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Initiative supports destination competitiveness, community participation and sustainable tourism development – The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) today officially launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program during a press conference at the Discover Dominica Authority's Press Room, placing a spotlight on wellness tourism as a strategic area for destination growth and competitiveness. Observed under the theme "Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism," the program aims to strengthen Dominica's competitiveness within the rapidly growing wellness travel market while encouraging greater public participation in tourism development. The initiative is being implemented under the public engagement theme "Be Well in Nature" and will continue through July with activities designed to educate, engage and inspire. As destinations across the Caribbean seek to differentiate themselves within an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, Dominica is leveraging the experiences, natural resources and community assets that already exist across the island to strengthen its position within the expanding global wellness tourism sector. Delivering the feature address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Claudius Lestrade, said wellness tourism presents a significant opportunity for Dominica because it aligns naturally with the island's strengths and the evolving preferences of travellers worldwide. "Across the world, visitors are becoming more intentional about the destinations they choose, with greater emphasis being placed on the value of the overall experience," he said. "This shift presents a clear opportunity for Dominica to position itself as the leading wellness destination in the region." Lestrade noted that wellness tourism, valued at approximately US$814 billion globally in 2022, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry and supports a sustainable approach to tourism development by creating value from natural resources, local knowledge and community-based experiences. He explained that Dominica already possesses many of the attributes sought by wellness travellers, including geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agricultural traditions and authentic cultural experiences. "Wellness tourism is not a trend that we have to manufacture because many of the elements that define the sector already exist across the island," Lestrade stated. "Our volcanic landscape and geothermal resources provide a clear advantage, particularly in communities such as Wotten Waven, where hot springs are already part of the community's wellness identity." He emphasized that the continued development of wellness tourism will require collaboration among communities, tourism businesses, government agencies and citizens to ensure high-quality visitor experiences while protecting the resources that make Dominica distinctive. The focus on wellness tourism comes as the destination continues to record strong tourism performance. In 2025, total visitor arrivals increased by 15%, rising from 432,989 in 2024 to 496,635. Stayover arrivals increased by 19%, moving from 83,976 to 99,846 visitors, while cruise arrivals grew by 14% to 382,923 passengers. Representing the Discover Dominica Authority, Product Promotions Manager Odile Jno Baptiste outlined the activities planned under the program and said the initiative was developed to engage students, wellness practitioners, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs and members of the public while highlighting the connections between tourism, healthy living, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and community development. She noted that wellness tourism creates opportunities beyond the tourism sector by supporting local entrepreneurs, wellness practitioners, farmers, community groups and small businesses while encouraging healthier lifestyles and environmental stewardship. From herbal practitioners and wellness retreats to agricultural experiences and community tourism enterprises, wellness tourism creates opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders across Dominica while encouraging sustainable use of the natural resources that distinguish the destination in the international marketplace. The launch also marked the first public address by Wendy Lake since assuming the role of Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority on June 1. "When people think about wellness, they often think about spas, treatments or retreats. While these are important, wellness is ultimately about how people feel. It is about finding space to recharge, reconnect and improve overall well-being," Lake said. She noted that Dominica already offers many of the experiences sought by wellness travellers, from hot springs and rivers to nature-based adventures and local cuisine and emphasized that the success of wellness tourism depends as much on people as it does on place. "Every hotel employee, tour guide, taxi operator, restaurant owner, attraction manager and community member contributes to the visitor experience," Lake said. "The way we welcome our guests, the service we provide and the pride we take in our destination all influence how visitors remember Dominica and what they share with others when they return home." Lake added that Dominica is uniquely positioned to showcase wellness not simply as a tourism experience but as a way of life. Major activities planned under the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program include: • June 10 – Launch of the Be Well in Nature Poetry Competition for secondary school students ages 14 to 16. • June 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Public panel discussion, "Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone," at Jungle Bay Resort and Spa. • July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Wellness Fair at the UWI Global Campus featuring health screenings, wellness consultations, educational presentations and interactive wellness experiences. • July 19 – Nature's Bar: Wellness by Nature Mocktail Challenge, highlighting local ingredients and creativity within Dominica's hospitality sector. • July 28 – Tourism Service Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to elevate standards across the tourism industry. Additional activities will include Hike Fest events, Global Wellness Day celebrations, environmental initiatives, wellness retreats and community-based activities designed to encourage participation across the island. Through the 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme, the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority aim to strengthen public appreciation for tourism while advancing Dominica's position within the growing wellness tourism market. By highlighting experiences rooted in wellness, nature and community, the programme supports broader efforts to strengthen Dominica's reputation as a destination where visitors can reconnect, recharge and experience the qualities that distinguish the Nature Island of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrated leading storytellers, broadcasters and digital creators from the U.S. and Caribbean during the annual Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, a signature event of Caribbean Week in New York. Sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the luncheon honored outstanding journalism and content creation that showcase the Caribbean's people, culture, environment and evolving tourism landscape. “Great storytelling has the power to transform perceptions and create deeper connections between people and destinations,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s secretary-general and CEO. “The individuals recognized through the Caribbean Media Awards are helping to tell a more complete story of our region — one that goes beyond beaches and resorts to showcase our people and heritage. Through thoughtful, impactful journalism, they are elevating Caribbean voices and bringing greater visibility to the stories that matter most.” Awards were presented across three categories: Storytelling Excellence, Digital and Innovation, and Voices of the Caribbean. CTO commended this year’s entries for their depth, originality and commitment to authentic storytelling beyond traditional destination promotion. Among the winners, Dana Givens earned Best Consumer Story for “Jamaica's Greenest Parish Is Its Best-Kept Secret” in National Geographic while Christina Jelski of Travel Weekly received Best Trade Article for her interview with former Bahamas Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrilu. Ryan Bachoo of Guardian Media in Trinidad & Tobago won Best Podcast/Radio for his examination of sargassum’s impact on Caribbean tourism, and the Jamaica Tourist Board captured the Social Media Campaign award for its “Reggae Marathon 2025” campaign. In the Voices of the Caribbean category, Meschida Philip’s documentary “Echoes of Waltham” received top honors in Video Production, while Esther Jones of the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network won Best News Reporting for her exploration of the balance between cruise tourism and marine protection in Barbados. The Personal Immersive Story award went to Ralph Thomassaint Joseph of Documented NY for “Dancing Through Fear: A Haitian Performer Faces Deportation in New York,” praised for its compelling portrayal of the Caribbean diaspora experience. Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald was named Diaspora Journalist of the Year for her reporting on Haiti, while Luis Joel Méndez González of the Center for Investigative Journalism received Emerging Journalist of the Year honors for the investigative “Esencia” series. The luncheon also marked the official launch of CTO TV, a new digital platform designed to expand the organization’s reach through video storytelling, leadership interviews, policy discussions and destination content. The platform will leverage an existing library of more than 700 videos while creating new opportunities to spotlight Caribbean tourism, innovation and regional collaboration. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Caribbean Media Awards are pictured with representatives of CTO and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, sponsors of the annual Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, held during Caribbean Week in New York.

The partners of the KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe on 2 and 3 June 2026 for the project's first Steering Committee meeting, marking a major milestone in the implementation of this regional initiative supported by the European Union under the INTERREG Caribbean Programme 2021–2027 and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). KARULINK is a collaborative project involving several Caribbean territories, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe, represented by the Communauté d'Agglomération La Riviera du Levant (CARL) and the Municipality of Bouillante. The project aims to strengthen maritime and economic connectivity across the Caribbean by supporting the development of new passenger maritime transport routes, improving transport intermodality, and fostering cooperation between public and private stakeholders throughout the region. Led by the project coordinator, institutional and economic representatives from Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis gathered to coordinate the next stages of the project and build a shared vision for regional mobility. Key topics discussed during the professional meetings included: • Feasibility studies for the establishment of regular maritime passenger services between partner territories. • The development of environmentally sustainable transport solutions. • Opportunities for economic and tourism cooperation across the Caribbean region. KARULINK falls within the "Towards a More Connected Caribbean" priority of the INTERREG Caribbean Programme. Its objective is to reduce barriers to mobility between islands while promoting economic, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. This first Steering Committee meeting reflects the partners' shared commitment to developing practical solutions that support regional integration and the sustainable development of the Caribbean. About KARULINK KARULINK is a European territorial cooperation project co-financed by the European Union under the INTERREG Caribbean Programme 2021–2027 (FED-FEDER). The project is led by Groupe STEP (Guadeloupe) in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SKNCIC), the Communauté d'Agglomération La Riviera du Levant (CARL), and the Municipality of Bouillante. The project will run until 31 December 2027.

Experienced Caribbean tourism marketing professional to lead strategic destination visibility and growth initiatives – The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has announced the appointment of Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, 2026. In this key leadership role, Wendy will oversee strategic marketing systems designed to elevate the Nature Island’s global presence and drive sustainable visitor growth. Wendy brings 16 years of extensive experience within the Caribbean travel and tourism sector. Her professional expertise spans destination brand management, market research, stakeholder engagement and targeted promotional campaigns. Throughout her career, she has successfully built private and public sector partnerships to execute high-impact tourism initiatives. An alumnus of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Wendy holds a Master of Science in International Strategic Marketing, completed with Distinction, alongside a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies with a minor in Economics. Her academic foundation is further supported by a professional certification in Administrative Professional Secretaryship from the same institution. This multidisciplinary background across operations, project management and destination positioning provides her with a comprehensive understanding of evolving marketplace demands and consumer travel trends. As Destination Marketing Manager, Wendy will lead the DDA’s core marketing team, focusing on innovative branding campaigns, collaborative trade partnerships and data-driven initiatives across primary source markets. Her role will center on maximizing Dominica’s unique market appeal and streamlining international and regional promotional strategies. The appointment comes at a strategic time for the destination, as demand continues to grow for authentic nature, wellness and adventure tourism experiences, alongside sustained international marketing campaigns. Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism at the Discover Dominica Authority, Marva Williams, welcomed the appointment, noting that Wendy’s leadership will reinforce the organization’s ongoing strategic initiatives. “Wendy’s appointment brings valuable marketing leadership to our team as we continue to sharpen Dominica’s competitive edge,” said Williams. “Her deep industry insight and collaborative approach will be instrumental in building impactful partnerships, enhancing our brand presence and positioning the destination effectively in a dynamic global market.” Wendy expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Authority and contributing to the forward momentum of the island's tourism development. “I am excited and truly honoured to begin a new chapter as Destination Marketing Manager with Discover Dominica Authority. I look forward to contributing to the promotion and marketing of beautiful Dominica, showcasing its rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, authentic experience, and warm people to the world,” said Wendy. “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to work alongside the team and stakeholders to strengthen the destination’s visibility, foster meaningful partnerships and support the continued growth of tourism in Dominica.” The Discover Dominica Authority remains committed to strategic promotional frameworks that maximize destination competitiveness, optimize visitor arrivals and build long-term value for the local hospitality sector.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a new project to safeguard socio- economic activities and promote sustainable land management through nature-based solutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The US $ 6.1 million Watershed Action for Restoring Ecosystems in the South Corridor of St. Vincent project was approved during the 71 GEF Council, held alongside the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It will be led by the UN Environment Programme and executed by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean). St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ southwest corridor is one of the country’s most important agricultural regions and a key sweet potato belt, supporting thousands of farmers and rural livelihoods. However, unsustainable land-use practices combined with limited soil conservation practices have accelerated land degradation and soil erosion across the area. These pressures threaten biodiversity-rich ecosystems, including forest reserves that are vital to fisheries, tourism, and climate resilience. The five-year project will deliver global environmental benefits, including restoring at least 200 hectares of degraded landscapes, mitigating 114,564 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and improving management of 3,300 hectares within the Arnos Vale, Calliaqua, and Diamond watersheds. About 1,000 people, including farmers, community groups, the private sector, and government personnel, are expected to benefit directly from the project. The project will also support St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ degradation neutrality targets under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Sustainable land approaches implemented within the target area will be scaled nationally. “The special circumstances of Caribbean Small Island Developing States make the restoration of degraded lands and landscapes even more urgent and critical. Through this initiative, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will place healthy ecosystems at the center of the wellbeing, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods of local communities,” said Juan Bello, Director and Representative for UNEP in Latin America and the Caribbean. Claude Gascon, Interim CEO and Chairperson of the GEF, said, “The approval of this project is a strong testament ahead of the GEF new investment cycle that working with Small Island Developing States on ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management is critical to achieving lasting environmental resilience and supporting human wellbeing.” The 71st GEF Council and Eighth GEF Assembly bring together countries and partners to advance global action on biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and land degradation, and strengthen commitments for the next phase of global environmental financing under the GEF-9 Replenishment.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence invites the public to attend the TVET Showcase 2026 on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Ground Floor of Government Headquarters. Held under the theme, "TVET for Excellence: Showcasing Skills, Breaking Stigmas, Building Futures," the showcase will highlight the creativity, innovation and practical skills of students engaged in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Exhibits will feature areas such as Agriculture, Garment Production, Food and Nutrition, Woodwork, and other vocational disciplines, demonstrating the valuable role TVET plays in preparing learners for employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong success. The Ministry encourages students, parents, educators, public officers, private sector partners and the wider public to attend and support this celebration of skills development and excellence.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, in collaboration with the Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK), will host the 15th Edition of the Kwéyòl Spelling Bee Competition on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Alliance Française in Roseau. The competition aims to promote the use, preservation and appreciation of Kwéyòl among students and encourage greater engagement with the language within the formal education system. Four schools will participate in this year’s competition: Bense Primary School, Paix Bouche Primary School, Penville Primary School and St. Luke’s Primary School. The programme will feature remarks from officials representing the Ministry of Education and KEK, with students competing for top honours in the language and cultural competition. The Kwéyòl Spelling Bee competition was first introduced in 2010 as an initiative to promote the use of Kwéyòl among students within the education system. Over the years, the competition has provided an important platform for students to strengthen their language skills while deepening appreciation for Dominica’s linguistic and cultural heritage. The Ministry of Education and KEK continue to encourage public support for the competition and look forward to another exciting showcase of student talent, cultural pride and language excellence.

Raise productivity, essential for building more resilient agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean A report by Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean warns that increasing agricultural productivity is crucial for building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, and represents an indispensable condition for ensuring well-being, food security and the future of agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). –Ministers of Agriculture from the region and senior representatives of ECLAC, FAO, IICA and CAF participated in the launch of the report Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas: A Perspective on Latin America and the Caribbean 2025–2026, which states that agriculture can strengthen its contribution to agrifood systems through productivity improvements driven by adequate financing and policy, institutional, financial and technological innovations. The new report, jointly prepared by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, was presented during a virtual event attended by José Antonio López Leonardo, Vice Minister of Rural Economic Development of Guatemala, as well as Muhammad Ibrahim; José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs; Rene Orellana Halkyer; and Maximiliano Alonso, along with other authorities and specialists from the regional agricultural sector. During the event, Vice Minister López highlighted the adoption of Guatemala’s Agricultural Sector Policy 2026–2032, aimed at sustainably and equitably strengthening rural development, emphasizing coordination among different sector institutions and actions to improve access to productive resources, strengthen agricultural health systems and support decision-making through agroclimatic roundtables. “Its objective is to increase, in an equitable and sustainable manner, the sector’s contribution to national economic development by expanding productive and food opportunities for rural families,” he stated. “We must raise productivity as a central objective of policy both for economic growth and for greater social mobility and equity. Technological, scientific and institutional innovations are public goods that require sustained public investment and equitable access policies. Increasing the productivity of family farming simultaneously improves food security, rural employment and equity,” said Muhammad Ibrahim. “Agriculture can become a decisive engine for overcoming the low-growth trap affecting Latin America and the Caribbean, closely linked to stagnant productivity. But this will not happen automatically: it requires explicit and deliberate productive development policies, with investment, capacities, innovation, financing and market access. Productivity does not occur in a vacuum: it is built in territories, through governance, public-private coordination and local capacities. That is both the challenge and the great opportunity to transform the region’s agrifood systems,” said José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs. “At FAO, we are working to accelerate the productive transformation of the agrifood sector through technologies such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and other solutions adapted to local realities, as well as by closing gaps in strategic infrastructure. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between commercial banks, development banks and multilateral organizations in order to expand access to adequate and innovative financial instruments for producers. In this regard, FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative has mobilized USD 1.75 billion in the region to accelerate agricultural and rural development in the most underserved territories,” said Rene Orellana Halkyer. “Increasing productivity is essential for building more resilient agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve this, we need a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation, adequate financing, coordinated public policies and a strong commitment to social equity. Without productivity there is no sustainability, and without sustainability there will be no lasting productivity,” said Maximiliano Alonso. A strategic priority for the region The study warns that increasing agricultural productivity is now a strategic priority for the region because it determines not only the ability to produce more affordable food at lower cost, but also the capacity to respond to growing demand for healthy, nutritious, safe and sustainably produced food, while ensuring food security, rural employment, increased producer incomes and the resilience of agrifood systems to environmental and economic shocks. It emphasizes that although Latin America and the Caribbean has demonstrated strong productive capacity for decades in several areas, progress has been uneven and the region now faces a triple challenge: producing more, doing so sustainably and ensuring social inclusion. The publication highlights that over the last decade, total factor productivity (TFP) in the region increased by only 5 percent, equivalent to 0.9 percent annually, driven by technological advances such as the development and adoption of improved seeds, biotechnology, mechanization, precision agriculture, new irrigation systems and more sustainable production practices. At the same time, it notes that nearly 75 percent of production growth came from greater use of inputs and only 25 percent from efficiency improvements, reflecting increasing dependence on fertilizers and agrochemicals. The report identifies six major bottlenecks behind stagnant agricultural productivity: structural heterogeneity, technological gaps, weak governance, territorial and digital inequalities, human talent limitations and financing constraints. In this regard, the document states that around 16 million small farms — more than 80 percent of the regional total — face severe limitations in access to land, technology, financing and markets; only 15 percent of small producers have access to formal credit; and only 39 percent of rural households have internet access. It also states that increasing agricultural productivity is essential to reducing the cost of a healthy diet in the region, currently the highest in the world. In 2024, the regional average cost was estimated at USD 5.16 in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per person per day, above the global average of USD 4.46. As a result, around 28 percent of the regional population cannot afford a healthy diet, a figure that rises to 50 percent in the Caribbean. A comprehensive and multidimensional approach Against this backdrop, the document by ECLAC, FAO, IICA and CAF proposes advancing toward a new, more comprehensive and multidimensional approach to productivity that combines economic efficiency with environmental sustainability and social inclusion. It proposes a new generation of public policies aimed at strengthening agricultural research, expanding access to financing, modernizing technical assistance and rural extension services, promoting digital transformation and encouraging more sustainable and diversified production systems. The report explains that the future of agricultural growth will increasingly depend on efficiency and innovation because between 2023 and 2032, 79 percent of the global increase in crop production will come from productivity improvements and only 15 percent from the expansion of agricultural land. The publication stresses that overcoming productivity stagnation requires removing structural barriers, strengthening regional cooperation and building coordinated policies capable of connecting innovation, financing, knowledge and sustainability, for which it proposes eight lines of action. These are: enabling policies as the structural basis for productive transformation; financing as an ecosystem that mobilizes all resources needed for innovation and sustainability; technical assistance and rural extension services that strengthen productivity capacities; technology and digital innovation leading toward smart and inclusive agriculture; efficient and intelligent use of inputs and natural resources; sustainable and diversified production systems; trade and regional integration as drivers of productivity and innovation; and value addition at origin to retain and multiply value in territories. The event concluded with remarks by Héctor Huergo, agronomist and renowned journalist, currently director of Clarín Rural in Argentina, who called on the organizations behind the document to “go beyond their own borders and collaborate so that this new narrative on the role of agriculture in the Americas reaches the international stage.” “The document lays out the problems, the relatively low productivity, but as an average of a highly heterogeneous situation in which we have some of the highest productivity levels on the planet alongside others still somewhat stuck in the mud of helplessness caused by structural problems that we have not been able to solve. Fortunately, this report places that task squarely on the table. It is a call for governments to act in the right direction to reduce the gap between those moving at high speed and those still trapped in backwardness and the general lack of progress,” he concluded. Photo credit must be given: ©FAO/Denni Visuals. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO Photo credit must be given: ©FAO/Denni Visuals. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO

Supported and Endorsed by the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) — At a time when many young people are facing challenges related to drug abuse, alcohol consumption, crime, and limited opportunities, the 100+ Young Men’s Development Forum aims to inspire a different path—one built on education, leadership, personal development, and sports. Hosted by Creole Heartbeat and In Nature Tours, the Forum will take place on June 17–18, 2026, bringing together young men, student-athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and community leaders to explore how sports can be used as a tool for positive change. The Forum's message is clear: sports is about more than competition—it is about building people. Participation in sports teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, accountability, and respect. More importantly, it creates opportunities for scholarships, career development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and personal growth. At a time when many young men are vulnerable to negative influences, the Forum seeks to demonstrate how sports can provide purpose, direction, and hope. Through exposure to successful athletes, coaches, recruiters, business leaders, and professionals, participants will gain valuable insights into building successful futures both on and off the field. The Forum will also highlight the important role sports can play in national development. By investing in youth sports, Dominica can create opportunities in education, sports tourism, event management, coaching, health and wellness, media, and entrepreneurship while positioning the Nature Island as a destination for training camps, recruitment showcases, and international sporting events. The support and endorsement of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) reinforces the importance of using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, education, leadership development, and national progress. Event Details 100+ Young Men's Development Forum 2026 June 17–18, 2026 Atlantique View Retreat Resort, Dominica Theme Sports and Its Benefits: Building People, Creating Opportunities, Promoting Dominica & Empowering Young Men Motto Prepare • Achieve • Lead Registration Young men, student-athletes, parents, coaches, teachers, sports administrators, and community leaders are encouraged to participate. Register today:https://forms.gle/aCvm6DFW3WXYy7xQ9 Hosted by: Creole Heartbeat & In Nature ToursSupported and Endorsed by: Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) Building Better Men. Creating Better Communities. Strengthening Dominica.

UN experts* today expressed profound concern regarding the escalating threats, coercive measures and judicial weaponisation deployed by the United States of America against Cuba. “Efforts to change the constitutional order of a sovereign State through threats and coercion echo colonial-era practices,” the experts said. Following the abduction of Venezuela’s President Maduro in January 2026, President Trump’s declaration of the so-called "Donroe Doctrine" in March 2026 asserting US predominance over the Western Hemisphere has raised significant alarm. “Statements by the US President regarding the "honour of taking Cuba" reflect a deeply concerning strategy of coercion against a sovereign State.” “This assertion is not mere rhetoric, but part of a broader strategy involving the long-standing embargo on Cuba, its listing as a State-sponsor of terrorism, the recent fuel blockade and the imposition of coercive measures on third parties,” the experts said. The recent federal indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, appears connected to these efforts to undermine Cuba's sovereignty. This misuse of domestic judicial proceedings against sitting or former heads of State, as an instrument of coercive foreign policy constitutes an abuse of process that violates the principles of sovereign equality and self-determination under the UN Charter. The experts said that the announcement of the deployment of the USS Nimitz to the southern Caribbean underscores an additional element of unlawful coercion, contravening articles 2(4) and 2(7) of the UN Charter, as interpreted by the International Court of Justice. The experts have previously pointed to the severe humanitarian implications of oil import restrictions imposed on Cuba since January 2026, warning that Cuba faces vast energy shortages and blackouts that disrupt essential services and ultimately the right to life, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups. “These actions are part of a disturbing trend of lawlessness and contempt of multilateralism and the UN Charter. The normalisation of coercion and threats of regime change undermines the integrity of the entire international legal order.” “A democratic and equitable international order requires that all States, regardless of size or power, participate on equal footing, free from undue pressure,” they said. The experts urge: The Government of the United States to immediately cease all threats against Cuba's sovereignty and to revoke unilateral coercive measures adopted contrary to international law. All UN Member States to refrain from recognising or implementing measures that violate the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention, and to take all appropriate steps within the UN framework to uphold the international legal order. The UN Security Council and General Assembly to urgently address the threats against Cuba as a matter affecting international peace and security. *The experts: George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Zaina Jallad, Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights | OHCHR

Today marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Dominica Red Cross Society is calling on all citizens, residents, and communities across the nature island to prioritize early preparation and safety. With the memory of past devastating storms still a powerful reminder, the Dominica Red Cross emphasizes that proactive planning is our strongest defense against the unpredictability of tropical storms and hurricanes. The season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and forecasters predict an active period, making immediate action essential for every household. The Dominica Red Cross Society has already begun optimizing its disaster response mechanisms, reinforcing community disaster response teams, and restocking essential relief supplies across our network of local branches. However, institutional readiness is only half of the equation. True resilience relies heavily on individual and family preparedness. To ensure your home and loved ones are secure, the Dominica Red Cross recommends taking the following vital steps starting this week: • Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss where your family will meet if separated and establish clear evacuation routes if your home is located in a flood-prone or landslide area. • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Gather at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, essential medications, and copies of important personal documents stored in waterproof bags. • Access Regional Risk Tools: Visit https://caribbean-risks.org/en/ to access interactive maps, hazard information, and localized resources designed to help you understand specific vulnerabilities in your area. Secure Your Property: Trim overhanging tree branches near your roof, clear drains around your yard, and ensure you have functional storm shutters or materials to secure windows and doors. • Stay Informed: Monitor official updates from the Dominica Meteorological Service and local authorities. Avoid spreading unverified information on social media. The Dominica Red Cross Society remains deeply committed to supporting the people of Dominica before, during, and after any potential weather systems. Our volunteers are active in communities islandwide, providing educational resources and guidance to help vulnerable families build safer, more resilient environments. Do not wait for a storm warning to begin getting ready. Start your preparations today to protect your family, your neighbours, and our beautiful country. For additional guidance and to check regional risk levels, remember to use the online platform at https://caribbean-risks.org/en/. For more information on disaster preparedness tips or to find out how you can volunteer with your local chapter, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Dominica Red Cross Society headquarters in Roseau.

The Government of Dominica, in partnership with the Green Climate Fund and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), will officially launch the Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP) on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities through climate-smart agriculture, improved disaster management infrastructure, and enhanced Early Warning Systems to better prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges. #ClimateResilience #Dominica #DOMCREP #BuildingResilience #ClimateAction