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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.” -END-

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services acknowledges the recent public statements made by Dr. Dale Dangleben regarding his shipment of medical equipment and supplies to Dominica, as well as his request for duty concessions. We would like to clarify that the Ministry has engaged in multiple discussions (between May 28 and June 24, 2025) with Dr. Dangleben and has provided clear guidance on the procedures required to facilitate duty concessions on donated medical supplies. These discussions included specific instructions regarding the documentation needed to process the waiver, which have also been reiterated by the Ministry of Finance. During these conversations, Dr. Dangleben informed that the container in question includes not only items intended for donation to the Ministry but also personal and commercial goods related to his private business. He was advised that, in accordance with standard procedures, an itemized inventory and valuation must be submitted, clearly indicating which items are designated for donation. Only items officially designated as donations to the Ministry are eligible for duty concessions or waivers. Items intended for personal use or commercial purposes require a separate application for duty-free allowance or the payment of applicable duties, as they are not eligible for processing through the Ministry. To date, the required documentation has not been received from Dr. Dangleben. As a result, the Ministry has been unable to proceed with the concession or waiver request. The Ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the consistent application of established financial procedures. We also reaffirm our openness to collaborations with individuals and organizations who share our goal of improving healthcare in Dominica. We value the contributions of our diaspora and welcome all those who wish to work together within the appropriate financial frameworks.

The Government of Saint Lucia took a major step last week, as it moves to develop a comprehensive evidence-based migration policy to serve the country’s development agenda in the coming years. The "Essentials of Migration Data" (EMD) workshop was held from 16-17 July 2025 with the aim of strengthening the Government’s ability to produce, disseminate and use data and statistics on migration. Participants in the workshop came to understand how data management is a crucial aspect of developing, monitoring and evaluating a national migration policy that addresses real issues and is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of all Saint Lucians. The EMD workshop was held at the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, as a follow-up to the "Essentials of Migration Management for Policy Making"; workshop conducted in April 2025. This workshop however, specifically targeted individuals involved in producing and disseminating migration data within the government system. Through their work, participants will play a vital role in the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and review of Saint Lucia’s migration policy. Sergeant Ken Charlery is attached to the Immigration Department at the Hewanorra International Airport. He shared that the training had given him new insight into the significance of his work “As an Immigration Officer, I have been involved in the data without realizing the entire process and the training help me realize what an important role that I play with my team in data collection and processing”. Participants in the workshop received tools and techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret migration data, putting them in a position to ensure that the policy is grounded in accurate and reliable information. During the closing session, IOM Project Coordinator - Vynliz Dailey explained how the training was a critical step toward the development of the policy. “Migration touches every part of society – from education and health to labour, security and development,” she said. “That’s why the work you’ve done here matters. High quality, timely, and reliable data are not just about numbers – it is about ensuring that policies are rooted in reality; that migrants are visible in decision-making, and that national planning reflects the true movement and needs of people.” The EMD workshop is part of the Government of Saint Lucia’s strategy to ensure a migration policy that is responsive to the needs of the population and aligned with national development goals, also within the framework of the OECS and CARICOM regional movements, and the Global Compact for Safe and Orderly Migration (GCM)The training was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Funding is provided by the IOM Development Fund.

The Government of Dominica will accord the late Gerald ‘Gerry’ Aird an official funeral in honour of his outstanding contribution to business and national development. Mr. Aird, the former Managing Director of HHV Whitchurch and Co. Ltd., passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was a highly respected businessman who helped advance Dominica’s private sector, particularly in tourism, and served as head of the Old Market Trust, overseeing the upkeep of key areas in Roseau. Under his leadership, HHV Whitchurch expanded its operations across a wide range of sectors, including duty-free retail, shipping, insurance, travel services, food distribution and money transfer services. Today, the company employs more than 235 people. The funeral service for the late Gerald ‘Gerry’ Aird will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Roseau Cathedral. Interment will be at the Anglican Cemetery. A Day of Mourning has been declared for July 29 and all state flags on all public buildings shall be flown at half-staff. The Government of Dominica extends sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Aird and all those who mourn his passing. -Ends-

Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre will present the 2025- 2026 national budget to the Parliament on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Minister will seek parliamentary approval of Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year ending June 30, 2026, amounting to one billion two hundred and thirteen million, four hundred and ninety-four thousand, three hundred and ninety- eight dollars (EC$1,213,494,398.00). As is customary at the start of a new parliamentary session, the President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton will deliver an address. The proceedings of the House commence at 10:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live via the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Service (DBS).

Rianna Patterson, the founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, has successfully graduated with a Master’s degree, with merits in Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Disgnosis from University College London (UCL). The graduation ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on the 14th of July, marking a significant milestone in her commitment to dementia advocacy. After initially deferring her acceptance to UCL due to funding challenges, Ms. Patterson launched a crowdfunder campaign on GoFundMe, raising over £20,000 to support her studies. This remarkable achievement underscores her determination to enhance awareness and understanding of dementia. Her master's thesis focused on Dementia Policies in Caribbean Communities; to her knowledge was one of the first publications to focus on English-speaking Caribbean countries. Her research fits into a global agenda of developing national dementia plans as suggested by the World Health Organisation. It was recently accepted for publication in the Caribbean Journal of Psychology, a peer-reviewed journal from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, illustrating her commitment to advancing knowledge in this crucial area. Rianna and her team are also working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in Dominica to develop a comprehensive National Plan for Dementia. At just 18 years old, Rianna founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation in memory of her grandfather, who passed away from dementia in Dominica. This youth-led charity has been pivotal in supporting families and care homes affected by dementia while facilitating critical research in the field. Her efforts earned her the prestigious Queen’s Young Leader Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June 2017 at Buckingham Palace, recognizing her dedication to dementia advocacy. The dementia foundation is set to celebrate 10 years of service to the people of Dominica in 2026. "This master's degree is dedicated to my grandfather and all those who supported me on this journey," said Rianna. "Achieving this goal took immense effort, and I give God all the glory. There were countless prayers and acts of service behind the scenes, and I am grateful for a relationship with a God who answers prayers. To anyone reading this, I encourage you to pursue your dreams backed by faith; trust that God will provide the blueprint to execute your plans. Not everyone will understand your dream, but God will speak for Himself when the time comes." Currently, Rianna is pursuing a PhD in Dementia at the University of Nottingham and will be presenting her PhD findings and delivering a workshop on her documentary film on dementia at the Puerto Rico Dementia Symposium this September, during World Alzheimer’s Month this September. Rianna was raised in Picard and is the daughter of Sheryl Vidal and the granddaughter of the late Terry Vidal from Salisbury and the late Evelyn Vidal from Colihaut.

Martinique deepened its strategic partnership with American Airlines (AA) last month during “Threads of Influence”, a vibrant Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration at the airline’s Dallas-Fort Worth headquarters. The event, hosted by AA’s Caribbean Employee Business Resource Group, brought together tourism leaders, airline executives and employees to spotlight the enduring cultural and economic bonds between the Caribbean and the United States. Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, joined representatives from The Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica in a series of destination presentations showcasing the region’s diversity, creativity and global appeal. Representing the French overseas department, Wiltord emphasized Martinique’s accessibility, safety, quality health care, and three UNESCO distinctions, while inviting attendees to “make it your own.” The celebration also featured a high-level panel discussion with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper and senior American Airlines executives — including Brian Znotins, Senior Vice President, Network Planning; Ralph Lopez Massas, Senior Vice President, Charlotte Operations; and José Freig, Vice President, International Operations. Together, they explored the future of Caribbean tourism, with Regis-Prosper underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable tourism development. Martinique’s participation underscored its strong relationship with American Airlines, which offers nonstop service from Miami and serves as a key gateway for U.S. travelers. As airlift connectivity continues to shape the region’s tourism trajectory, the event reinforced the critical role of airline-destination collaboration in driving growth and cultural exchange.  The participation of the Martinique Tourism Authority in this corporate-led initiative reflects the island’s broader strategy to enhance brand awareness in priority markets and build strong institutional alliances. By engaging directly with airline leadership and front-line teams, Martinique aims to foster deeper understanding of its tourism product, support route sustainability, and strengthen its positioning within the Caribbean region. The event also highlighted the growing influence of Caribbean culture, tourism and diaspora communities in the U.S., while reaffirming American Airlines’ deep-rooted connection to the region.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), will host the 2025 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium on Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Goodwill Parish Hall, starting at 9:00 a.m. daily.   This annual event brings together key players in Dominica’s cruise sector, including tour guides, taxi operators, vendors, hair braiders, and other frontline personnel, to discuss developments and opportunities within the cruise tourism industry. The 2025 symposium will focus on: Emerging Cruise Industry Trends Shore Excursion Preferences Customer Service Excellence Health and Wellness for Tourism Providers Access to Financing and Business Support Services   The event will feature presentations by local, regional, and international experts, as well as a virtual Cruise Industry Panel with participation from leading cruise line executives.   “The Cruise Stakeholders Symposium is a vital platform that brings together the people who serve as the face of Dominica’s cruise experience. As we prepare for the upcoming season, this gathering offers an opportunity to align our efforts, share critical updates, and strengthen the quality of service that visitors receive. The event provides access to valuable insights from regional and international experts, and also reinforces our shared commitment to excellence, professionalism, and innovation within the sector. We encourage all stakeholders to take full advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn, and position themselves for greater success in the evolving cruise tourism sector," said Marva Williams,  CEO/ Director of Tourism of Discover Dominica Authority.   All interested cruise stakeholders are encouraged to attend. To confirm attendance, please sign up using the link https://forms.gle/FZcYk4eKt9mX9B66A or  by contacting Cory Sergenton by calling 255-8249 or 255-8248.

Honourable Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, attended the Harmony Summit: A Gathering with Wisdom Carriers, held on 7 July 2025 at Highgrove Gardens in the United Kingdom. The event was hosted by His Majesty King Charles III’s charity, The King’s Foundation, which works to build sustainable communities and transform lives. During the event, Minister Frederick proudly showcased Dominica’s Kalinago heritage and emphasized the country’s leadership in marine conservation. Highgrove is the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire where The King has devoted much energy to transforming the gardens around the house, which are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the UK. The King’s Foundation charity manages the opening of the gardens to the public and offers education programmes on site. The Summit brought together Indigenous wisdom carriers, scientists, economists and policymakers to engage in a deeply reflective dialogue on healing the Earth through shared knowledge and collaboration. The gathering focused on merging Indigenous and Western approaches to foster action on climate, biodiversity and sustainability. The Honourable Minister took part in immersive thematic dialogues, including those focused on nature finance and community resilience, and was warmly received in discussions surrounding Dominica’s progressive environmental initiatives. Minister Frederick met His Majesty King Charles III as part of the event. The Minister expressed to His Majesty that; “We are aware of your appreciation of the work we do in Dominica, both in working with my Kalinago people and also protecting our marine kin-the sperm whale.” In an interview at the Summit, the Minister shared insights on Dominica’s environmental philosophy and offered his reflections. He said “the importance of The King’s continued works in protecting Mother Earth will help others appreciate the importance of the indigenous peoples in protecting of Mother Earth.” According to Minister Frederick, “This Summit was a reaffirmation that the path we are on, rooted in Indigenous wisdom, community resilience, and environmental integrity, is not only necessary but globally relevant and Dominica is ready to walk in partnership with others who share this vision.” Dominica was also represented by Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Ms. Janet Charles, who supported the delegation and engaged in discussions to explore future partnerships.

The Government of Dominica, under the direction of the Honourable Prime Minister, has announced a national amnesty on unlicensed firearms. This is a limited-time opportunity for individuals to surrender illegal or unregistered guns to the police without fear of prosecution. This amnesty is a critical step in creating safer communities across Dominica. If you or someone you know is in possession of an unlicensed firearm, now is the time to act. �� HOW TO REPORT SAFELY Crime Stoppers Dominica is here to support this effort. You can report anonymously. Your identity will never be known and your call or message cannot be traced. �� Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) �� Or visit www.crimestoppersdominica.org to submit a secure tip online. Whether you're surrendering a firearm or providing information about one, you are helping to save lives and strengthen our communities. Together, we can build a safer Dominica, one action, one tip at a time. Crime Stoppers Dominica Silence enables violence. Speak up, stay safe.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is elated by the announcement from Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to expand services in Dominica to include San Juan, Puerto Rico and increased frequency from Trinidad. This is the result of consistent collaboration with regional and international airline partners, including Caribbean Airlines, to enhance Dominica’s connectivity and visitor experience.   The schedule, jointly developed with Caribbean Airlines, re-establishes direct service between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Dominica, just one month after Silver Airways announced total cessation of operations. This new connection restores a critical link to the San Juan hub, providing smooth onward connections for both inbound and outbound travelers from the U.S. mainland and the wider Caribbean.   The new route offers an afternoon departure from San Juan at 4:00 p.m., allowing more time for inbound connecting passengers. The return leg departs Dominica at 10:00 a.m., a more comfortable travel window for residents and visitors, reducing the burden of early morning commutes and extended layovers in San Juan.   The new CAL schedule also improves direct connectivity with Trinidad, including increased service from Port of Spain. This has immediate benefits for passengers originating in Trinidad as well as those connecting from CAL’s flights out of JFK (New York) and Toronto, all key tourism source markets for Dominica.   With these changes: Service from Toronto to Dominica improves from once weekly to four times weekly southbound and twice weekly northbound via Port of Spain. Connectivity between Trinidad and Dominica is also significantly enhanced, making it easier than ever for Trinidadians to experience Dominica’s unique tourism offerings. Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism, welcomed the new flights, stating: “We are thrilled with this latest development by Caribbean Airlines, which reinforces the strong partnership between Dominica and the airline. The rapid reinstatement of San Juan service and increased frequency via Trinidad are strategic improvements that respond directly to the needs of travelers, tour operators, and Dominican nationals abroad. This will help drive visitor arrivals, boost tourism spending, and support our broader air access goals as we prepare to transition to the international airport.”   The Government of Dominica remains committed to improving travel convenience and boosting sustainable tourism growth. This new development aligns with the island’s long-term vision of becoming a more accessible, desirable, and connected destination for regional and international travelers alike.

The Official Funeral for the late Mr. Thomas P. Etienne will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Delices Pentecostal Miracle Temple. The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has accorded an Official Funeral to the late Mr. Etienne, a former member of the Parliament of Dominica, who passed on June 12, 2025. He successfully contested the 1970 general election and represented the South Eastern District in Parliament. He was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Cooperatives during the Edward Oliver Leblanc administration from 1970 to 1975, and later served as an opposition Senator from 1990-1995. He was also a farmer and served as an educator in his early days. A Day of Mourning has been declared for July 19, the day of the funeral, and all state flags on all public buildings shall be flown at half-mast. Viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral mass will commence at 11:00a.m, with interment at the Delices Public Cemetery. The Government of Dominica extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr. Thomas P. Etienne.