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The Dominica Robotics Association (DRA)  has announced that a team of five Dominican students will represent the island at the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge 2025 , scheduled to take place in Panama . The international event brings together young innovators from around the world to design and build robots that address real-world challenges through the application of science, technology, engineering, and teamwork. Representing Dominica are: From the Dominica State College (DSC) Dianka George Cadel Casimir Khae-Ryan Shillingford From St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) Jahim Riviere-Alfred Kaelan Matthew The team is guided by Mentor Phoenix Jacques  and Co-Mentor Odessa Dinnard , who will provide technical and strategic support throughout their preparation and competition journey. The DRA expressed gratitude to its sponsors and community partners — Create Caribbean, NTRC, 767.Dev , Jaydees Naturals, and Astaphans  — for their continued commitment to advancing STEM education and youth innovation in Dominica. The Dominica Robotics Association commended the students for their dedication and teamwork, noting that their participation reflects Dominica’s growing presence in the global technology and innovation arena. The team will now intensify preparations for the upcoming challenge, where they will join peers from more than 190 countries in celebrating creativity, collaboration, and engineering excellence. Best wishes to Team Dominica as they showcase the island’s innovation and talent on the world stage.

Eighteen (18) individuals and one (1) group will receive Meritorious Service Awards during the ceremony to observe Dominica’s 47th anniversary of independence on November 3, 2025. Late Prime Ministers Roosevelt Bernard “Rosie” Douglas and Pierre Charles will be posthumously awarded the nation’s highest honour, the Dominica Award of Honour, in recognition of their sterling contributions to national development. Chief Executive Officer of the International Airport Development Company Mr. Samuel Johnson, Religious Leader, Rev. J Evans Dodds and medical doctor, Dr. Basil Fadipe will receive Dominica’s second highest award, the Sisserou Award of Honour. Ms. Hannah Clarendon (Agriculture and Trade), Mr. Lennox Abraham (Child Welfare and Sports), Mr. Titus Francis (Community Development and Local Governance), Dr. Victor Emanuel (Medicine), Mr. Boniface Lloyd (Religion and Agriculture), Mrs. Shirley Augustine (Nursing and Health Management), Mrs. Anita Bully (Culture and Creative Industries), Mr. Hague Thomas (Environmental Health and Community Development), Mr. Prosper Paris (Culture and Community Development) and the 3rd Mahaut Scout Troop (Youth Development and Volunteerism) will receive the Meritorious Service Award. Mr. Elroy Pioche (Agriculture and Community Service), Mr. Ibrahim Brohim (Business), Ms. Caesarina Ferrol (Nursing) and Mr. Irving Williams (Public Service) will be awarded the Services Medal of Honour. The awards will be presented on Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Independence Day Observance Ceremony at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium from 5:00p.m.

Dominica’s Bouyon Star Celebrates Milestone with Over 1 Million YouTube Views for Title Track   Roseau, October 27, 2025— Bouyon artist Trilla-G has officially released his debut album, Take Me as I Am: The Album , marking a defining moment in his journey from a rising Dominican talent to one of the Caribbean’s most promising new stars. The 13-track project, released on Wednesday 22 October, 2025, showcases Trilla-G’s artistry, depth, and bold artistic interpretation of the Bouyon sound. The album follows the massive success of the title track “Take Me as I Am (Remix)” , which has surpassed 1 million views on YouTube since its release in September 2024. The song, infused with Creole and raw emotion, resonated deeply with fans across the Region and set the stage for what Trilla calls an “intentional” project which showcases layers of himself and his artistry while breaking barriers for the genre. Take Me as I Am: The Album explores themes of love, growth, resilience, and identity through Trilla’s signature mix of storytelling, rhythm, and authenticity. Recorded at Th3rdHouse Studios in the U.S. Virgin Islands , the project features a stellar line-up of Regional collaborators including Grenadian Cultural Ambassador V’ghn, Chart-topping Jamaican Dancehall/Pop act Stalk Ashley, Th3rd of the USVI- creator of the RC&B: Rhythm, Caribbean and Blues sound, two-time Caribbean Music Award Bouyon Artist of the Year Ridge of Dominica and his fellow countryman Shelly ( lead singer for popular Bouyon Band, Signal Band) — each adding their own unique touch to the soundscape. Production credits span across the Caribbean and beyond, from Dominica’s Mask Man, DernzMusik, and Fr3EzE to A Plus from St. Thomas , Hxnter from Canada , and Xavvo, GNS Beats and TitoWeGlobal from St. Maarten . Known for his electrifying stage presence, Trilla G has already graced some of the Caribbean’s biggest music festivals, including Miami Carnival, the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, St. Maarten Carnival, USVI Carnival, Antigua Carnival, and Trinidad Carnival . His performances have cemented his reputation as a dynamic and genre-defining entertainer who continues to push Bouyon’s boundaries while staying grounded in his Dominican roots. Already, he has influenced listeners around the Caribbean to sing his catchy Kwéyòl phrases. Now, with this new album, he presents a fresh body of work with mostly unreleased tracks for old and new fans alike. “Since I started doing Bouyon music, it’s always been my dream to create a full body of work — but I wanted to wait for the right time,” says Trilla-G. “After traveling and performing across the Caribbean, I realized the time was now. Take Me as I Am is about showing the world who I am on a deeper level and to break barriers through Bouyon music- a force to be reckoned with.” The album’s fusion of rhythmic energy and emotional honesty reflects Trilla-G’s growth — both personally and professionally — since making the bold decision to pursue music full-time. “It’s been liberating,” he says. “It’s like a job, but a job I love.  Knowing you’re the one who holds your destiny- there’s a level of pride in that, that I love." With Take Me as I Am , Trilla-G is elevating more than himself — he’s elevating a movement. His debut stands as a bold contribution to the ongoing evolution of Bouyon, introducing its vibrant Dominican pulse to an even wider audience.  He performed an impressive solo set at the 25 th edition of the World Creole  Music Festival in Dominica this past weekend and looks forward to touching other major stages around the globe while promoting his latest project.

Aquanauts Grenada has been named overall winner of the 2025 Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), in partnership with CAST (Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism) and The Nature Conservancy, recognizing the dive operator’s leadership in reef conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. Through initiatives such as Lionfish Bites & Beats and Jam & Jewelry Nights, which generate funding for the Aqua Rangers Youth Development Scholarship, Aquanauts Grenada has turned the invasive lionfish challenge into opportunities for environmental education, reef protection, and community empowerment. Thousands of lionfish have been removed from Grenadian reefs, while local youth receive hands-on training in marine stewardship, creating a model that is easily reproduced within Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “We are deeply honored to receive the CHTA Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award,” said Tiffany Geer, Co-Founder of Aquanauts Grenada. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners who work tirelessly to protect Grenada’s reefs and support thriving coastal communities.” Central to Aquanauts Grenada’s mission is the Roots-to-Reef tourism experience, which allows visitors to explore the full coastal ecosystem — from the rainforests to mangroves and seagrass beds to coral reefs — while learning how simple conservation measures create sustainable tourism and can make a real difference. Guests participate in conservation activities, engage with local communities, and experience firsthand the interconnectedness of land, sea, and people. “We invite travelers to visit Grenada and discover why sustainable tourism matters. Explore the symbiotic relationships found within the various ecosystems on land and underwater, meet local students passionate about environmental conservation, and experience how Grenada’s community is coming together for the benefit of a sustainable future,” added Geer. On November 16, Aquanauts Grenada will be attending CHTA’s CHIEF Conference in Barbados to accept their Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Award.

In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s direct impact on Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is coordinating an early response to support national efforts and provide relief and protection to vulnerable communities which could be impacted. Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to pass directly over Jamaica, bringing at least Category 4 winds and 15-30 inches of rainfall for two to three days. This scenario means increasing risk of flooding, landslides, and widespread damage. The Government of Jamaica has requested support from the United Nations and other international partners to bolster its emergency response. In response, IOM is preparing a shipment of relief items from the Caribbean Logistics Hub in Barbados in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP). The shipment including items such as solar lamps hygiene kits, bedding (blankets and pillows), air mattresses, indoor tents, shelter repair kits, ropes, tarpaulins, and generators are being prioritized based on the Government of Jamaica’s forecasted needs. The items are expected to arrive in Jamaica by Thursday. These supplies have been made available through the generous support of European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG-ECHO), Goods 360, Amazon, and IOM’s MIRAC programme. Their contributions are positioning the Organization to act swiftly and effectively in the face of this emergency. In addition to the shipment, IOM will also draw on existing relationships with AirBNB for accommodation, DHL for transportation and logistics training, and Microsoft for damage data analysis, and welcomes additional partnerships and donations to support people displaced by Hurricane Melissa. IOM staff from the Caribbean and Regional Offices are being mobilized to join the Jamaica team to support the response on the ground, including through the CDEMA lead RNAT. Personnel will work in coordination with national authorities, ensuring that assistance is delivered in line with needs, and guided by Jamaica’s emergency management protocols. Natasha Greaves coordinated IOM’s response to Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica in 2024 under a project funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Now acting as interim Head-of-Office for IOM Jamaica, Greaves emphasized the importance of coordinated action: “Hurricane Melissa poses a serious threat to Jamaica. We anticipate that many people will be displaced from their homes, and in urgent need of emergency shelter and relief. IOM is working closely with the Government and our partners to ensure that essential humanitarian staff and supplies arrive quickly, to address the most pressing needs. Our emergency response team is already engaged within the coordinated national system, focusing on our core areas of shelter, non-food items, and critical data and information needs.” She noted that IOM is experienced in emergency situations and has established relationships that will benefit the people of Jamaica at this time. “The experience and partnerships that our emergency response team developed during last year’s Hurricane Beryl response—and in previous emergencies across the Caribbean—have made us a reliable partner for coordinated, robust action. IOM’s existing and trusted regional and global partnerships, including with European Union Humanitarian Aid and organizations like the Global Empowerment Mission and CORE, are enabling us to move rapidly and will help us reach those who need help most, in the soonest possible time.” IOM’s response will be managed through Jamaica’s national systems, with the organization providing technical and logistical support as requested by the Government of Jamaica. Coordination is already ongoing with the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC), the UN Resident Coordinator and other UN agencies to ensure a unified and effective approach. The team at IOM encourages the public to evacuate if you have been advised to do so, and to follow official sources for updates and safety guidance, as you prepare for life-threatening flooding, landslides, hurricane force wind, potential power outages, and limited access to essential services during the storm’s passage. For coordination and support to IOM’s Hurricane Melissa response in Jamaica, please contact Natasha Greaves ngreaves@iom.int

The Ministry of Environment, through the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), in partnership with UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, this week launched the “Keep Dominica Clean and Green – Sort It at the Source” initiative at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl. This new recycling campaign makes it easier to separate waste right where it is created. Clearly marked garbage bins and signage have been placed in the Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, with yellow bins designated for plastics items such as bottles, cups and containers and gray bins for general waste such as food scraps and wrappers. This initiative is intended to be replicated at future national events. By promoting responsible waste practices, recycling, and community engagement, the "Keep Dominica Clean and Green – Sort It At The Source"; campaign aims to foster environmental stewardship and resilience. “Waste doesn’t disappear; it is a resource that can be used over and over again if we sort at source,” reminded Mr. Florian Mitchel, General Manager at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation. “Every item that you correctly sort is a win for Dominica. Waste management is a cycle that requires the participation of every stakeholder within the value chain of which you are the crucial first step. Through this initiative, DSWMC with support from its partners showcased and demonstrated that waste can be sorted at all public events and large gatherings. We hope that this will spark our collective consciousness and approach towards sorting at source. Let’s ensure the only thing we leave behind are great memories and a legacy of preserving this gem beyond compare. We can make a difference by sorting our waste at the source.” Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment fully endorses the programme, stating, “This initiative is more than a campaign — it is a movement towards a cleaner, greener Dominica. As we embrace our Creole season and national pride, let us also embrace responsibility for our environment. Sorting waste at the source is a simple act, but one that carries powerful impact. Together, with the support of UNDP and every citizen, we can make Dominica the model of sustainability in the Caribbean.” UNDP proudly supports this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and partnership. “At UNDP, we believe that real change begins with community action. This initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and the commitment of Dominicans to protect the environment. By working together, we can ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all,” said Ms. Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. This signals yet another avenue of collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, which has delivered several impactful programmes with UNDP support, particularly in the Kalinago Territory. Through this waste management campaign, the shared mission continues to empower local communities to protect their environment.

Grenada has once again captured the attention of the global travel community with several of the island’s premier resorts earning prestigious international recognition from Condé Nast Traveler and the MICHELIN Guide, underscoring the destination’s growing reputation for excellence, authenticity and luxury hospitality. In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, Silversands Beach House was ranked the #1 Caribbean Hotel in the UK Readers’ Choice Awards, while Grenada was listed among the Top 10 Best Islands in the Caribbean & Atlantic. Complementing these accolades, Grenada has also joined the elite ranks of destinations featured in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, with three of its properties recognized for exceptional hospitality. Calabash Grenada received Two MICHELIN Keys, the highest distinction among the Caribbean recipients, while Spice Island Beach Resort and Six Senses La Sagesse each received One MICHELIN Key. The MICHELIN Key programme; newly introduced for hotels, honours properties that deliver extraordinary guest experiences, setting new standards for excellence in service, design and authenticity. “These global distinctions are a testament to Grenada’s growing influence as a luxury destination defined by authenticity, exceptional hospitality and a genuine sense of place,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “To have multiple properties recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and MICHELIN in the same year reflects the extraordinary calibre of our island’s tourism product and the unwavering dedication of our hoteliers and hospitality professionals.” Dennis de Groot General Manager of Silversands Beach House, recipient of Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Caribbean Hotel title, added, “This recognition inspires all of us. It reflects the hard work and passion of our team and the enduring appeal of Grenada as a destination that offers sophistication without pretense and where every experience is infused with genuine warmth.” Adele Garbutt-Decaul, Owner and Director of Calabash Grenada, shared, “We are incredibly proud to have received Two MICHELIN Keys and to stand alongside some of the world’s most exceptional hotels. This recognition celebrates our team’s passion for excellence and also shines a global spotlight on Grenada as a destination that seamlessly blends luxury, warmth and authenticity.” Representing one of Grenada’s most beloved properties, Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort added, “We are honoured to be included by the MICHELIN Guide among the Caribbean’s finest resorts. It reflects the dedication and passion of the Spice team to deliver memorable experiences for our guests, our unwavering attention to detail, personalized service, and authentic Grenadian hospitality. We are grateful to have what we love to do recognized at such a high level, and we will continue to build on our mission to be one of the definitive luxury retreats in the Caribbean.” From Grenada’s newest resort, George Vlachopoulos, General Manager of Six Senses La Sagesse, stated, “Six Senses is proud to be part of Grenada’s inspiring hospitality story. These awards affirm our shared commitment alongside our fellow properties, to sustainability, excellence and creating transformative experiences that capture the essence of the island.” As Grenada continues to earn accolades on the world stage, the Grenada Tourism Authority reaffirms its commitment to supporting its industry partners and strengthening the island’s global visibility. Together, these achievements reinforce Grenada’s place among the Caribbean’s most exceptional destinations, where refined luxury meets heartfelt hospitality.

Press Statement I have written formally to the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Dominica calling for the immediate revocation of Statutory Rule and Order No. 39 of 2025, which restricts the forms of identification accepted for voter registration and confirmation. This new regulation confines acceptable ID to a passport, driver’s license, or social security card, effectively denying thousands of Dominican citizens of their constitutional right to vote. Many elderly citizens, and persons of limited means who are required to confirm their registration to remain on the voter’s list, do not possess these forms of identification. Under the Regulation of Electors Act (2025), before the introduction of this particular SRO, citizens could register or confirm their registration using a birth certificate, an affidavit of identity, and a passport-size photograph certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. That system was fair, inclusive, and consistent with the spirit of universal adult suffrage guaranteed by the Constitution. The right to vote is not a privilege reserved for those with passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses. It is a fundamental democratic right, and no electoral law or regulation should arbitrarily deprive citizens of it. I therefore urge the Electoral Commission to act without delay to revoke SRO No. 39 of 2025 and to restore the previous, accessible identification procedures. The integrity of our democracy demands nothing less. HON. DELBERT R. PARIS

The GEMS Foundation announces the extension of the application deadline for the 2025 Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge to December 6, 2025, providing additional time for entrepreneurs across Dominica to finalize and submit their entries. This decision was made to allow more entrepreneurs to benefit from this opportunity. Furthermore, in recognition of the busy Creole season, a vibrant period that engages many of the island’s small businesses, particularly those involved in food, hospitality, culture, tourism, and entertainment, the Foundation aims to ensure that these entrepreneurs have a fair and convenient opportunity to participate once the national festivities conclude. The Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge, supported by the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), continues to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that defined the late Phillip Nassief’s legacy. The initiative seeks to empower and strengthen small businesses within Dominica’s hospitality and tourism value chain, including enterprises in food and beverage, agro-processing, wellness, technology, transportation, marketing, and other related sectors that add value to the local economy. Following the extended submission period, the Judging Phase will conclude on January 28, 2026, after which seven (7) outstanding applicants will be shortlisted to participate in the final stage — the LIVE Ultimate Pitching Challenge on February 19, 2026. These finalists will benefit from a pitch preparation and mentoring session facilitated by experienced business and innovation professionals to help them refine their presentations and business models before the main event. The top three winners of the Challenge will receive financial awards of EC$20,000 (1st Place), EC$15,000 (2nd Place), and EC$10,000 (3rd Place) to support their business growth, efficiency, and sustainability. The GEMS Foundation encourages all applicants who have already started the process to review and complete their submissions, ensuring that all required documents are included by the new deadline. The extension provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs who may have missed the original cutoff to now apply and be part of this empowering journey.

Police officers from across the Caribbean are sharpening their ability to deliver justice grounded in evidence and human rights. Around 40 senior officers from 10 countries have completed an intensive crime scene investigation training under the PACE Justice Programme, a flagship initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) that aims to strengthen justice systems and promote people-centered justice throughout the region. Needs assessments by UNDP revealed that crime scene handling and investigative case-building remain critical areas for capacity strengthening in the Caribbean judicial systems. Directly responding to these needs, the five-day workshop focused on advanced investigative strategies, evidence-based case building, and crime scene management. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering evidence collection, forensic documentation, and the use of modern investigative tools. Delivered by UNDP and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the training took place from 29 September – 3 October at the RSS Headquarters in Barbados.  Officials addressing the training workshop noted that equipping senior officers with advanced skills to conduct thorough, rights-based investigations is a vital step towards reducing case backlogs and building public trust in justice systems across the Caribbean. This lies at the heart of the PACE Justice Programme – enhancing institutional capacities across criminal justice processes in the Caribbean to ensure cases are managed more effectively and efficiently. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Attorney General of Barbados, Mr. Timothy Maynard, noted, “Police investigation is a cornerstone of any functioning justice system. The public’s confidence in the justice system begins with the integrity and professionalism of police investigations. That is why this training is so vital. Justice must be people-centered — accessible, responsive, and inclusive, grounded in the lived realities of those it serves.” Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson of the RSS highlighted, “The structured in- country mentorship component will provide direct, hands-on guidance tailored to the complexities of national cases and specific country needs.” He added that the training complements other capacity-building initiatives across the region, including those tailored to junior officers: “Together, these efforts form part of a wider strategy to elevate policing standards, enhance justice delivery, and build stronger, more resilient law enforcement institutions in the Caribbean.  Attaché – Security, Justice & Human Rights at the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Mr. Alessandro Tedesco, said, "The presence of European trainers here is a tangible sign of the EU’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement capacities in the Caribbean, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative effort for justice reform. The EU is fully committed to supporting this training and the broader objectives of the PACE Justice Programme to ensure sustainable improvements in the region’s justice systems.” UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Limya Eltayeb, said, “This initiative represents a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration – bringing together regional expertise and international partners to enhance the quality of police investigations. The workshop is part of a broader reform effort under the PACE Justice Programme, which also includes technology upgrades, legislative support, and regional peer learning to modernize justice delivery and strengthen institutions in the Caribbean.” PHOTO CAPTION : Police officers take part in practical exercises at the crime scene investigation training workshop delivered in Barbados by UNDP's PACE Justice Programme and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL).

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) When a hurricane barrels through the Caribbean, recovery doesn’t just depend on rebuilding homes and roads. It depends on whether farmers can afford to replace lost livestock, whether fishers can access damaged docks or launching areas, whether market vendors can access refrigeration to preserve perishable goods, and whether tourism workers can survive months while hotels remain closed. These are the people who keep food on our tables, keep goods moving, and sustain the local economy. Yet, when disasters strike, they are often the ones left waiting the longest for help. Where Governments and Traditional Insurance Fall Short Governments do step in, of course. After major storms, ministries coordinate emergency aid, negotiate loans, and restore infrastructure. But the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)’s research highlights that governments are focused on the “big picture.” They fix roads, restore the power grid, and manage national relief. But they cannot meet the thousands of small, urgent needs of individual workers and households quickly enough. Things like restoring a farmer's contaminated well, replacing a fisher's equipment, or helping a vendor secure a new market permit can take too long to address. Meanwhile, private insurers serve those who can afford policies, usually businesses with formal assets. For informal workers like farmers without land titles, fishers who can’t insure small boats, vendors without registered stalls, traditional insurance is simply out of reach. That leaves a huge gap when disaster strikes. Meso-Level CDRFI Bridges the Gap This is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) becomes a bridge. It links the scale of government and insurance with the trust and reach of community organizations. Here’s how it works: Community institutions, like cooperatives, credit unions, and NGOs, act as the direct link to people on the ground. They know who is most vulnerable, and are trusted by members. Financial tools, like parametric insurance and community savings funds, are pooled and managed through these groups, making payouts faster and fairer. Governments and private insurers provide the wider safety net and financial backing, ensuring that the system is sustainable and affordable. Instead of operating separately, these three levels work together. Communities identify needs, governments reduce risk exposure through policy, and insurers provide capital. The result?  Livelihoods are protected, and national budgets face less strain. Consider this: CPDC’s research across five Caribbean countries found that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers have no budget for disaster response. Without meso-level CDRFI, those organizations are stranded when disasters hit. With it, they can access financial resources, deliver support directly to members, and reduce the wait time between disaster and recovery. This bridge also builds trust. Research confirms that credit unions and cooperatives hold the highest trust ratings in our communities. By placing them at the center of disaster protection, meso-level CDRFI ensures that recovery is not just about money, but about fairness, transparency, and local decision-making. Building Resilience for the Future In a time when climate risks are rising, the Caribbean needs real solutions that work for our people. Farmers, fishers, vendors, and tourism workers need systems that connect them to wider resources while respecting the realities of informal work. Meso-level CDRFI is one way to strengthen that chain. To understand how these bridges can transform disaster response in the region, explore the Risk Resilience Hub to learn more about meso-level CDRFI. Use it as a guide to strengthen your community’s resilience, contributing to a smarter, more connected Caribbean future. Hurricane Beryl, Grenada Loss of livestock, on ravaged farm- Beryl Produce on sale at Market, Belize (contributed)

Young people from across Barbados recently placed resilience financing at the center of national discussions, as they joined government leaders and international partners in a special National Youth Platform to mark the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13. Under the global theme “Fund resilience, not disasters,” participants underscored the urgent need to increase investments that protect communities from climate and disaster risks. Throughout the morning, youth leaders highlighted how disasters disrupt education, livelihoods, and well-being, but also demonstrated the creativity and innovation they bring to resilience building. Interactive “resilience labs” gave young participants space to exchange solutions, from climate-smart technologies to community-driven approaches, showing that youth are not only vulnerable to hazards but active agents of change. This year’s IDDRR theme calls for a decisive shift: from spending vast sums on disaster response and recovery to investing proactively in measures that reduce risks before disasters strike. For Small Island Developing States such as Barbados, where hurricanes, flooding and other coastal hazards pose an existential threat, financing resilience is both a necessity and a smart investment in sustainable development. Opening the event, Captain Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Management, welcomed participants and stressed that engaging youth in national resilience planning is key to ensuring a safer future for Barbados, while United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett called for closer intergenerational dialogue so that youth priorities feed directly into policy and financing decisions, and shaping innovative responses to challenges that affect their present and future. Mr Springett further noted: “This initiative, supported by several key partners, is both timely and essential. No one single entity can tackle these challenges alone. We must strengthen our collective response to enhance the resilience of our region. The National Youth Platform contributes to these efforts.” “Countries, rich and poor, are facing disasters that are larger and more destructive. This is partially driven by an increase in extreme weather events, but it is also driven by risk-blind investments, which increase the exposure and vulnerability of people and assets,” said Saskia Carusi, deputy chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – regional office for the Americas and the Caribbean. The Government of Barbados also reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, emphasized that investing in resilience is not an expense but a necessity for sustainable development. “Every dollar spent on resilience saves many more in recovery. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness is not a cost — it is a safeguard for the future. The global community must shift financing from reaction to prevention, from disaster relief to resilience-building. For Small Island Developing States, this shift is not a luxury; it is the difference between vulnerability and viability,” he stated. The event also featured a youth-led panel discussion on the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters – A Youth Perspective.” The panel brought together young leaders from Barbados and across the Caribbean to explore how youth innovation, financing, and partnerships can drive greater investment in resilience. Participants discussed the importance of risk-informed public and private investments, collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that young voices shape the decisions that affect their present and future. Maria Marshall, UNICEF Youth Advocate for the Environment, highlighted that young people should not be seen merely as victims of disasters but as powerful agents of change. “To assume we are just victims would be unfair and untrue. Young people can be powerful agents of change. Involving young people in disaster planning could be constructive,” she said. She added that “the youth bring fresh ideas, energy, and local knowledge that is intricate to their experiences and would improve community resilience.” A highlight of the platform was the official launch of the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 Film Festival, which will take place in November. The Festival aims to raise awareness of tsunami hazards in the Caribbean and promote preparedness through film and community engagement. By the close of the event, youth participants presented key recommendations to strengthen national and regional resilience strategies. They were encouraged to drive innovation in disaster risk reduction and to ensure their voices are firmly represented in national platforms and decision-making.