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A major step forward in combatting Gender-based Violence (GBV) was taken when the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services of Dominica, through the Bureau of Gender Affairs, hosted a two-day workshop aimed at raising awareness and building capacity among stakeholders across various sectors on the GBV referral pathway and supporting the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act (2023). The workshop, held in partnership with UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean through the Build Back Equal Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, and the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, brought together key stakeholders across the justice, health, social services, and NGO sectors. The training sessions focused on survivor-centered approaches, trauma-informed responses, data-informed decision-making, and strategic and coordinated multi-agency implementation of the Act. The workshop also aimed to enhance the response of law enforcement and key stakeholders by improving data collection practices and developing a clear, actionable roadmap for implementation—one that aligns with on-going GBV programmes and initiatives within the country. Lester Guye, Director of Gender Affairs, said it is essential to have an inter-disciplinary approach to the implementation of the new Act: “We are finalizing implementation strategies informed by the consultant’s recommendations on the Domestic Violence Protection Act. We are meeting with stakeholders to make sure that everything is put in place so that we can safely and comfortably implement those objectives and strategies. The Government of Dominica is committed to fully operationalisingthe Act and this workshop is a crucial step to ensure that the Act is not just a piece of legislation, but a living tool that actively protects and empowers survivors - it is about translating law into practice. This workshop is a vital part of building trust and improving the way our systems work for those who need them most.” Guye expressed gratitude to the agencies who lent support to Dominica in this process. Loveness Nyakujarah, Coordinator for the Build Back Equal Project said: “Through the Build Back Equal Project which is supported by Global Affairs Canada, we are proud to support Dominica in strengthening its GBV response mechanisms and advancing the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act. This training is part of a wider regional effort to build stronger, more inclusive systems that can respond effectively to Gender-based Violence. Change happens when government, civil society, and communities work together. This training brings those actors together to ensure that survivors receive the coordinated and compassionate care they deserve.” Nyakujarah added that providing essential and efficient services for addressing gender-based violence is also vital because this removes barriers to women’s productivity in both their public and private life. The efforts to deliver better services for victims and survivors of violence are therefore contributing to women’s economic security. The training was facilitated by Dr. Susana Martinez Restrepo, a leading GBV policy expert, who provided technical assistance for the development of a national action plan to implement the Act. Dr. Restrepo said: “This training is important to understand in what ways we are re-victimizing survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence. It can be during the interview process. It can be when the police or someone gets to help them uh to get safe, for example, to a shelter. It can be when someone goes to the hospital to get a rape examination. Or when someone goes through the judicial system. In any of these instances they can be re-victimized just by making them repeat the statements, just by making them, for example, have a rape examination several times because the gynecologist is not available, we are re-victimizing the survivors”. Dr. Restrepo explained that the training promotes survivor empowerment, how making small decisions during the interview can be empowering: “What do they want to wear, whether they want to call a family member, whether they want water, whether they want to go to a shelter. Those little decisions can be empowering; respecting the decisions, making sure that everything around the decision-making takes them to safety.” This national effort is the culmination of months of technical support and consultations with stakeholders, aimed at closing capacity gaps, strengthening referral mechanisms, and creating a safer, more responsive system for GBV survivors in Dominica.

The GEMS Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural GEMS Artisan Market (GAM), held from August 1–3, 2025 at Fort Young Hotel. Over the course of three vibrant days, the event brought together 32 Dominican artisans, local performers, and enthusiastic attendees to celebrate Dominica’s rich cultural heritage and creative economy. With booths spanning fashion, home décor, herbal and wellness products, traditional crafts, jewelry, paintings, and locally made beauty goods, the ArtisanMarket transformed the hotel’s courtyard into a vibrant hub of innovation and artistry. Attendees were able to meet the makers, hear the stories behind the crafts, and support small businesses with every purchase. Live performances from spoken word artists like Ameka Cognet, singers such as Noel Grove, Shalina, Avita Omish as well as The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers and Pashiwok brought rhythm and energy to the atmosphere. “GAM was more than just a market, it was a movement,” said Jael Joseph, Event Lead and Director of the Entertainment and Arts of GEMS Foundation. “We created a space where artisans could showcase their work, build their customer base, and connect with other entrepreneurs and partners. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to have spotlighted the depth of talent Dominica has to offer.” Artisans like Misana Harris of Nature’s Touch, welcomed this initiative: “One of the best things was being able to network with Dominicans and also foreigners, some of them who were actual guests at the hotel. The venue was spectacular. Entertainment was very enjoyable and very classy. I sold many of my products.” Janique Samuel who leads branding and visibility for ZoRowe’s Rewards Rub expressed how much exposure the market provided. “Rewards Rub, the brand of Rewards Rub needed to get out, and this was a perfect opportunity to not only sell our products, because we did sell well and we were surprised at how much support we got. We were happy to let peopleknow that we are here, and this company is Dominican and formulations are Dominican, something to be proud of. We cannot wait for our next one.” The GEMS Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to our corporate sponsors and community partners whose generous support helped bring this vision to life. Special appreciation goes out to: Discover Dominica Authority, Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Dominica Youth Business Trust, Waitukubuli Artists Association and the Fort Young Hotel. We also extend sincere gratitude to the artisans who showcased their products, the performers who brought life and sound to the space, and to the attendees who came out in support of local business and culture. GEMS Artisan Market has set the stage for a new annual tradition and this is just The beginning.

Entertainment attorney Bernie Lawrence-Watkins and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding expert Chester Wilkins, both proud natives of the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, will be presenters at the National Bar Association’s (NBA) Centennial Convention, to be held July 26 – August 1, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois. On Tuesday, July 29th, the two will be part of a high-level panel discussion titled “The Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence.” This session—part of the convention’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offerings—will explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the entertainment industry, examining how AI-driven systems are reshaping music, film, and media. Topics will include AI’s impact on content creation, intellectual property challenges, and the future of artist rights in an automated era. Attendees will gain actionable insights into emerging technologies such as visual perception tools, speech recognition, and machine-learning models that are revolutionizing entertainment production and distribution. In this discussion, Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins will join some of the most influential names in law to include, Attorney Ricky Anderson (Moderator), Joseph Ford (NBC Universal), Darrick Hooker (Barnes & Thornburg), Daryl D. Jones (Law Office of Daryl D. Jones, PC). Though both have lived in the United States for decades, Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins remain deeply connected to their Dominican roots and are proud to represent the island at one of the most prestigious legal and entertainment gatherings in the world. “I was born on this beautiful island, and though I left at a young age, its influence has never departed from me.” said Lawrence-Watkins. She adds, “I’m honored to be sharing our expertise at an event that sets the tone for law, technology, and entertainment for the next century and that will have global impact- Dominica included.” Lawrence-Watkins founded Atlanta-based, B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, P.C., a top-tier law firm specializing in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Business Law in 2002. With more than 25 years in the business, she has negotiated game-changing deals for global superstars and producers behind chart-topping hits by Drake, Beyoncé, Eminem, Usher, DJ Khaled, and 21 Savage-another impactful Dominican-heritage talent in Entertainment, among others. Known for her ability to protect creative talent and maximize their value, Lawrence-Watkins has secured high-profile endorsements with brands like Apple, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola and is known by the title “Bernie Gets You Paid.” Her stellar work has earned her recognition from Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Lawyers, ASCAP’s Women Behind the Music Award, and numerous civic honors. Beyond legal battles, she is passionate about mentorship and education, serving on the boards of Georgia Music Partners and Girls Make Beats, Inc., while teaching as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University College of Law. Chester “Massive” Wilkins has carved a niche as a digital strategist and ISRC coding expert, empowering artists to thrive in the streaming era and demystifying music metadata. With experience at labels such as Def Jam and Jive Records, Wilkins now guides artists and organizations in royalty collection, metadata management, and global music distribution through his Iowa-based company,  LinkQMedia (Know-The-Code LLC), which also has a branch in Dominica. As a certified GS1 Specialist and ISRC Manager since 2007, he educates creators on how to protect their intellectual property and monetize digital content. Wilkins’ expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at major industry events, including A3C Music Festival and HBCU-NBODC conferences, and more recently, the AEGIS TT Business Summit and Workshop for Creatives and Small Businesses held in Trinidad and Tobago. His participation at NBA’s CLE sessions further cements his influence and network as he seeks to bridge digital gaps for Caribbean talent. His mission is to ensure that Caribbean artists can access global platforms, protect their work, and earn sustainable revenue through their craft. Founded in 1925, the NBA is the nation’s oldest and largest network of predominantly Black attorneys and judges. Its 100th Annual Convention will feature a week of dynamic programming, keynote addresses by leaders such as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and MSNBC’s Joy-Ann Reid (whose maternal roots hail from Guyana), The Honorable Yvette D. Clarke-  daughter of Jamaican immigrants, President of the Congressional Black Caucus and U.S. Representative for New York’s 9th District who will deliver the keynote address for the Excellence in Tech & IP Awards Luncheon and sessions on AI, tech law, civil rights, and social justice. For Lawrence-Watkins and Wilkins, their presence at this historic convention is about more than law and technology—it’s about proudly waving the Dominican flag on one of the biggest stages in the legal and entertainment world. “No matter where our careers take us, Dominica is home.” says Wilkins.   Lawrence-Watkins adds, “This is proof that our island produces global leaders who can compete and innovate at the highest levels.” -credit On Target Communications

The Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) is pleased to announce its representation once again on the international sporting stage, with a seven (7) member delegation consisting of three (3) athletes and four (4) officials, competing in Athletics and Swimming at the 2025 Pan American Youth Games. The Games, which will be held in Asuncion, Paraguay, begins with the Opening Ceremony on Saturday August 9th, 2025, and will conclude on August 23rd, 2025. The Dominica team will be led by Chef De Mission (CdM), Mr. Albert Loblack, who has vast experience in this field having served in sports administration for many years locally, including currently leading the Dominica Amateur Volleyball Association (DA V A) as President and serving on the Dominica Olympic Committee Executive Mr. Loblack also has previously acted as CdM for Dominica including at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Mr. Loblack will be accompanied by experienced officials Mrs. Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis – Swimming Coach, Mr. Joel Hamilton – Athletics Coach and Ms. Jermasha Mellow – Welfare Officer/Press Attache. At the Opening Ceremony, Dominica will be represented by female flag bearer Jasmine Schofield who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics and comes directly from competing at the 2025 Aquatics World Championship in Singapore. She will be accompanied later in the Games by Athletic duo; Addison James, CARIFTA Gold Medalist and ALBA Games 2023 Bronze medalist in Javelin and Treneese Hamilton, National record holder in Shotput. Swimming Coach- Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis Athlete- Jasmine Schofield (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle) Track and Field Coach- Joel Hamilton Athletes- Treneese Hamilton (Shotput) Addison James (Javelin) Mr. Billy Doctrove, President of the DOC expressed his optimism that despite the team being much smaller than the previous Games, the quality of athletes representing Dominica is extremely high and feels confident of a podium finish result. “I believe that the level of experience within the team, both in its athletes and officials will lend to positive results for Dominica at the 2025 Panamerican Games. The emphasis for the DOC at these Games was quality vs quantity and we believe this is reflected in the team which we hope can take advantage. Over the past twelve months, the three (3) athletes who will be representing Dominica at Asuncion 2025, have received substantial contributions to their training via the DOC, their respective National Federation and other stakeholders. This factor coupled with additional plans in place to ensure their high level performance training can continue post- Games, we believe will bring much beneficial confidence and experience to the athletes as they enter these Games. Dominica participated in the first Junior Pan American Games held in Cali, Colombia, in 2021, competing in three (3) sports. The second edition, in 2025, will be in Asuncion, Paraguay featuring the participation of more than 4000 athletes in 42 disciplines. This event not only offers a platform for young athletes but also the opportunity to qualify for the 2027 Pan American Games. The inauguration is scheduled for August 9, 2025, and promises to be a turning point for sport in Paraguay, leaving an inspiring legacy for future generations.

Creole Heartbeat is proud to announce the release of Issue #2  of the Creole Heartbeat Newsletter , dedicated to celebrating 25 years of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). As Dominica prepares for the highly anticipated silver jubilee of this globally recognized cultural event, this special issue captures the passion, purpose, and people who helped shape WCMF into a Caribbean institution. Issue #2  dives into the roots of the festival, tracing its journey from vision to legacy. It features exclusive stories and interviews with iconic figures including:   Gordon Henderson , the international music ambassador who helped take the festival global and emphasized the cultural force of Cadence-lypso.   Ron Lander , the visionary behind WCMF’s financial discipline and economic model.   Sheridan Gregoire , whose leadership at the National Development Corporation laid the foundation for WCMF’s creation.   Sobers Esprit , who contextualizes WCMF within Dominica’s shift to ecotourism and cultural branding.   Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton , Minister for Tourism, highlighting the festival’s economic impact and 2025 vision.   Dr. Irving McIntyre , Minister for Finance, who frames WCMF25 as a driver of both culture and national development.

National queen set to make her regional debut at prestigious cultural event in Nevis Discover Dominica Authority announced that Miss Dominica 2025, Tanisha Balson, will represent the Commonwealth of Dominica at the 17th annual Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant, scheduled for August 4, 2025, in Nevis. The regional pageant is a central feature of the Nevis Culturama Festival, featuring segments such as talent, evening wear, swimwear and interviews. This marks Balson’s first appearance at a regional competition. Balson, 22, earned the national title on February 27, 2025, standing out among five contestants. She received multiple awards during the competition, including Best National Spectacular Wear, Best in National Spectacular Wear, Best Talent, Best Evening Wear, Best in Evening Wear and Miss Photogenic. She is a graduate of Dominica State College with an Associate Degree in Biology and currently serves as a Member Service Representative at the Central Co-operative Credit Union. She advocates for arts education as a tool for personal growth and community transformation through her platform, Holistic Development Through the Arts . “It’s a tremendous honor to represent Dominica at the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant,” said Balson. “I’m excited to share our rich culture with the region and to use this platform to inspire young people to embrace the arts as a pathway to self-confidence, purpose and national pride.” Balson looks forward to representing Dominica with pride, sharing her message with a regional audience and contributing to the continued recognition of Dominican culture and talent on the Caribbean stage.

As the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) marks its 25th anniversary, Creole Heartbeat is continuing its highly acclaimed radio series, “WCMF @ 25: From Idea to World-Class Festival.” This week’s episodes promise captivating conversations with two of Dominica’s cultural icons, celebrating the festival’s evolution and its impact on Caribbean music and culture. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, Ambassador Leroy “Wadix” Charles will host the charismatic Val Cuffy live on Kairi FM. Known for his dynamic role in event promotions and entertainment, Cuffy will share his insider perspectives on WCMF’s journey, its legacy, and the festival’s enduring influence on Dominica’s cultural identity. Following that, on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:50 AM, the spotlight will shift to the legendary Ophelia Marie, Dominica’s “Lady of Song,” as she joins Wadix live on Q95 FM. Ophelia will recount her experiences as one of the pioneering artists who have helped shape the soul and sound of WCMF over the past 25 years. About the WCMF @ 25 Radio Series The Creole Heartbeat Radio Series is dedicated to chronicling the history, vision, and cultural significance of the World Creole Music Festival. Through engaging conversations with founders, artists, and cultural ambassadors, the series provides an intimate look at how WCMF has grown from a local idea into a globally recognized celebration of Creole culture.

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO) informs that recent unscheduled and recurring interruptions of the water supply, including periods of low water pressure, in La Plaine, were caused by a leak along a remote section of the main supply line from the intake. After several days of field assessments, the leak was located on Tuesday, July 29, along a cross-country stretch of pipeline. Repair works were completed that same evening. With the leak now resolved, restoration of service is actively in progress. The system must first undergo bleeding of the lines to remove air that entered the pipelines during the disruption. This is a necessary step to restore optimal flow to the storage tanks and through the distribution network. The bleeding process began Tuesday night and will continue throughout today, Wednesday, July 30. As the system recharges, meaning storage tanks refill, and water flows normalize, customers will see a gradual return of supply, with longer delays expected for those living in higher elevations. DOWASCO teams will continue to monitor the water supply network closely to ensure full restoration and stability of service. Customers who continue to experience service issues are encouraged to report them by contacting the Customer Service Department or through DOWASCO’s official Facebook page. DOWASCO regrets the inconvenience caused by this prolonged disruption and thanks the residents of La Plaine for their patience and understanding during the restoration process.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is pleased to announce that Caribbean Airlines will increase airlift to Grenada with additional flights from Trinidad and Barbados during the height of Spicemas 2025. This timely expansion strengthens regional connectivity and ensures greater access to one of the Caribbean’s most authentic and high-energy cultural festivals. Caribbean Airlines has confirmed extra services between Trinidad, Barbados, and Grenada on August 8th and August 15th, 2025. These dates are strategically aligned with the peak of Spicemas celebrations, providing added convenience for regional travellers, returning nationals, and Carnival lovers eager to immerse themselves in Grenada’s unmatched festive energy. CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Stacey Liburd, expressed her enthusiasm for the move, stating, "Spicemas continues to grow as a must-experience cultural event in the Caribbean, and the additional flights from Caribbean Airlines are both timely and essential. They not only improve regional connectivity but also affirm Grenada’s position as a leading destination for culture, music, and celebration. We are committed to working with our airline partners to ensure visitors can access Grenada seamlessly, especially during high-demand periods like Spicemas." The GTA remains dedicated to enhancing Grenada’s airlift strategy, improving access to the island year-round, and ensuring that signature events such as Spicemas are supported by robust transportation options.

Training Series Focuses on Raising Service Standards in Tourism – The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), commenced the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) Training Series on Monday, July 28, 2025 . The transformative initiative, which continues through August 11, targets Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE)-certified service providers, including craft and souvenir vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and hair braiders. Designed by the CTO, the CEO Training is a dynamic two-day workshop experience focused on elevating the attitudes, skills and knowledge (ASK) of tourism professionals who interact directly with visitors. Participants will be empowered to deliver consistently memorable and meaningful visitor experiences, while also redefining their role within Dominica’s broader tourism ecosystem. Throughout the series, service providers will be encouraged to shift from a “Me” to “We” mindset, promoting destination-wide collaboration and a unified approach to service excellence. Interactive modules and practical tools will introduce strategies for cost-effective service delivery, emotional intelligence, proactive service recovery and continuous improvement—all essential to cultivating a strong, visitor-centered culture. “This CEO Training Series is a strategic investment in the people who define our tourism product at the front line. As we strengthen Dominica’s position as a premier nature-based destination, service excellence must be non-negotiable.  This training equips NISE-certified professionals with the tools to deliver at a consistently high standard, ensuring that every visitor engagement reinforces Dominica’s brand promise,” said Ms. Marva Williams, CEO/Director of Tourism. Sessions are led by Mr. Norris Clement, Project Manager for the CTO Human Capital Development Project. With over 26 years of experience across both public and private sectors, Mr. Clement brings a wealth of expertise as a business advisor, educator, and certified CTO facilitator in Management of Service Quality (MSQ). His facilitation will guide participants through real-world scenarios, group discussions and performance-based exercises that sharpen their professional edge. This initiative marks another significant step by the Ministry of Tourism and DDA toward strengthening Dominica’s human capital and fostering a culture of excellence throughout the tourism sector.

Radiance Productions and NexConneX thanked as festival enters milestone planning phase  – The Ministry of Tourism, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) confirm that a premium VIP Experience will remain a central feature of the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set for October 24–26, 2025. The announcement follows confirmation that Radiance Productions and NexConneX, who co- led the VIP experience in recent years, will not be participating in WCMF25. In a public statement issued on July 23, the companies cited scheduling misalignment with their internal planning as the reason for their withdrawal. All financial matters between the DDA and NexConneX have been amicably settled. As preparations for this landmark edition advance, the DDA and DFC express gratitude to Radiance Productions and NexConneX for their six years of contributions in enhancing the VIP experience. Their partnership has played a significant role in shaping the festival’s premium service offering. To support transparency and competitive participation in this year’s planning, the DDA launched a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the 2025 VIP Experience. All interested providers, including Radiance Productions and NexConneX, were informed of the submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. While the schedule did not align with all parties, the process reflects the organizers’ ongoing commitment to fair engagement and quality delivery. Plans for an elevated VIP Experience are well underway. The 2025 offering aims to uphold high service standards while honoring Dominica’s cultural identity and enhancing guest experience. Details on packages and new features will be announced soon. The 25th anniversary of WCMF represents a moment of reflection, growth, and renewal. Organizers remain focused on delivering a world-class festival that celebrates Dominica’s creative excellence, cultural heritage and international appeal.

The Unicomer Group in the OECS is proud to announce the launch of R2 - Ready Recruit, an innovative youth career development programme aimed at equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in today’s world of work. The programme officially kicked off on July 25, 2025, and is open to young persons aged 16 to 24 who are the children and close family members of employees within the organization. Created as part of the company’s commitment to investing in people and communities, R2 is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Participants will benefit from a rich and engaging curriculum that blends in-person, online, and hands-on experiences to develop the skills and mindset required to succeed in the workplace. Key focus areas of the programme include: ▪ Attitude ▪ Character ▪ Diversity & Cultural Awareness ▪ Communication & Listening ▪ Appearance and Etiquette ▪ Time Management ▪ Teamwork ▪ Critical Thinking & Problem Solving ▪ Personal Leadership Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible for career opportunities within the company - offering a valuable opportunity for practical exposure and early career momentum. “This initiative is more than a training programme. It’s a vehicle to give our young people - especially those closest to our team - a supported and empowered start to their careers” said Bryan Rooplal, OECS Director of Human Capital. “We believe in preparing the future generation, and R2 is how we are doing it - by investing in those who will one day lead, serve, and innovate across the region.” The programme is being rolled out across 5 islands in the OECS - Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent - and is the first of its kind in the OECS. As Unicomer continues to focus on making positive change in the communities in which we operate, R2 represents a significant move in building a stronger and more prepared next generation of leaders.