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Prison and probation officials from across the Caribbean recently came together to strengthen how people are assessed when they first enter the prison system, helping to improve rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Through a partnership between the UNDP Partnership of the Caribbean and Europe on Justice (PACE Justice) project and EL PACCTO 2.0 – the European Union’s cooperation programme on justice and security – officials from thirteen Caribbean countries met in Bridgetown from 25 – 27 March 2026 for three days of hands-on training.The workshop was held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre and brought together representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica and Suriname. The focus of the training was improving prison intake and assessment processes – the first steps taken when a person enters custody. Getting these steps right helps authorities understand an individual’s risks and needs early, make better decisions about detention or alternatives, reduce administrative delays, and support pathways to rehabilitation from the start. Strong intake systems also help reduce overcrowding and unnecessary pre-trial detention. “A proper intake assessment process can significantly improve a prisoner’s experience within the facility and, ultimately, their reintegration into society. In short, it can help break the cycle of crime,” said Vanessa Untiedt, PACE Justice Project Specialist, UNDP. Director of the Barbados Probation Service and President of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole,Angela Dixon, highlighted the importance of probation services, noting that probation plays a key role in understanding individuals’ backgrounds, risks and community connections, which is essential for informed decision-making. noting, “Probation’s defining value is continuity of knowledge about the individual. No other service carries the same depth of pre-existing relationship, community intelligence, and risk history.” EL PACCTO 2.0’s Field Officer for the Caribbean, Luuk Bruijn, emphasized the value of regional cooperation: “The development of a standard procedure for intake assessment in prisons allows for local adaptations to a regionally agreed framework, taking into account best practices and expertise from across the Caribbean, ultimately strengthening the overall management of penitentiary systems.” By the end of the workshop, participants agreed on a shared regional framework for prison intake and assessment, supported by country-specific approaches. This marks an important step toward more consistent, fair and effective practices across the region. The next phase will focus on turning this framework into practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that can be used by prison and probation staff. Work is also planned to explore a simple digital tool to support intake processes, improve record-keeping, and strengthen information sharing. Special emphasis will be placed on improving coordination with probation and parole services to support evidence-based decisions. With this activity, the PACE Justice project continues to support fair, effective and human rights–based correctional systems across the Caribbean, recognising that safer prisons help build safer communities.

Bombers Football Club proudly announces a landmark achievement for football development in Northern Dominica, as Possie Cup Invitational standout Davonne George has earned an opportunity to participate in a European Development Tour Trial in Antigua from April 9–12 . George, who delivered an exceptional campaign at the Possie Cup Invitational, secured both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the Golden Boot , establishing himself as the tournament’s most dominant and influential player. This achievement represents more than individual success, it is strong validation that a structured and credible pathway for football development is emerging in the North of Dominica. From Performance to Opportunity The Possie Cup Invitational was established with a clear mission: to create a competitive platform where players can perform, gain visibility, and transition to higher levels of the game. Davonne George exemplified this vision. Through his consistent ability to score, create opportunities, and lead under pressure, he delivered performances that commanded attention, performances that have now translated into international exposure and advancement. More Than a Trial — A Gateway to the Next Level The European Development Tour Trial, hosted in Antigua by Jets Football Club, is designed to immerse players in an environment aligned with the demands of professional football. The program includes: High-level training sessions Competitive match play Direct evaluation by international scouts and coaches Potential pathways into European football For George, this opportunity represents more than a trial, it is a gateway to the next level. For Bombers, it is a clear signal of progress. Building a System, Not Just Moments This milestone reflects Bombers Football Club’s broader vision: to build a sustainable football development ecosystem, not isolated success stories. That system is anchored on three key pillars: Competitive Platforms – Creating environments like the Possie Cup Invitational Talent Identification – Recognizing and elevating standout performers Progression Pathways – Connecting players to trials, scholarships, and international opportunities Following a strong Under-18 season, where Bombers FC secured a second-place finish, the club has intensified its focus on bridging the gap between youth football and real opportunities for advancement. Impact Beyond the Game Beyond player development, the initiative continues to generate meaningful impact within the Portsmouth community. Football events and tournaments are attracting teams, supporters, and visitors from across Dominica and the region, driving economic activity for local businesses, vendors, transportation providers, and service operators. “Investment in football is investment in community. As the game grows, so does opportunity, not just for players, but for everyone.” A Collective Effort This achievement has been made possible through the continued support of: Hon. Fenella Wenham Sheppard, Parliamentary Representative Nicole Andrew of Island Travel, Official Travel Partner A growing network of partners and stakeholders committed to football development in Northern Dominica A Message to the Next Generation Davonne George’s journey sends a powerful message to young footballers across the North: The pathway is real. The opportunity is real. And it starts here. Bombers Football Club remains committed to building a future where talent is not only discovered, but developed, supported, and given the platform to succeed.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) continues to strengthen regional ties with a recently completed sales mission to Barbados. This mission formed part of a continuous effort to strengthen regional ties and ensure Grenada remains a destination of choice, not only internationally, but regionally.   The mission’s primary objective was to facilitate direct conversations with essential tourism stakeholders, including travel agents, corporate partners, and airline partners. These engagements allowed the GTA to evaluate the destination's performance across various sectors while identifying new opportunities for growth in the luxury, experiential, and multi-destination travel segments. A key focus of the mission was the promotion of Grenada’s vibrant annual festivals, including Spicemas, the Grenada Chocolate Festival, and the newest edition; the Lobster, Lambie and Seafood Festival.   “These regional missions are critical to fostering the partnerships that drive our tourism growth,” Stated Mrs. Stacey Liburd, CEO of the GTA, “Our discussions with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) and other industry leaders have laid a solid foundation for future joint marketing initiatives and improved airlift connectivity, positioning Grenada as a multi-dimensional Caribbean leader".   The GTA further extended its reach through strategic media engagements and a collaborative effort with airline partner Virgin Atlantic, the delegation facilitated a radio competition featuring a roundtrip ticket to Grenada as a prize, which generated significant excitement.   “Our mission in Barbados enables information sharing which gives agents the confidence to effectively speak about Grenada’s evolving products," said Samantha Thomas, Marketing Executive at the GTA. "Through our training sessions and interviews, we saw an immediate surge in interest for our diverse accommodation sector and upcoming festivals. Providing these partners with real-time tools and event details ensures that the high demand we're seeing translates directly into economic growth for Grenada.”   With a robust calendar of events ahead and a continued focus on regional partnerships, the GTA is determined to translate the momentum of this mission into sustained arrival growth. By bridging the gap between on-island experiences and regional travel trade, Grenada continues to elevate its profile as the premier choice for the discerning Caribbean traveler.

The Portsmouth Football Academy, in collaboration with Bombers Football Club and Sport Aid Dominica, will host its Inaugural Easter Grassroots Youth Football Festival on Thursday, April 9, 2026 , at Benjamin Park in Portsmouth , from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM . The one-day festival will showcase emerging football talent in the Under-11 and Under-13 divisions , featuring participation from the Portsmouth Football Academy , the National Football Academy , the Newtown Juvenile Football Academy , and visiting team Club Sport Guadeloupe . The event is expected to deliver a vibrant display of youth football, highlighting skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. This initiative is being hosted with the support of Honorable Fenella Wenham Shepherd , along with key partners including Dominica Football Association,    DASPA (Dominica Air and Seaport Authority) and Trois Pitons Water , whose contributions continue to strengthen youth and community-based sporting initiatives. Beyond competition, the festival forms part of a broader sports tourism strategy , aimed at positioning Portsmouth and Dominica as a growing hub for youth football development and regional sporting exchange. By welcoming participation from regional academies such as Guadeloupe, the event reinforces Dominica’s potential as a destination for organized youth sporting events. As the inaugural Easter Grassroots Festival , organizers have expressed a strong commitment to establishing the event as an annual fixture , with plans to expand participation in future editions to include more local academies, as well as regional and international teams. “This festival is about more than football—it is about creating opportunities, building discipline, and opening pathways for our young players,” organizers noted. “It is also a step toward developing sports tourism in the north of the island.” The public is encouraged to attend and support the young athletes, while media houses are invited to provide coverage of this important grassroots football initiative.

Further to the Electricity Supply Act, No. 10 of 2006 (The ESA) and the regulatory framework governing tariff filing and approvals for electricity service providers, the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has provided to the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC), conditional approval for the application of revised electricity tariff rates in the Commonwealth of Dominica. This ESA establishes specific timelines within which the regulatory process for reviewing and approving electricity tariffs must be completed. Section 24 of the Act requires that the Commission act within a defined period once the Filing Notice for revised rates has been submitted by DOMLEC. The Commission must ensure that within these statutory timelines that regulatory certainty is maintained in allowing the continued financial stability of the national electricity provider. This conditional approval ensures that the regulatory process remains compliant with the time requirements of the ESA while allowing the Commission to continue engaging stakeholders and the wider public before a final determination on the revised electricity rates is made. The Commission emphasizes that this decision does not represent the final approval of the tariff structure and corresponding rates. Rather, it is an interim measure designed to respect the legal timelines set out in the ESA while preserving the integrity and transparency of the regulatory process. Over the coming weeks, the Commission will conduct public consultations and stakeholder engagements to gather feedback on the proposed tariff adjustments. These consultations will provide consumers, businesses, and other interested parties the opportunity to review the proposal and present their views before the Commission reaches its final decision.2 Public participation remains a critical component of the regulatory framework. The Commission is committed to ensuring that the final determination reflects a careful balance between protecting consumers, ensuring fair and reasonable electricity rates, and safeguarding the operational and financial sustainability of the electricity sector.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), will host a three-day Inter-Institutional Roundtable Meeting from 8 to 10 April 2026. The meeting is aimed at strengthening national action to address illicit firearms and armed violence. The meeting brings together senior representatives from national security, law enforcement, justice, foreign affairs, gender affairs, monitoring and evaluation, and other key government institutions. The discussions form part of Dominica’s ongoing efforts to advance implementation of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, a regional framework designed to reduce illicit firearms flows, prevent armed violence, and strengthen public safety across the Caribbean. Over the course of three days, participants will engage in policy dialogues, technical presentations, and facilitated sessions aimed at strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving firearms control measures and advancing the development of Dominica’s National Action Plan under the Roadmap. Key thematic areas include firearms trafficking, legislation, marking and traceability, weapons and ammunition management, prevention of diversion and data-driven decision-making. The Roundtable also provides a platform for fostering collaboration between national authorities, UNLIREC, CARICOM IMPACS and international partners, “Building a Resilient Public Service: A Collective Response”promoting a whole-of-government approach to firearms control and violence prevention. The meeting is expected to conclude with the identification of priority national actions, possible roles for civil society organisations and areas for future technical cooperation in support of safer communities and sustainable development in Dominica. This meeting was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of the United States of America. Addresses will be delivered by the Honourable Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, along with other Government officials, as well as representatives from CARICOM, IMPACS and UNLIREC. from CARICOM IMPACS and UNLIREC.

The Adult Education Division within the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence is set to officially launch the Local Engagement for Action Fund (LEAF) Project on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ministry of Finance Conference Room. The launch event is expected to be attended by Minister for Education, Hon. Octavia Alfred, Permanent Secretary Mr. Robert Guiste, and members of staff from the Adult Education Division. The 12-month initiative, titled “Unlocking Potential: Equipping Marginalized Communities for Tomorrow’s Jobs,” is being implemented by the Adult Education Division with support from Global Affairs Canada and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). The LEAF Project is designed to respond to disruptions in education and employment by offering inclusive, community-based training opportunities. It aims to equip 200 vulnerable youth and young adults with practical vocational, entrepreneurial, and life skills that align with current labour market demands. Target beneficiaries include school dropouts, single parents, and persons with disabilities, with the project focusing on expanding access to meaningful skills development and employment readiness. The initiative will be rolled out across seven districts in Dominica, with a strong emphasis on empowering marginalized communities and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

The Rotary Club of Dominica is pleased to announce the hosting of the 31st VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) Mission to Dominica scheduled to take place from May 11 to May 14, 2026. The clinics will be conducted at the following venues: • Portsmouth Hospital - Monday, May 11 • St. Joseph Health Centre - Tuesday, May 12 • Goodwill Parish Hall (Wednesday, May 13 – serving communities from Grand Bay to Pointe Michel) • Goodwill Parish Hall (Thursday, May 14 - serving communities from Mahaut to Newtown)   Members of the public are advised to visit their respective Health Centres for pre-screening ahead of the mission. Please note that only clients who have been pre-screened and issued a number will be seen at the VOSH Clinic. This process is necessary to ensure efficient service delivery and to accommodate as many patients as possible. The Rotary Club of Dominica encourages all interested persons to complete the pre-screening process early. For additional information, please contact your nearest Health Centre.

The Government of Dominica extends its warmest congratulations to Addison James for his achievement in winning the Gold Medal in the under 20 Javelin at the 53rd CARIFTA Games being held in Grenada. James won Gold with a throw of 63.73 meters. This win means that Addison James has now secured back-to-back gold medals, winning in both 2025 and 2026. These remarkable achievements reflect his talent, commitment and determination to excel in the sport. His dedication and drive must be commended, and this latest success serves as a clear indication of persistence and character. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development and the Government of Dominica applaud this outstanding accomplishment by Addison James. His performance is a source of pride and inspiration for the nation, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead. -Ends-

The Dominica Cadet Corps is currently hosting its Easter Recruit Camp 2026, which commenced on April 2, 2026, and will run until April 6, 2026, at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Building in Jimmit. The camp is being organized and led by newly trained Potential Cadet Officers, who are being given the opportunity to serve in acting appointments during the exercise. This hands-on experience forms part of their assessment as they work toward potential appointment as Commissioned Officers within the Dominica Cadet Corps. The camp is being conducted under the supervision of Senior Cadet Officers, ensuring that all activities uphold the Corps’ standards of discipline, safety, and leadership. The primary aim of the Easter Recruit Camp is to develop disciplined, responsible, and capable cadets, while strengthening leadership within the organization. Throughout the camp, recruits are engaged in a comprehensive training programme which includes first aid training, exposure to military structure and operations, drills, leadership exercises, and team-building activities. These components are designed to equip participants with practical skills while fostering resilience, respect, accountability, and national pride. This initiative reflects the Dominica Cadet Corps’ ongoing commitment to youth development and nation-building, by preparing young people to become productive citizens and future leaders. The Dominica Cadet Corps assures parents and guardians that the safety and well- being of all participants remain a top priority. All activities are being closely supervised and conducted in accordance with established protocols. ABOUT THE DOMINICA CADET CORPS The Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC) is a longstanding youth organization in the Commonwealth of Dominica, dedicated to fostering discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility among its members. Its origins date back to 1910, when it was first established as the Dominica Grammar School Cadet Corps with an initial group of 20 boys. Over time, the organization grew in both scope and significance. During the period of the Second World War (1939–1945), three cadets—F.J. Davenport of the Royal Navy, and O.S.C. Alleyne and L.A. McCoy of the Royal Air Force—served with distinction, a contribution that is commemorated by a memorial on the Dominica Grammar School quadrangle. The Corps underwent a major transformation in 1971, when it was formally established as the Dominica Cadet Corps and expanded to include units from Saint Mary’s Academy and the Londonderry Youth Camp. This expansion marked a shift from a single-school initiative to a broader, national youth development organization. A further milestone followed in 1977 with the inclusion of female cadets, reflecting the transition of the Dominica Grammar School to co-education and signaling a more inclusive and progressive direction for the Corps. Today, the DCC stands as a testament to over a century of youth development, continuously shaping generations of young people across Dominica through structured training, service, and leadership opportunities.

The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, the Kalinago Council, and international partner IsraAID, recently marked a significant milestone in advancing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Kalinago Territory through a multi-activity handover and partnership ceremony on 19 March. The event highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Strengthening Community Resilience in the Kalinago Territory (SCR-K) project, a flagship initiative funded by the Government of India through the UN-India Development Partnership Fund administered by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation. The project is designed to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen livelihoods, and preserve the cultural and environmental heritage of Dominica’s indigenous community. Through this initiative, UNDP and its partners are delivering integrated interventions in three key areas:  Climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods – including greenhouse development, backyard gardening programmes, and support to vulnerable households;  Forest and watershed management – promoting reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and community-led environmental stewardship;  Heritage and cultural preservation – strengthening eco-tourism and sustaining the Kalinago people’s rich traditions and way of life. Speaking at the ceremony, representatives emphasized the importance of partnership in delivering meaningful, community-driven development outcomes. “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that resilience is not only built at the infrastructure level, but within communities, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Through this partnership, we are supporting the Kalinago people in strengthening their capacity to adapt, thrive, and lead their own development pathway,” said UNDP Project Analyst, Sawana Fabien. A key highlight of the proceedings was the formalization of UNDP’s partnership with IsraAID, which will support the implementation of targeted community-level interventions, particularly in climate-smart agriculture, household resilience, and community engagement. This collaboration builds on IsraAID’s established presence and trusted relationships within the Kalinago Territory. During the event, equipment was handed over to the Forestry Division, reinforcing national and community efforts toward sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration. Also taking place during the ceremony was the signing of agreements with knowledge holders and participants in the Kalinago Knowledge Initiative with the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment. The SCR-K project represents a continuation and expansion of resilience-building efforts in the Kalinago Territory, aligning with Dominica’s vision of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation. It also reflects UNDP’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable development. By strengthening institutional partnerships, empowering communities, and investing in nature-based and livelihood-focused solutions, the initiative is expected to deliver long-term benefits for over 100 households within the Territory.

The Rotary Club of Dominica successfully hosted its Youth Symposium under the theme “Leading with Integrity: Building a Culture of Diligence and Ethical Leadership.” The engaging and interactive event was held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, Elmshall Road. The event brought together 4th and 5th Form students from secondary schools across Dominica, along with students from the Dominica State College. The symposium was designed to inspire and empower the nation’s young leaders by fostering strong values, responsible decision-making, and a commitment to excellence. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, students gained valuable insights into the importance of integrity, discipline, and ethical leadership in shaping their future and the future of Dominica. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their roles as emerging leaders and the impact of ethical conduct in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The sessions emphasized diligence, accountability, and the importance of making principled decisions in an increasingly complex world. The symposium featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared their expertise and experiences with the students. The presenters included: • Reverend Father Brancker John – Parish Priest • Dr. Gilda Nesty-Tonge – Consultant Psychiatrist •Ms. Chelsea Frampton – Attorney-at-Law | International Trade Policy Professional • Mr. Kevin Julien – Attorney-at-Law Each speaker delivered impactful presentations that highlighted the significance of integrity, resilience, and ethical leadership. The interactive format also allowed students to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue. The Rotary Club of Dominica remains committed to youth development and nation-building initiatives that equip young people with the tools and values necessary to become responsible citizens and ethical leaders. This symposium forms part of the Club’s ongoing efforts to nurture leadership capacity among Dominican youth and to promote a culture of excellence and service.