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The GEMS Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the GEMS Artisan Market (GAM) , a vibrant three-day cultural event set to take place from August 1–3, 2025 , at the iconic Fort Young Hotel  in the heart of Roseau. GAM is designed to spotlight Dominica’s rich artistic and cultural heritage by bringing together 32 of the island’s most talented artisans  and 30 local performers  for a weekend of art, music, food, and community connection. The event is open to the public and free to attend . “GAM is more than a market, it's a movement,” says Jael Joseph , Event Lead at the GEMS Foundation. “We’re creating a space where our local makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs can shine, sell, and be celebrated. It’s about showcasing Dominican excellence and building pride in our cultural identity.” Artisans will exhibit a variety of high-quality, locally made products including handmade crafts,herbal products, jewelry, clothing, fine art, and home goods. The event will also feature acoustic performances, spoken word, and poetry sessions, all set in an inviting atmosphere across the Fort Young Hotel property, including a dedicated stage area in the Marquis space. “The GEMS Artisan Market celebrates Dominican creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship, adds Gregor Nassief, Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Holdings. “ It’s more than a showcase,it's a platform for artisans to grow as business owners and cultural ambassadors, while strengthening sustainable tourism and community pride." GAM aims to foster sustainable creative enterprise and economic empowerment within the arts sector and invites the support of public and private sector stakeholders to join this initiative. Artisan applications are now open , with a limited number of spaces available. Interested artisans are encouraged to apply early to be considered for selection. The event is part of the GEMS Foundation’s wider mission to support education, entrepreneurship, entertainment & arts, and the environment in Dominica. For more information and to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/4mpc3Wc   Foundation on social media @gemsfoundation. Email: foundation@gems.dm or follow GEMS Mr Gregor Nassief

The Head of the Family Life Commission of the Diocese of Roseau, Fr Herman Sharplis has called for the recognition of the family as the first school of human values, where we learn to use freedom. His call came while delivering the homily at the closing mass for Family Week 2025. Addressing pilgrims gathered at the Church of Our lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel, Fr. Sharplis made reference to one of many of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation - Amoris Laetitia ( On Love in the Family). Fr, Sharplis, who is chair of the Family Life Commission in the Diocese of Roseau, reinforced that ”it is in the family we learn to relate, listen and share , to be patient , show respect and love one another and live as one”. He was also very emphatic in promoting the family as the Domestic Church and the Liturgy of the Domestic Church Life designed by Dr Grey and Lisa Popcak. The Liturgy of the Domestic Church life calls on families to “schedule family time first; exhibit extravagant affection and affirmation; exhibit prompt, generous, cheerful and consistent attention to each other’s needs and discipleship discipline”. These Fr. Sharplis added can be reinforced through “family prayer rituals, family play rituals, family talk rituals and family work rituals”. Family Week in the Diocese of Roseau culminated on Saturday 17 th May with hundreds of pilgrims participating in a Family Pilgrimage from The Holy Spirit Chapel in Loubiere to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel. The Day’s activity ended with celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Nigel Karam, Vicar General of the Diocese as main celebrant. The theme for Family Week 2025 was “Our Families, Our Hope”. Family week formed part of the Jubilee Year being celebrated under the theme” Pilgrims of Hope”. The event was coordinated by the Family Life Commission and the Family Life Units in the various parishes.

Award-Winning Single Rum Showcases Dominica’s Excellence in Sustainable Craftsmanship and Marine Conservation – Discover Dominica Authority congratulates Rosalie Bay Distillery for winning a Silver Medal at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. The distillery’s Single Rum earned an impressive score of 91 points, highlighting its exceptional quality and the company’s pioneering commitment to environmental conservation. Rosalie Bay Distillery is recognized as the world’s first conservation distillery, uniquely combining premium rum production with active efforts to protect Dominica’s marine biodiversity. Each bottle sold supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and coral reefs around the island. The distillery employs sustainable practices including solar energy, rainwater harvesting and advanced wastewater treatment, while empowering over 80 local farmers who hand-harvest sugarcane near the distillery. Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, stated, “Rosalie Bay Distillery’s success is a proud moment for Dominica and a shining example of how innovation and conservation can work together to create products that are not only world-class but also environmentally responsible. This award highlights the island’s commitment to protecting our natural environment while supporting local communities and sustainable economic growth.” The London Spirits Competition, held in March 2025, evaluates entries based on quality, value, and packaging. Rosalie Bay Distillery’s achievement highlights Dominica’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible spirit production. More details about the award and the distillery’s unique conservation efforts can be found on the official London Spirits Competition website:  https://londonspiritscompetition.com/en/winner-companies/2025/rosalie-bay-distilling-6350.htm . As an additional note, Rosalie Bay Distillery also earned a Bronze Medal at the 2024 New York Wine &; Spirits Competition, further confirming the consistent quality and growing international recognition of their products.

On the 8th and 9th of May, 6 Secondary Schools competed to become the Master of the Maze in the NTRC’s 3rd annual Tech Expo student robotics competition. The schools competing were Castle Bruce Secondary School, Convent High School, Goodwill Secondary School, North Eastern Comprehensive School Orion Academy and St. Mary’s Academy. Students and their IT teachers received Arduino Microcro-controlers, other various components and parts, and support from the NTRC’s consulting facilitator Ms. Vashanti Raymond to build their robotics projects. The challenge: to build a robot that can navigate any maze it is placed in without human intervention, including no remote controls. The competition, held at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, was held in three rounds and spanned 2 days. Despite the challenges the students faced, Castle Bruce Secondary emerged victorious. Prize packages included cash for the students, the teacher and the school provided by NTRC, Purpose Partners, Republic Bank and the National Bank of Dominica, gift certificates from HHV Whitchurch and Multiverse Games (Open Solutions), phones, free service and branded tokens from Digicel, FLOW and the National Cooperative Credit Union. This is the first such competition, a departure from past exhibitions of smart home, farm and city tech solutions. The secondary school IT teachers were pleased that the project-based learning approach helped them and their students develop new engineering and problem-solving skills.

‘Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All’ On this World Bee Day, the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Joins in the global community in celebrating the essential role bees play in sustaining life on Earth – and in sounding the alarm about the mounting threats these little pollinators face. All bees from honey bees, to native wild species serve as the great pollinators of our planet. Their tireless work is essential to global food security, as they enable the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and crops that nourish both people and animals. Beyond agriculture, bees are central to preserving biodiversity and maintaining the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems. Yet, despite their importance, bees face growing threats. Habitat loss, the spread of diseases, climate change, and the continued use of harmful pesticides are placing immense pressure on bee populations. These challenges call for action, greater public awareness, and unified commitment to sustainable practices. The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. recognizes the urgency of this moment. That is why we have placed sustainable beekeeping at the heart of our mission. We are proud to have successfully completed an advanced mentorship program, and we are currently implementing three major training initiatives: Volume 2 of our Mentorship Program, our New Entrants Course, and a Basic Beekeepers Course in collaboration with the Anse Kounari Tourism Association. These programs are laying the foundation for a stronger, more knowledgeable beekeeping community across Dominica. As a Cooperative, we are also working to strengthen our membership and expand the volume of honey sold under the cooperative brand. These efforts are not only about growing our industry but also about reducing Dominica’s dependency on imported honey and bee products, while improving the livelihoods of our local producers. Just a few months ago, a small delegation proudly represented the cooperative at the National Honey Show in Saint Lucia, further strengthening our regional collaboration and visibility. We take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, the Cooperative Division, and our dedicated members for their continued support and collaboration. Their commitment has been instrumental to the progress we are making. On this special day, we encourage all Dominicans to join us in safeguarding our pollinators. By planting bee-friendly trees, supporting local honey producers, valuing locally made products, and reducing our reliance on harmful chemicals, each of us can contribute to a healthier environment. We are eager to forge meaningful partnerships with farmers, schools, 4-H clubs and other organizations to ensure a sustainable future for beekeeping in Dominica. This year’s World Bee Day theme ‘Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all’ speaks directly to the heart of our work. Bees, by their very nature, collaborate to support life- not just their own, but ours too. They pollinate the crops that feed us, sustain biodiversity, and remind us that nature’s balance is essential to our survival. As a cooperative, we draw inspiration from the bees themselves: working collectively, building resilience, and ensuring that our people are nourished – not just with food, but with opportunity, knowledge and pride in our local products.Looking ahead, our goals as a cooperative remain clear. We will continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture to shape policies that advance apiculture, promote local production, and protect our bees for generations to come. On behalf of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd., I extend sincere thanks to our local and regional partners, and most especially to our members, whose passion and dedication continue to drive our mission forward. Together, let us celebrate bees, the silent stewards of nature, and commit to a future where they can thrive and in turn continue to nourish us all. Happy World Bee Day Dominica.

The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 DAA Kids’ Athletics Primary Schools Tour, scheduled to take place from Monday, 19th May to Friday, 30th May 2025. This island-wide initiative aims to further strengthen grassroots development in athletics through direct engagement with primary school students.   Kids’ Athletics is recognized globally as one of the most impactful youth development programmes in sports. As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing athletic talent and promoting lifelong physical activity, the DAA has implemented several initiatives under its Kids’ Athletics Program. These include: • A 4-Week Kids’ Athletics Camp • Two Kids’ Athletics Festivals • Kids’ Athletics "Train the Trainers" Workshops   Building on this momentum, and in observance of Kids’ Athletics Month, the DAA will bring its exciting program to selected primary schools across the island. Each session will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., focusing on students from Grades 4 and 5, and will feature engaging activities in jumping, running, and throwing. The following schools will be visited by the Kids’ Athletics Team on the following days and times;   • Monday 19th May – Southern District: Grand Bay Primary School • Wednesday 21st May – Western District: Petite Savanne Primary School and Berean Christian Academy (Bath Estate Playing Field) • Friday 23rd May – Northern District: Roosevelt Douglas Primary School • Monday 26th May – Northeastern District: Will Strathmore Stevens Primary School • Wednesday 28th May – Eastern District: Penville Primary School • Friday 30th May – Eastern District: Jones BeauPierre Primary School   Each participating student will receive a Certificate of Participation, and each school will be presented with a copy of the Kids’ Athletics Handbook to support the continued integration of athletics into their Physical Education curriculum.

Cuba invites you to participate in the 20th edition of the ExpoCaribe International Fair, which will take place at the Heredia Cultural Complex in Santiago de Cuba, from June 23rd to 27th. ExpoCaribe is considered Cuba's second largest multi-sector International trade fair and is recognized by AFIDA (International Association of Fairs of the Americas). Organized by the Government of Santiago de Cuba, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (MINCEX), and the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba, it will feature the presence of public and private companies. The Fair will showcase the portfolio of opportunities for foreign investment and Cuba's exportable goods and services; bilateral meetings, business forums, signing of letters of intent, and presentations will be held. The fair will be an opportunity to strengthen regional integration and the economic and commercial complementarity of the Great Caribbean with other regions, such as Russia, as the program includes a forum with that country. Companies and trade, investment, and cooperation promotion agencies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean are invited. More than 350 Cuban companies and from some 30 other countries participated in ExpoCaribe 2024, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, China, Bolivia, Brazil,  Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Gambia, and Uganda.  There were also 221 meetings between 124 Cuban companies and 28 foreign firms. Source: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/cuba-invites-participate-20th-expocaribe-international-trade-fair-june-23rd-27th-santiago-0

Dominica Strengthens Regional and International Tourism Ties at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 – Discover Dominica Authority will participate in the 43rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace, scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18 to 22, 2025. This premier regional event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), brings together tourism suppliers, buyers, and industry leaders to foster business partnerships and promote Caribbean destinations. The delegation representing Dominica will be led by Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism. The team also includes Andia Ravariere, Destination Marketing Manager; Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist; Cyrillia Alexis, Marketing Assistant; along with public relations representatives from Zapwater in the United States and Canada. All members are professionals from the Discover Dominica Authority. Dominica’s participation underlines the island’s commitment to expanding its tourism market and showcasing its unique offerings, including eco-tourism, adventure activities, wellness experiences, and traditions. The Caribbean Travel Marketplace provides an ideal platform for the Authority to engage with key stakeholders, explore new business opportunities, and strengthen existing partnerships. “Dominica’s participation in Caribbean Travel Marketplace is a strategic step toward strengthening our position as a premier sustainable tourism destination. We are eager to engage with regional and international partners to showcase the island’s unique natural beauty, authentic experiences, and commitment to responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and our local communities,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism. This year’s event will feature important activities such as Responsible Tourism Day, the Caribbean Travel Forum, Press Conferences and the inaugural Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and innovation throughout the region.

International cooperation and solidarity are essential in tackling global challenges, including efforts to ensure the effective realization of the right to health for all nations. As proclaimed by the United Nations, promoting international cooperation and solidarity is a duty of States. In this context, we express our profound appreciation, gratitude, and recognition to Cuban health professionals who have provided—and continue to provide—their services in multiple nations. Since 2019, and with even greater intensity now, a dishonest campaign has been unleashed to discredit Cuba's international medical cooperation, exert pressure on recipient governments, and deprive populations of essential healthcare services.  No one with a basic sense of honesty can doubt that this is an attack on multilateralism, a manipulation for political purposes, and a continuation of aggression and hostility against Cuba. Access to healthcare is a human right, and millions of people cannot be deprived of this inalienable right for political reasons. Attempts to delegitimize Cuban medical cooperation overlook the fact that the shortage of health professionals is a pressing issue worldwide, whose solution demands greater international cooperation and solidarity, not unfounded attacks. Cuba has devoted considerable efforts and resources to health care and today has one of the highest ratios of doctors per capita in the world, enabling it to make a significant contribution to global health. Cuban international medical cooperation has made it possible to provide high-quality health care to millions of people around the world. Over the past 60 years, more than 605,000 Cuban health collaborators have completed missions in 165 nations. Their feats are notable in the fight against Ebola in Africa, blindness in Latin America and the Caribbean, cholera in Haiti, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous brigades from the Cuban International Contingent of Doctors Specialized in Disasters and Major Epidemics ‘Henry Reeve’ have carried out humanitarian work in many nations. Cuban professionals and technicians participating in these programs do so exclusively upon the express request of the concerned countries, offering their expertise and services freely and voluntarily. Many of them work in remote rural areas to save lives, even at the risk of losing their own. They provide care to all patients without distinction, refraining from getting involved in internal political affairs and strictly respecting the laws and customs of the countries where they work. Additionally, Cuba has provided free medical training to 43,000 healthcare professionals from 120 nations. In numerous countries, medical faculties have been established with Cuban professors. It is imperative to defend and recognize the valuable contributions of thousands of Cuban health professionals who, through immense personal sacrifice, continue to offer their cooperation. Neither discrediting campaigns nor the devastating effects of the intensified economic, commercial, and financial blockade have succeeded in preventing Cuba from continuing to save lives and share its limited resources with other nations in need. Cuban medical cooperation will remain a symbol of hope, dedication, humanity, and solidarity. Credit source: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/statement-ministers-health-non-aligned-countries-support-cubas-international-medical-1

The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has announced proposed changes to Dominica’s electricity pricing structure, with a significant introduction of Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs. These changes aim to promote energy efficiency and provide consumers with more control over their electricity bills. On Tuesday, May 13 the Commission hosted a Stakeholders’ Forum to present its measures for modernizing the electricity tariff structure, which will take effect once new electricity rates are approved for the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC). Currently, electricity rates remain the same throughout the day, regardless of fluctuations in demand. The introduction of TOU charges will give consumers the choice of on peak and off-peak periods usage times. The revised system will reflect varied electricity rates based on the time of day, which encourages consumers to shift their usage to periods when demand is lower, and electricity is cheaper. This approach aligns with global best practices and supports Dominica’s commitment to affordable sustainable energy consumption. TOU tariffs will apply to residential, large commercial, large industrial, and hotel customer categories. Additional proposed changes include: • Creation of a Small Business category for non-domestic customers using 500 kWh or less per month. • 100% pass-through of fuel costs via a simplified fuel charge, replacing the existing fuel surcharge. • Introduction of an Independent Power Producers (IPP) charge to cover future costs related to DOMLEC’s purchase of geothermal power. • Implementation of a monthly Maximum Demand Charge for large commercial, large industrial, and hotel customers. This is expected to replace the current Installed Capacity Charge. • Re-definition of large customers as commercial, industrial, or hotel customers using more than 500 kWh per month. • Future introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve DOMLEC’s operational efficiency. The IRC encourages and challenges all stakeholders to participate in the upcoming final public consultations to review DOMLEC’s Cost of Service Study and Rate Proposal before the new rates are finalized. ...ENDS...

Da Next Level Sports Management and Recruiting Group proudly congratulates Stephan Pascal , National Player, Captain of the West Indies U19 Team , and Windward Islands cricketer , on his official selection to participate in the upcoming Cool & Smooth T20 Tournament , taking place from May 15–25, 2025 , at the Warner Park Sports Complex in St. Kitts . Stephan will play under the leadership of Mykle Louis and alongside talented teammate Jerrickson Louis —making this team a dynamic blend of rising and seasoned cricket stars. The tournament promises high-level action and is a major opportunity for Pascal to showcase his growing international caliber on one of the region’s most competitive stages. Stephan’s selection is a proud moment for Dominica, reaffirming his reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most promising young cricketers. His participation in this event not only elevates his career but also sets a strong example for youth athletes across Dominica. Da Next Level Sports Management and Recruiting Group remains committed to creating pathways for student-athletes and young professionals to thrive in their respective sports. Join us in celebrating Stephan’s continued rise and follow his journey during the Cool & Smooth T20 in St. Kitts.

“Strictly the Best Festival: Bouyon Edition” draws over 5,000 fans for a night of music, rain, and unity — Bouyon history was made this month as more than 5,000 music lovers gathered at Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village in St. Maarten for the island’s first festival dedicated entirely to the infectious rhythms of Bouyon music. Organized by Two Brothers Entertainment, the Strictly the Best Festival: Bouyon Edition marked a pivotal moment in the genre’s evolution and regional reach. Featuring an all-star lineup of Bouyon powerhouses from Dominica alongside rising talent from St. Maarten, the event delivered high-energy performances and a message of unity that resonated across the crowd and Caribbean music scene. The evening reached its peak during the final set by Bouyon Artist of the Year, Mr Ridge, who stunned fans and fellow performers by inviting all Bouyon artists back on stage for a spontaneous closing act of solidarity. “There’s been tension in the scene,” Mr Ridge shared. “But I believe the world is watching Bouyon now. This moment was bigger than any feud — it was about showing that Dominica, St. Maarten, and Bouyon music can stand united.” The event, originally conceived as a departure from Two Brothers Entertainment’s reggae roots, was a strategic move to spotlight the genre’s growing influence. Having launched their company during the 2021 Carnival season, the promoters saw an opportunity to champion the next big wave in Caribbean music. “With Bouyon’s momentum building, we knew it was time to give fans something fresh,” said the organizers. “This was more than a concert — it was the beginning of something bigger for the genre and the region.” The festival featured top acts including Pudaz, Litle Boy, Quandan, Freddy, Reo, Nice, Kenny G, Trilla G, Trixx, Unstoppable Shax, Khallion, and Edday, along with popular local bands T.G. Band and Turrxxdem Band, and DJs from across St. Maarten and abroad. While rain briefly threatened the event, it only added to the atmosphere. “People danced in the rain,” said organizers. “No one wanted to leave. By the end of the night, fans were already asking who’s headlining next year.” Although not yet confirmed as an annual fixture, Two Brothers Entertainment has announced plans for more Bouyon-themed events across the region, further cementing their commitment to the genre’s growth. As for Mr Ridge, his powerful closing performance is already being hailed as a milestone. “This wasn’t just a show — it was a statement. Bouyon is no longer just a Dominica thing. It’s bigger now. And this is just the beginning.” Source: ACEM By Jael Inc.