The Prize Giving Ceremony for the Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026 was held Tuesday, bringing together contestants, sponsors, faculty and supporters to formally recognize the outstanding young women who participated in this year’s pageant. The ceremony celebrated more than stage performances, highlighting the contestants’ poise, intellect, talent and strong sense of school pride throughout the competition. Organizers commended the participants for their dedication and the high standard displayed during the 2026 show. Winners and contestants received a wide range of prizes made possible through the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors, including Dalhousie University, Lash Palace, Going Places Travel, Cas En Haut Air BnB St. Lucia, Dominica State College (DSC), Hysteria, FLOW Dominica, West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., L’Express des Iles, Rejens Hotel, Intercontinental Resort & Spa, HHV Whitchurch & Co. Ltd., The Glam Cosmetics, Keepin It Real, Rosalie Bay Resort, Jolly’s Pharmacy, Three Peaks Mountain Lodge, the DSC Confucius Classroom, Dr. Ruby Blanc, Belleau Shots and JoJo’s Style. The Dominica State College community expressed sincere appreciation to all sponsors for their continued partnership and contribution, noting that their support played a vital role in the overall success of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently participated in Grenada’s Independence celebrations hosted by the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada as part of a broader international engagement initiative aimed at strengthening connections with citizens and key emerging markets. The programme, designed for individuals who acquired citizenship through Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, attracted approximately 200 attendees and included a formal Independence Gala along with targeted engagement sessions with citizens and prospective applicants from markets across Africa and Asia and the Middle East. The GTA utilized the platform to position Grenada as a premier leisure destination among high-net-worth audiences, reinforcing the island’s appeal across luxury travel, wellness, eco- experiences and cultural tourism. Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, noted that strategic international engagements remain central to the Authority’s market diversification efforts. “Our participation in these Independence engagements allowed us to connect directly with globally mobile audiences who already have a meaningful relationship with Grenada. As we continue expanding into emerging markets, platforms such as this provide an opportunity to strengthen destination visibility while encouraging deeper, longer-term engagement with our islands.” During the programme, the GTA delivered destination presentations highlighting Grenada’s tourism offerings, while the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC) outlined investment opportunities and Ambassador Terrence Forrester presented on Homecoming Week initiatives.Thomas Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Migration Agency Grenada, described the Independence engagement as an important platform for strengthening long-term relationships with citizens. “Our Independence engagements provide a valuable opportunity to deepen connections with Grenadian citizens. Our collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that citizenship extends beyond acquisition to meaningful engagement with the destination. We continue to see growing interest from new citizens in visiting Grenada, connecting with local communities and exploring additional avenues for investment.” The Grenada Tourism Authority continues to prioritize strategic partnerships and international outreach initiatives that support sustainable tourism growth, market diversification and deeper global engagement.

On the northwestern coast of Dominica sits the quiet fishing village of Toucari, where the turquoise waters offer more than scenic beauty — they offer opportunity. For Brenton Mason, the ocean is not just a place of leisure, but a source of livelihood, pride, and long-term security for his community. Brenton is a sea moss farmer, part of a growing group of Dominican entrepreneurs who are finding new ways to earn from the sea while respecting and protecting it. “I was introduced to sea moss farming by my cousin,” Brenton recalls. “It had to do with the seawater, and that’s where I love to be. I enjoyed doing it, so I just took it as a passion and made it something.” Sea moss farming, he explains, is a simple process that requires care and patience. Farmers tie small pieces of sea moss to ropes placed along the ocean floor and tend to them until they are ready for harvest. “It’s like growing a baby,” he says with a smile.  For Brenton, the possibilities go far beyond what people usually see. “It’s inspiring. There’s more to it than just juice,” he says. “You can make so many different products.” Once harvested, the sea moss is cleaned, naturally bleached, and dried, before being turned into juices, gels, powders, and other health products. Through the Toucari Marine Culture Group, which includes five active members, Brenton and his team are building livelihoods that depend on keeping the ocean healthy. In addition to sea moss farming, they fish, maintain marine nurseries, and explore other ways to earn from the sea without harming it. Their work is supported by Dominica’s Fisheries Division, which helped identify a suitable site for farming. “They checked the pH of the waters and found a perfect location,” Brenton explains. “It’s also a site tourists can enjoy.” This approach allows the community to earn steady income, protect marine life, and strengthen the local economy — all at the same time. Brenton is especially passionate about bringing young people into marine culture. “The youths are the future of tomorrow,” he says. “I could die anytime, and they’re the ones who’ll have to continue.” By encouraging youth involvement, Brenton is helping to pass on skills, build confidence, and create opportunities that keep young people connected to their communities and the sea. His work supports families, improves access to nutritious food, and shows that it’s possible to make a living while caring for the environment. For organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM), initiatives like Brenton’s reflect how strong communities are built — through local knowledge, shared responsibility, and sustainable livelihoods that help people remain rooted, resilient, and self-reliant. For Brenton, sea moss farming is more than business — it’s a way of life. His days follow the rhythm of the tides, and his vision stretches beyond himself, toward a future where Dominicans thrive by using the ocean wisely and protecting it for generations to come. “Anybody can do sea moss farming,” he says. “You just have to love the sea.”

Grenada has officially launched its Online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card Platform, advancing the country’s border processing system and enhancing the arrival experience for visitors. As of March 2, 2026, travellers to Grenada can complete their ED Card online prior to arrival by visiting edcard.gov.gd, streamlining entry procedures at ports of entry. The digital system eliminates the need for paper forms and is best completed the day before travel or before departing the traveller’s port of embarkation. Senator the Honourable Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, described the initiative as a key step in strengthening Grenada’s tourism infrastructure. “The introduction of the Online ED Card Platform represents a practical and forward-thinking enhancement to our tourism and border management systems. As visitor arrivals continue to grow and we expand into new markets, efficient processing at our ports of entry becomes increasingly important. This initiative strengthens our operational readiness and reinforces Grenada’s standing as a globally competitive destination.” The introduction of the Online ED Card aligns with Grenada’s broader commitment to improving destination efficiency and elevating the overall visitor journey from the moment travel begins. Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, noted that modernizing arrival procedures is a critical component of destination competitiveness. “Today’s traveler values efficiency and ease. The launch of the Online ED Card Platform reflects Grenada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the visitor experience while supporting a modern, digitally enabled tourism environment. A smooth arrival process sets the tone for a visitor’s entire stay and initiatives like this help ensure that Grenada remains welcoming, efficient and forward-looking.” Beyond visitor convenience, the new system supports immigration and border operations by reducing processing time and improving passenger flow, particularly during peak travel periods. As Grenada continues to see strong demand across leisure, cultural and luxury travel segments, enhancements to entry systems and supporting infrastructure remain integral to the destination’s sustainable growth agenda.

The Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services Division can report that on Sunday 1 st march, 2026 at approximately 11:55pm, The Roseau Fire station was informed of a structural Fire at the junction of Old Street and King George V Street, near the Old Market Square.    Upon arrival on the scene, a   conflagration was observed which involved various buildings in the vicinity of the Jolly’s Pharmacy. Initial fire suppression was hindered by energized fallen electrical lines, which were later de-energized by Domlec.   Fire Fighting included a start-up-crew of nine (9) Fire Officers who were later joined by crews from Grandbay and St. Joseph Fire Stations and off-duty staff. A total of thirty (30) Fire Officer involved in the Fire fighting.   Seven buildings sustained significant damage and three sustained minor damage: 1.     The building belonging to Singoalla Blomqvist-Williams, located on the corner of Old Street and Church Lane; northern side of the building sustained damage to the roof and siding. 2.     A commercial building owned by Conrad McIntyre, which housed the Oasis of Elegance; complete damage of first and second floors with roof caving in. 3.     The craft shop owned by Conroy Allen; roof caved in and building destroyed. 4.     The building owned by Colbert Cue, which housed CG United/Domlec sustained scorching damage to the Northern side of the building. 5.     A commercial building owned by Ken Robinson, which housed Craving Restaurant, operated by tenant Louvain Prosper was completely destroyed 6.     Jollys Pharmacy buildings which housed the business offices and the Gym severely destroyed by fire while the pharmacy sustained, water damage. 7.     Z-one store owned by tenant Weimin Gu; this building was completely destroyed. 8.     The building which housed One Pot restaurant and bar, sustained scorching and minor fire damage. 9.     The building which houses Ruins bar located at corner of old street and king George v street sustain scorching 10.                        Raffoul building, location of Patty’s Shack, sustained scorching to the southern side of the first and second floors One vehicle, Toyota Rav, belonging to the proprietor of one of the affected business places was also destroyed by the blazes.   The Dominica Fire and Ambulances Services and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police force are conducting investigation into the cause.   The Dominica Fire Services wishes best regards to all those who were affected by the blaze and wishes the business owners well in recovery.   We would like to thank all Fire Officers and Police Officers for their great support and all other who volunteered their assistance during the incident and we also like to thank the general public for their cooperation.

Building on a landmark year for Grenadian music and growing international appetite for authentic Caribbean culture, the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is marking the successful conclusion of its strategic cultural mission during the 2026 Trinidad Carnival season. At the center of the initiative was a high-profile partnership with regional entertainment powerhouse Caesar’s Army, featuring a dynamic delegation of Grenadian talent including V’ghn, Lil Kerry, Dread Lion and DJ Kevin Crown. The artistes delivered commanding performances at signature events AMBeach and AMBush, where the Grenada Jab Jab Truck served as a powerful cultural statement. The immersive, percussive showcase brought the raw energy and unmistakable identity of Spicemas directly to thousands of regional and international revelers. Leading the on-the-ground activations, Ms. Samantha Thomas, Marketing Executive at the GTA, spoke to the powerful resonance of Grenada’s culture among the festive crowds. “An incredible energy can be felt when the authentic Grenadian spirit enters these creative spaces, you see the shift in the crowd's reactions. Said Ms.Thomas “ This is a wonderful opportunity for our music and culture to be showcased to thousands of people and reminding everyone that while the soul of the experience is waiting for them in Grenada this August." Beyond the event stage, the mission extended to regional media platforms, where tourism officials leveraged live radio engagements and broadcast opportunities to position Grenada as a premier destination known for its culinary excellence, eco-leisure offerings and restorative wellness experiences. The initiative forms part of the GTA’s broader approach to cultural tourism, designed to convert the global popularity of Grenadian music into measurable destination awareness and increased visitor interest ahead of the upcoming Spicemas season. "Our artistes have once again proven to be one of our most effective cultural ambassadors,” stated Tornia Charles, Chief Marketing Officer of the GTA. "This partnership with Caesar’s Army reflects our broader strategy to integrate culture and tourism. The region is our second largest source market with Trinidad & Tobago being the lead for the region. With that in mind, our goal was to protect the market share and ensure that Grenada’s unique identity continues to resonate with regional audiences delivering direct economic benefits to the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.” The Grenada Tourism Authority will continue to build on this momentum through targeted cultural activations and regional engagements throughout the year.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence will be hosting a Church Service in recognition of Commonwealth Day 2026. This year’s event will be celebrated on Monday, March 09, at Our Lady of Fair Haven, Roseau Cathedral commencing at 10:00am. The event is celebrated under the theme, ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth. During the celebrations, Her Excellency the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Mrs. Sylvanie Burton will deliver the Commonwealth Day Message from His Majesty, King Charles II. As customary, the event will host several high level guests including members of Cabinet and Parliamentarians.

The Dominica Senior Women’s National Team is finalizing preparations for its second CONCACAF qualifying encounter, set to take on Guyana in a crucial fixture. Head Coach Ronnie Gustave expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, emphasizing the balance between tactical discipline and mental sharpness. “The focus right now is keeping our shape of our game because as we could remember in the last game we played that way, we were just chasing the ball and not being compact in defense, that they were breaking our lines too easily. So all the things we're working on at this point in time is keeping our shape, keeping compact, especially in the center of the pitch as we can get them to go on the outskirts and get inside.... The mental state of the players is that the players are together and when you have a team that is a strength for you. But it's a work in progress; there's a lot more we have to do to get the girls to understand their role in supporting each other, covering one another.” Coach Gustave emphasized that the inclusion of overseas-based players has strengthened the squad considerably, elevating both its competitiveness and overall balance. “Well, I have to say the integration of the players coming is like as if they were they were there for years because they gelling very easily with the local girls and at the end of it, all of us are Dominicans, we are a loving nation, so it's easy for us to just get in and to just fit in with the other players” “But there are some players who have injuries that were not able to travel with the team. But we really need a bigger pool of players to be seen. You know, we need a bigger pool of players because sometimes we go into the tournaments, players get injured and take a while for them to recover,” he continued. Adding depth and experience to the squad are 6 overseas-based players including striker/winger Ronia Pierre Louis, who described wearing the national colours as both an honor and a responsibility. “Oh man, it feels so good. Like, I'm so proud of how far the program has come. I'm so proud of how far I've came. You know, it's been like about, I think, two, three years since I've been back. I think I was 22 for my first cap with Dominica, and just to see the growth as a program, just to see the growth in me, and just the support of the team; it's just so great to just represent the island in this way.” She also praised the team chemistry. “I think I've integrated well, you know, I recognize a couple faces from the last couple times I've came to play for Dominica, and so it was, they welcomed me with open arms, it was really, really nice to see them. And then also just making relationships with the new girls, you know, a lot of them are younger, like I'm 26 now, as I said, I think I started when I was 22, so my age is showing, but you know what, the younger girls, I feel like they're, we're all resonating well together and we're meshing well, and I think the leadership qualities are translating as well in our day-to-day communication as well as at practice, so it's going really well,” she said. “I think they [the other players] just expect just leadership, you know, experience, skill, as much small talk, and just, I don't even know, like just the information and stuff that I've developed over the years, I think they're just looking for me to just motivate them as well, aside from the technical stuff, just be there as a motivational figure to support them.” With fitness levels optimized and morale high, Coach Gustave asks that Dominica throws its support behind the team. “Well, to those back home, we just want you to support the girls. Don't get discouraged. You know, as we have said, it's a team that is building and we have to have patience. We have to have patience with the girls.... All the big teams we are seeing there, they were once like us. So all we have to do now is to keep focus, continue working hard, do what we are trying to achieve. And we all, the coaching staff and the team know the vision that we are trying to achieve and to just continue working as one team, Team Dominica. And in the end, we will see the results.” Kickoff against Guyana on Friday will be at 8pm and promises to be a competitive contest as Dominica continues its quest for advancement in the CONCACAF qualifiers.

The stage is set for the second round of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition, as eight schools prepare to face off following a competitive knockout phase that narrowed the field to seven advancing institutions. The competition officially opened on January 22 and continued on January 23, with students delivering arguments across a range of issues in pursuit of a coveted spot in Round Two. At the conclusion of that phase, seven students emerged with the highest overall scores, earning advancement for their respective schools. St. Martin Secondary School led the qualifiers, with Shanaiyah John recording the highest individual score of 341 points. Wesley High School followed closely behind after Hephzibah Abenole secured 328 points. Orion Academy advanced through Taya Charles, who scored 320 points, while Convent High School booked its place with Sienna Andrew’s 317 points. Portsmouth Secondary School progressed with Maliah Ettienne earning 302 points. Castle Bruce Secondary School moved forward after Isaac Roberts scored 299 points, and Isaiah Thomas Secondary School rounded out the qualifiers with Kianna Aaron’s 288 points. The seven schools will now be joined in Round Two by reigning champions Dominica Grammar School. On February 25, Wesley High School, proposing, will come up against Portsmouth Secondary School, opposing, on the topic: “Parents, not schools, should be primarily responsible for disciplining students for acts of digital peer-to-peer violence committed outside of school hours.” Later that same day, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, also proposing the motion, will face Convent High School as both teams vie for a place in the next round. Day two, February 26, will shift focus to public health with the topic: “Nutrition education is more effective than food restrictions in preventing NCDs among teenagers.” St. Martin Secondary School will propose against Orion Academy, while Dominica Grammar School, proposing the motion, will debate Castle Bruce Secondary School. Organizer Trudy Christian says Round Two promises high-level competition. She noted that the stage has been set and that competitors are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Christian also expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their continued investment in education, offering special thanks to headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. and other major sponsors Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart and Dominica Social Security for their support of the initiative. Debates will take place on February 25 and 26 at the UWI Global Campus Auditorium, beginning at 2:30 p.m. each day and will be carried live on Dominica News Online and EmoNews.

Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Cassani Laville , led debate on the new Medical Profession Act, Nurses and Midwives Act, and Food Safety Act, describing the measures as critical to modernizing standards within the sector. The Medical Profession Act places greater emphasis on professional accountability and regulatory oversight, ensuring that medical practitioners operate within clearly defined ethical and professional guidelines. The legislation is expected to reinforce public confidence in the country’s healthcare system. Addressing concerns surrounding the Nurses and Midwives Act, Minister Laville made it clear that the law is not designed to penalize professionals, but rather to create a more structured and supportive environment for nurses and midwives. The Act also strengthens safeguards aimed at protecting patients and maintaining professional standards. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Act introduces updated measures intended to improve food handling practices across the island. The legislation seeks to better protect both food handlers and consumers, reinforcing national efforts toward safer public health standards. The passage of these three Acts signals a continued push toward stronger governance, accountability, and protection within Dominica’s health and food safety sectors.

At the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, denounced the establishment of a new form of dictatorship in the globalized world, marked by the philosophy of dispossession and the use of force as a daily practice by the United States, to the detriment of the international order that emerged after World War II. The Cuban Foreign Minister warned that, beyond ideologies and political or cultural models, all nation states are now at risk from policies of aggression, interventionism, and disputes over strategic resources such as hydrocarbons, critical minerals, rare earths, water, biodiversity, and trade routes. During his speech, Rodríguez Parrilla particularly emphasized his criticism of the use of tariffs as an instrument of aggression and the extraterritorial application of US laws, as well as the attempt to subject the world to the jurisdiction of US courts, in open violation of the sovereign equality of states and international law. Of particular concern was the executive order issued by the US president on January 29, which imposes collective punishment on the Cuban people and deliberately seeks to provoke a humanitarian catastrophe by imposing an energy blockade on the country.  “Can a great power be allowed to attempt to destroy a small, peaceful nation, subjecting its people to genocide under the crude pretext of national security?” asked the Cuban Foreign Minister, denouncing the illegal, immoral, and ruthless nature of this policy. In the face of these threats, the Cuban people reaffirmed their firm decision to defend, with the utmost vigor, their right to self-determination, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order, in close unity and broad consensus.  Cuba will prevent a humanitarian crisis on its territory, even if this implies hardship and sacrifice, relying on a conscious, educated, and courageous people, its highly qualified human resources, and its solid education, health, and science systems. Cuba has arable land, water and mineral reserves, basic infrastructure, its own refining capacity, and produces almost half of the crude oil it consumes, in addition to an expanding program of investment in solar energy.  Statement by Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, at the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. Site: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/cuba-denounces-new-aggressive-escalation-united-states-and-reaffirms-its-determination-4

For more than thirty years, Jeffrey Bruney has shown what is possible when agriculture is treated not just as work, but as purpose. A farmer from Thibaud, Dominica, and the founder of Kubuli Farms, Bruney’s journey reflects how farming can create livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and open doors for people who are often left on the margins of the sector. Bruney has been a commercial farmer for 34 years, though his path into agriculture was not a straight line. After leaving high school, he spent a decade working at Cable and Wireless. While the job provided steady income, it did not provide fulfillment. “It was a good job in terms of pay, but it was not what I wanted to do. I had no interest in telecommunications as a career,” he says. Agriculture, on the other hand, felt meaningful. Encouraged by the late Prime Minister Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas, Bruney was reminded that food production is work that matters deeply to society. “He said to me, ‘If your passion can be your livelihood, there’s no better life than that. That is what made me really go into agriculture with purpose.” For Bruney, farming offered dignity, independence, and the chance to contribute to something essential. In 2000, he migrated with intention — not to leave agriculture behind, but to strengthen his skills. He pursued a business degree and later trained in hydroponics, aquaponics, aquaculture, and other modern farming systems at Cornell University. Living and working in New York and later Sweden gave him global exposure while reinforcing his commitment to returning home. During his time abroad, Bruney worked on agricultural projects that supported food access, including greenhouse production for organizations such as the Salvation Army and United Way. These experiences showed him that farming could be innovative, efficient, and socially impactful all at once. By 2019, he felt a strong pull to return to Dominica permanently. Kubuli Farms, which he had started during visits home in 2012, became the platform through which he would apply everything he had learned. At Kubuli Farms, innovation is designed with local realities in mind. Bruney focuses on reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and making modern farming accessible. Rather than relying on expensive imported systems, the farm uses greenhouses built from locally available materials such as bamboo and PVC. Hybrid aquaponics systems turn fish waste into organic fertilizer delivered through drip irrigation, cutting down on chemical inputs and lowering operating costs. These methods help protect the environment while ensuring farmers can remain productive and competitive. Kubuli Farms’ flagship product, Glo Coco coconut water, has become a familiar green-labeled brand in Dominican supermarkets. Coconut production forms the backbone of the farm’s operations, meeting growing local and international demand. Secondary crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, and cabbages help strengthen local food supply and dietary variety. Just one year after expanding production, Bruney was recognized as Farmer of the Year for Innovation — a moment that affirmed the value of farming that is efficient, responsible, and forward-looking. Beyond crops, Kubuli Farms also addresses one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: labour. Bruney is open about the difficulty of finding skilled workers for areas such as hydroponics, nurseries, and farm management. In response, he has built a diverse workforce that includes Dominican nationals, young people, workers from the Kalinago Territory, and migrant workers from Haiti and Cuba. This inclusive approach allows the farm to fill labour gaps while offering safe, lawful employment and skills development. Recent legislation supporting the legal recruitment of foreign agricultural workers has further strengthened this model, ensuring that workers’ rights and dignity are respected while keeping farms productive. Kubuli Farms also serves as a space for groups often disconnected from agriculture to re-engage: Youth  are introduced to farming as a business and a career that uses technology, leadership, and innovation, challenging the idea that agriculture is outdated or unprofitable. Men  see agriculture modeled as a modern profession that offers financial independence and entrepreneurial opportunity. Migrants and members of the diaspora  are encouraged to bring their skills home. Bruney’s own return shows how knowledge gained abroad can be reinvested locally to meet growing demand driven by tourism, infrastructure development, and expanding markets. Through Kubuli Farms, Jeffrey Bruney demonstrates that agriculture is far more than planting and harvesting. It is a driver of food security, employment, innovation, and social inclusion. By treating farming as a business, embracing modern methods, and welcoming diverse participation, he contributes to a stronger and more resilient Dominica. As the country looks ahead to growth and new opportunities, Bruney’s work offers a clear example of how the private sector can lead responsibly — building livelihoods today while safeguarding the future. In cultivating crops, people, and possibilities, Jeffrey Bruney is not only farming the land. He is helping to shape a more resilient and inclusive future for Dominica.