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Recognizing excellence, innovation, and commitment in Dominica’s tourism sector Discover Dominica Authority has announced the official launch of the Tourism Service Excellence Awards 2025, a national initiative aimed at recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations within Dominica’s tourism industry. Nominations are now open and must be submitted by Friday, May 15, 2025. The Tourism Service Excellence Awards aim to honour those who have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, creativity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in advancing the island’s tourism product. The initiative emphasizes the authority’s commitment to promoting service excellence and sustainable development across the sector. Award Categories The 2025 awards will feature the following categories:  Tourism Service Excellence Award – For consistently exceptional customer service and professionalism.  Innovation in Tourism Award – For creative and forward-thinking contributions to tourism development.  Sustainable Tourism Champion Award – For exemplary environmental practices and sustainable business models.  Community &Cultural Impact Award – For strengthening local communities and preserving Dominican culture through tourism.  Outstanding Tourism Experience Award – For delivering high-quality, memorable visitor experiences.  Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award – For decades of outstanding service, dedication, and leadership within the industry.  People’s Choice Tourism Champion 2025 – A public-vote category celebrating widely respected and highly recommended tourism professionals. Eligible nominees include Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE) certified tour guides, accommodation providers, eco-tourism ventures, cultural event organizers, community-based tourism groups, and other contributors who have played a key role in shaping Dominica’s tourism experience. Nomination forms and detailed information on each award category are available at https://discoverdominica.com/en/tourism-service-excellence-awards . Through the Tourism Service Excellence Awards, the Discover Dominica Authority invites the public to celebrate and recognize those who are making a lasting impact on the tourism industry and contributing to Dominica’s continued growth as a premier destination.

From Wednesday 30th April to Sunday 4th May 2025 , Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) will be conducting critical testing of a recently installed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Fond Colé Power Plant, as the company enters the final stages of commissioning this battery system. Once successfully completed, this milestone will mark another major step toward a more resilient and reliable electricity supply for Dominica.   The BESS, with a combined capacity of 6MW/6MWh, will greatly enhance DOMLEC’s ability to manage the electricity grid more efficiently, provide spinning reserve, and support the stability of the system — particularly as Dominica transitions towards a renewable energy future. Importantly, it will ensure greater system protection and reliability, especially following the commissioning of the island’s upcoming geothermal plant.   DOMLEC’s General Manager, Dwayne Cenac, is excited about this development. “We are very excited about what this means for the future of energy on our island. The BESS will help improve system reliability, reduce diesel generation overtime, and ultimately support more stable electricity supply to our consumers,” he says.   There may be initial inconveniences during the testing period as temporary service interruptions may arise. He reassures customers, however, that the company anticipates minimal disruptions during this time. “While this testing period may cause some inconvenience, it is an essential step toward ensuring a stronger, more resilient electricity supply for Dominica and we do hope that these interruptions will be minimal.”   Systems Engineer at DOMLEC, Mr. Richard Wilson, also offered reassurance: "We are committed to minimising any impact on our customers during the commissioning period. Our team will carry out all testing activities with the utmost attention to safety and efficiency." Located in Fond Colé on government-owned property between DOMLEC’s two generating facilities, the BESS is manufactured by global technology leader Huawei. DOMLEC will operate and maintain the BESS as part of a lease agreement with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD), ensuring that the system is fully integrated into the electricity grid and that staff are well-trained in its use and maintenance.   The BESS project is made possible through a special funding arrangement between the United Arab Emirates / Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE/CREF) and the GoCD. The project is being managed by Emirati renewable energy company MASDAR on behalf of the UAE/CREF with Smart Energy of France serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.   Once fully operational, the BESS will also support DOMLEC’s broader strategic objective of facilitating a transition to more renewable energy sources, further contributing to Dominica’s sustainable energy goals.

Round of 17 Summary and Quarterfinal Fixtures Round of 17 Overview Venue: Massacre Indoor Sports Complex Dates: April 23–27, 2025 The opening rounds of the Elias Dupuis Knockout Cup delivered an exciting blend of fierce competition, unexpected forfeits, and standout performances. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Game 1: WCCU Real Time Ballers 66 – Tigers 44 Top scorers (WCCU): Tony Lee (15 pts), Sharmar Phillip (14 pts), Jahiem Nelson (11 pts), Deltin Eugene (10 pts) Top scorers (Tigers): Kian Brumant (19 pts), Shawn Thomas (8 pts), Phil St Hilaire (7 pts) Game 2: Blazers 2 vs Falcons 2 – Match abandoned (Blazers 2 unable to field a squad) Thursday, April 24, 2025 Game 1: 767 SC Dominators advances (Ole Skool unable to field a squad) Game 2: BAA Sharks 69 – 767 SC Young Ballers 58 Top scorers (Sharks): Jimmal Peltier (21 pts), Allan Peters (11 pts), Nigel George (9 pts), Troy Brooks (8 pts) Top scorers (Young Ballers): Charlton Charles (19 pts), AndelOlivacee (12 pts), Jiyeh Antoine (9 pts) Friday, April 25, 2025 Game 1: Police Sports Club advances (Jah Lions did not show) Game 2: Falcons 92 – Denise Charles Seahawks 63 Top scorers (Falcons): Kiefer Francis (19 pts), Zack Bastien (17 pts), MeshackDoubulay (16 pts) Top scorers (Seahawks): Keelan Paul (19 pts), Clem Nicholas (14 pts), Emrod Eli (13 pts) Saturday, April 26, 2025 Game: West Coast Ballers 66 – Hilltop Services Trafalgar Prowlers 60 Top scorers (WCB): Shaelon Vidal (26 pts), Sherron Vidal (16 pts), Hassan Robinson (10 pts) Top scorers (Prowlers): Bernard Mills (22 pts), Edgar George (15 pts), Vaughn Vidal (13 pts) Sunday, April 27, 2025 D-Treads Blazers 100 – WCCU Real Time Ballers 66 Top scorers (Blazers): Maxwell Birmingham (27 pts), Lester Langlais (27 pts), Dretsuan Lee (20 pts) Top scorers (Ballers): Akel Charles (16 pts), Desean Denis (15 pts) Quarterfinal Fixtures Venue: Massacre Indoor Sports Complex Date Time Matchup Wednesday, April 30 7:00 PM Paix Bouche Eagles vs West Coast Ballers Wednesday, April 30 9:00 PM Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 1 vs Police Sports Club Thursday, May 1 7:00 PM Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 2 vs D-Treads Blazers 1 Thursday, May 1 9:00 PM 767 SC Dominators vs BAA Sharks   Key Highlights: Blazing offenses: Falcons and D-Treads Blazers 1 posted dominant offensive performances. Emerging stars: Jimmal Peltier (BAA Sharks) and Shaelon Vidal (West Coast Ballers) stood out as major contributors. Challenges: A few forfeitures affected the competition's flow but paved the way for intense Quarterfinal matchups.   Next Steps: Quarterfinal winners will advance to the Semi-Finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the prestigious Elias Dupuis Knockout Cup. Stay tuned for more action-packed nights of basketball at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex!

OVER 150 EXCEPTIONAL NOMINEES ANNOUNCED ACROSS 40+ CATEGORIES, INCLUDING EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS FOR 2025 New York, NY (April 10, 2025) – The nominations are officially announced! The Caribbean Music Awards is set to thrill audiences once again with its third annual celebration on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Presented by Caribbean Elite Group, this landmark event will showcase the genre-defining artists and trailblazers who are shaping the dynamic future of Caribbean music. With over 150 nominees across more than 40 categories, the 2025 edition promises to be the most electrifying yet. Fans and industry insiders can now head to CaribMusicAwards.com to cast their votes. Voting opens today, April 9, and will close on Friday, May 31—providing the global Caribbean community with plenty of time to champion their favorite artists. This year’s leading nominees celebrate the incredible talent and influence of Caribbean music on the world stage. Masicka and Shenseea lead the pack with seven nominations each. Close behind are Patrice Roberts and Kes, each racking up six nominations for their remarkable contributions to Soca and Caribbean Fusion. Other standout artists such as Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, innovative talents Nailah Blackman, Chronic Law, and Kranium each earned five nominations. Additionally, Bunji Garlin, Romain Virgo, and Lila Iké make strong impressions with four nominations each, recognized for their ongoing excellence and international reach. This year, the Caribbean Music Awards proudly unveils seven new categories that reflect the genres ongoing evolution and global influence. New additions include Reggae – Collaboration of the Year and Reggae Song of the Year, spotlighting the genres rich roots and innovation. Also making their debut are Female – International DJ of the Year, Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year, Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, the high-energy Zess-Steam Artist of the Year, and the spiritually resonant Gospel Song of the Year. These debut categories highlight the breathtaking diversity, creativity, and expansive influence of Caribbean music today. From unforgettable performances to cultural milestones, the Caribbean Music Awards honors the best of the best—from Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae to Kompa, Chutney, Gospel, and beyond. This celebration is not just an awards show—it’s a movement that pays tribute to the vibrant heartbeat of the Caribbean. For complete nominee listings, updates, and to cast your votes, head over to CaribMusicAwards.com and follow @CaribMusicAwards and @CaribbeanEliteMagazine on Instagram/Facebook, as well as CaribMusicAwards on TikTok. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this monumental celebration!

By Monelle Alexis There’s no other place like Dominica where smooth jazz, captivating Creole rhythms, island fashion, and rich local flavors unite in one sun-soaked celebration that seamlessly transitions into an enchanting evening under the stars. On May 4 th at 2:00 p.m., the historic grounds of Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park will transform into the ultimate Caribbean experience: Jazz ‘n Creole. It’s a full-on vibe. Picture yourself swaying under the tropical sky, cocktail in hand, while local, regional and international stars light up the stage. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, a fashion enthusiast, or simply seeking a weekend escape, this event has something special for everyone. Still need convincing? Here are 9 reasons why Jazz ‘n Creole should be at the top of your must-attend list in May 2025. 1. Main Stage Magic – Music That Moves You Get ready for musical fireworks! This year’s lineup includes Dominica’s beloved acts— Swingin’ Stars, Signal Band, ColtonT, Abiyah Yisrael, Marie Pascale, Shalina, and Carlyn XP. The stage will also welcome Trinidadian jazz virtuoso Etienne Charles, powerhouse vocalist Marie-Claire Giraud (Dominican-born, New York-based), and the soulful reggae queen Etana from Jamaica. Bonus: Side-stage acts keep the vibe going all day long. 2. Creole Cuisine – A Feast for Your Senses Foodies, rejoice! From fig and saltfish to seafood delights, Creole chicken, hearty one-pots, and tasty finger foods—your palate is in for a treat. Pair it all with a refreshing rum punch or a cold local brew, and you’ve got a true flavor experience. 3. Boutique Domnik – Shop Local Treasures Discover Dominican creativity at Boutique Domnik, where local artisans offer handmade jewelry, Creole-inspired fashion, and more. Whether you're hunting for a statement piece or a keepsake, every item has a story—and you won’t find these gems anywhere else. 4. Dress Code: Sunset Creole Chic – Inspired by the Sunset Inspired by the warm hues of a Dominican sunset, this year’s dress code calls for coral, gold, orange, red, yellow, peach, magenta, and muted teal. Think breezy dresses, bold prints, linen sets, and tropical accents. It’s a style statement that mirrors the Dominican creole sunset. 5. VIP Experience – Festival Luxury, Elevated Upgrade your day with the VIP Experience: shaded comfort, premium cocktails, gourmet bites, and front-row access to all performances. It’s indulgence, Caribbean-style. 6. Miss Dominica Pageant Booth – Be Part of the Legacy Curious about the Miss Dominica Pageant? Stop by the booth to learn more or submit an application. The pageant celebrates Dominican culture and beauty—and its contestants become proud ambassadors of the island. 7. Kids Zone – Fun for the Whole Family Bring the whole crew! The Kids Zone is packed with fun—face painting, bounce castles, arts and crafts, games, and more. It’s safe, exciting and gives the grown- ups a chance to enjoy the music while the kids have a blast. 8. Shuttle & Photo Ops – We’ve Got You Covered Transportation? Check. Shuttles will run between Portsmouth and Fort Shirley from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Instagrammable moments? Absolutely. There’ll be plenty of photo ops to capture the magic. 9. Make it a Weekend – Discover the North of Dominica Don’t just attend—immerse yourself. Stay in the north and explore fringe events leading up to the festival, including Jazz in Paradise on May 3. Then take a detour to Indian River, Syndicate Falls, or Toucari Bay to soak in the island’s natural wonders. Visit www.dominicafestivals.com or follow Dominica Festivals on Facebook and Instagram for more info.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) Whitney Mélinard still remembers the moment Hurricane Maria's winds tore through Dominica in 2017. As lightning flashed outside her window, she realized the neighboring house had completely vanished. "I questioned, was the house there? Was it further behind? There was not a structure. There was nothing, she recounts. “I remember seeing the door of our kitchen being flown off and then minutes later the roof peeled away,” she recalls. Whitney and her mother huddled together in their bathroom, with a basin over Whitney's head for protection. When the eye of the storm brought temporary calm, they ran barefoot to a neighbour’s house, searching for shelter as her home lay in ruins behind her. The Caribbean’s Shared Reality Her story is far from unique. Across the Caribbean, people grapple with the immediate effects of climate disasters and the struggle that follows when recovery funds fall short or financial systems fail to deliver when needed most. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, lawyer and founder of Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG Inc., Jeshua Bardoo, has witnessed a similar pattern of inadequate recovery, most recently after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and the La Soufrière volcanic eruption in 2021. “People are still impacted, we haven't even fully healed from what has taken place. A lot of people are still struggling,” Jeshua explains. “Foreign aid usually mobilizes quickly, but in terms of getting the actual resources to people on the ground, that's the issue.” The systematic failures in disaster financing create what Jeshua describes as a frustrating choice for survivors: “People often wait and see if anything would happen. Some don't get anything. And then some persons just take things into their own hands and say, ‘Let me just go and take out that loan, let me just start to rebuild instead of waiting on help.’” Retired Lieutenant Colonel Shelton Defour, who spent over 20 years serving in Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization—including 10 years as the National Emergency Coordinator—has observed the same gap between disaster recovery expectations and reality. “The biggest misconception is that people believe that the funding provided will meet all the needs of the affected population,” he explains. “We hear money is coming in from various countries, and grants are being provided, so there must be enough money for me to get everything I need.” “It's a finite resource, and you have to prioritize the most affected people, the worst-hit areas, and the biggest needs of the population at that point in time,” expressed Defour. The reality is far more complex. Disaster funding often comes with strict conditions from donors or lenders. The bureaucratic processes required to receive and distribute funds can take months, time that disaster victims simply don't have. The Houses That Can't Withstand the Wind After Hurricane Earl hit Belize in 2016, Defour's team uncovered a disturbing reality during their street-by-street assessments. “We saw homes where you could put your hand literally through the wall,” he recalls. “If Belize City is impacted again, the same vulnerable communities like Port Loyola, Lake Independence, Mesopotamia, and Collet will be in a similar situation due to the housing stock.” This creates a cruel cycle: the most vulnerable people live in the most fragile structures, yet disaster recovery funds rarely address this fundamental issue. “A Category 5 hurricane would cause hundreds of millions in losses,” Defour warns. The solution isn't just emergency response, but ensuring “solid structures that will protect people even if they evacuate. When they return home, a structure will be there intact that they could go into to continue to cope and survive.” Without fixing this underlying vulnerability, even the most sophisticated disaster financing will fall short. “What NEMO looked at, at the time, was to ensure that the assessments were integrated,” Defour explains. “We created multidisciplinary teams and a unified assessment form that captured data needed by all sectors, reducing both gaps and duplications.” This approach highlights how disaster management policies must evolve based on the realities on the ground. But it also highlights a troubling pattern: too often, these lessons must be learned through painful experience rather than proactive planning. The Quiet, Prolonged Struggle Three years after Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica, Whitney observed her Indigenous Kalinago community still struggling with a seemingly simple yet crucial problem. “The lack of broadband Wi-Fi internet access in the territory was one of the biggest challenges,” Whitney explains. “We did not have service and internet, and it created a situation where students and teachers really struggled.” In a territory with poverty rates approaching 50%, according to Dominica’s 2011 census, families were forced to spend over $120 monthly on limited data packages just so their children could attend online school. This was an impossible burden for many, especially single-parent households with multiple children. Communities Creating Their Own Solutions Without proper support systems, communities innovate out of necessity. As the internet remained unavailable in their area, Whitney's Kalinago community built their own community-wide Wi-Fi mesh network that is now open and free and serves the entire territory. “The community members came together, and that was one of the most amazing things – seeing how there is potential. With the right push, how so much can come out of that,” she says with pride. Defour believes this kind of local empowerment is essential. “The responsibility of self- sustainability, survival, and self-care is on you, the individual and the family. So, you have to have certain things in place to absorb a portion of the shock.” But he emphasizes that government systems must be ready to support those who cannot help themselves. The Financial Instruments Available but Unused When disaster strikes, Caribbean nations face a puzzling reality: despite financial instruments designed to help, the money rarely arrives when and where it's needed most. Take Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The Caribbean's insurance facility CCRIF made a record-breaking payout of US$44 million to Grenada—their largest ever. Yet this “historic” sum covered just 20% of what Grenada actually needed to recover. Why don't Caribbean nations better use the financial instruments available? Jwala Rambarran, who researched how the World Bank could better help Caribbean countries, discovered a surprising answer: many officials simply don't understand them. While Jamaica stands out with a relatively advanced disaster risk financing strategy, most Caribbean nations struggle to integrate available tools effectively. “Ask government technocrats the difference between a CAT bond and a CAT DDO, and which fits their country's needs—they do not understand the differences between the instruments,” Rambarran explains. Breaking the Cycle: Five Critical Changes Needed For the World Bank and other multilateral development banks to truly serve Caribbean nations, the Caribbean Policy Development Centre's publication, "How Can the World Bank Better Support Natural Disaster Risk Financing in Caribbean SIDS?" points to five essential reforms: 1. Create a Regional Loss; Damage Data Hub: Build a shared database of disaster impacts, public assets, and vulnerabilities to guide smarter recovery planning and resilient infrastructure investment. 2. Promote Greater Use of Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Tools: Use the World Bank’s influence to encourage Caribbean countries to adopt and adapt DRF tools like CAT bonds and contingency funds, making them more accessible and better aligned to regional needs. 3. Improve Communication and Training on Crisis Tools: Launch regional outreach to clearly explain how financing tools work, what triggers payouts, and how countries can benefit, addressing confusion that limits uptake. 4. Partner with the Global Shield to Strengthen CCRIF: Work with the Global Shield initiative to boost the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), expand coverage, and lower reinsurance costs. 5. Link DRF to Social Protection for Faster Help: Connect disaster financing to social programmes so that funds reach affected communities quickly, especially the most vulnerable, after a crisis hits. These reforms become increasingly urgent as climate change intensifies. Every hurricane season brings new threats of devastation to communities still struggling to recover from previous disasters. As Jeshua urgently states: “We need to be proactive and ensure that the mechanisms, the institutions, the processes are in place to help people rather than just waiting until a disaster comes.” For Indigenous communities, disasters threaten cultural survival itself. “Climate disasters are accelerating the erasure of ancestral knowledge and practices,” Whitney emphasizes. “We lost our trees, the raw materials for our basket weaving and healing. Disaster recovery also involves mourning cultural losses that can't be replaced with external aid.” The voices from these frontline communities must also shape these reforms. As Whitney powerfully states: “Decision makers; frameworks for disaster recovery are dangerously incomplete without addressing the non-economic loss and cultural impacts. While we need repaired infrastructure and housing, we also need a recognition that climate disasters are threatening our cultural survival and our identity.” Until international financial institutions truly listen to these frontline voices, the gap between sophisticated financial instruments and meaningful recovery will continue to widen, with devastating human consequences across a region increasingly at climate risk. PHOTO CAPTIONS &; CREDITS 1. 25 days after Hurricane Maria destroyed Dominica in 2017. Photo Credit - Zaimis Olmos 2. Belize City after Hurricane Earl in 2016. Photo Credit - Philip Willoughby 3. Southside Belize City after Hurricane Earl, 2016. Photo Credit - Kyraan Gabourel 4. Hurricane Beryl damaged or destroyed more than 90% of homes on Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo Credit - Orisha Joseph/ Birds Caribbean 5. The transboundary Grenadines taken on Union Island after Hurricane Beryl, with Carriacou (Grenada) in the background. Photo Credit - Orisha Joseph

Today, Thursday 24th April 2025, Michele’s Courtyard at the Realm, will be the venue and backdrop for another staging of the ‘Jazz in Me’ concert, starring Dominica’s ‘Princess of Song’ Michele Henderson with guest artist’s Rob Zii and Phyness from St. Lucia– a musical duo delivering entertaining live performances in several genres to include Soca, Reggae, R&B and of course Jazz. Rob Zii is a saxophonist This year’s ‘Jazz in Me’ follows Michele’s initial staging in May 2021. That same month she partnered with ‘Bouyon Queen’ Carlyn XP for the Nature Island Jazz XPerience. Both shows were virtual concerts held in the absence of the annual Jazz N Creole that year, due to COVID-19. ‘Jazz in Me’ came about because we had been progressively doing some small virtual shows over the months prior, and this was the culmination of all of that. It was exciting and the crowd really responded positively to it,” says Henderson. The 2025 comeback is the start of what she hopes will be a fixture on the annual ‘Jazz N Creole’ calendar of fringe events. “I’d really love to see this event continue in the future. There is an audience for Jazz music here and people love live entertainment.” Henderson, a world-renowned singer / songwriter, flautist and Goodwill Ambassador, has been singing Jazz since her days with the impact! Band. Since then, she has performed at Jazz events and festivals across the globe. She made her big debut at the 1995 staging of the ‘Dominica Festival of Arts’ (DomFestA) with her song “My Pride,” and at age 15, joined impact! as lead singer and flautist. The Jazz ensemble enjoyed a brief stint at the top of the local music scene, releasing one album ( islander ) before breaking up in 1997.   Since branching out as a solo act, Michele has performed at several Jazz events around the globe, including Grenada’s ‘Spice Jazz Fest’ (2002), The ‘UCLA Jazz and Reggae Festival’ (2004) and ‘St. Vincent Blues Festival’ (2005). She’s performed at the ‘St. Lucia Jazz Festival’ (now known as ‘St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival’) over five times and will return this June.  In Dominica, she has performed at all major music events to include Flow’s ‘Creole in the Park,’ the ‘World Creole Music Festival’ and ‘Jazz N Creole.’  She last performed at ‘Jazz N Creole’ in 2024.  Most recently she performed at ‘Jazz Artists on the Green’ held in Trinidad on April 5th, 2025. With her debut as a restauranteur, with Michele’s Courtyard at the Realm, she is hoping that this concert will give patrons a glimpse into not just the food and beverage offerings, but the entertainment that is sure to be a staple at the venue. “I want Michele’s Courtyard to be a welcoming place, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy casual dining. But of course, being a musician and patron at similar venues around the world, I definitely wanted entertainment to be part and parcel of what we offer. ‘Jazz in Me’ is one of many events we hope to stage at Michele’s Courtyard.” She invites all to Michele’s Courtyard at the Realm tonight from 8PM for Jazz food and good vibes!

Prime Minister of Dominica Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit is leading a delegation to the Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS) 2025, taking place from April 22-26 in Antigua and Barbuda. The Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS) is the region’s premier forum on investment migration, convening political leaders, executives from Citizenship by Investment (CBI) jurisdictions, marketing agents, service providers, industry leaders and other stakeholders. It serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships aimed at advancing the CBI industry. This year’s Summit will be held under the theme “Integrity, Stability, Sustainability: CBI Pathway to Economic Prosperity.” Prime Minister Skerrit is accompanied to the Summit by Ms. Denise Edwards, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Missi Henderson, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Ms. Marie-Therese Johnson, Director of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU); and Mr. Mckelson Ferrol, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). During the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security will serve as Acting Prime Minister.

Dominica ended its campaign at the 2025 CARIFTA Games today with another challenging result, this time in the Girls' Under-20 Discus Throw. Representing the Nature Isle was young athlete Godisha Joseph, who competed in a highly competitive field. She recorded a respectable throw of 35.36 metres, which earned her a 7th-place finish overall in the event. The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) extends its gratitude to all athletes, coaches, and supporters who contributed to this year’s CARIFTA campaign. The focus now shifts to continued training and development in preparation for upcoming regional and international competitions. Summary of Dominica’s Performance at CARIFTA 2025 Gold Medal:  Addison James delivered a standout performance in the Boys' Under-20 Javelin with a massive throw of 67.48 metres, securing Dominica’s sole gold medal of the Games. Relay Record:  Dominica’s 4x400m mixed relay team set a new national record with a time of 3:52.01, finishing 7th overall. Sprints:  Kerelle Etienne, Dominica’s sprint sensation, clocked 11.76 seconds in the Girls' Under-20 100m semi-finals, placing 3rd in her heat but narrowly missing the final. Jumps:  Jeriah Lewis soared to a personal best of 7.06 metres in the Boys’ Under-20 Long Jump,finishing 5th overall. Jaden Joseph also impressed in the Boys’ U-17 Long Jump, achieving a mark of 6.04 metres.

It was a challenging day for Team Dominica in the Boys’ Under-17 Long Jump at the 52nd CARIFTA Games, as young athlete Jaden Joseph fell short of advancing to the top eight. Joseph recorded a jump of 6.04 meters, but the mark was not enough to secure him a place among the event’s top performers. Speaking briefly with the team’s media officer following the event, Joseph expressed his disappointment. “I feel disappointed with myself. I know I can do better, but something was just not right—I don’t know what happened,” he said. He noted that a lack of height and issues with his approach may have affected his performance. “I think it was more my jumping—I wasn’t getting enough height, and my run-up was not proper,” he explained. When asked about his readiness, Jaden said, “I was prepared, but probably a little nervousness had me on edge.” Despite the setback, the first-time CARIFTA athlete remains optimistic and focused on growth. “This gave me some experience. I know I have to push more, work harder, train harder, and be fully committed to this and do what I’ve been doing,” he shared.

The Ministry of Sports congratulates Mr. Addison James on capturing his first Gold Medal in the under 20 Javelin event at the 2025 CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. James recorded an impressive throwing distance of 67.48 metres. The Ministry and the Government of Dominica recognize and celebrate this significant accomplishment by Addison James. This Gold Medal is testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of Javelin and his unwavering desire to succeed. We are confident that Addison’s accomplishment will serve as an inspiration to other young athletes across Dominica, encouraging them to dream big and pursue excellence in sport. We also applaud the efforts of all our athletes who represented Dominica at this year’s Games, including the members of the mixed relay team, who set a new national record in their debut appearance. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association, the Dominica Olympic Committee and all partners for their continued support of our athletes and commitment to Dominica’s participation at the CARIFTA Games. Congratulations to Addison James on his phenomenal performance. We look forward to his continued growth and future success on the regional and global stage. We wish him all the best in his sporting journey.

Dominica is celebrating a golden moment at the 2025 CARIFTA Games after Addison James captured the gold medal in the Boys’ Under-20 Javelin Throw on Sunday, April 20. James delivered a standout performance with a massive throw of 67.48 metres, securing first place in the final and etching his name into the record books with a new national record for Dominica in the event. “Right now I feel very delighted,” James said. “I went out, I did my best, and here it is.” Although he admits that the throw wasn’t the best, he said he anticipated a big throw tonight. “All in all, I still did my best, took the opportunity, and gave it my best,” he said. The 2025 CARIFTA Games, hosted at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, brings together the best young athletes from across the Caribbean.