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Dominica observes Labour Day on the first Monday of May, which in 2025 falls on May 5. Unlike many countries that celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, Dominica’s observance emphasizes the nation’s strong trade union movement and its role in advocating for workers’ rights and fair labor practices. Labour Day in Dominica: A Day of Reflection and Advocacy Labour Day in Dominica is a public holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers to the nation’s development. The day is marked by various activities, including rallies, speeches, and cultural performances, all aimed at highlighting the importance of fair labor practices and the ongoing need for workers’ rights advocacy. In recent years, there has been a call within the trade union community for a more unified approach to labor advocacy. The Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU) has emphasized the need for a restructured and revitalized trade union movement, suggesting that the absence of a central body like the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has led to missed opportunities for collective action and consultation on labor-related issues. Political parties in Dominica also use Labour Day as an opportunity to express solidarity with workers. As Dominica celebrates Labour Day 2025, the focus remains on strengthening the trade union movement and ensuring that workers’ rights are protected and advanced. The observance of this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to achieve fair labor practices and the importance of solidarity among workers, unions, and political entities in advocating for a just and equitable society.

The DABA Elias Dupuis Memorial Knockout Cup has reached its electrifying semi-final stage after a thrilling series of quarterfinal games at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Basketball fans were treated to high-octane action and standout performances from Dominica’s top talent throughout the week. In Game 1 on Tuesday night,  Paix Bouche Super Eagles  soared past the  West Coast Ballers  with a convincing  68-49  win.  Sharmar Felicite  led the charge with  20 points , supported by  Dartanian Lataille (14 pts)  and  Caelan Paul (13 pts) . For the Ballers,  Hassan Robinson  managed  16 points , with support from  Sherron Vidal (11 pts)  and  Shaelon Vidal (8 pts) . Game 2 saw  Falcons 1  dominate the  Police Sports Club , finishing  76-44 .  Meshack Duboulay  impressed with  21 points , while  Karim Daniel (17 pts) ,  Kiefer Francis (11 pts) , and  Ronnie Magloire (10 pts)  added solid contributions.  Josh Telemacqe (12 pts)  and  Jervon Christmas (10 pts)  led the scoring for Police. Quarterfinal action resumed Thursday as the  767 SC Dominators  secured their semi-final spot with a  73-53  victory over the  BAA Sharks .  Tilon Birmingham  exploded for  22 points , supported by  MC Ray Edwards ,  Wakame Fabien , and  Rene Williams , all adding  9 points  each. The Sharks’ offense was evenly matched by  Jaiden Scotland ,  Christian Scotland , and  Jimmal Peltier , each with  11 points . The final quarterfinal clash on Friday between  D-Treads Blazers  and  Dr. Darroux Falcons 2  was a true battle. Tied with four minutes left, the reigning Premier League champions Blazers closed on a  15-2  run to triumph  80-67 .  Lyndson Lunch (20 pts) ,  Dretsuan Lee (19 pts) , and  Maxwell Birmingham (17 pts)  led the offense. Despite  Zack Bastien's  incredible  39-point  performance for the Falcons 2, it wasn't enough to overcome the Blazers’ firepower. SEMI-FINAL MATCHUPS – COMING UP NEXT WEEK 767 SC Dominators  vs  D-Treads Blazers 1 PSC Falcons 1  vs  Paix Bouche Super Eagles These semi-final matchups will showcase the  top four teams  from last season's Premier League and are expected to deliver exceptional basketball action as they battle for a spot in the finals of this prestigious tournament. Basketball fans across Dominica are encouraged to attend and support local talent as the intensity builds on the road to the championship.

Local musicians invited to learn from renowned jazz musician Etienne Charles in exclusive master class on May 3rd Discover Dominica Authority is pleased to announce that internationally acclaimed musician Etienne Charles, who is slated to perform at the 14th annual Jazz ‘n Creole festival, will lead a special master classfor local musicians on Saturday, May 3 . The session begins at 9 a.m. at the Resource Center on the hill at One Mile in Portsmouth and is open to all musicians . The master class will focus on wind instruments, keyboard, guitar and percussion, offering participants the opportunity to refine their technique and expand their musical expression under the guidance of a world-class performer. Charles, known for fusing jazz with Afro-Caribbean influences, brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience to this educational event. The session supports Discover Dominica Authority’s commitment to developing local talent and ensuring the continued growth of Dominica’s music industry. “This initiative is an essential part of the Jazz ‘n Creole experience,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority. “It strengthens our creative ecosystem by encouraging skills transfer and mentorship between global and local artists.” Interested musicians are encouraged to register in advance by completing the sign-up form online at: ibit.ly/HHzYP or by calling 767-265-3121. The master class is part of the lead-up to the main Jazz ‘n Creole event , which takes place on Sunday, May 4 , beginning at 2 p.m. at Cabrits National Park . The festival is a signature event on Dominica’s cultural calendar, blending world-class jazz with Creole flavors, rhythms and cuisine in a uniquely Dominican setting. Source: The New York Times

The Canada Caribbean Emerging Leaders Dialogue brings together 100 leaders from across the business, labour, government, education and non-profit sectors. This innovative conference will build on longstanding Commonwealth relationships, featuring an opening in Canada, followed by tours across various Caribbean countries.   Our country delegates for Dominica are Lennard Emanuel, Jade Leatham, Daniel Fadelle and Lizra Fabien   “I am so pleased that we have a total of 4 Dominicans participating in the Canada Caribbean Emerging Leaders Dialogue. I know they will make use of this unique opportunity and promote our country well. I am delighted that we have a large Dominican delegation involved in this programme,” - country host for Dominica and co-lead of the Canada Caribbean Emerging Leaders Dialogue, Rianna Patterson, expresses.   An opening plenary will be held in Toronto, Ontario, with all 100 participants who will have the opportunity to hear from leaders across government, industry, education, and civil society.   Each tour will travel to one Caribbean country to explore one of the six sub-themes, with the 7th group exploring the umbrella conference theme. Tour countries include the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Dominica. Dominica is among the islands that delegates will visit from May 24th to May 29th under the theme of Social Impact and Sustainable Development.   The diverse participants selected from across Canada and the Caribbean will have first-hand exposure to new peer-to-peer interactive learning experiences, provoking dialogue across real-time, complex issues, so that the quality and relevance of their decision-making is improved.   “It has been an honour to put together this trip, and I would like to thank the local civil society, businesses and entrepreneurs who have stepped up to support this cause,” said Ms.Patterson Special thanks to our local sponsors and supporters: Fort Young Hotel, Dominica Public Service Union, D Baked That, Jaydee Naturals, Bee Naturals, Belfast Estate, UWI Dominica Campus, Intercontinental Hotel & Resorts, Charles Louis Photography and Rotary Club of Portsmouth.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) The familiar shoreline of Hellshire Beach in Jamaica is disappearing. Mario Galbert remembers the beach from his childhood, a stretch of golden sand where people played football, danced at parties, and cooled off in the Caribbean waters. Today, that beach no longer exists. “If you go to that beach now, there is no more shoreline for you to even walk on, to swim on, to sit and play in the sand,” says the Jamaican youth climate activist. “Water has taken over everything.” This is personal for Mario. But it’s also a warning that shows what's happening all over the Caribbean as climate change speeds up. The Invisible Crisis The region stands on the frontlines of a crisis we did not create. Yet, when global decisions are made about how to finance climate resilience, the Caribbean is barely in the room, let alone at the table. “It is extremely difficult to access recovery funds,” explains Ambassador Carlos Fuller, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations. “In fact, there is no specific fund for recovery... Everything comes through humanitarian assistance and mostly loans.” The challenges go deeper than just insufficient recovery funds. Ambassador Fuller highlights a critical gap in disaster preparedness: “Our ability to show very early what is at risk. If you have a major event, you then have to go around to see what was damaged. But if you didn't even do the preparatory work before the event, then you wouldn't know where to go.” Ambassador Fuller recalls a personal experience during his time as Chief Meteorologist at Belize's National Meteorological Service. “There was a tropical storm that hit Northern Belize. But they had a private insurance for a hurricane. The papaya fields went down due to winds of sixty miles an hour and the insurance man asked me if I ‘can’t find another fourteen miles an hour to make it a hurricane.’” Just imagine—needing to “find” extra wind speed to trigger an insurance payout, despite farmers losing everything. These rigid systems often miss the lived reality of climate impacts across our region. When Regional Priorities Are Sidelined Caribbean Economist, Dr. Donneil Cain recounts an example of how the lack of Caribbean weight can derail climate ambitions: “A GCF Coral Reef rehabilitation project developed by CCCCC, with a valued US$50 million benefiting six Caribbean countries, was never approved. Despite the importance of coral reef for the Caribbean region. In the same breath, GCF approved the Global Coral Reef Fund, which was much larger, and suggested that CCCCC submit that proposal to that facility.” Another challenge Dr. Cain identifies is how multilateral development banks approach climate finance: “The development banks are somewhat still in that phase of mainstreaming climate change into their operations; whilst responding to other competing development priorities. There are seventeen development goals of which climate action is only one.” This creates a fundamental mismatch in timing and priorities. “If you have two million dollars to build a school. The government wants that school now,” Dr. Cain explains. “Then you're going to tell the government, ‘Let’s get some climate finance and make it resilient but we can’t do it till two years when funding is approved.’ They're going to say no, we will move ahead with our school.” A Question of Power Caribbean SIDS collectively hold just 1.01% of total votes at the World Bank, one of the primary institutions designing climate financing instruments for vulnerable nations. Meanwhile, the United States alone controls 15.84% of voting power. This power imbalance means the financial tools created to address climate impacts often don't fit the realities of those most affected. “If CARICOM member states had seats and are given more significant roles in the decision-making processes, these organizations would be more tailored towards the needs of SIDS, responsive and fit for purpose,” argues Dr. Cain. Youth Leading from Behind For Mario and other young Caribbean climate activists, it is frustrating to see their futures being decided in rooms they cannot access. “Our young people are being engaged at the local and regional level, but at an international level we are not well engaged,” Mario explains. “If you go to any of these large climate change conferences, and you look at the Caribbean contingent of delegates, and our young people... they're a smaller number.” Young people have the most at stake because they will inherit whatever climate future today's decisions create. “We are the future policymakers so we should be guiding the decisions,” says Mario. Reimagining Climate Finance The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)’s publication “ How Can the World Bank Better Support the Shared Debt, Climate, and Development Financing Challenges Facing Caribbean SIDS? ” propose reforms: increasing basic votes for smaller nations in multilateral development banks, introducing weighted voting for climate-related issues, creating debt relief specifically for middle- and high-income Caribbean nations, and using more sophisticated vulnerability metrics beyond simple per-capita income. These reforms would transform how climate finance is structured and distributed. “Even if it doesn't exist, it can be created to meet our needs,” notes Jwala Rambarran, author of the CPDC study. He pointed to the creation of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility after Hurricane Ivan as evidence that innovative solutions are possible when there's political will. “We are creative people. We are resilient people. We could tinker with our problems and come up with solutions.” Tangible Impact, Tangible Hope What would meaningful change look like? For Mario, it's about ensuring climate finance reaches communities that need it most. "It's not just about getting the money," he says. “The people who are being affected the most should be the ones who are benefiting from this." For Dr. Cain, the push for Caribbean representation in global financial governance is about seeing real changes in people's lives: "If we're not in the room, then we don't have a voice in shaping the mechanisms that will influence or affect us within our spaces." He shares a vision of his personal reward: “What I am looking forward to is saying to my kids, ‘I supported that asset or system to become climate resilient, and it contributed to catalysing change in the Caribbean’.” A Future Worth Building For the Caribbean, having a seat at the global financial table is about survival. The climate crisis means more beaches like Hellshire disappearing, more communities displaced, and more economies struggling under climate-induced debt. “We are very small islands. We don't have a large land mass,” Mario reminds us. “Most of our people live nearby shorelines.” If we truly want solutions that actually work for the Caribbean, then the world’s financial institutions must recognize our region’s unique vulnerabilities. And our voices must carry proportional weight in global climate finance so that funding can flow efficiently to those most affected. PHOTO CAPTIONS: 1.    Hellshire Beach in Portmore, Jamaica (2021). Photo Credit - Kaboom Magazine 2.    Flags monument at COP28 climate change conference, Dubai. Photo Credit – Chalsey Gill Anthony 3.    Mario Galbert detailing how climate change has impacted Jamaica on CYCC's Panel Discussion at COP28 in Dubai. Photo Credit – CCCCC 4.    Hellshire Beach in Portmore, Jamaica (2024). Photo Credit - Chuckie'z Events

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT   The Carissa F. Etienne Emergency Operations Center(EOC) functions as a centralized location for coordination and control of health-related emergency response activities for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, and the wider Caribbean when required. It is a physical location and dedicated space located at the PAHO Barbados building, under the management of the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and in collaboration with the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) Subregional Team and the PAHO Regional EOC.   PAHO officially named this facility the Carissa F. Etienne Emergency Operations Centre, in memory and honour of our beloved Director Emeritus. Dr. Etienne who was more than a leader—she was a tireless champion for equity, for universal health, and for strengthening emergency preparedness at all levels. This EOC is a living tribute to her vision and to her unwavering dedication to public health in the Americas.   The ongoing changing hazard landscape resulting from climate change and increasing vulnerability and exposure of countries heightened the need for the EOC. Several events over the years, such as COVID 19 2020-2023, Hurricanes Beryl 2024, Maria 2017, Irma 2017 and Dorian 2019, presented significant public health coordination and response demands, and an increasing range of public health challenges. Within this context the PAHO/WHO ECC EOC is seen as an essential element of the PAHO/WHO infrastructure and core to its emergency operations.   The Multi-country nature of the ECC Office, covering 13 countries and territories with high level of vulnerability to multi-hazards, necessitated the strengthening of capacities for emergency operations closer to countries. In addition, the PHE decentralized team strategically located in Barbados, serves as a hub for PAHO’s coordination with other Caribbean stakeholders. This is in alignment with the implementation of the Institutional Response to Emergencies and Disasters (IRED) policy.   The primary function of the PAHO/WHO ECCEOC during emergencies and disasters is to provide operational support to and coordinate the Organization’s response, including information management, resource allocation, deployment of surge capacity, logistics and strategic alliances.   This is where the team for the Incident Management System (IMS) operates during declared emergencies. The EOC will be the point of contact with the Ministry of Health EOC of affected countries and can provide back up support to impacted Health EOCs. In Barbados, this facility can be utilized when needed by the MOH and the United Nations.   In non-disaster situations, the EOC monitors and identifies other health crises that may require an ECC response. The EOC also provides a platform to strengthen integrated event-based surveillance, monitoring, collection and verification of data. It is a hub for capacity building, facilitating all hazard situational awareness and operational preparedness. It provides a space to organize and participate in simulation exercises. It is important to highlight that this EOC is not simply about infrastructure. It is about people, systems, and partnerships. It will be brought to life by the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of all who work within it—and those who work alongside it throughout the Caribbean.

The Marigot Development Corporation (MDC) is proud to present the 15th edition of May Fest. Under the theme “May is Marigot,” 2025 promises an engaging series of activities showcasing the spirit, energy, and resilience of Marigot. Throughout the month, residents and visitors alike will enjoy a rich mix of cultural, educational, sporting, and entertainment events designed for all ages. May Fest officially launched with a Press Conference on May 1st, where the full program was unveiled, and the community partners and sponsors were recognized for their invaluable support. Some of the highlights of this year’s calendar include: • Multiple Community Events: A range of activities including a Church service (May 4), Cooler Fete (May 3), public discussions, school public speaking and spelling competitions (May 16), sports, clean-up initiatives, and more. • Health & Wellness Fair (May 30): Presented in collaboration with St. Andrew’s Hospital Foundation based in the USA, this activity promotes healthy lifestyles through community health screenings, exhibits, and interactive sessions. • Tribute to Our Ancestors (May 31): Now in its second year, this event honours the legacy and contributions of those who paved the way for today’s generation. Presented by the Marigot History Working Group. • International Artist Night (May 31): The signature event of May Fest 2025 will light up the Marigot Fisheries with a powerhouse lineup led by Vincentian Soca sensation, Shertz James AKA Problem Child. Also hitting the stage are Edday, Asa Bantan, Signal Band, Litle Boy, Quan, alongside DJs Sleem, Athie, and Sexer — promising an electrifying night of entertainment. Tickets are now available at the following outlets: Bullseye Pharmacy, Depex Color Lab, Country Style Bakery (Marigot and Canefield), and all Country Style bread depots around Roseau. • May Fest Survivor Challenge (June 1): Teams of 3 are invited to register for this adventurous team competition combining river tubing, kayaking, and hiking, guaranteed to deliver thrills and excitement. • Family Fun Day (June 1): Enjoy traditional games and activities for all ages, as well as beach volleyball, football and netball. The Marigot Community Tourism Committee executes this event. “This year’s May Fest embraces who we are as a community, creating spaces where everyone can feel connected, energized, and proud,” said Mr. Michael Pascal, not President of MDC. “We are inviting all of Dominica to experience the magic and spirit — because in May, all roads lead to Marigot!” The MDC extends heartfelt thanks to the many community organizations and partners who continue to make May Fest possible. Thank you to the partners and sponsors who have already committed to supporting May Fest 2025.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission will host its 10th Council of Ministers: Education (COM:Edu) meeting under the chairmanship of the Honourable Octavia Alfred, Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and Nation Excellence for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Minister Alfred will assume the role of incoming Chair of the Council, as the baton will be handed over by the current Chairman Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth Empowerment, Housing & Human Settlement, Ecclesiastical & Faith-Based Affairs, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities for St Kitts and Nevis. Dominica will proudly serve as this year’s host of the high-level event scheduled to be held on the 25 - 26 September 2025. The meeting will bring together Ministers of Education and senior education officials from across the OECS region for strategic discussions aimed at advancing the goals outlined in the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026. Developed in response to the unique needs of Small Island Developing States, the OESS provides a roadmap for harmonised and impactful education reform across Member States. The COM:Edu meeting will facilitate robust dialogue and knowledge exchange on shared priorities, including inclusive education, quality learning outcomes, and system-wide reform. Ministers will also engage development partners and regional agencies to deepen collaboration on education initiatives. The 2025 Council of Ministers: Education (COM:Edu) meeting will serve as a pivotal platform for advancing the regional education agenda. Grounded in the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) and the broader vision for sustainable human development across the region, the meeting will seek to: 1. Advance the transformation of education systems across the OECS by aligning Member State efforts with the strategic priorities of the OESS—emphasizing the modernization of the primary curriculum, strengthening early grade assessment systems, expanding equitable access to quality early childhood education (ECE), deepening inclusive education practices, and cultivating innovation and future-ready skills for all learners. 2. Accelerate and sustain the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem through coordinated action to expand digital infrastructure, improve access to devices and connectivity, integrate high-quality digital content and platforms, and strengthen educator and learner digital competencies to enhance equity and resilience in teaching and learning. 3. Strengthen strategic collaboration with regional and international development partners, fostering deeper alignment of technical expertise, financial support, and policy dialogue to drive implementation of shared education priorities and catalyze systemic change across the region. 4. Facilitate structured sharing of best practices and innovations, enabling Member States to learn from each other’s successes, scale proven strategies, and foster greater harmonization, coherence, and efficiency in addressing common educational challenges across the OECS. As host of the 2025 COM:Edu meeting, Honourable Octavia Alfred welcomes her regional counterparts to Dominica for what promises to be a pivotal and productive event in shaping the future of education in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence continues to invest in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Dominican schools to prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce. On August 15, 2024, The Ministry of Education through the Dominica TVET Council awarded National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Certificates to 60 individuals who successfully completed training in over 10 skill areas including Electricity, Plumbing, Commercial Food Preparation, Nail Technology and Cosmetology, Hair Braiding, Customer Service, Garment Construction, Fish Handling and Processing and Data Operations. On April 24, 2025, 50 candidates were awarded NVQ certificates in these skills. This brings the total of NVQ awards to 110 over the last 8 months. In addition, 15 of these candidates will be awarded Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 3 certification in Construction Site Supervision by the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA); a first at that level for Dominica. An NVQ is a vocational qualification designed to help individuals gain the practical skills and technical knowledge required for work. The Ministry of Education, and by extension, the Government of Dominica, recognizes the importance of skills in contributing to Dominica’s economic development. To this end, the Ministry ensures that skills training forms part of every public school’s curriculum. The Ministry of Education currently offers at least 12 TVET skills at the 7 public secondary schools: 1. Auto Mechanics 2. Woodwork and Furniture Making 3. Electricity and Electricals 4. Air-conditioning and Refrigeration 5. Agriculture 6. Food Preparation 7. Home Management 8. Technical Drawing 9. Clothing and Textile 10. Garment Construction (at the Caribbean Vocational Qualification Level) 11. Family and Resource Management 12. IT and Computer Science Additionally, a Center of Excellence in TVET, to be established at the new Goodwill Secondary School and scheduled for commissioning in 2026, will provide advanced skills training to Dominicans across more than 12 disciplines.

The Youth Development Division is proud to announce the launch of its Digital Devices Maintenance & Repair Short Course at the St. Cyr Innovation Hub. The program will officially commence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 and run through Thursday, July 17, 2025, with classes held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This initiative follows the successful completion of the first cycle of the Digital Devices Maintenance & Repair Course, which was previously held at the Dominica Legion Building in Roseau. That program trained participants from across the island, including communities such as Soufriere, San Sauveur, Trafalgar, Castle Comfort, Salisbury and Castle Bruce, equipping them with valuable hands-on skills in small electronics repair. Recognizing the demand for this training in rural districts, the Division is expanding its reach to provide even greater access to young people across the East. To support participation, transportation will be provided for youth from across the district to the St. Cyr Innovation Hub. Each training session will consist of both technical instruction and personal development. The first hour of every second training day will be dedicated to Soft Skills Development, facilitated by the District Youth Development Officer. Topics will include communication skills, teamwork, conflict resolution, and workplace readiness, ensuring holistic preparation for participants entering the workforce or entrepreneurship. The Digital Devices course is just one aspect of the Youth Development Division’s broader mandate to prepare young Dominicans for national growth and global competitiveness. Through initiatives like the Youth Skills Training Programme (YSTP), Leadership and Counseling Programs, Dominica Youth Business Trust and the 4-H Movement, the Division continues to nurture a new generation equipped with technical expertise, civic responsibility, and leadership values. The Youth Development Division remains committed to equipping Dominica’s young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven economy, especially in emerging sectors of maintenance, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

By: Variety News Group Communities across Dominica are expressing growing alarm as garbage collection delays persist in several areas, with some neighborhoods reporting uncollected waste for up to three weeks . The unsanitary conditions have sparked fears of a potential leptospirosis outbreak , a bacterial disease that thrives in such environments. Leptospirosis, which is transmitted through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats , can spread to humans through contaminated water or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the eyes, nose, and mouth—especially when people come into contact with floodwaters or areas heavily polluted with waste. Residents in affected communities have reported overflowing bins, the presence of rodents, and the unbearable stench of decomposing food and household waste. These conditions not only pose a serious health threat  but also contribute to a decline in community morale and environmental quality. “This situation is unacceptable,” said one concerned resident from the southern district. “Garbage has not been collected in nearly a month. The rats are getting bolder, and the children are playing nearby. We’re sitting on a health time bomb.” “If this continues, we will not only see a spike in leptospirosis cases,” warned a local physician, “but potentially other diseases linked to poor sanitation, such as gastroenteritis, dengue, and even respiratory infections.” The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation has cited equipment breakdowns as a reason for the delays. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment is urging residents to store garbage securely , avoid dumping waste in drains or rivers, and to report rodent sightings to health officials. What’s at Risk If left unchecked, the current situation could lead to: A widespread leptospirosis outbreak , especially in flood-prone areas. Increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs . Decline in public trust  toward sanitation services and local governance. Negative impacts on tourism and the environment . Residents are hoping to see a resolution to this garbage collection issue, before the situation spirals further out of control.

The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Sports, continues to make significant investments in community sporting infrastructure as part of a broader vision to strengthen grassroots sports and nurture emerging talent across the island. Over the past 12 months, the Ministry has launched a series of projects aimed at enhancing recreational spaces and providing access to quality sporting facilities for all age groups. The Ministry has completed lighting upgrades at eight (8) community playing fields, including: ● The Teza Grounds in Mahaut ● The Grand Fond Playing Field ● The Centre Playing Field in Grand Bay ● The Anse du Mai Playing Field ● The Vieille Case Playing Field ● The Belle Vue Chopin Playing Field ● The Soufrere playing Field and ● The Glanvillia playing Field These improvements provide opportunities for extended play hours and more structured community-based sporting events. The Ministry is encouraging youth, women and even senior citizens to make full use of these spaces for leagues, tournaments and general outdoor recreation. Assessments are currently underway for the lighting of additional facilities. Major Investment at Windsor Park Sports Stadium In another major step, the Government has committed approximately $14 million from the Lotteries Commission to fund the full restoration of lighting infrastructure at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. This critical upgrade will meet international standards and includes the installation of high-quality lighting systems, a modern control room and supporting facilities. It underscores Government’s commitment to maintaining Dominica’s premier sporting venue, even amidst other national priorities. Development of Hard courts and Community Recreation The Ministry is also prioritizing the development of hard courts for basketball and netball in various communities. Recently completed facilities in La Plaine and Penville are already in use for youth engagement and sporting activity. In Portsmouth, a new hard court with washrooms has been completed at Benjamin’s Park and will soon be outfitted with bleachers and lighting to enhance spectator experience and nighttime use. Other community courts across the island will be upgraded as part of the strategy to decentralize sports and provide consistent avenues for recreation at the village level. Enhanced Facilities under the BNTF 10 Project Two (2) sporting interventions are also being implemented under the Basic needs Trust Fund 10 Project within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development. First is the complete upgrade of the Trafalgar Basketball hard Court to include a media center, covered sitting, washrooms, change rooms and perimeter fencing. This project is nearing completion. The upgrade to the Delices Playing field to include a small pavilion and the grassing of the playing surface is also ongoing. Synthetic Track for Athletics in the North In collaboration with the Dominica Athletics Association and international partners, Government is working to develop a synthetic athletics track at Pointe Ronde in the north. This long-awaited facility will serve as the central hub for athletics development in Dominica. Once completed, it will provide expanded opportunities for training, hosting of competitions and the development of elite athletes. The Government of Dominica reaffirms its commitment to sporting excellence and the empowerment of communities through modern, accessible and sustainable sports infrastructure. -End-