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The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has launched a Rental Housing Survey beginning November 24, 2025. The survey targets both landlords and tenants and is designed to gather critical data that will inform the establishment and operations of the forthcoming Tenancy and Rent Commission. In the 2024–2025 National Budget Address, the Government committed to creating the Tenancy and Rent Commission as part of its pledge to strengthen the housing sector. The Commission will play a central role in providing stronger protections for both landlords and tenants, preventing exploitation, and ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable housing across the country. The information collected through this survey will guide the Commission in addressing key challenges within the rental housing market. These include improving protections for landlords and tenants, setting and enforcing housing standards, and promoting a fair, transparent, and equitable rental environment. The survey questionnaires are available on the official Government of Dominica website: Tenant Survey: https://forms.dominica.gov.dm/x/72ByEpCF Landlord Survey: https://forms.dominica.gov.dm/x/y35cUejl The Ministry encourages all landlords and tenants to participate in this important national exercise. Your input is vital to shaping a modern, fair, and balanced rental housing system for Dominica.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)   In the face of a disaster, the difference between quick recovery and prolonged hardship often comes down to one thing: information. Who is affected? How severe are the damages? Who needs help first? In the Caribbean, where disasters are growing stronger and more frequent, technology can turn chaos into action. The reality on the ground is that, too often, communities wait weeks for assessments before help arrives. A farmer loses not only her crops, but also stored seeds and irrigation equipment. A fisher is left without nets, fuel or safe harbour access. A market vendor loses stock during a power outage but still owes rent and supplier fees. These delays aren’t because governments don’t care, but because the systems we rely on are slow and need improvement. As we’ve seen with recent storms like Hurricane Melissa, delays in assessment mean missed planting seasons, extended income loss, and avoidable setbacks across multiple sectors. Can technology help? Only when it fits our realities. CPDC’s research across five Caribbean countries shows that only 21% of community organizations currently keep vulnerability data on their members. That means most cooperatives, credit unions, and civil society groups simply don’t have records ready and on hand about who is most at risk. Whether it’s the elderly farmer without irrigation equipment, the young fisher still repaying a motor loan, or the market vendor dependent on refrigeration with no backup power, help is harder to target, and delays are sure to happen. Digital tools like shared databases, mobile apps and surveys, and even SMS-based tools can help local organizations identify risks and track their members’ needs in real time. Imagine a cooperative with an app showing which members are most exposed to flooding, or a credit union instantly verifying who qualifies for an emergency payout after a storm. CPDC’s research recommends testing digital tools across the region through cooperatives and CSOs to help track member risk and deliver disaster support faster, starting with small-scale action rather than large technological overhauls. But While Digital Tools Show Promise, Not Everyone Has Equal Access Across the region, access to smart devices and stable internet is not the same for everyone. Many women, rural families, and the elderly are not using apps. Power outages after storms make digital tools temporarily inaccessible. If technology is built without considering gender, age, connectivity, or socio-economic gaps, the people most at risk remain excluded and unprotected. That is why any move toward a “Smart Caribbean” must consider who has digital access, who requires in-person support, and how to use technology to complement—not replace—human networks. It must help organise data and blend digital tools with long-standing traditional methods of support to determine what systems will truly work on the ground. Technology and Community-led Finance Technology also strengthens meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). Parametric insurance, for example, relies on weather data triggers, like rainfall or wind speed, so payouts can happen automatically without lengthy inspections. Satellite imagery, weather stations, and mobile money transfers combine to ensure that affected families receive funds within days, not months. For informal workers, technology can be the key to inclusion. Mobile payments mean fishers without bank accounts can still receive insurance payouts. Digital surveys allow market vendors to register with their associations quickly, building the databases needed to prove their vulnerability. Even WhatsApp groups can serve as rapid communication channels during emergencies, linking communities to trusted organizations. Recovery Must Start Before Impact Tools alone won’t make us ready—but tools combined with trusted institutions can. With meso-level CDRFI and the right technology, we can shorten recovery times, target assistance more fairly, and ensure that no one is left behind. A Caribbean powered by smarter data, trusted institutions and people-centred tools is one where recovery happens faster and where fewer families are forced to start over. CPDC’s research provides a roadmap for how technology and meso-level CDRFI can work hand-in-hand to make this possible. The next step is putting those tools in the hands of the people who know their communities best. Learn more about how technology and meso-level disaster finance can protect livelihoods. Explore CPDC’s CDRFI research and join the conversation through the Risk Resilience Hub . Climate change isn’t waiting, and neither should we.  Damaged vessels from Hurricane Beryl, Barbados. Photo Credit - Ricardo Mazalan Osbourne Brumley at his “hurricane-proof” egg facility, destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Photo Credit - Maria Alejandra Cardona Crop field in Cayo District, Belize. (Photo Credit - contributed)

Dominica-The Dominica Football Association (DFA) is proud to announce that the Dominica Senior Women’s National Team- the Sisserou Girls- will meet Jamaica in a CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier on Saturday, November 29 at 3 p.m. at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. This match forms part of Dominica’s journey to elevate women’s football on the regional stage and strengthen the presence of the Nature Isle in international competition. “We are proud of the work, discipline, and resilience of our women,” said Head Coach Ronnie Gustave. “This team has been training hard. Showing a lot of heart, and they are ready to represent Dominica.” Dominica recently participated in the WIFA Tournament in St Vincent, and while the team did not medal, Coach Gustave said the competition provided an opportunity to assess the team’s capabilities and make the necessary changes and work on the areas needing improvement. “Our focus has been discipline, structure, and simply the basics and fundamentals. This is a major test for us against a regional powerhouse, but our women are ready to give their all for Dominica. And as we saw recently in Curacao’s qualifier in the men’s, anything is possible and small islands can do big things. The players have worked hard, and we are ready,” he continued. The team, today, welcomed overseas-based players Jewel Harve, Trinity Esprit, Chloe Lecointe, Eden Lander, Starr Humphreys and LeMyah Forde during its 2-a- day training sessions. The complete roster reads: Goalkeepers: Dymond Daniel Jewel Harve Gaylisha Lockhart Defenders: Shajirah St. Rose Jarisha Laurent Breanelle Laurent Lean Laurent Kimra Joseph Jessica Pierre Louis Trinity Esprit Whitney Charles Daniella Laurent Midfielders: Timecia Pierre Louis Rosalinda Paul Kenisha Jno Lewis Alianne George Chloe Louise Lecointe Eden Rayne Lander Kimara Felix Nyomie Defoe Strikers: Britney Dennis Starr Humphreys Le-Myah Forde Staff: Head Coach: Ronnie Gustave Assistant Coach: Sheldon Casimir Goalkeeping Coach: Melvin Angol Team Manager: Regina Walsh Trainer: Duly Polydore Medical Staff: Rose Annette Peltier-Lugay Equipment Manager: Steve Casimir Media Officer: Sheena Harry Dominica is competing in Group B alongside Jamaica, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Antigua and Barbuda. The DFA calls on all Dominicans at home and abroad to support the team as they fly the flag of the Nature Isle with courage and determination. Match Details: • Opponent: Jamaica • Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 • Venue: Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia • Event: CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is pleased to announce that Grenada will host its first-ever national flower festival from 8 – 15 November 2026. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at The Tower Estate, marking a historic moment for the nation’s floriculture, tourism, and creative sectors. The Grenada Flower Festival will celebrate the natural beauty, floral heritage, and the talent of growers, arrangers, designers, and horticultural communities across the tri-island state. The eight-day celebration will include village beautification projects, garden tours, floral installations, workshops, community competitions, and curated culinary and cultural experiences inspired by Grenada’s botanical richness. “Grenada is blessed with an extraordinary natural environment, lush mountains, fertile valleys, and gardens that overflow with life,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “As we continue to strengthen our destination offerings and expand our niche markets, the Grenada Flower Festival provides a new platform to showcase our islands in a fresh, meaningful, and sustainable way. From edible flowers in cuisine to the growing perfumery sector, from community gardens to sustainability practices, this festival will open new opportunities for culture, agriculture, tourism and enterprise.” The announcement was also attended by members of Grenada’s world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show delegation. Catherine John, long-standing member and current team lead of the Grenada Chelsea Exhibit, and the only person to have participated in all 18 of Grenada’s RHS Gold Medal-winning exhibits, shared her excitement about the festival’s potential. “Grenada has always been admired internationally for its flowers, foliage, and creativity,” John said. “People at Chelsea always ask us, ‘Where can we see these plants growing?’ Now we will finally be able to say, ‘Come to Grenada.’ This festival is an opportunity to show the world the abundance we have here at home, to inspire the next generation, and to celebrate our growers who create beauty every day.” The GTA also highlighted the importance of early engagement with growers, communities, and tourism partners, noting that planting for 2026 begins now. The festival will be planned and executed in partnership with floriculture groups, creative industries, the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association, Ministries of Tourism and Agriculture and community associations across the country. More details about the festival, including branding, programme, competitions, tours, and participation guidelines, will be announced in early 2026.

No woman or girl should live in fear online. Women and girls deserve to be safe, and that safety must extend to digital spaces. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the Caribbean is a place where they can live, work and engage online free from fear, exploitation, and harassment.   The Caribbean Policy Development Centre, in reaffirming its commitment to Gender Equity, joins with the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 to December 10. This year, CPDC stands firmly in supporting the theme : UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls , highlighting the urgent need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other technology-facilitated abuse.   Digital spaces have become central to communication, education and professional life in the Caribbean, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. For many women and girls, these spaces are meant to be a place of connection, economic empowerment, relaxation and creativity , such as scrolling Facebook, checking Instagram, marketing a small business or networking professionally. Yet these everyday activities are often disrupted by threats that violate their safety, freedom, and participation. According to CARICOM statistics (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey), 63%–76% of women and girls in Latin America and the Caribbean have experienced gender-based violence in different settings [1] . Globally, a UN Broadband Commission report (cited by Internet Society) finds that women are 27 times more likely than men to be victims of cyber violence [2] .   CPDC therefore recognises digital violence as a human rights violation and a barrier to building inclusive, equitable and democratic societies. Thus, CPDC urges civil society organisations to take the lead in advocating for stronger protections, raising awareness, and providing support for survivors of digital violence. By working together with regional institutions, governments, and the private sector, civil society can help build safer, more inclusive digital environments across the Caribbean, ensuring that women and girls are allowed to interact on digital platforms without fear, exploitation or harassment.     Ways Civil Society Can Help:   Advocate for stronger laws and policies to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Raise awareness  through campaigns, workshops and educational activities on safe digital practices. Provide support services  for survivors, including counselling, legal assistance, and safe reporting mechanisms. Partner with digital technology platforms to improve reporting systems, content moderation and digital safety tools. Collaborate across sectors , sharing resources and building networks to promote safe and inclusive digital spaces.   The safety, dignity and freedom of Caribbean women and girls must extend to all digital spaces. It is only by protecting their rights, listening to their voices and empowering them to participate fully in society that we can work towards a truly inclusive, equitable and safe Caribbean for everyone. Let us stand up for our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends. Credit: A Mighty Girl

Violence against women and girls is a global scourge. And in our digital age, it is being amplified by the reach and speed of technology. That is why online protection is the focus of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Online harassment, deepfakes and hate speech are proliferating. Misogynistic content is moving from the margins to the mainstream. And violence that begins in the digital world can spill over into the physical –– in the form of stalking, abuse, even femicide. Ending this crisis demands action from us all: Governments must criminalize digital violence and strengthen support for survivors. Technology companies must ensure their platforms are safe and accountable. And communities must come together in zero tolerance for online hate. We cannot allow digital spaces to be yet another place where women and girls are unsafe. On the 30 th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, I call on the world to unite to end violence against women everywhere. Together, we can build a world free of fear where every woman and every girl can thrive. ***

Global award spotlights Dominica’s conservation innovation — The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) congratulate Rosalie Bay Distillery (RBD) and Oceans Forward on receiving a Silver Award at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards in the category of Sustainability, Environment & Climate – Product, Innovation or Service (Non-Profit) . The international recognition highlights Dominica’s growing leadership in environmental innovation and sustainability. Rosalie Bay Distillery earned this distinction for its pioneering approach as the world’s only conservation distillery. RBD dedicates 100 percent of its earnings to local marine conservation while producing ultra-premium craft rums traceable from farm to glass at its facility in Rosalie. This model advances Dominica’s position as the Nature Island by demonstrating how responsible enterprise can directly support long-term environmental protection. This conservation-driven approach also strengthens community resilience. The “Pour to Protect” concept links rum sales to marine conservation outcomes and supports livelihoods through jobs in sugar cane cultivation, supply chain operations and distillery functions. This connection between economic activity and conservation creates sustainable benefits for communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems. The Ministry of Tourism and DDA recognize this achievement as a meaningful milestone in Dominica’s sustainability journey. The work of Rosalie Bay Distillery, Oceans Forward and local conservation partners continues to reinforce national priorities in environmental protection, community development and responsible tourism.

The Fourth Meeting of the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament will be held at the House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Among matters on the Order Paper, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre will present Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the year 2024/25. The Minister will also present bills for the Imposition of a Levy for the Maintenance of Highways, the Excise Tax (Amendment) Order 2025 and the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Order 2025, measures announced in the 2025-26 National Budget. The proceedings of the House will be broadcast via the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS) from 10:00 a.m and shared via this media house.

The Dominica State College (DSC) has officially unveiled the six contestants who will vie for the coveted title of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026. The introduction and sashing ceremony took place on Thursday, November 20th, marking the formal presentation of the contestants to the College community and signaling the start of their pageant journey. During the ceremony, each contestant also selected her competition number, which determines the order of appearance on show day. The 2026 contestants are:  Contestant #1: Kalie Clarke  Contestant #2: Nina Browne  Contestant #3: Mikkedia Joseph  Contestant #4: Nathalia Christmas  Contestant #5: Sherkhia Andrew  Contestant #6: Kenisha Demezin This year’s edition will feature six competition rounds, including a formal interview segment, giving each young woman the opportunity to demonstrate personality, cultural pride, talent, confidence, and public speaking ability. The 2026 Miss DSC Mas Jamboree marks the official return of the event to Dominica’s Carnival calendar after a five-year hiatus. Its comeback underscores DSC’s continued commitment to student development, cultural expression, and youth empowerment. The College is inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to sponsor a contestant to contact the DSC Student Affairs Department. Sponsorship plays a key role in preparing contestants for the competition and contributes significantly to the overall success of the event. The Dominica State College extends its best wishes to all six contestants as they embark on their journey toward the Miss DSC Mas Jamboree crown.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is strengthening national efforts to create healthier food environments in Dominican schools. The initiative forms part of a regional response to the alarming rise in childhood overweight and obesity- now affecting one in every three Caribbean children. Unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, fat, and ultra-processed foods continue to fuel non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death and disability across the region. To tackle this challenge, CARPHA and PAHO have jointly developed the Technical Recommendations for Nutrition Standards for Caribbean Schools, designed to guide countries in standardizing the foods and beverages sold or served in primary and secondary schools. These recommendations support the creation of healthier school environments by increasing access to nutritious meals and limiting unhealthy options. From November 20 to 24, 2025, under a Subsidiary Agreement between CARPHA and PAHO, Dominica will receive country-specific guidance and training to implement these standards, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term health outcomes. The initiative aims to support the development and strengthening of national nutrition standards for all foods provided and sold in schools and early childhood services. This effort directly contributes to achieving global targets to end all forms of malnutrition and reduce NCDs and obesity rates by 30% by the year 2030. The programme will:  Provide updates on regional food policy related to childhood nutrition.  Build understanding of the new CARPHA–PAHO technical recommendations and their importance for child health and development.  Strengthen practical skills in planning and preparing healthy school meals and snacks.  Improve food safety practices in school food environments.  Clarify roles and responsibilities of school food providers in creating healthier food settings.  Support the development of draft national nutrition standards through multi- sectoral collaboration. The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and ensuring that schools serve as spaces that promote healthy growth, learning, and development. This collaboration represents a major step forward in protecting future generations from preventable diseases and promoting a healthier, more resilient nation.

Executive Member of the Dominica Diabetes Association and Young Leader for Diabetes in Dominica, and Pharmacy Technician, Ms. Royette Charles, is on a mission to inspire hope among individuals living with diabetes. She is also calling on the wider Dominican public to make proactive lifestyle changes that can help prevent the onset of the illness. Ms. Charles emphasizes the importance of viewing diabetes as a serious health issue that requires consistent effort and discipline. She encourages those affected to adopt a more balanced lifestyle - prioritizing healthier food choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and staying committed to long-term wellness habits. She also noted that a healthy lifestyle is not just about prevention, but about empowering those already diagnosed to manage their condition effectively. According to Ms. Charles, maintaining proper routines can significantly improve overall well-being. Speaking to the media recently, Ms. Charles highlighted the need for diabetics to become comfortable and knowledgeable with using appropriate testing supplies. She believes that understanding how to properly monitor their condition is essential to better management and improved quality of life.

The Youth Development Division of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development will host its Short Course Certificate Ceremony on Friday, November 21, 2025, 2:30PM, at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital Amphitheatre. The event will celebrate the achievements of more than one hundred (100) young people who have successfully completed a series of eight-week training programmes across the island. These short courses, delivered between November 2024 and November 2025, were designed to equip young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with practical, marketable skills that support employability, entrepreneurship and personal development. The training was offered free of charge and spanned seven communities, with one programme delivered entirely online to ensure maximum accessibility. Participants will be recognized for completing one of nine specialized training areas: Small Electronic Repair, Basic Sewing, Canva & Photoshop Design, Financial Literacy, Beginner Videography, Digital Devices Maintenance & Repair, Digital Literacy and Public Speaking & Leadership Presence (online). All courses also integrated weekly Soft Skills Sessions focused on communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, work culture readiness, leadership presence, stress management and time management, ensuring a holistic approach to youth development. The Division anticipates that, as in previous cycles, many graduates will use their newly acquired skills to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, secure employment, or advance to higher-level training programmes. As part of its ongoing mandate, the Youth Development Division will continue expanding opportunities for young people through initiatives such as the Digital Literacy & Work Readiness Programme, the Heavy Equipment & Truck Operations Programme, and community-based leadership and life skills sessions. The Division looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Short Course graduates and reaffirms its commitment to supporting youth empowerment across Dominica.