The Education, Consulting, Academic Advising and Mentoring (ECAAM), in partnership with SKOS Catholic Education Foundation of St. Maarten, is set to launch Project INSPIRE, an initiative focused on strengthening responsive and inclusive education. The official launch and teacher training programme will take place in St. Maarten from September 28 to October 2, 2026, with the formal project launch scheduled for September 30 at the SKOS Training Center in Philipsburg. Project INSPIRE is designed to strengthen education for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) while building the capacity of teachers and promoting more responsive learning environments. The two-year pilot will focus on improving instruction, assessment and student support through regional collaboration, professional development and the application of effective teaching strategies. The initiative is guided by the principle that every learner should have an opportunity to access, participate in, learn and feel a sense of belonging within the classroom. According to the programme outlined by the organizers, Project INSPIRE will include school visits and classroom engagement, teacher professional development, SEN and inclusive education training, Adapted teaching methods and lesson adaptation, inclusive classroom management, and practical strategies for diverse learners. The initiative is intended to help educators better understand the needs of individual students, adapt classroom practices and create learning environments that promote participation and inclusion. The official launch ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on September 30 at the SKOS Training Center in Philipsburg. The event will also be livestreamed by Richie Ferrol Media Services, EmoNews and Dominica News Online, providing audiences outside St. Maarten with an opportunity to follow the launch and learn more about the regional education initiative.

Dominica was held to a goalless draw by the Cayman Islands on Thursday night at Windsor Park, with the Bouyon Boyz unable to convert several opportunities in their opening match of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League. Despite creating chances and controlling significant periods of the contest, Dominica was unable to find the decisive finish, settling for a point in the historic 500th match of the Concacaf Nations League. Head coach Kurt Herd admitted his disappointment after the match, particularly given the opportunities created by his team. “I think we had enough chances there to win the game and that's the painful point.” Herd identified finishing and creativity in the final third as areas that must improve. “Again, just creativity in the final third. We changed it a few times and each time we changed it, we were creating chances. The chances were there.” The Dominica head coach also acknowledged that the responsibility extends beyond tactics, with the players needing to be more clinical when opportunities arrive. “Ultimately the players have to be better in those moments and the players failed in front of goal today.” Dominica now has little time to dwell on Thursday's result, with Puerto Rico next on Sunday, September 27, at Windsor Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Herd expects a significantly different challenge against Puerto Rico and believes Dominica must be more clinical with the chances it creates. Dominica and Puerto Rico are part of Group A in League B, alongside Guyana and the Cayman Islands.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, recently concluded a week-long technical mission, held from 24 to 31 August 2026, to strengthen the technical capacity of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; coconut value chain, with a rapid training session on coconut botany and production. The mission was carried out under the FAO project Building Effective Public-Private Partnerships for Production and Marketing of Sustainable Agricultural Products, and forms part of the Coconut Value Chain Pilot Programme. Coconut was identified through a market assessment as one of the priority commodities with significant potential for value addition and expanded market opportunities. The training was delivered by FAO Fruit Tree Crop Specialist Dr. Abel Rebouças Sao Jose, drawing on production, nursery management, rehabilitation, and pest and disease management practices that have contributed to the successful development of coconut industries in countries such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Discussing the challenges facing the sector, Dr. Rebouças said, “Several challenges still need to be addressed to increase Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ coconut production. Expanding the area under cultivation through incentives that make coconut farming attractive and profitable is essential, but so is raising yields on existing land. That means selecting high-yielding varieties, establishing nurseries that produce seedlings of good genetic and phytosanitary quality, and adopting good cultivation practices. Improving yields alone could meaningfully increase total coconut production.” Training was delivered across two farming clusters commencing at the Windward farming cluster in Orange Hill, where 43 farmers and technicians covered soil and climate requirements, coconut varieties and hybrids, propagation and nurseries, orchard installation, plant physiology, nutrition and fertilization, pest and disease management alongside practical field demonstrations. The programme then moved to Leeward farming cluster in Barrouallie, covering the same core curriculum along with farm management for a total of 30 Ministry staff and farmers. The training also included valuable insights from the those in the industry, with local coconut manufacturer Ms. Sophia Searles highlighting the opportunities available to farmers, “This opportunity for coconut farmers extends well beyond growing and selling coconuts. As manufacturers expand into value-added products, they need a consistent supply of quality raw material, and farmers have a real chance to become part of that growing value chain. Capturing it will require greater support for planting and rehabilitation, access to suitable land and inputs, and stronger linkages between farmers, manufacturers and markets”, she remarked. Building on FAO's recent work to strengthen the soursop value chain in Belize and Grenada, Dr. Rebouças also led a rapid training session on soursop botany and Good Agricultural Practices, introducing participants to best practices in orchard establishment, crop management, pruning and hand pollination to support improved productivity and fruit quality. The mission's reach also extended into the community with a community outreach activity on August 29 bringing together 14 participants from Helen's Daughters, Eco-home Garden Limited, and Rejoin Fruit and Farm. The activity carried the mission's coconut knowledge beyond the two farming clusters and Ministry-led sessions, connecting grassroots groups and small-scale growers to the same training available to technicians and commercial farmers, and reflecting FAO and the Ministry's commitment to a broad-based, community-driven approach to strengthening the sector. Looking ahead, Agricultural Value Chain Specialist and Project Coordinator Mr. Jefferson Jaikissoon said, “This mission is about more than training, it’s about laying the groundwork for a stronger, more competitive coconut value chain. The recommendations coming out of this week will directly inform the Coconut Value Chain Upgrading Strategy, including our farmer-led replanting initiative.” As a next step, the Coconut Value Chain Pilot Programme will move forward with a coconut replanting exercise carried out in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) from September to November 2026. Building on the training delivered during this mission, the initiative will support farmers in re-establishing productive orchards, applying the improved varieties and practices recommended by Dr. Rebouças to strengthen the long-term productivity of the coconut value chain.

As Dominica continues efforts to strengthen agricultural production and food security, stakeholders from across government, agriculture and civil society have come together to help shape a more coordinated approach to the integration of migrant labour within the sector. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, hosted a Technical Validation Workshop on the Policy and Action Plan for Integrating Migrant Labour into the Agricultural Sector of Dominica at the Prevost Cinemall. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to review the draft policy and action plan, identify gaps and provide recommendations to ensure that the proposed framework responds to the realities of farmers, migrant workers and the agencies responsible for managing labour migration. The activity forms part of the Development of the Agricultural Sector in Dominica by Strengthening Migration Governance initiative. In her opening remarks, Viola Pascal, Project Coordinator at IOM Dominica, explained that the development of the policy and action plan was informed by a gender-sensitive agriculture labour assessment, which captured the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders across the sector. Pascal noted that labour shortages and demographic changes have made migrant workers increasingly important to agricultural productivity and food security. She emphasized, however, that an effective system requires clear policies, stronger coordination, decent working conditions and appropriate protections for migrant workers. “This policy and action plan being developed by the government with the support of IOM is a key step towards streamlining this process.” The Honourable Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, identified access to reliable agricultural labour as one of the challenges affecting farmers and Dominica’s efforts to increase food production. Minister Royer revealed that through the Government’s existing migrant farm labour programme, approximately 189 migrant workers have entered Dominica, benefiting 47 farmers. He emphasized that migrant workers are not intended to replace Dominican workers, but rather to help address labour gaps where sufficient local labour is unavailable. The Minister also pointed to the need for a broader transformation of the agricultural sector through increased mechanization, greater use of technology and the creation of more opportunities for young Dominicans to see agriculture as a viable and attractive livelihood. “What we need is a system that is clear, coordinated, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all farmers while protecting the rights and welfare of workers.” The workshop provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the proposed framework in detail. Dr. Schuyler Esprit, Head Consultant at Create Caribbean, facilitated the first technical session, which focused on the proposed Policy for the Integration of Migrant Labour in the Agriculture Sector of Dominica. A second technical session, facilitated by the Project Manager and Research Assistant from Create Caribbean, allowed participants to examine the action plan developed for the implementation of the policy and to provide recommendations. For participants, the discussions also reinforced the importance of ensuring that different sectors and perspectives are represented as Dominica develops its approach to migrant agricultural labour. LeSean Peter, representing the Dominica National Council of Women, described the workshop as insightful and highlighted the importance of creating spaces where stakeholders can raise difficult questions and contribute meaningfully to the policy development process. Emmanuel Joseph, Agriculture Officer responsible for the East Agricultural Region, noted that the discussions demonstrated the cross-sectoral nature of migrant labour. While agriculture remains at the centre of the policy, he highlighted the important roles of other areas, including health, labour and national security. The Technical Validation Workshop represents another step towards establishing a structured approach to migrant agricultural labour that responds to the needs of farmers while safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers. Through continued collaboration with the Government of Dominica and stakeholders across the sector, IOM Dominica will support the finalization of the policy and action plan, with the aim of strengthening migration governance while contributing to a more productive and resilient agricultural sector in Dominica.

Last Saturday, September 19, a Eucharistic celebration was held in this capital in honor of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in solidarity with the people of Cuba, to commemorate the centennial of the birth of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Dominica (1996–2026). The religious ceremony brought together officials, members of the Cuban community residing in Dominica, Dominicans who graduated from Cuban universities, Cuban collaborators, and friends of Cuba, in an atmosphere of faith, gratitude, and brotherhood. The singing of an excerpt from “La Guantanamera” during the Mass was a very moving moment of the day. Among those present were Her Excellency Josette Matthew, Acting President of the Commonwealth of Dominica; the Honorable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Dominica; the Ambassador of Dominica to Cuba, Ian Douglas; the Ambassador of Cuba to Dominica, Miguel Fraga; and other members of the Parliament of Dominica. Father Frantzo Simbert presided over the celebration. In his homily, he expressed gratitude for Cuba’s historic solidarity in the fields of health and education, not only with Dominica but with the Caribbean as a whole. In his remarks, Ambassador Miguel Fraga addressed those present “as a Cuban who simply wants to say thank you.” He also thanked the Church for hosting the celebration, dedicated to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in a year that combines a tribute to Fidel with three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The ambassador referred to the difficult situation Cuba is facing due to the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, and in particular to the new measures regarding fuel supplies, which—he asserted—constitute “a silent genocide” with human consequences, such as an increase in infant mortality and a decline in the survival rates of children with cancer. “Behind these measures there are not just numbers: there are families, there are children, there are the elderly, there are the sick—there are human beings,” he said, emphasizing that “Cuba is not a threat; the Embargo is.” Despite the difficulties, the Ambassador reaffirmed hope as something that no sanction can take away from the Cuban people, recalling the words of Pope Francis, who called the Virgin of Charity “Mother of Hope,” and the recent prayer of Pope Leo XIV asking for her protection for all the children of that beloved land. Quoting José Martí—“with all and for the good of all”—the ambassador emphasized that Cuba will continue to move forward with the strength of its people and the solidarity of brothers and sisters like those in Dominica. The ambassador emphasized: “Cuba is alive! Cuba is fighting!” He also extended his best wishes for the well-being of the Dominican people on their own path, legacy, and future, and for the continued strengthening of the deep bonds of friendship that unite both peoples. The celebration concluded with a message of blessing for the peoples of Cuba and Dominica, and with a renewed call for solidarity and peace among peoples. EMBACUBADOMINICA

Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Football Team secured a 1–0 victory over Anguilla on Monday at Windsor Park Stadium, with Reon Cuffy scoring his first international goal to give the Bouyon Boys the win. Following a goalless first half, Cuffy found the breakthrough in the 49th minute, giving Dominica the lead in a match that produced numerous opportunities for the home side. Head Coach Kurt Herd had warned before the match that Anguilla would provide a difficult challenge, and the visitors demonstrated exactly that, arriving with eight overseas-based players and a new head coach. “It was never going to be an easy game,” Herd said. “I think people will try to look at Anguilla and think four or five, but Anguilla came here with overseas players, eight overseas players, coming here with a new head coach.” Herd acknowledged that Dominica struggled to find its rhythm during the opening half. “They were incredibly well organised and hard to break down. I thought we struggled with that in the first half. The boys weren't accustomed to that. We didn't play the game that we wanted to play.” The Dominica coach said adjustments were made at halftime, particularly to the team's approach in possession. “I thought the boys started to play the long ball a bit too much, and we just completely changed that at halftime in a sense of how we wanted to play, how we wanted to structure.” The changes produced more opportunities after the interval, although Dominica was unable to capitalize on several chances. “Again, we created so many chances there, mostly in the second half, and we just couldn't take it,” Herd said. “It's a 1–0 game on paper, but it could have been anything from 7 or 8–1 to, you know, it was a crazy game.” While pleased with the victory, Herd identified finishing as an area that must improve ahead of the upcoming Concacaf Nations League campaign. “Finishing was a concern anyway, to be honest,” he said. “We didn't get any goals in the last trip that I had as the interim head coach, and it's something that we spoke about.” Herd said the technical staff will continue working with the players to address the issue. “It’s clear for everybody to see after that that finishing is still a concern and we have to do something about that. That's my job as a coach — to either bring in the players that can do that for us or work with the players we've got to get them confident in front of goal.” Despite the concern, Herd was delighted to see Cuffy open his international scoring account. “On that, I was absolutely delighted to see Reon Cuffy get his first goal for the national team. The man deserves nothing more, and I can only praise and credit him.” The victory also marked a memorable international debut for goalkeeper Dwight Eloi, who kept a clean sheet as Dominica secured the victory. Herd praised Eloi's performance, while acknowledging that the young goalkeeper faced a demanding test. “Again, I just talked about Reon there, but there's Dwight making his debut in goal, and Dwight keeps a clean sheet,” Herd said. “From minute one to minute 90, Dwight did exactly what he had to do. Maybe a little bit too excited at times, didn't kill the game off when he had to, but Dwight's done really well.” Herd also highlighted the defensive challenge faced by Dominica, with a new-look back line assembled in the absence of Titus Sandy. “Keeping the clean sheet, especially with, you know, that's a new back line again that we're having to put together without Titus Sandy. So, delighted to keep the clean sheet.” While pleased with the result, Herd said there is still work to be done before the competitive action begins. “Not too happy with one or two of the chances that we let go, but it gives us something to work on.” Dominica 1–0 Anguilla Reon Cuffy — 49th minute

Course strengthens destination knowledge among travel professionals in key international markets – Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched a new destination training course on Online Travel Training (OTT), an online training and marketing platform for the travel and tourism industry. The course gives travel advisors access to specialized destination knowledge and resources to strengthen their ability to promote and sell Dominica. “Travel advisors are important partners in connecting travelers with Dominica, particularly in our key source markets. This new course allows us to deepen their knowledge of the destination while expanding our reach among travel professionals who can confidently recommend Dominica to their clients,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority. Currently available on the OTT U.S. and UK platforms, the self-paced course covers Dominica’s seven tourism pillars: Adventure, Health & Wellness, Romance, Aqua, Culture - Events & Entertainment, Agro and Kalinago. The training provides advisors with practical destination knowledge they can use to develop recommendations and itineraries tailored to their clients. The course introduces advisors to key Dominican experiences, including rainforests, rivers and waterfalls, volcanic terrain, world-class diving and marine experiences, wellness offerings and cultural and community-based experiences. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their destination knowledge and preparedness to recommend Dominica to clients. DDA will promote the course to travel professionals in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, with the course expected to become available on OTT’s France and Germany platforms soon. The expansion forms part of DDA’s broader strategy to strengthen travel trade education and grow the network of advisors equipped to sell Dominica internationally.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is pleased to announce that it is once again partnering with international publishing house, Greydoor Publishing, to produce the second edition of the Pure Grenada Destination Magazine. The first edition of the Pure Grenada Destination Magazine was launched in December of 2025, and marked the beginning of a more editorial approach to destination marketing, providing a platform for deeper storytelling . The upcoming edition will continue to place Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique at the centre of a premium publication designed to showcase the destination to international audiences. “The second edition of the magazine provides another opportunity to showcase Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique through the richness of our people, our communities and the experiences that make our destination unique,” said Mrs.Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, Chief of Operations and acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “The magazine encourages curiosity and discovery while giving our stakeholders a platform to share what they offer and to tell their stories. Ultimately, it is about creating a deeper connection with the destination and capturing the moments that linger with visitors long after their trip.” Readers can expect stories that uncover local craftsmanship, culinary traditions, cultural heritage, nature and community-led initiatives, alongside experiences that are personal, locally rooted and connected to Grenada. It is intended to give prospective visitors a broader perspective, one shaped not only by attractions and amenities, but by the people they meet, the places they encounter and the stories they may take with them. The magazine will also feature stories of responsible tourism and sustainability, highlighting efforts that contribute to the wellbeing of communities and the environment. GTA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Tornia Charles, spoke to the strategic value of the publication and its role in strengthening the destination’s presence in key markets.

The Small Business Support Unit is set to enhance its annual Creole Attire and Accessories Exhibition & Sales in 2026, introducing an exciting mix of shopping, culture, entertainment and promotional activities aimed at increasing visibility, market opportunities and sales for local entrepreneurs. The exhibition will be held on Friday, September 25, Friday, October 2 and Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on the Ground Floor of the Government Headquarters. Approximately 30 registered micro and small enterprises, designers and artisans are expected to participate, showcasing an impressive range of traditional and contemporary Creole attire, headpieces, jewelry, handbags, clutches, belts, footwear, locally made craft and cultural ornaments. More than a seasonal shopping event, the exhibition provides an important marketplace for local entrepreneurs to generate sales, strengthen brand visibility and connect with new customers, while celebrating Dominica’s rich Creole heritage and encouraging the public to buy local and support Dominican businesses. An Enhanced Experience for 2026 This year, the Small Business Support Unit is adding several features designed to create a more engaging experience and drive greater foot traffic to participating businesses. Among the highlights will be Live Vendor Spotlights, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase signature products, promote their brands and share their business journeys through engagements with local media personalities, radio and television presenters and social media influencers. Patrons can also look forward to a Shop & Win Promotion, where qualifying purchases from participating vendors will provide opportunities to enter a grand prize draw on the final exhibition day, Friday, October 9, 2026. The shopping experience will be complemented by cultural entertainment, including Jing Ping, folk performances, drumming and DJ music, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Dominica’s Creole season. A dedicated Creole Food Area will add another flavour to the experience, offering Creole breakfast, Creole lunch, local confectionery and refreshments. Through the exhibition, the Small Business Support Unit continues to create meaningful opportunities for micro and small enterprises to increase sales, expand their market reach and showcase the creativity and commercial potential of locally made products, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Dominica’s cultural identity. The Unit invites the general public, businesses, government employees, boutiques and retailers, fashion enthusiasts and visitors to come out, discover locally made products and support the entrepreneurs behind them. Mark the dates — September 25, October 2 and October 9 — and experience three Fridays celebrating Creole fashion, food, culture and entrepreneurship. Shop Local. Wear Local. Support Local.

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. Today, over 55 million people live with it — a number expected to triple by 2050. These figures come from Alzheimer's Disease International. But here in Dominica, we don't need statistics to understand the impact. We each know someone, or a family, impacted by a loved one with dementia. That student who arrives to school late. That coworker who's frequently behind. It's not a lack of work ethic — it's a family member needing care. And as the disease progresses, it only gets harder. Let's work to reverse this where we can. Early detection improves outcomes. Staying physically active, socially engaged, and mentally challenged can lower risk. Managing heart health — blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol — protects the brain too. And more importantly, let's support our caregivers. They matter just as much as the patients they care for. Veronne Nicholas President, DDF

Parliament will convene on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 for the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eleventh Parliament. Among the items on the Order Paper is the introduction of a Bill to amend the Banking Act. The House will also consider a resolution seeking approval for a credit facility from the International Development Association (IDA) to support a Programmatic Development Policy Credit aimed at strengthening Dominica’s fiscal and climate resilience. An amendment to the Schedule of the Value Added Tax Act will also be presented for consideration. Newly elected Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau North Constituency, Ashma McDougall will take the Oath of Allegiance when the Parliament convenes. The administration of the Oath will formally mark Ms. McDougall’s entry into Parliament following her victory in the Roseau North by-election on September 7.

This lighting ceremony recognizes all persons and families living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia The Dominica Dementia Foundation and The Office of The President have collaborated to show support for persons living with dementia. The State House will be illuminated in purple from 18 – 21 September in observance of World Alzheimer's Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and to show solidarity with those affected. The purple lighting will be visible from dusk to dawn, as a visible symbol of our country’s commitment to supporting persons living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. .This illness impacts every family in one way or another,someone becomes a caregiver, another becomes the financial provider or source of support. They also need our support. By lighting the State House purple, we want every resident living with this illness, and every caregiver supporting a loved one, to know that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not alone." World Alzheimer's Day, observed annually on September 21, was established to raise awareness about dementia and to challenge the stigma that too often surrounds it. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and remains one of the leading health challenges affecting aging populations worldwide. The Dominica Dementia Foundation also celebrates its 10th anniversary. DDF was officially launched on Sept 2, 2016, and has since become a cornerstone of dementia awareness, education, and caregiver support across the island. In September, in conjunction with the Dominica Council on Aging we also celebrate the Month of the Elderly. We are reminded of the importance of honoring, protecting, and caring for our senior citizens — many of whom are living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. This dual observance is a call to action for all of us to support the elderly in our communities and to continue building a Dominica where no one faces dementia alone.