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The Dominica Athletics Association is proud to announce that two of Dominica’s outstanding athletes will represent the nation at the prestigious North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Senior Championships, taking place in Freeport, Bahamas, from 15th to 17th August 2025. Treneese Hamilton will compete in the Women’s Shot Put, bringing her strength, skill, and determination to the field as she aims to achieve a personal best and secure a strong placement for Dominica. Known for her dedication and powerful performances, Hamilton has consistently been one of Dominica’s leading female throwers on the regional stage and currently hold the Shot Put National Senior Record. National Record Holder, Dennick Luke will take to the track in the 400M Hurdles, a challenging event that demands speed, endurance, and precision. Luke, a rising star in athletics, has demonstrated exceptional potential and competitive spirit in national and regional competitions, and is eager to make his mark against some of the region’s best. The NACAC Senior Championships will bring together elite athletes from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, offering a platform to showcase talent and strengthen sporting connections within the region. The Dominica Athletics Association extends its full support to Hamilton and Luke, and calls on all Dominicans to rally behind them as they proudly fly the nation’s flag at this major international event.

By: Jan-Willem Wegdam – Emergency Response Specialist (IOM) Simon Springett - UN Resident Coordinator, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean In the Caribbean, where hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and climate-driven displacement are constant threats, humanitarian action must be swift, inclusive and anchored in local leadership. With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season already underway, the urgency is clear. When national and community actors lead the disaster response and global partners stand firmly behind them to support the humanitarian response, recovery efforts become faster, more effective, and more likely to save lives. This is the heart of World Humanitarian Day 2025 and this year’s campaign theme, #ActforHumanity a call to move beyond acknowledgment and take meaningful steps to empower local capacities, dismantle barriers to resources, and place communities in the driver’s seat of their own response and recovery. The United Nations in the Eastern Caribbean has recognized the importance of bridging global humanitarian aspirations with local knowledge and partnerships. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has adopted this approach through its localization framework, which places the power, knowledge, and expertise of local actors at the center of humanitarian response. This is particularly vital in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where national agencies, public servants, non-government organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) are often the backbone of resilience and recovery. The lessons of recent history are instructive. In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Caribbean, with Barbuda rendered virtually uninhabitable and Dominica's infrastructure shattered. IOM and other UN bodies in Dominica joined efforts with village councils, community leaders, and regional volunteer organizations, who ultimately played leading roles in the recovery, ensuring aid reached the most marginalized who needed it the most. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck the northern islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in The Bahamas, sparking a remarkable wave of solidarity across the country. The IOM co-led the shelter sector, with coordination meetings drawing more than 100 organizations, many of them local. Groups donated mattresses, water, house repairs, and arranged the transportation of locally donated relief supplies to NGOs and the government. More recently, Hurricane Beryl in 2024 tested the region's preparedness and adaptability. The leadership of the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and national disaster offices in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines set the pace. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as the agency mandated to coordinate humanitarian action, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator, supported CDEMA and facilitated joint UN efforts to ensure a coherent, needs-driven response. IOM, as part of the UN response, aligned its efforts again with local and national authorities, distributing emergency shelter materials, supporting cash-based interventions, and deploying critical assessment tools. IOM’s pre-positioning of relief supplies at the Caribbean Logistics Hub, in coordination with the European Union, Amazon, and the World Food Programme, enabled rapid response, but it was the networks of local responders and volunteers who ensured timely delivery to those most in need. The Caribbean's unique context demands a preparedness and response system that values inclusion, accessibility, and the agency of local actors. Regional policy approaches of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ensure that no country faces disaster alone. National disaster management organizations, supported by partner organizations, faith-based organizations, local businesses, and grassroots groups, bring context, trust, and innovation to every stage of the response. The work of people with disabilities and their representative organizations has been vital for ensuring that disaster preparedness and recovery are truly inclusive. Localization is not merely a policy—it is a practice. The UN invests in building local capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, providing technical expertise to national mechanisms, supporting training in emergency coordination, and sharing data tools that strengthen response systems from within. These efforts enhance, rather than overshadow, the leadership of national and community actors. As we mark World Humanitarian Day, let us recognize the real heroes of the Caribbean’s disaster response: the public servants who work through the night, the NGOs and local organizations that never leave, and the regional bodies like CDEMA that unite countries in solidarity. The future of humanitarian action in the Caribbean will be shaped by the courage and ingenuity of its people, and by our collective resolve to #ActForHumanity, and match their leadership with the resources and partnerships they deserve.

The Dominica Red Cross Society is urging all residents to closely monitor updates and take immediate steps to prepare as Hurricane Erin approaches the region. While the exact path of the storm is still being tracked, forecasts suggest that Dominica may experience heavy raintall, strong winds, and potential flooding in the coming days. We know that hurricanes can be unpredictable, and we want everyone to be ready, not panicked but prepared What You Can Do Right Now: Prepare Your "Go Bag" Pack essential items like water, canned food, medications, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and important documents. Keep it in a waterproof container and make sure it's easy to grab if you need to leave quickly. Secure Your Home Clear drains and gutters, bring in outdoor furniture, and check your roof and windows. Trim trees and remove loose debris that could become dangerous in high winds. Know Where to Go Identify your nearest emergency shelter and plan how you'll get there. Share your plan with family and neighbors, especially those who may need Stay Connected Charge your phones and devices in advance. Stay tuned to updates from the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), the MET Office, local radio stations, and the Dominica Red Cross Society's platforms. We'll keep you informed every step of the way. Check on Others Reach out to elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and anyone living alone. A quick check-in can make a big difference. The Dominica Red Cross Society reminds the public that we are in the hurricane season; residents are encouraged to pay attention to the warnings and information being provided by the Office of Disaster Management. -End-

National Swimmer, Jasmine Schofield, has officially ended her stint at the 2025 PanAm Junior Games. Jasmine competed in Heat 1 of the 50m Freestyle this morning with an 8th place finish in 29.43 seconds.   This race is the end of Jasmine’s long competition season and although Jasmine expressed disappointment in her performance, her effort was commendable.   Jasmine is currently the National Record holder in both the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle and she hopes to better her times and improve those records. In preparation for a new swimming season, Jasmine plans to return to training in order to work on technique and strength in her races.   The Dominica Olympic Committee thanks Jasmine for her effort and representation for the 2025 season. Yesterday, Jasmine Schofield had a 5th-place finish in Heat 2 of the 100m freestyle with a time of 1:04.05.   The events were held at the aquatics complex of The Paraguayan Olympic Committee-Olympic Park in the host city Asuncion.

CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Ashley Lashley of Barbados, is one of 14 youth climate leaders appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General to his Third Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. This cohort of the Advisory Group was announced today, International Youth Day, which in 2025 highlights "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond".    The Advisory Group comprises youth advocates from all global regions – including in this cohort, two from Latin America and one from the Caribbean – representing a variety of identities, experiences, perspectives, and expertise in their respective countries, communities of influence and networks.  It provides the Secretary-General with practical and outcome-focused advice, diverse youth perspectives and concrete recommendations to advance achievement of his climate priorities.    On the launch of this cohort, the Secretary-General praised young people’s “fearless advocacy” as pivotal in the fight against the climate crisis. “This is why I am proud to announce the launch of the third cohort of my Youth Advisory Group on Climate – and to expand its membership from 7 to 14,” he said. “That means more space for young voices at the table, more space for youth leadership and more space to shape climate action. To young people everywhere, don’t give up.”   For Ashley Lashley, this sub-region’s youth voice on the Advisory group, to serve in this role “is to carry the Caribbean’s cry for climate justice and to hold the world accountable for the debt it owes to SIDS."   Ms. Lashley is founder of The Ashley Lashley Foundation and the SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit.     Resources Press release: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/press_release_yag_3.0_12_aug_2025.pdf Webpage: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/youth-in-action/youth-advisory-group UN News story: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/iyd2025 Secretary-General’s Message on International Youth Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day/messages

The Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC), a regional network representing young people from CARICOM member states, will host the inaugural Caribbean Youth Environment & Climate Change Conference from September 9 to 12, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica.  The conference will bring together youth delegates, policymakers, environmental experts, and development partners to share knowledge, build skills, and collaborate on solutions to address climate and environmental challenges in the region. The programme will focus on capacity building, youth advocacy, collaboration, and policy engagement, with sessions on key topics such as ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, climate finance, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and climate justice. Delegates will also have opportunities to propose and present additional topics relevant to their communities and the wider Caribbean. “According to a study published in Science , Caribbean coral reefs have lost approximately 80% of their hard coral cover over the past three decades, a harsh indicator that our ecosystems and coastal communities are in crisis,” expressed Mario Galbert, CYCC’s Executive Coordinator. “This conference arrives at a pivotal moment, placing youth at the forefront of conservation and policy action to champion the resilience our region urgently needs.”  This inaugural event will support young leaders in strengthening their role in policy and decision-making processes, equipping them with practical tools and networks to advance climate action at local, national, and regional levels. By creating a platform for young leaders to develop solutions, share innovations, and influence decision-makers, the Caribbean Youth Environment and Climate Change Conference will take a critical step toward building a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.

National swimmer Jasmine Schofield had a 5th-place finish in Heat 2 of the 100m freestyle at the 2025 PanAm Junior Games. Jasmine finished with a time of 1:04.05. Though this time wasn’t good enough for a place in the finals, Jasmine had a commendable effort in the event.   Expressing some disappointment in her performance, Jasmine said that she plans to pace herself better for tomorrow's 50m freestyle race. She said that even after coming off a long swimming season, she gave this race her all. Jasmine said that she has had several changes made this season and she is thankful for the progress she has made thus far, but she will continue working on technique and strength as the season closes.   Swimming Coach, Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis, said that she’s pleased with Jasmine’s performance. Coach Walsh-Dupuis stated that although her time is much slower than her personal best, Jasmine competed well despite her challenges. Coach Dupuis plans to use this race as a guide for Jasmine’s next event in order for Jasmine to produce better results in the pool.   Jasmine will compete in the 50m freestyle on Wednesday, 13th August at 9:00 am PYT/8:00 am ECT. The events will be held at the aquatics complex of The Paraguayan Olympic Committee-Olympic Park in the host city Asuncion.   The game can be viewed on the official PanAm Sports YouTube page and website and updates on Team Dominica can be found on the Dominica Olympic Committee’s Facebook page.

Article by Marisa T It saddens me sometimes, when my mind wanders back to the Portsmouth I used to know. I remember the bustle, the easy laughter in the streets, and how the town seemed to hum with possibility. The air carried the scent of fried chicken drifting from KFC, a small but steady reminder that Portsmouth was on the move. HHV Whitchurch & Co. stood tall, its shelves filled, its doors always swinging with customers coming and going. And of course, there was Ross University. The campus buzzed like a heartbeat. Students from all over the world filled our restaurants, shops, and taxis. Their energy spilled into the community — every corner felt alive. Now, when I walk through certain parts of town, I see shutters drawn, buildings standing quiet like they’re holding their breath. KFC is gone. HHV Whitchurch & Co. has closed its doors. The departure of Ross took more than jobs — it took a piece of the town’s soul. We still have our sunsets, our sea, and our people’s resilience, but there’s no denying something has shifted. Portsmouth once felt like it was running toward the future; now it feels like it’s waiting for a spark to set it in motion again.

Dominica Olympic Committee President, Mr Billy Doctrove, emphasizes the importance of support for youth athletes.   Speaking prior to Dominica’s participation at the 2025 PanAm Junior Games, Mr Doctroves states that “a gold medal winner does not come automatically” but it is only achieved through adequate preparation.   Mr Doctrove expressed that games such as the PanAm Juniors are necessary stepping stones towards the development of an athlete, and in realizing this, the Dominica Olympic Committee continues to support junior athletes towards achieving excellence at the highest levels of competition.   In efforts to continue athlete development, Mr Doctrove urges members of the private sector to support athletes year-round.   “We are asking our private sector to come on board early to ensure the young athletes are prepared and the environment is prepared and our young athletes have a pathway to further excellence”, says Mr Doctrove.   The Junior PanAmerican Games was introduced in 2021 for athletes ages 16 to 21 and is considered the most important youth sports festival on the continent. This year, the games will feature over 4000 athletes across 42 disciplines. Dominica will officially begin competition with swimmer Jasmine Schofield in the 100m freestyle on Tuesday, 12th August.   Game highlights can be viewed on the official PanAm Sports YouTube page and website, and updates on Team Dominica can be found on the Dominica Olympic Committee’s Facebook page.

Chef de Mission, Mr Albert Loblack, is confident in Team Dominica ahead of the 2025 PANAM Junior Games. Speaking moments before the Welcoming Ceremony, Mr Loblack expressed that he is optimistic that the athletes will do well, and he looks forward to a good performance from all of them. At this year’s games, Dominica will be represented by 3 National Record holders. Namely, Jasmine Schofield (swimming - 50m and 100m freestyle), Addison James (athletics - javelin) and Treneese Hamilton (athletics -shot put). The team will attend the Official Welcoming Ceremony at 4 pm PYT/3 pm ET this afternoon, whereas tomorrow, August 9th, the Grand Opening Ceremony will take place at 7 pm PYT/6 pm ET. Swimmer Jasmine Schofield will serve as the flag bearer at this year's ceremony. Both ceremonies will be held at the games’ main facility, The Paraguayan Olympic Committee-Olympic Park in the host city Asuncion. The ceremony and games can be viewed on the official PanAm Sports YouTube page and updates on Team Dominica can be found on the Dominica Olympic Committee’s Facebook page.

As the 2025–2026 academic year approaches, parents across Dominica are sounding the alarm over the rising cost of back-to-school essentials. From textbooks to uniforms and digital tools, many households are feeling the financial strain, especially those with multiple children to prepare. Local vendors report increased prices in stationery, school bags, and even lunch items, attributing the hikes to global supply chain issues and rising shipping costs. “Last year, a full uniform set for my son was around $150. This year it’s closer to $200,” shared one concerned parent in Roseau. Meanwhile, educators emphasize the importance of emotional and academic readiness. “Beyond the books and bags, students also need mental preparation for the year ahead,” noted one primary school teacher. Community groups and churches have stepped in with school supply drives and donation campaigns, offering some relief to low-income families. With just weeks to go before school reopens, many are calling for more structured support from both government and private sectors to ease the burden on parents—and ensure every child gets a fair start to the new school year.

This Carnival season, Campari is stepping boldly into the heart of Grenada’s Spicemas celebrations, bringing its signature style, unmistakable flavour, and passionate energy to the island’s most anticipated cultural festival. As a sponsoring partner of dynamic pre-Carnival events at CRAVE, Pree-Day, and Brunch & Soca, Campari is making its presence felt. Throughout the season, the brand will spotlight its easy mixes such as the Campari Grapefruit, Orange, and Pineapple, bold cocktails that capture the spirit of the season and the essence of the brand. This year also marks the launch of CAMPARI Boulevard in Grenada, which is poised to be located on the iconic Kirani James Boulevard. Designed as an immersive space, CAMPARI Boulevard offers an all-sensory experience: music, entertainment, food, social moments and Campari cocktails crafted for the Carnival occasion. This vibrant installation will serve as a central meeting point for revellers, creators and tastemakers uniting community and culture through shared celebration. “Spicemas is an electrifying expression of Caribbean identity and spirit. For Campari, being part of this moment isn’t just about visibility, it’s about authenticity and alignment with the communities and creativity that fuel Carnival across the region,” said Theresa Higgins-Edwards, Consumer, Channel, and Customer Marketing Manager for Partnership Markets. “We’re bringing our full creative force to Grenada this year. It’s going to be unforgettable.” The brand’s Red Passion Carnival campaign continues to deepen its regional footprint, following high-impact activations in Jamaica, St. Vincent and St. Lucia earlier this season. With each island, Campari has focused on connecting meaningfully with consumers, curating spaces and experiences that elevate the Carnival journey while reflecting the brand’s heritage and modern edge. Timothy Peters, Brand Manager for Campari at Bryden & Minors Grenada Ltd added, “Spicemas offers a unique canvas for Campari to connect with the Grenadian audience in a real, resonant way. Through the introduction of the Campari Boulevard and our signature activations, we’re creating more than moments, we’re shaping memories that deepen the brand’s relevance and resonance in Grenada and the wider Caribbean.” With a firm pulse on culture and a strong pour of creativity, Campari invites everyone to discover the power of Red Passion at Spicemas 2025.