The GEMS Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 3rd Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge (PNEC), a premier platform designed to stimulate innovation and sustainable enterprise development within Dominica’s hospitality and tourism supply chain. Following a highly competitive pitch event, hosted on February 19 featuring six dynamic entrepreneurs, the 2026 winners are: 1st Place – ShopDM (Founder: Davidson Edwards), 2nd Place – Bonnit Enterprise (Founder: Naomi Bannis-Sampson, and 3rd Place – Frying Pan Productions (Founder: Nadja Thomas). The remaining finalists — CQ’s Pepper Sauce (Quentin Gregoire), Filtr Aesthetics (Sade Samuel), and Outsource Development (Natasha Yeeloy Labad) — delivered compelling presentations that demonstrated innovation, resilience, and commitment to strengthening Dominica’s tourism ecosystem. The PNEC focuses specifically on entrepreneurs operating within the hospitality and tourism supply chain including businesses that provide goods, services, creative solutions, and local value-added products that enhance visitor experience while generating sustainable economic impact for Dominica. Through structured evaluation and public pitching, participants showcased scalable business models aligned with sustainability, local sourcing, service excellence, and innovation. The Challenge continues to reinforce the importance of integrating local entrepreneurs into Dominica’s growing tourism economy. Director of Entrepreneurship, Lizra Fabien shared, “This third edition of the Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge was intensely competitive, and that is exactly what we want to see. The level of preparation, clarity of vision, refinement of business ideas, and market readiness demonstrated by the finalists shows that Dominican entrepreneurs are stepping up with confidence and substance. Each pitch reflected real work behind the scenes, thoughtful positioning, and an understanding of how their businesses fit into and strengthen our tourism supply chain. We strongly encourage entrepreneurs across Dominica to take these platforms seriously, to apply, to prepare, and to show up. Opportunities like this Challenge sharpens businesses, expands networks, and positions our entrepreneurs to compete at a higher level which ultimately strengthens our economy.” The GEMS Foundation extends appreciation to GEMS Holdings, whose leadership and vision continue to champion entrepreneurship and private-sector development. We also thank our valued donors and strategic partner, the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), for their collaboration and support in empowering entrepreneurs and advancing enterprise growth across Dominica.

Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit will participate in the Fiftieth (50th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from February 24-27, 2026, in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current CARICOM Chair. The opening ceremony takes place on Tuesday, February 24 and will feature addresses by the Chair and other regional leaders, including the Outgoing Chair, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett. From February 25-27, Heads of Government will engage in high-level discussions on pressing global and hemispheric developments and their implications for the region. Key agenda items include advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate change and climate financing, food and nutrition security, regional security, transportation, reparations and strengthening foreign and community relations. Prime Minister Skerrit is expected to participate actively in deliberations aimed at deepening regional integration, enhancing economic resilience and advancing sustainable development priorities across the Caribbean. In his absence from the state, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, will serve as Acting Prime Minister.

Caribbean journalists continue to be central to efforts to advance equality, economic development and sustainability across countries, aimed ultimately at improving the lives and livelihoods of citizens from all walks of life. In keeping with this shared commitment, the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean is pleased to support the continued advancement of the Global Goals through sponsorship of a new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion Award in this year’s Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) Media Awards. The award will recognize outstanding media contributions in print, radio, television, and digital media, that spotlight the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a blueprint for peace and prosperity for all. Eligible entries will be from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The UN will sponsor four award categories recognizing submissions that inspire action on the SDGs and align with national priorities. Entries in radio, print, television or digital formats should seek to connect the Global Goals to real people’s lives, communicate complex issues—such as climate change or inequality—in clear, accessible language, and foster an environment where the SDGs are actively championed. Where possible, content should be data- driven and solution-oriented. UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett said the UN Team is pleased to partner with the CBU and the media on this initiative. “The media continues to be a valuable partner to us. We see this initiative as a continuation of our solid partnership, which we hope to strengthen by celebrating journalistic excellence that educates communities, drives sustainable development and inspires meaningful action. Our goal is to support Caribbean countries in advancing progress on the global goals.” CBU President Anthony Greene highlighted the Union's close collaboration with UN agencies in the region. He noted, "partnering with the UN Sub-regional Team for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in the critical area of the SDG's aligns well with the CBU's mandate and identity as a contributor to regional development from a media and communications perspective." Entries for the 37th Annual CBU Media Awards opened in late November 2025 and will close at midnight (ECT) on February 28, 2026. Nominees will be announced in May 2026, with the awards presentation scheduled for August 2026. For further information, potential entrants are invited to view the recent Media Webinar via this link, and for competition rules and entry details they can visit the CBU website at http://www.caribroadcastunion.org / or email cbumediaawards@caribroadcastunion.org

Parliament will convene on Monday, February 23, 2026, for the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament. Five Bills are listed on the Order Paper, aimed at strengthening Dominica’s financial regulatory framework, enhancing standards and oversight within the health sector and advancing the objectives of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. The Payment System and Services Bill 2026 seeks to establish a comprehensive licensing and regulatory regime for payment service providers, expand oversight of the payment system and strengthen consumer protections within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. The Food Safety Bill 2026 provides for enhanced food safety and quality standards in Dominica, strengthened inspection and enforcement mechanisms and greater protection for consumers. Parliament will also debate the Caribbean Community (Movement of Factors) Bill 2026, which gives effect to key provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, facilitating the right of establishment, the provision of services and the free movement of capital within CARICOM Member States. In the health sector, the Medical Profession Bill 2026 proposes the establishment of the Dominica Medical Council to oversee the registration and licensing of medical professionals, regulate professional conduct and discipline and approve qualifications and standards for continuing education and training. Additionally, the Nurses and Midwives Bill 2026 proposes the establishment of the Dominica Nurses and Midwives Council to provide for the registration, enrolment and licensing of nurses and midwives, regulate professional conduct and discipline and set standards and requirements for continuing education and training. The Sitting of Parliament will be broadcast live on the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS) from 10:00 a.m.

Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team is set to face Guyana on Friday, February 27 in their second CONCACAF qualifying match. Following their first qualifier against Jamaica, when the team fell 18-0, the technical team has intensified preparations, placing emphasis on tactical discipline, sharper execution, and improved game management. Assistant Coach Sheldon Casimir, speaking ahead of the team’s departure, noted that while the result of the first match did not go in Dominica’s favour, the experience provided valuable insights and training sessions have been more targeted and analytical in the lead-up to the Guyana fixture. “The first match against Jamaica was definitely a devastating defeat. I mean, by no means I want to make excuses, but we were facing a very formidable opponent in Jamaica, which was put in place for the past few years now to bring them to that elite status. We’re still in a nuclear state of women's football development. And although we conceded many goals, I feel the area that we need to work on is the area that we were strongest in that game, is our defense. So we need to step up on the defense a bit more. We also need to step up in terms of mental awareness and also to ensure that we can develop our fitness levels. I feel this is the only area against these formidable teams that we can try and get as close to the level that they are as possible in terms of fitness. So this has been one of the main areas that we've been working on, trying to build up the physical fitness and endurance, speed and agility of the girls, and also to ensure that in terms of defense, keeping our defensive shape.” Other key areas of focus have been improving transitions, both offensively and defensively, and communication. “The team needs to communicate a bit more. We do have a situation where we have about six or seven players coming in from overseas to join the team. And the time that we have to prepare with those other players is very limited. So this is something that we're trying to work on. At least on this trip, we're going to have a few more days to see how the girls can gel, and also how we can fit in the players that are coming in to complement those that we have already in terms of positioning on the field, to have the best possible team feel on the day of the match.” According to Coach Casimir, reviewing match footage should play an important role in the team’s preparation, however, that has been a challenge. “Yeah, I think one of the areas where we are definitely lacking is the possibility of doing proper match analysis and reviews for a number of reasons. The team does not get to play that much together. So to review matches, recent matches, we only have the recent WIFA tournament and also the game against Jamaica, which has provided some insight in terms of where we need to work on. I would love for the opportunity for us to have played more practice matches where we could actually sit down, record and review those practice matches. But the situation at hand does not allow for this right now...I think that's the way forward. The more games that the girls play together as a unit, the better that we can review and analyze those matches.” Coach Casimir stressed the importance of keeping the team motivated and boosting morale. “At the end of the day, defeat against Jamaica, it was demoralizing. Nobody can say that that was not a demoralizing defeat. Nobody can leave that game feeling like they're in good spirits at the end of it. So we basically had to try and raise the psyche of the girls, let them know that this is just one step in the journey towards trying to develop what Dominican football can and should be for the women. And at the end of the day, I feel this is one of the areas maybe we have to look into bringing in professionals to work on the psychology of players. And it's not only for women's football. I think it's for football in general.” “We expect our players to perform as top athletes, but we are not training their minds and the mindset to be top athletes. It's like trying always to give them a boost of morale, always try and let them tap into the positive energies that their mind can create. Because at the end of the day, once the negativity starts to creep in, it chips away slowly but surely. So keeping them positive mindset to just get better one day at a time. Once you're better today than you were yesterday and you plan on being better tomorrow than you are today, I think you're moving in the right direction,” he continued. The team will leave Dominica on Monday, February 23. The Dominica Football Association encourages supporters at home and in the diaspora to rally behind the Senior Women as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2026.- For the seventeenth consecutive time, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union approved a resolution condemning the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba, a policy that for more than six decades has profoundly affected the Cuban people and hindered their development. The document adopted includes, for the third time, an explicit call by the African body to remove the Caribbean nation from the unilateral and unjustified list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism, underscoring the arbitrary nature of such a designation.   African leaders also expressed concern about the worsening negative effects of the blockade, especially in the current context, when Cuba still faces significant economic and social challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. They also denounced the extraterritorial reach of this policy, including the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which reinforces restrictions and extends their consequences beyond U.S. borders. The resolution reaffirms, once again, the deep historical, political, and solidarity ties that unite the peoples of Africa and Cuba, and constitutes a clear expression of African support for the elimination of this policy, which they consider unfair, illegal, and contrary to the principles of international law and the sovereignty of States. Site: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/es/node/167933

Reinforcing its commitment to youth development and national sports advancement, the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Grenada has renewed its role as Title Sponsor of the National Relay Meet for a second consecutive year. At a cheque handover ceremony, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IMA Grenada, Ms. Karline Purcell, presented a sponsorship valued at EC$75,000 to Mr. Conrad Francis, President of the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) and Mr. Johnell Mitchell, Games Director and First Vice President of the GAA. The funds will support the staging of the competition scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium. Branded as the IMA Grenada National Relay Meet, the event continues to serve as a premier platform for youth empowerment and athletic excellence across the island. The partnership reflects IMA Grenada’s belief in the power of sport to cultivate discipline, teamwork, resilience and national pride among young people. Mr. Johnell Mitchell expressed appreciation for the Agency’s continued support. “Events of this magnitude require substantial resources. We are sincerely grateful for IMA’s continued investment in this meet for a second year. This partnership allows us to reinvest directly into our clubs and schools, strengthening programmes and supporting the ongoing development of our athletes.” Deputy CEO Karline Purcell underscored the strategic importance of the initiative within the Agency’s broader mandate. “At IMA Grenada, youth development remains a key priority. The National Relay Meet provides an opportunity to engage communities across the island, from St. Patrick’s in the north to the south. In addition to our Vibe Champion Award, this year we are introducing a Rhythm Section featuring the IMA Rainbow City All-Stars, bringing added energy and excitement to the National Stadium.” The event will once again feature the interactive IMA Vibe Champion Awards, offering EC$500 to the most spirited spectator and $500 to the club with the most crowd support, further promoting an inclusive and vibrant sporting atmosphere. Through initiatives such as the IMA Grenada National Relay Meet, the Agency continues to invest in community engagement, youth empowerment and national development.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has officially signed the PAHO/WHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031 for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in regional health collaboration and reaffirming Dominica’s commitment to strengthening its health system through solidarity, equity, and resilience. The MCCS 2026–2031 provides a medium-term strategic framework for advancing health and development across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Developed through extensive consultation with Member States, regional institutions, development partners, and civil society, the strategy outlines a shared vision to confront emerging health challenges while ensuring people-centred, inclusive, and equitable care for all. Speaking on the occasion of the signing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr Kyra Paul L’Homme, described the agreement as both timely and strategic for Dominica. "The PAHO/WHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2031 will significantly strengthen Dominica’s health system through improved primary health care, enhanced emergency preparedness, expanded human resources, digital transformation, and stronger prevention of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. In an uncertain global geopolitical environment marked by supply chain disruptions, health workforce challenges, and evolving health security risks, the Strategy reinforces resilience, regional solidarity, and equitable access to reliable, high-quality health services for all Dominicans." Dominica is strengthening its ability to respond to current and future health challenges while ensuring that no one is left behind. The strategy comes at a pivotal moment for the region, which continues to face a complex health landscape marked by high rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), persistent infectious threats, and the increasing impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Health systems across the region, including Dominica’s, are under structural pressure from workforce shortages and financing constraints that contribute to high out-of-pocket health spending. In response, governments have prioritized reforms such as strengthening primary health care, advancing national health insurance, integrating healthinformation systems, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, including through PAHO’s Smart Hospitals Initiative. Dominica has greatly benefited from PAHO’s Smart Hospitals Initiative, with refurbishments already completed in LaPlaine, GrandBay and Portsmouth, while Mahaut and Wesley are scheduled for retrofitting. The MCCS emphasizes solidarity and regional collaboration, leveraging integration mechanisms such as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM, and is grounded in the principles of equity, resilience, and sustainability. The Government of Dominica looks forward to continued collaboration with PAHO/WHO and regional partners in translating the strategy into meaningful action and measurable health gains for the people of Dominica and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, last week, marked the official handover of essential laboratory equipment and supplies to the National Laboratory, procured through the Pandemic Fund and the Fleming Fund, further strengthening Dominica’s capacity for disease surveillance, diagnosis, and emergency response. The donated items, valued at approximately eighty-five thousand dollars (US$85,000), were procured by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and include advanced microbiology and molecular laboratory equipment such as a VITEK 2 system, vertical freezer, PCR consumables, pipette kits, microcentrifuge, and specialized laboratory consumables. Craig Henry, Senior Laboratory Technologist in Microbiology at the National Laboratory, expressed gratitude for the donation. “The Dominica National Medical Laboratory is enormously grateful to the Pan American Health Organization... As we may already know, antimicrobial resistance, AMR, is a global threat, and we in Dominica are not spared from engaging this invisible enemy,” he stated. “Fortunately, through the efforts of PAHO and the Fleming Fund, our arsenal has been significantly bolstered with a nuclear weapon in the form of the Vitek 2 compact instrument. The Vitek 2 compact is an accurate and rapid system for identification of microorganisms, that is, bacteria and fungi, and the determination of which antimicrobials will be effective at treating infections by these organisms. The addition of this cutting-edge piece of equipment to our workflow has significantly enhanced our diagnostic capacity.” Henry further noted the impact this donation will have on the services offered by the laboratory.“The laboratory can now routinely identify organisms to species level, and for the first time, fungal susceptibility is done routinely. With this technology, it means that clinicians can now receive antibiotic treatment options in a shorter space of time, which greatly enhances patient outcome. Additionally, the system helps support infection prevention and control by allowing reliable and rapid identification of inpatients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, so that they can be isolated and quarantined.” The system includes an integrated patient data management database and the capacity to generate antibiograms, significantly strengthening antimicrobial stewardship efforts at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and across the country. This handover coincides with a series of high-level engagements under the Pandemic Fund, including a follow-up meeting on Thursday, February 5, between PAHO/WHO, key Ministry of Health officials and development partners to advance activities to be implemented under the Fund. The donation also aligns with the landmark regional initiative launched last year in Saint Lucia: “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean.” The multi-country project will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and represents a major step forward in strengthening pandemic resilience across the region. Submitted jointly by PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank on behalf of the six independent OECS Member States, the project is funded through the Pandemic Fund, established in 2022 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to support low- and middle-income countries in strengthening systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The project is guided by the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. During the launching ceremony, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to healthcare. “This launch marks a major milestone for the Eastern Caribbean region. By embracing a One Health approach and reinforcing our systems together, we are building a future where countries can detect, respond to, and prevent emerging threats more effectively, protecting lives and livelihoods.” For Dominica, the laboratory donation represents a tangible and timely investment in national health security, ensuring the country is better equipped to prevent, detect, and respond quickly and decisively to future public health threats.

By Eric Falt On 11 February, as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the theme “From vision to impact: Redefining science and engineering by closing the gender gap” resonates deeply across the Caribbean. Science is not only a driver of innovation and sustainable development; it is also a reflection of equity and inclusion. Yet, despite progress, women are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which remain male-dominated fields.    Globally, UNESCO reports that only 33 percent of researchers are women, and this disparity is echoed across the Caribbean, where cultural, social, and structural barriers continue to limit opportunities for young women. The gap is even wider in emerging fields: women represent just 22 percent of AI professionals worldwide, a stark reminder that the technologies shaping our future are being developed without sufficient gender diversity. Addressing this gap is essential not only for fairness but for the advancement of knowledge, scientific innovation, and the future of our region. The Caribbean has a proud legacy of women who have transformed science. Dr Camille Wardrop Alleyne, a Trinidadian aerospace engineer, has contributed to space research and exploration at NASA while mentoring the next generation of scientists. In Jamaica, Dr Simone BadalMcCreath, a chemist, developed the first Caribbean-derived cancer cell line, exemplifying innovation that directly benefits public health. These remarkable women demonstrate what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and they serve as living and enduring examples for the young scientists of today. Yet natural disasters can threaten the momentum of emerging talent. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in 2025, disrupted university life, research activities, and the professional trajectories of graduate-level women scientists. Laboratories were inaccessible, data collection halted, and critical projects risked collapse. Recognizing the urgency, UNESCO’s Regional Office for the Caribbean launched the Women In Science Emergency (WISE) Initiative. This rapid-response program, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), provided immediate financial support to twenty early- career women scientists, ensuring their research could continue even amid post-disaster recovery. Through WISE, UNESCO demonstrated how targeted interventions can preserve research continuity while fostering gender equality in science, math, and engineering. The WISE initiative is part of a broader UNESCO commitment to promoting women in science. Beyond emergency support, UNESCO collects data, advocates for gender-responsive policies, and implements programs that expand opportunities for girls and young women to pursue scientific careers. In the Caribbean, the Regional Office has worked closely with UWI and other partners, leveraging long-standing partnerships to create mentorship networks, workshops, and research opportunities that empower women. Initiatives like WISE ensure that women scientists are not sidelined by crises, bias, or structural barriers.  Alongside these efforts, UNESCO has supported practical mentorship through the Walking in Her Footsteps programme, implemented with UWI in Jamaica. Each year, more than thirty young women from UWI and the University of Technology are paired with experienced women scientists, gaining mentorship, workplace exposure, and hands-on learning. Through leadership workshops and community projects in areas such as renewable energy and water safety, participants are supported to move from studying science to applying it in their communities. This work is complemented by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship Programme in the Caribbean, a strong partnership between UNESCO and the L’Oréal Foundation. Over the past three years, women scientists from the region have been recognised through this programme, highlighting the strength of local talent and the importance of sustained support for women pursuing scientific excellence. Supporting women in science, mathematics, and engineering is not just an investment in individuals, but an investment in the region’s future. Young women today, when given the resources and recognition they deserve, become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who drive progress. They can be the next Camille Wardrop Alleyne designing space systems, the next Simone BadalMcCreath developing life-saving research for her communities. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are reminded that closing the gender gap is an immediate imperative. UNESCO’s work, from WISE to long-term capacity- building programs, shows that vision becomes impact when action is swift, targeted, and inclusive. By nurturing talent, supporting research continuity, and promoting leadership, we can ensure that the Caribbean’s women scientists thrive, innovate, and shape the future for us all. Eric Falt is the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean

The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) is pleased to announce Pinehill as its Official Wellness Partner for the 2026 athletics season, putting athlete wellness front and centre. This strategic partnership, facilitated through the distributor Belfast Estate Ltd., reflects a shared commitment to youth empowerment, healthy lifestyles, and sporting excellence. As Official Wellness Partner, Pinehill will support a range of DAA initiatives focused on nutrition, education, competition, and athlete readiness throughout the 2026 calendar year. A key highlight of the partnership is the Pinehill NEXTGEN Champions Workshop, a flagship educational initiative designed for Dominica’s top junior athletes preparing for major regional and international competitions, including the CARIFTA Games, NACAC Under-18 & Under-23 Championships, World Junior Championships, and Youth Olympic Games. Additionally, the collaboration will also see Pinehill take naming rights of one of the DAA’s major annual events, the Pinehill National Junior Championships 2026, scheduled for April 19, 2026, cementing Pinehill’s role at the centre of athlete development, education, and performance. The Dominica Athletics Association’s annual calendar spans a diverse range of national competitions and development initiatives that engage athletes at every stage of the pathway, from grassroots to elite. Through this partnership, Pinehill will be embedded across the 2026 season, while championing a culture of wellness that extends beyond competition and into everyday athletic life. Speaking on the partnership, DAA President Mr. Brendan Williams welcomed the collaboration: “We are delighted to welcome Pinehill as the Official Wellness Partner of the Dominica Athletics Association for 2026. This collaboration strengthens how we support athletes beyond competition, through education, wellness, and personal development, ensuring they are equipped to succeed on and off the track.” Speaking on behalf of Pinehill, Mrs. Jasmine Hamilton , highlighted Pinehill’s strong commitment towards the development of sports on the island and the well being of our athletes, as is reflected in this strategic partnership with the DAA. She expressed optimism and great delight for the product’s engagement as the 2026 Official Wellness Partner. The Dominica Athletics Association extends sincere appreciation to Pinehill and Dominica Brewery and Beverages Ltd. for their support and shared vision in advancing athletics and youth development in Dominica.

Statement by the Revolutionary Government   The Revolutionary Government condemns in the strongest terms the new escalation by the US government against Cuba in its efforts to impose a total blockade on fuel supplies to our country.   The executive order issued by the US President on January 29, 2026, declares a supposed national emergency, under which his government will be able to impose trade tariffs on imports of products from countries that supply oil to Cuba.    To justify such extreme action, the text of the order contains an extensive list of lies and defamatory accusations against Cuba. Among them is the absurd assertion that Cuba constitutes an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the national security of the United States. The President himself and his government are aware that no one, or very few, can believe such mendacious arguments, but they do not care. Such is their contempt for the truth, public opinion, and government ethics when it comes to endorsing their aggression against Cuba.   With this decision, the United States government, through blackmail, threats, and direct coercion of third countries, is attempting to impose additional pressure on the economic suffocation measures that have been in place since Trump's first term to prevent fuel from entering our country. It consolidates a dangerous way of conducting U.S. foreign policy by force and exercising its ambitions to guarantee its imperialist hegemony. As announced, that country claims the right to dictate to sovereign states which nations they can trade with and to which they can export their domestic products.   The executive order of the President of the United States therefore constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and also violates the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. It confirms that it is the government of that country that is threatening the security, stability, and peace of the region and the world.   The government of the United States has reached this point after 67 years of failing to surrender and destroy a genuine and legitimate political and revolutionary process of full sovereignty, social justice, and the promotion of peace and solidarity with the rest of the world.   Cuba's historical willingness to engage in serious, responsible dialogue with the United States government, based on international law, sovereign equality, mutual respect, reciprocal benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and absolute respect for the independence and sovereignty of states, is widely documented.   As everyone knows, including the US government itself, Cuba poses no threat whatsoever to the United States, its national interests, or the well-being of its citizens, who, moreover, have always been treated with respect and hospitality when their government has allowed them to visit the island. Cuba does not threaten or attack any country. It is not subject to sanctions by the international community. It is a peaceful, supportive, and cooperative country, willing to help and contribute to other States.   It is also a country of a brave and combative people. Imperialism is mistaken when it believes that economic pressure and the determination to cause suffering to millions of people will break their determination to defend national sovereignty and prevent Cuba from falling, once again, under US domination.    The international community faces the unavoidable challenge of determining whether a crime of this nature could be a sign of things to come or whether sanity, solidarity, and the rejection of aggression, impunity, and abuse will prevail.   We will face this new attack with firmness, equanimity, and the certainty that reason is absolutely on our side. The decision is one: Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome!