards. The PSC reaffirmed the importance of transparent governance and strong coordination as implementation begins.   The FISH-ADAPT Project will directly benefit 10,000 people across Saint Lucia, including the 5,000 fishers, fish workers and aquaculture producers who make up the core of the sector and their households, while indirectly benefitting 62,000 people whose livelihoods are linked to fisheries and coastal ecosystems. This impact will be delivered through concrete, on-the-ground measures that strengthen safety at sea, advance climate-smart aquaculture, improve fisheries infrastructure, restore coastal ecosystems, and support value-chain diversification.   Additionally, the project will introduce targeted interventions that reduce climate risks at 15 landing sites across 600 fishing vessels, and in 25 hectares of mangroves and 7 hectares of coral reef—helping communities better anticipate, monitor and respond to climate impacts. The 62,000 indirect beneficiaries include family members dependent on fishers and fish workers, suppliers of fishing gear and vessel services, and actors in the tourism sector who rely on healthy marine environments and a stable supply of local fish. Farmers and communities in coastal areas will also gain from improved water quality and ecosystem services, supporting more resilient local food systems.   By strengthening natural defenses and critical infrastructure through nature-based solutions, the project will lower climate-related losses and support the long-term stability of local businesses and communities, contributing to more resilient livelihoods for an estimated 62,000 people—equivalent to roughly 39% of Saint Lucia’s population.   FISH-ADAPT also has an interim project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in place. The GRM aims to address stakeholder grievances and complaints in a timely and transparent manner. For any grievances, please contact FAO-STL@fao.org .

Theme: “Safeguarding Health and Lives against Dust and Climate Impacts” Today, Dominica brought together experts, policymakers, and sector leaders for the 5th National Climate Outlook Forum, held at the Prevost Cinemall. Guided by this year’s theme, “Safeguarding Health and Lives against Dust and Climate Impacts,”  the forum placed strong emphasis on the rising challenges posed by Saharan dust, climate variability, and their implications for public health and national resilience. The event highlighted several key areas of focus, including the health impacts of Saharan dust and other airborne pollutants, a comprehensive review of the 2025 Wet/Hurricane Season , and the official presentation of the 2025–2026 Dry Season Forecast , aimed at supporting informed decision-making for preparedness and planning across all sectors. Participants also explored opportunities to collaborate on new strategies to reduce health vulnerabilities linked to climate-related hazards. The forum served as a unique platform for sharing insights, discussing best practices, and strengthening multi-agency cooperation in the face of evolving climate challenges. Through technical presentations, open discussions, and coordinated planning sessions, the forum equipped stakeholders with practical tools and recommendations to help minimize health risks and enhance Dominica’s resilience against Saharan dust, pollutants, and wider climate impacts. The opening ceremony featured remarks from key officials, including: Mrs. Vernie Marcellin Honoroe , Dominica Meteorological Services (Welcome) Mr. Adrian Thomas , Chief of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH Barbados) Mr. Samuel Carrette , National Resilience Coordinator, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security Hon. Kent Edwards , Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services Permanent Secretary Jo-Anne Commodore , Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs The 5th National Climate Outlook Forum underscores Dominica’s continued commitment to proactive climate planning, public health protection, and national resilience-building in the face of a changing environment.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has formally presented its 2026 Global Marketing Strategy to public and private sector partners, unveiling a strengthened, future-focused plan designed to enhance destination competitiveness and encourage deeper community participation across the tri-island state. The stakeholder sessions brought together representatives from government ministries, tourism businesses, community groups, and service providers. The presentations reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency and alignment, ensuring that stakeholders understand and contribute to the strategic direction for the year ahead. The 2026 strategy places key emphasis on innovation, market diversification, high-value niche development, and deeper digital integration, positioning the tri-island to compete effectively as global traveller preferences evolve. The GTA highlighted that Grenada’s authentic cultural richness, wellness-driven experiences, environmental sustainability, and genuine community connection remain among the island’s strongest differentiators. Throughout the presentations, the GTA underscored that collaboration and community buy-in are essential to national tourism success. The Authority noted that tourism benefits every Grenadian directly and indirectly and that a unified, informed approach strengthens the destination’s standing in an increasingly competitive global landscape. As part of its focus on inclusivity, the GTA will roll out a series of informational video messages in the coming weeks. These will help inform communities, businesses and service providers about the strategy’s priorities and highlight opportunities for them to expand or enhance their offerings in alignment with the national agenda. “The unveiling of our 2026 Global Marketing Strategy represents a collective step forward" said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. "Tourism thrives when communities understand their role in shaping it and see themselves reflected in its success. This strategy provides a platform to communicate directly with our stakeholders, enabling service providers to identify areas for growth, enhance their offerings and position themselves to benefit more fully from an evolving global marketplace. When our industry moves with shared purpose, Grenada becomes even more compelling on the world stage.” The GTA is reaffirming its commitment to continuous dialogue and partnership as it executes the 2026 strategy, designed to strengthen Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique’s presence on the global stage while driving sustainable and inclusive growth across the tri-island state.

People with disabilities are transforming societies — leading innovation, influencing policy, and mobilizing for justice. Yet too often, they are denied a seat at the decision-making table. The Doha Political Declaration, adopted at last month’s World Summit for Social Development, reaffirms a critical truth: there can be no sustainable development without the inclusion of people with disabilities. People with disabilities drive progress that benefits us all. Their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured humanitarian responses reach those most at risk. Many innovations that shape our daily lives — from text messaging to voice- activated technology — began as solutions developed by and for people with disabilities. Yet systemic barriers persist: discrimination, poverty, and inaccessible services continue to limit the participation of the over one billion people with disabilities worldwide. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to working side-by-side with persons with disabilities in all their diversity, as equal partners. When inclusion is real, everyone benefits. Together, we can build more accessible, resilient societies where all of us thrive.

The RayAsta Foundation will complete yet another of it’s certified Caregiver Training Course conducted in collaboration with The Dominica State College. This marks an important milestone in the Foundation’s mission to strengthen Dominica’s caregiving capacity for caring for Stroke Patients and the elderly. On this occasion, ten individuals will complete twelve weeks of specialized training, and practical skill-building sessions designed to prepare them for real-world caregiving support. “This completion represents meaningful progress for these participants and for Dominica’s caregiving landscape generally,” says Cecilia St. Hilaire, CEO of the RayAsta Foundation. “Each student has shown commitment, discipline, and heart throughout the program, and we are confident they will go on to make a positive difference in the lives of those they care for.” The RayAsta Caregiver Training Course is Dominica’s only organized training for caregivers. This initiative is the Foundation’s most impactful, equipping individuals with essential caregiving skills while promoting professionalism and compassion within the sector. Our past graduates have already begun contributing to improved home care, stronger family support, and enhanced service in various communities and care settings. We reaffirm our commitment to elevating the standard of caregiving in Dominica and empowering individuals to serve their communities with confidence, dignity, and compassion.

Rumour has been swirling across the Commonwealth of Dominica’s political landscape, hinting at something that could reshape the island’s political conversation. Word on the ground suggests that a new coalition party may be taking shape , reportedly spearheaded by several well-known figures who once stood firmly on the opposing side . While nothing has been officially confirmed, the whispers alone have sparked fresh interest, debates, and plenty of eyebrow-raising. Dominicans are asking the big questions: What could bring these individuals together now? Is this a response to shifting political winds? Could a new coalition truly challenge the long-standing status quo? And what would this mean for voters heading into the next election cycle? The idea of former adversaries aligning under a shared vision has added a layer of intrigue to Dominica’s already dynamic political atmosphere. Some believe such a coalition could energize the electorate and attract individuals seeking a new political direction. Others remain cautious, waiting to see whether the rumour gains substance -or fades as political chatter. For now, Dominicans continue to watch closely, listen to the talk in the rum shops and online spaces, and wonder whether this developing buzz signals a major shift… or simply the calm before something bigger emerges.

Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team, the Sisserou Girls, endured a difficult outing on Saturday, falling 18–0 to a dominant Jamaican side in their opening match of the 2025–2026 CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers, played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Jamaica showcased their world-class talent and efficiency from early in the match, with multiple players finding the back of the net. Notably, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored a first-half hat-trick, reaching 60 international goals, extending her record as Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer. She was ably supported by Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown who both earned hat-tricks, while Deneisha Blackwood, Shaneil Buckley and Natasha Thomas added two goals each. Despite the tough scoreline, Dominica returned from the locker room showing noticeable improvement. The Sisserou Girls tightened their defensive shape, and slowed Jamaica’s rhythm for periods very early in the second half. However, Jamaica’s attacking unit, known for its speed, accuracy, and international experience, quickly regrouped and proved too strong as they continued to find goals late in the match. Dominica’s Head Coach Ronnie Gustaveacknowledged the challenge playing against an elite team as Jamaica but praised his team’s effort. “That's one the aspects of the game that we see how organised they were. And their speed of play was very, very intense. Their communication, their non-verbal communication on the pitch, you know, so you could see, well, it's a team that have been together for a while. I mean, speaking to the coach as well, that even after the game, he said we shouldnot get discouraged because they were once like us, so just keep the girls together and continue what I'm doing. And we'll reach where they are at this point in time. But on our behalf, I figure there's a lot of work to be done with the girls. And I know a lot of people will want to see results at this point in time. But it's a process.” “And the nice, the good thing about the game that I saw with the girls is that they keep fighting and they keep fighting for one another... They realised that if we have to do this, we have to do it as a team and we have to unite. So that is one thing we surely can build on, that the unity is there among the girls,” he added.   Goalkeeper and Captain, Dymond Daniel, expressed her gratitude to her teammates for not giving up and displaying a strong sense of unity throughout. “Yes, with the tough loss against Jamaica, I just tried to tell the girls not to be too hard on themselves about this game. We knew the battle it was going to be going into the game and honestly, I think every one of them should be in a way proud because they did not give up. They fought until the last minute and I know everyone left their entire heart and soul on that pitch. So I just continue to tell them it's a work in progress. When we get back home, it's back to the drawing board to improve and to get better and be better prepared for the rest of the qualifiers.” Meanwhile, Hubert Busby, Head Coach for the Jamaica side said his team executed the game plan with precision. “The focus the entire week was making sure that we got the 3 points. On top of that we wanted to build on our performance and credit to the players. They went out there and had a business performance today, obviously led by our captain Bunny (Khadija Shaw). We went out there and executed the plan so job done.” Khadja “Bunny” Shaw added that Jamaica, as a people, needed this win. “Every time we put on the colours, it’s an honour. This is the start of the qualifiers, and first we wanted to focus on ourselves, as always, I think we did a very professional performance today. And I am sure the fans and the people back home would appreciate that right now especially with what we’re going through.” This match marked the first in Dominica’s four-game qualifying series, with upcoming fixtures scheduled for February (Guyana) and April (Nicaragua and Antigua & Barbuda). The team continues to build around its blend of experienced local athletes, overseas-based talent, and a new generation of young players—including DymondDaniel, the youngest captain ever to lead Dominica’s senior women’s team. The Sisserou Girls will continue to work to strengthen its program, develop emerging talent, and advance the standard of women’s football in Dominica. ##END## Goal Scorers – Jamaica • K. Plummer (2’) • K. Shaw (4’, 39’, 43’) • K. Van Zanten (7’, 21’, 26’) • S. Brown (9’, 35’, 82’) • C. Primus (12’) • D. Blackwood (51’, 89’) • A. Buckley (81’, 90+2’) • J. Thomas (86’, 88’) • R. Hayles (90+1’)b

The Dominica State College (DSC) is proud to announce the official launch of its newest Smart Classroom and Learning Hub, a state-of-the-art teaching and learning space established through a strategic partnership with Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) and the Government of Canada. The launch event, held on Wednesday, November 27th, brought together members of the College’s Management, Faculty, and Staff, along with representatives from SAGE and officials from the Ministry of Education. Their participation underscored the shared commitment to advancing education, digital literacy, and workforce readiness in Dominica. The new Smart Classroom and Learning Hub is equipped with cutting-edge digital tools, interactive technology, and modern learning resources designed to elevate instructional delivery and strengthen student engagement. This initiative supports DSC’s ongoing efforts to enhance its academic infrastructure, promote innovative teaching methodologies, and broaden access to quality education across all programmes. Pat Bidart of SAGE, speaking at the event, emphasized the project’s significance to the college’s long-term educational vision. She noted that this initiative forms part of a wider push to empower Caribbean institutions with the skills and resources needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and environmentally responsible economic growth. Trudy Christian, Officer in Charge of the Office of the President, also delivered remarks, highlighting that the Smart Classroom and Learning Hub represents a meaningful investment in the students’ future. She noted that the new facility ensures students have the tools, technology, and learning environment required to thrive in a modern, green-focused global economy. The partnership between DSC, SAGE, and the Government of Canada continues to play a pivotal role in supporting educational innovation, climate resilience, and workforce training. The Smart Classroom and Learning Hub will serve both students and faculty by fostering collaborative learning, creativity, and effective integration of modern technology into academic practice. The Dominica State College extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of this project and remains committed to building learning environments that prepare students for a dynamic and sustainable future.

A five-member delegation from Dominica represented the Kiwanis Nature Island Club at the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District Division 27A Creole Caribbean Amazonia Division Council Meeting (DCM) held in Martinique from November 21 to November 23, 2025. The Eastern Canada and Caribbean District holds District Convention Meetings (DCMs) every year for various levels of the Organisation. These meetings involve discussions, voting on bylaws and resolutions, and reports on activities, finances, and membership. Each Kiwanian year includes three district council meetings, with this one being the first for the year. The meetings bring together member clubs from Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique, and French Guiana. This year, Dominica was represented by its largest delegation, which included President Mary Winston, Vice President Nicole Karam, Secretary Daniah Labadie, Treasurer Lisa Francis, and Public Relations Officer Laila Langford. The participation of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club demonstrated the club's commitment to revitalizing the enthusiasm among its members and further promoting the Kiwanis movement in Dominica. President of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica Mary Winston stated that the training received serves as a beacon of hope for the club. “The three days of training at the District Council Meeting, under the theme -Fuel the Passion and Change the Game & has been remarkable. The knowledge and skills we gained will help us fulfill our promise to the Kiwanis club and the children and families we serve. Despite the challenges we may face, we must not give up; we must keep the faith and keep pressing on in everything we do. It is crucial that we prioritize the children of the world to help create a better future for all.” Meanwhile, Secretary of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica, Daniah Labadie, shared her excitement about her experience at the District Council Meeting (DCM). “Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the DCM on behalf of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica. This was my first DCM, and it was both exciting and enlightening.” She expressed her commitment to helping the club grow, stating, “As a member and executive of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica, I believe it is my responsibility to take initiatives that will help the club grow and become a substantial presence both locally and regionally. At this DCM, we learned how to become influential leaders, but we were also taught what it means to be an influential leader. Additionally, we were reminded that solidarity among club members is essential for our clubs to remain relevant.” Labadie continued, “I left this DCM feeling motivated and content, knowing that my club members and I are eager to implement what we have learned to help our club grow. I look forward to attending many more DCMs.” The Treasurer of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club, Lisa Francis, shared her thoughts on the experience as well. “Attending the Kiwanis DCM, under the theme "Feel the Passion, Change the Game" was truly an inspiring experience for me. The event reminded me why service matters and highlighted how powerful our collective energy can be when we put our passion into action.” She added, “Hearing from other leaders and clubs motivated me to think bigger. It has reignited my passion to push not only myself but also the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica even further. I left the DCM feeling encouraged to bring new ideas to my club and approach service with a renewed sense of purpose.” Francis concluded, “Overall, the DCM has shown me, and reminded me, that when we work together as a team—with intention, enthusiasm, and passion—we truly can change the game for the futures of the young people we serve, and by extension, our communities.”

Dominica-born music coding expert and creative executive, Chester “Massive” Wilkins was on Saturday 22 November 2025, honored by Upper Room Theological University in Fayetteville North Carolina, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, digital rights management, Caribbean cultural promotion, and global entertainment innovation. The degree was conferred during a graduation ceremony at the University, where Dr. Wilkins was acknowledged for his pioneering work in ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding and his leadership in facilitating revenue streams and rights protection for artists globally, including a particular focus on Caribbean creators. His decades-long commitment to bridging technology, creative culture and intellectual property make this honor especially appropriate. Upper Room Theological University is a faith-based institution committed to holistic higher education, combining bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes across theological, ministerial and creative arts disciplines. Its honorary degree programme is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, cultural impact and vocation-driven service. The Iowa-based Dr. Wilkins is a widely respected strategist and entrepreneur, advocating for fair compensation, digital transparency, and empowerment of artists—especially from the Caribbean region. He has been on music and IP (Intellectual Property) panels from New York, to Trinidad, to Chicago- most recently at the National Bar Association’s Centennial Convention as a presenter on the “Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence” panel, alongside notable legal minds, including fellow Dominican Bernice Lawrence an entertainment lawyer based in Atlanta Georgia. Through his company Know the Codes, Dr. Wilkins has trained dozens of lawyers across the US on ISRC coding and metadata, as digital advancements continue to impact the music industry and the lives of their clients. Receiving the Doctorate of Music signifies more than a ceremonial accolade—it reflects Dr. Wilkins’ consistent fusion of artistry, technology and advocacy. Dr. Michael Neely, an Atlanta-based music manager and former A&R (Artists and Repertoire) at Def Jam Records, said he was proud to recommend Dr. Wilkins for this honorary degree. “He is understanding, he is very intelligent and he is capable of doing everything he has mentioned.” Dr. Neely, who received an honorary Doctors of Music in 2024 added, “I have witnessed on the sidelines how he interacts with people. He doesn’t gatekeep and he is always teaching others including myself.” “To receive this honorary doctorate is humbling. I accept it not only for myself, but on behalf of every creative soul from Dominica, the Caribbean, and beyond—who has believed that our music, our culture, our stories belong on the world stage, states Dr. Wilkins. He continues, "My role is to help creators protect their works so that they can monetise their talent and earn the royalties that they deserve.” Dr. Wilkins intends to leverage this recognition as a springboard to expand his mentorship of Caribbean professionals seeking careers in music technology, rights management, and digital entrepreneurship. He hopes in 2026 to host and continue his training of legal minds in ISRC coding. Dr. Wilkins is the son of Winston Wilkins (Deceased) and Melvina Boyer, owner of the once popular hangout spot Melvina's Bar and Restaurant in the community of Pointe Michel. He is the stepson of Mr. Vincent Boyer who helped raise him. At Saturday’s convocation, honorary degrees were conferred in several categories: Arts& Entertainment, Civic, Community Involvement, Ecclesiastic, Humanitarian and Music Awards.   Chester Wilkins Credit: On Target Comm