The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, yesterday, received a donation of twelve (12) desktop computers, three (3) tablets and one (1) laptop from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), aimed at strengthening the management and efficiency of the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS). The handover ceremony took place in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services and brought together representatives of the Ministry and the World Food Programme as well as other recipients of donations from the WFP. The devices will support the Department of Social Services in enhancing data management, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening service delivery to vulnerable individuals and families across Dominica.Twenty-two (22) tablets and two (2) desktop computers were also presented to support village councils across Dominica, through the Information Support System Unit and the Office of Disaster Management. Programme Assistant at the United Nations World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office, Dominica Satellite Office, Ayisha Richards, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and the use of digital tools in strengthening social protection systems to meet the needs of citizens, particularly during times of crisis. “Together, these contributions support a broader goal, building stronger and more responsive and shock-ready systems to better serve communities across Dominica. WFP is proud to stand with the Government in this effort and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to strengthen resilience and improve lives. This hand over reflects our continued commitment to supporting Dominica in strengthening digital social protection systems and empowering institutions both on the national and community levels,” Richards stated. Austin Lazarus, Computer Analyst with the Information System Support Unit (ISSU), highlighted the role of digital transformation in improving accountability and operational efficiency within local government systems. “We have been supporting the councils through the PCAS primarily, which is basically a system that allows digital conversion of receipt of payment, which has been very impactful to the councils as well as the ministry and auditing. So with the use of the tablets, the councils will definitely be more enhanced and more efficient in their reporting, et cetera. So we're very much grateful for this donation and ISSU is very much in partnership and in support of this movement,” he reflected. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr. Kyra Paul, welcomed the donation and underscored the value of modernizing the Ministry’s operations.“Most recently, we have developed what we call the SWMS, which is the Social Welfare Information Management System, a tool that will help with improvements and enhancements to our service delivery, introducing innovation and digital technology into the management and administration of our programs under the Social Services Department. Obviously, these pieces of equipment will help us in expanding our digital infrastructure. And of course, it's an opportune time to demonstrate the kind of partnership that we've established with the ISSU Computer Center, under the Ministry of Finance, and with the ODM,” Dr. Paul noted. “Fortunately, with the support of WFP as well, we were able to develop the DECHA form, which is a consolidated multi-stakeholder data collection tool to collect Information on households and affected individuals post shock. We were able to pilot the DECHA during the recent trough and it demonstrates that when we pull resources together for data collection, the targeting of services can improve and it can be more effective because it actually meets the specific needs of our clients,” Dr Paul continued. Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Honourable Dr. Cassandra Williams, expressed gratitude to the World Food Programme for its continued partnership and support to Dominica’s social sector. “We thank you so much on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services for your partnership. You've been a partner to the Government of Dominica. You've helped us in so many ways and you have stuck with us and we're very grateful for that. We look forward to this. And I know, it will definitely enhance the efficiency of delivery within the Social Services Department,” Minister Williams stated. She further emphasized that strong social protection systems are essential to national development and community wellbeing. “When we strengthen the tools and systems used by our social workers and welfare officers, we strengthen our ability to reach families faster, respond more efficiently, and provide care with greater dignity and effectiveness.”The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners such as the World Food Programme to strengthen social protection systems and improve the quality of services delivered to the people of Dominica.

Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, addressed the UN Security Council’s open debate on upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, where he called for strengthening multilateralism, international law, and the Organization’s central role in preserving international peace and security. In his remarks, he acknowledged China’s leadership in convening the debate and linked the defense of the international order to the need to address conflicts and threats affecting global stability. In his speech, the Foreign Minister denounced U.S. policy toward Cuba, which he described as a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace. Rodríguez Parrilla rejected the indictment against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, considering it a politically motivated decision, and warned of its possible use as a pretext to justify military aggression against the island. He also noted that the energy blockade and the tightening of the embargo have serious humanitarian consequences for the Cuban population. The Cuban foreign minister reiterated that Cuba does not pose a threat to the United States and reaffirmed the country’s willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest, always on the basis of respect for sovereignty and non-interference. Finally, he called on the international community, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Global South, the UN Security Council, and the UN General Assembly to take action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe or military aggression against Cuba.

By Muhammad Ibrahim Director General, IICA – The extreme variant of the El Niño phenomenon predicted by international weather forecasts, combined with the global fertilizer crisis, poses a dual threat to rural economies, social stability, and agricultural production in Latin America and the Caribbean—a region critical to global food security. Even separately, both factors pose enormous challenges for regional agriculture. Combined, they could become a perfect storm for millions of producers, affecting food security in quite a few nations. Forecasts indicate a high probability of El Niño developing this year, with potentially uneven effects: heavy rains and flooding in some regions; prolonged droughts and water stress in others. The common concern is the uncertainty regarding the phenomenon’s potentially greater intensity. In the Southern Cone, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, some regions could benefit from increased rainfall and a recovery in crop yields. In Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, the outlook is less favorable. There, the risk of lower yields and crop losses, decreased livestockproductivity, disruptions in agricultural markets, and sharp increases in food prices is significant, which can lead to a deterioration in food security and force producers and consumers to face costs running into the millions. These are not potential dangers; recent history bears them out. These impacts, particularly in rural areas, are often followed by debt, migration, and nutritional decline. For agricultural producers, especially small and medium-sized ones, climate uncertainty makes it difficult to decide what to plant, how much to invest, or what level of fertilization to apply. And when fertilizers become more expensive or scarce, many choose to reduce application rates, decrease the area planted, or switch to less demanding crops, with immediate and negative effects on yields and production. Unlike in the past, it is now possible to anticipate the occurrence, impacts, and consequences of climate phenomena such as El Niño—or its counterpart, La Niña. Today, it is unjustifiable to act only on the consequences and limit ourselves to reacting when drought is advanced, floods occur, crops are lost, or prices rise. We must act sooner to minimize negative impacts. For all these reasons, the time has come to move toward a proactive regional strategy. It is imperative to promote a broad hemispheric dialogue on agri-food resilience that brings together governments, international organizations, producers, the financial sector, academia, and the private sector around a common agenda: developing anticipation capabilities to protect both agricultural production and life in rural areas. In this context, international technical cooperation, with its capacity for political and technical coordination and its relationships with governments, producers, companies, and international financial institutions, is uniquely positioned to promote regional cooperation agreements and proactive responses, as well as, if necessary, to coordinate aid and solidarity efforts to address emergencies. Among the public-private collaboration mechanisms that can be promoted are regional platforms for climate and agricultural coordination; agreements with fertilizer and logistics companies to ensure supply in vulnerable areas; innovative financial instruments in partnership with public and private banks; the expansion of climate insurance; and joint technological adaptation programs for small and medium-sized producers. Private sector participation is crucial for these strategies to be viable and scalable, given that chemical companies, agribusiness, banks, technology firms, and export chains play a fundamental role in the shared development of agricultural resilience. Strengthening early warning systems and transforming climate information into concrete decision-making tools must become a regional priority. Latin America and the Caribbean produce meteorological and agricultural data of immense value, but often that information does not reach producers in a timely manner. The widespread adoption of drought-resistant seeds and tools for efficient water management, combined with an agronomic management strategy that incorporates advanced technologies (such as GPS, drones, and sensors), should be among the other objectives of this coordination. The dual challenge posed by El Niño and the fertilizer crisis can also become an opportunity: that of building a new agri-food governance system based on regional cooperation, innovation, and foresight. Latin America and the Caribbean produce food for billions of people, both within and beyond their borders. Protecting this productive capacity is not merely an economic challenge. It is a strategic issue for development, rural stability, and global food security.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture Delegation in Commonwealth of Dominica recently facilitated the hosting of a two-day African Swine Fever (ASF) Sampling Pilot aimed at strengthening surveillance, preparedness and response efforts against the disease within the Caribbean region. The initiative was conducted through collaboration between the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica. Activities were held at the Dominica China Agricultural Science Complex in Portsmouth on May 6 and 7, 2026. The pilot formed part of the regional project, “Strengthening Surveillance and Response Capacity for African Swine Fever through Training and Sample Collection in the Caribbean Region,” which seeks to support the development of an ASF Surveillance and Response Plan for Dominica and the wider CARICOM region. Veterinary professionals, animal health technicians, laboratory personnel, quarantine officers, pig farmers, and other public and private sector stakeholders participated in the initiative, which combined technical training sessions with practical field activities. The first day focused on strengthening participants’ technical knowledge and capacity in areas including: • Recognition of ASF clinical signs • Sample collection and safe handling procedures • Field biosafety and biosecurity measures • ASF surveillance and response protocols • Packaging, storage and transportation of samples On the second day, joint IICA, USDA and local veterinary teams conducted field visits to selected high-risk pig farming areas, including border communities and regions with high pig populations. Ear blood swab samples were collected for diagnostic testing at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory at Plum Island. The IICA Technical Specialist in Dominica, Anthony Cyrille highlighted the importance of strengthening Dominica’s preparedness, surveillance and response capacity to protect the pig “This pilot exercise is a critical, proactive step in safeguarding Dominica's pig industry. This is the culmination of approximately 2 years of capacity building of staff of the Livestock Unit alongside our USDA partners. However, beyond capacity building we are making certain that our surveillance systems are on par with regional CARICOM standards as well as being in a position to respond immediately and impactfully to any threat. Early detection is the main strategy to combat ASF, and the collection and shipment of these samples is vital in our preparedness mechanisms.” he stated. African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with mortality rates approaching 100 percent. Although the disease poses no threat to human health, it represents a serious risk to pig production, food and nutrition security, farmers’ livelihoods, and regional trade. With confirmed ASF outbreaks previously reported in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, regional stakeholders continue to emphasise the importance of early detection, preparedness, and coordinated response efforts to reduce the risk of spread across CARICOM member states. The hosting of the sampling pilot reflects continued collaboration among regional and international partners to strengthen animal health systems and safeguard the Caribbean livestock sector.

Creole HeartBeat, in collaboration with Visit Nature DA, will host the 100+ Young Men’s Development Forum on June 17 & 18, 2026 at the Atlantique View Retreat Resort in Dominica. The initiative is designed to bring together more than 100 young men from across Dominica for two days of mentorship, empowerment, education, networking, and personal development through sports and leadership engagement. The forum aims to create meaningful conversations around the future of young men while exposing participants to opportunities connected to athletics, education, entrepreneurship, wellness, branding, and career development. According to the organizers, the forum represents a major step toward using sports and mentorship as tools for youth transformation and national development. “This is about preparing young men for life and leadership,” organizers stated. “Sports can open doors, but discipline, education, mental strength, wellness, and purpose are what help sustain success. We want this forum to inspire young men to dream bigger, think differently, and position themselves for greater opportunities.” The event will feature speakers, mentors, coaches, educators, business professionals, wellness advocates, and former athletes who will engage participants in discussions focused on: Leadership & Discipline Athlete Development Mental Strength & Wellness Education & Career Pathways Entrepreneurship Branding & Image Development Health & Recovery Life After Sports Motivation & Purpose Sports Tourism & Networking International Opportunities The forum also supports the broader vision of positioning Dominica as a destination for sports tourism, athlete preparation, youth development, and wellness experiences. Creole HeartBeat noted that the initiative aligns with its ongoing mission of using media, culture, sports, and community engagement to positively impact lives and create meaningful regional and international connections for Dominican youth. The event will take place at the Atlantique View Retreat Resort, providing participants with an inspiring environment focused on development, wellness, and growth. Young male athletes and interested participants are encouraged to register early through the official QR code featured on promotional materials or online at: Visit Nature DA Event Details Event: 100+ Young Men’s Development ForumDates: June 17 & 18, 2026Venue: Atlantique View Retreat Resort, Dominica, W.I.Hosted By: Creole HeartBeat in collaboration with Visit Nature DA

We need to get ahead of this Ebola outbreak. Today, I am allocating up to $60 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate the response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region. The humanitarian community is fully mobilised. As in previous outbreaks, Dr. Tedros and his colleagues at the World Heath Organization are leading, with courage and expertise. The epidemiological context is challenging: there are not yet licensed vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. These are some of the most difficult operating environments in the world for our life-saving work. We face conflict and high population movement. We are working to secure safe and sustained access for frontline responders, including to areas controlled by armed groups. It is essential that there is no obstruction of our response. We must have access to all routes – air, land and water – across the affected areas. We are applying lessons from previous outbreaks. Containment depends on fast, coordinated action at the community level. We need strong communication with Governments, and effective early warning and detection systems across affected counties. Community trust is essential: we will continue delivering wider humanitarian support to people affected, engage closely with them to understand their needs, preposition supplies where possible, and avoid militarised delivery of support. I am grateful to the United States for their swift financial contribution to support the response. I am in close contact with our Humanitarian Coordinators and the teams in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. More staff from key UN agencies and partners are deploying this weekend to reinforce the effort. I pay tribute to the communities and humanitarians working to contain this outbreak.

The Grenada Flower and Garden Festival scheduled for November 8-15 in Grenada, was officially launched during a distinguished reception in London hosted by the Governor General of Grenada, Her Excellency, Dame Cécile La Grenade. The launch coincided with the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Grenada once again earned international acclaim for its award-winning floral exhibit. It was a celebration of Grenada’s horticultural prowess and the unveiling of a national initiative focused on floriculture, sustainability, tourism, culture, and investment. In attendance was Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Mr. Randall Dolland, media and tour operators based in the United Kingdom, business leaders, members of the diaspora, and staff of the Grenada High Commission. In her keynote address, Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade described the Flower and Garden Festival ‘Grenada in Bloom,’ as “more than an exhibition,” calling it “an ecosystem of ideas, a platform where culture meets commerce, where sustainability informs innovation, and where Grenada’s botanical heritage becomes a gateway to global engagement.” Highlighting Grenada’s longstanding excellence at Chelsea, Her Excellency noted that the nation’s success reflects “patience, precision, creativity, and pride,” while demonstrating the country’s potential to transform international recognition into economic opportunity. Her Excellency emphasized that Grenada’s rich biodiversity, favourable climate, and growing focus on sustainable agriculture, positions the country for expanded investment opportunities in floriculture, essential oils, botanical products, exotic foods, and health and wellness. “Grenada is not merely cultivating crops, we are cultivating a future,” she declared. Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Mr. Randall Dolland, officially launched the flower and garden festival with a premiere video, while High Commissioner Croney praised Grenada’s repeated success at Chelsea, describing the nation’s flora as “a living expression of the island’s identity.” The launch also served as a platform to promote Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026, which will take place from June 21 to July 5. The Governor General called on Grenadians abroad to return home “not merely as visitors, but as architects of what comes next,” encouraging diaspora engagement through investment, innovation, and partnership. Her Excellency concluded by inviting the international community to Grenada this November for the inaugural flower and garden festival, which will celebrate the nation’s botanical richness, cultural vibrancy, and creative spirit. “From small islands can emerge great ideas; from humble seeds can grow extraordinary achievements; and from shared vision can arise a future of boundless promise,” stated the Governor General, during a toast to the Grenada Chelsea Flower Show team, and to mark the official launch of Grenada in Bloom!

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence informs the public that the annual Grade Six National Assessment (G6NA) will be administered on Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, 2026. This year, a total of 792 candidates-comprising 380 girls and 412 boys- are registered to take the examinations across 62 designated centers islandwide. The assessments are scheduled to commence promptly at 7:45 AM each day. All examinations will be conducted in a paper-based format, structured as follows:  Thursday, May 28: Language Arts and Social Sciences (Multiple Choice) and Composition  Friday, May 29: Mathematics and Science & Technology (Multiple Choice). The Ministry has collaborated extensively with educators and school administrators to guarantee a seamless and efficient examination process. Preparations have included the distribution of comprehensive stakeholder guidelines and specialized training sessions for all exam supervisors. The Ministry also extends its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of National Security for its vital assistance in securing the examination materials. To maintain a quiet and focused environment, parents, guardians or any unauthorized individuals are strictly requested to remain clear of school compounds while examinations are in progress. Additionally, the Ministry encourages parents and guardians to ensure their children receive adequate rest and relaxation in the days leading up to the assessments. The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence extends its best wishes to all candidates for a successful and rewarding examination performance. -END-

The Revolutionary Government condemns in the strongest terms the despicable accusation by the United States Department of Justice announced on May 20 and proclaimed for several weeks against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution. The United States government lacks the legitimacy and jurisdiction to carry out this action. It is a despicable and infamous act of political provocation, based on the dishonest manipulation of the incident that led to the downing, in February 1996, of two aircraft operated by the Miami-based terrorist organization Brothers to the Rescue over Cuban airspace, which repeated violations of Cuban airspace for hostile purposes were of common knowledge. Furthermore, the U.S. government distorts other historical truths about the event it uses as a pretext. It omits, among other details, the numerous formal complaints filed by Cuba during that period with the State Department, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding more than 25 serious and deliberate violations of Cuban airspace committed by the cited organization between 1994 and 1996, in blatant transgression of international law and U.S. legislation itself. It also ignores public and official warnings issued by Cuban authorities about the inadmissibility of such violations of its airspace and alert messages conveyed directly to the President of the United States about the seriousness and possible consequences of such transgressions. Cuba's response to the violation of its airspace constituted an act of legitimate self-defense, protected by the Charter of the United Nations, the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, and the principles of air sovereignty and proportionality. The United States, which has been a victim of the use of civil aviation for terrorist purposes, does not and would not permit the hostile and provocative violation of foreign aircraft over its territory and would act, as it has demonstrated, with the use of force. The inaction of the US government in the face of the warnings issued by Cuba at the time, revealed its complicity in the planning and execution from its territory of violent, illegal and terrorist actions against the Cuban government and people, a recurring and systematic practice since the triumph of the Revolution to present day. It is highly cynical that this accusation is made by the same government that has murdered nearly 200 people and destroyed 57 vessels in international waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific, far from the territory of the United States, with the disproportionate use of military force, for alleged links to drug trafficking operations that were never proven, which qualify as extrajudicial executions, in accordance with International Law, and murders, according to US laws themselves. This spurious accusation against the Leader of the Cuban Revolution adds to the desperate attempts by anti-Cuban elements to construct a fraudulent narrative in an effort to justify the collective and ruthless punishment against the noble Cuban people, through the strengthening of unilateral coercive measures, including the unjust and genocidal energy blockade and threats of armed aggression. Cuba reaffirms its commitment to peace and its firm determination to exercise the inalienable right to self-defense, recognized by the Charter of the United Nations. The Cuban people reaffirm their unwavering decision to defend the Homeland and its Socialist Revolution and, with the greatest strength and firmness, their unrestricted and unchanging support for Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, Leader of the Cuban Revolution.Homeland or Death, We Will Prevail.Havana, May 20, 2026."Year of the Centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz."

Visit highlights India-UN partnership and SouthSouth cooperation supporting Indigenous resilience, livelihoods and climate action – As part of a high‑level mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, the Hon. Pabitra Margherita, on Saturday visited United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-supported project activities in the Kalinago Territory, underscoring the strong partnership between the Government of India, UNDP, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and the Kalinago people in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. The visit highlighted progress under the Strengthening Community Resilience within the Kalinago Territory (SCRK) Project, funded by the Government of India through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund administered by the UN Office for SouthSouth Cooperation, and implemented by UNDP with the Government of Dominica and the Kalinago Council. The project supports the Kalinago Territory through an integrated approach that strengthens climateresilient agriculture and food security, forest and watershed restoration, and sustainable Indigenous tourism and livelihoods, while prioritizing inclusive participation, gender equality and national ownership. During the visit, the Indian delegation toured project sites focused on climate resilience, food security, environmental restoration and Indigenous livelihoods, showcasing how international partnerships are supporting locally driven development in Dominica’s Indigenous community. Showcasing Climate and Community Action The visit began at the Forestry Propagation Centre in Pond Casse, where seedlings are being prepared for reforestation activities in the Kalinago Territory. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to restore key watersheds and promote environmental stewardship, including engagement with children and youth. At the Kalinago Barana Autê, the visiting delegation was welcomed with traditional cultural performances before taking part in project activities. These included the symbolic handover of backyard gardening kits to vulnerable households, aimed at improving food security, promoting climate‑smart agriculture and strengthening resilience to climate‑related shocks. The visit also featured a tree‑planting ceremony, a tour of the Kalinago Barana Autê grounds, and a traditional cassava‑making demonstration, highlighting the importance of preserving Kalinago culture, knowledge and heritage alongside sustainable development. The engagement brought together representatives of UNDP, the Government of India, and the Government of Dominica including the Ministry of Foreign, International Business, Trade and Energy, and the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, as well as the Kalinago Council and community members. It reinforced the role of SouthSouth cooperation in supporting communityled solutions for climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and Indigenous development in Small Island Developing States like Dominica. “India is pleased to see how partnerships through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund are supporting community‑driven development in the Kalinago Territory. This collaboration reflects the spirit of South‑South cooperation, grounded in solidarity, mutual respect and locally identified priorities,” Minister Margherita said. Minister of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick said: “We welcome this visit as a recognition of the partnerships supporting resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Kalinago Territory. The collaboration with UNDP and the Government of India continues to support nationally led priorities and community development.” Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford said, “Today’s initiative, led by UNDP with the generous support of the Governments of India and Dominica, reflects a shared commitment, to empower communities, to invest in sustainable livelihoods, and to build systems that allow our people to thrive. To our partners, I extend sincere appreciation. Your collaboration demonstrates the power of collective action and international solidarity in addressing local challenges. To our government representatives, your presence underscores the importance of national support in strengthening indigenous communities. And to our beneficiaries, you are at the heart of this initiative, your participation and stewardship will determine its lasting impact.’’ Head of UNDP’s Project Office in Dominica, Justin Shone, said: “Thank you to the Government of India for the continued trust and partnership with funding through the UN Office of South-South Cooperation, as well the partnership with the Government of Dominica. This second project from India at now a total investment of USD 2 million is making a real sustainable change to the enhanced resilience of the Kalinago people.” Through its longstanding partnership with Dominica, UNDP remains committed to supporting Indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities to withstand and recover from climate and economic shocks, while strengthening institutions and initiatives that enable sustainable development.

The Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC) and Management of the Investment Migration Agency (Grenada) (IMA) wish to inform the general public and stakeholders of the appointment of Mrs. Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary, with effect from Monday, January 19, 2026. Mrs. Dowe-Mitchell has extensive experience in governance, compliance, and investigations within the public sector. She recently served as Head of Investigations at the Integrity Commission, where she had responsibility for managing investigative processes, preparing statutory and investigative reports, supervising staff, and supporting organisational review and anti-corruption initiatives across government bodies. She previously held the position of Compliance Officer and Head of Compliance at the Integrity Commission, with responsibility for asset declaration compliance, audit and reporting functions, and the development of internal policies and procedures. Mrs. Dowe-Mitchell, a Chartered Corporate Secretary Certified (C.C.SEC.), holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business and Finance/Economics and has completed advanced professional training in senior management, leadership and governance. The Committee and Management welcome Mrs. Dowe-Mitchell to the role and look forward to her contribution to strengthening the CBIC’s corporate governance in furtherance of IMA becoming a high-performance organization.

Grenada has done it again achieving another coveted gold medal – 19 in total, 9 consecutively, at the world-renowned horticultural exhibition held annually at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London. Grenada’s exhibition themed, ‘Isle of Spice – A display of Tropical Flowers, Foliage and Spices,’ further cemented the country’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished and consistent exhibitors at the Chelsea Flower Show. The award-winning exhibit, displayed within the iconic Great Pavilion, featured a vibrant showcase of tropical flora, spices, and cultural elements uniquely representative of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The exhibit featured an immersive collection of orchids, heliconias, ginger lilies, anthuriums, cocoa, nutmeg, and other spices synonymous with the “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, while celebrating Grenada’s rich biodiversity, agricultural heritage, and cultural identity before an international audience of horticultural experts, dignitaries, media, and visitors. Organised annually by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is widely regarded as the pinnacle of global horticultural excellence and attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each year, including members of the Royal Family, international designers, growers, and world media. Present at the Chelsea Flower Shower was the Governor General of Grenada, Dame Cécile La Grenade who joined the team in celebrating another milestone achievement. Her Excellency shared her elation stating, “On behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the team on securing yet another Gold Medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our designers, horticulturists, and all those who have worked tirelessly to showcase the natural beauty and rich floral heritage of our nation. Your continued success not only brings immense pride to Grenada but also serves as an inspiration to our people and highlights the tremendous potential of our floriculture and tourism sectors.” High Commissioner Racher Croney further noted that Grenada’s continued success at Chelsea reflects the creativity, resilience, and excellence of our people. She stated, “this achievement is not only a celebration of horticulture, but also a celebration of Grenadian identity, culture, and national pride. We are honoured to once again showcase the beauty and spirit of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique on the international stage and commend the team for doing so with distinction and grace.” Team leader of the Chelsea Flower Show, Cathy John echoed similar sentiments stating, “This Gold Medal is a tribute to the people of Grenada. By showcasing the beauty and traditions of our six parishes, we wanted visitors to feel the heartbeat of our island. Pure Grenada is more than a garden — it is our heritage in full bloom.” Following the Gold Medal announcement, the High Commission for Grenada in collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority hosted a special reception titled Tropical Bloom at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to officially launch the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival scheduled for November 8 – 15. The reception was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, tourism stakeholders, business leaders, members of the Grenadian diaspora, media representatives, and supporters of Grenada’s horticultural and cultural industries. Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Randall Dolland was present to officially launch the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival – Tropical Bloom. He stated, “Grenada’s participation at Chelsea continues to serve as an important platform for destination promotion, cultural diplomacy, tourism, and international engagement which has led to our very own flower festival in Grenada. We will take this opportunity to demonstrate that our riches extend beyond our spices, beautiful beaches, and waterfalls. Our Tropical Blooms deserve a prominent place in the global horticultural hierarchy and Grenada in Bloom intends to take that message globally.” Guests experienced an evening showcasing Grenadian hospitality, culture, cuisine, music, and floral artistry while recognising the outstanding contribution of Team Grenada and all the stakeholders involved in the country’s award-winning Chelsea exhibit. The launch of the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival – Tropical Bloom forms part of Grenada’s broader efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, horticultural innovation, and cultural diplomacy. It also highlights the growing importance of botanical tourism and nature-based experiences within Grenada’s tourism product. For additional information please visit the festival website -https://grenadaflowerfestival.com/ This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show placed significant emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmentally conscious gardening practices, themes strongly aligned with Grenada’s own environmental priorities and national development objectives. Grenada’s continued participation and success at Chelsea underscores the country’s enduring commitment to excellence, sustainability, and cultural promotion while strengthening its position as one of the Caribbean’s premier tourism destinations.