Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit will participate in the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he will contribute to high-level discussions on global investment trends and the future of tourism in an evolving international landscape. The summit runs from February 3-5, under the theme, 'Shaping Future Governments.' Prime Minister Skerrit is scheduled to speak on two featured roundtables: The Future of Investments and The Future of Tourism. His participation will highlight Dominica’s priorities as a small island developing state, with emphasis on resilient and sustainable investment, climate-smart infrastructure, renewable energy and inclusive economic growth. The World Governments Summit brings together heads of government, policymakers, private sector leaders and international institutions to explore innovative solutions to global challenges and shape the future of governance and development. In Prime Minister Skerrit’s absence from the state, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, will act as Prime Minister.

Two Swiss visitors safely extracted as authorities reinforce mandatory certified guide requirement   ROSEAU, Dominica (January 28, 2026)  – The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) advise that two Swiss visitors who were reported missing on Monday, January 26, 2026, along Segment Three of the Waitukubuli National Trail have been successfully rescued following a coordinated search and rescue operation, which culminated in a helicopter extraction on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.   The visitors were reported missing on January 26, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The search operation, which continued into the following day, involved personnel from the Forestry Division, the Dominica Police Force and the Fire and Ambulance Services, supported by dedicated volunteers. The helicopter extraction was executed successfully and both individuals were transported to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) for medical evaluation and treatment.   The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of the rescue teams and volunteers for their professionalism, coordination and tireless efforts throughout the operation. Their swift response and determination were instrumental in achieving a safe and successful outcome.   The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority jointly remind residents and visitors that hiking on designated national trails must be undertaken with the accompaniment of a certified tour guide.  This requirement is essential to ensuring visitor safety, effective navigation of challenging terrain and timely emergency response where necessary.   In further support of this mandate, the Discover Dominica Authority, in collaboration with the Dominica State College, will host its annual Tour Guide Training and Certification Programme  from April 13 to 20, 2026 and September 14 to 21, 2026, daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , aimed at strengthening guide competencies, enhancing safety standards and improving professional service delivery across the sector.   Dominica’s trail systems traverse rugged topography, remote environments and changing weather conditions, which can present significant safety risks, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with the terrain. Certified guides provide critical local knowledge, safety oversight and environmental awareness, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents or disorientation.   Residents and visitors seeking certified tour guides or persons interested in registering for the upcoming training program are encouraged to contact the Discover Dominica Authority at (767) 255-8221 or the Forestry Division at (767) 266-5856.   The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority reiterate the importance of strict adherence to established safety guidelines when engaging in hiking and outdoor activities. http://kevinstravelblog.com/waitukubuli-national-trail-planning

Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Dominica State College (DSC), has launched the 2026 Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE) certification training series. The program aims to strengthen professionalism, service standards and regulatory compliance across the tourism sector as Dominica prepares for increased visitor arrivals driven by major national infrastructure developments, including the Cable Car and International Airport. The annual training series targets individuals seeking NISE certification as tourism service professionals, including tour guides, taxi drivers and operators and craft and souvenir vendors. The initiative supports DDA’s strategic focus on workforce readiness, quality assurance and capacity building, ensuring that industry stakeholders are equipped to deliver consistent, high- quality visitor experiences aligned with national standards. All training sessions will be conducted at the Dominica State College campus in Stock Farm, Roseau. “As Dominica prepares for increased visitor arrivals, it is essential that our tourism service providers are properly trained, certified and aligned with national standards. These programs place service excellence, safety and professionalism at the center of the visitor experience.” Interested individuals are invited to register through the Discover Dominica Authority. The cost of participation is EC$500 per person for Tour Guides and Taxi Service Providers and EC$ 300 for Craft and Souvenir Vendors, which includes training materials, instruction, assessment and certification. Registration forms can be collected at the Discover Dominica Authority Office, Great Marlborough Street, Roseau. For additional information, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 255 8221 or email csergenton@discoverdominica.com .

The race for debating supremacy is officially underway, and early signs point to a fiercely competitive season, as seven secondary schools battled their way into Round Two of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition following an intense knockout round. The competition got underway on Thursday, January 22, introducing a non- traditional format. Rather than team debates, each school was represented by a single student, with advancement based solely on individual scores. The opening day of debates saw six schools engaging in the motion, “Local communities should have veto power over projects that significantly affect their environment.” Those schools were Orion Academy, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, Wesley High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Convent High School, and Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy. The knockout round continued on Friday, January 23, when Castle Bruce Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School debated the motion, “The legal driving age in Dominica should be lowered to increase youth independence and national productivity.” At the end of the knockout phase, seven students emerged with the highest scores, earning progression for their schools. St. Martin Secondary School led the field through Shanaiyah John, who recorded the highest score of 341 points. Wesley High School followed with Hephzibah Abenole scoring 328 points, while Orion Academy advanced behind the performance of Taya Charles with 320 points. Convent High School secured its place through Sienna Andrew, who scored 317 points. Portsmouth Secondary School moved forward with Maliah Ettienne earning 302 points, while Castle Bruce Secondary School advanced after Isaac Roberts scored 299 points. Isaiah Thomas Secondary School completed the list of qualifiers with Kianna Aaron scoring 288 points. Just below the cutoff were two schools that narrowly missed advancing. St. Mary’s Academy, represented by Lucas Sorhaindo, finished with 286 points, while Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy’s Khaleed Colaire recorded a score of 263 points. The seven schools will now move on to Round Two of the competition, scheduled for February 25 and 26, where they will be joined by reigning champion Dominica Grammar School. Organizer Trudy Christian said the round proved to be both intense and revealing, highlighting the depth of talent among this year’s participants. She noted that the close results and strong performances show that 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for the competition. Christian also expressed appreciation to the sponsors of the competition, singling out main sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. for its continued support and commitment to youth development and meaningful national dialogue.

The Trump administration is considering new measures to promote regime change in Cuba, including a possible total blockade on oil imports to the country, according to Politico, citing three sources familiar with the plan. Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denounced the recent leaks and speculation on Friday. The Cuban diplomat described this intention as a brutal assault on a peaceful nation that poses no threat to the United States, noting that such measures are irrefutable proof that the economic hardships faced by the Cuban people are mainly caused and designed by Washington. He recalled that figures such as current Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former National Security Advisor John Bolton already misled Trump in 2019 into ordering a similar blockade, an action that was halted at the time by national security agencies that considered such a course of unjustifiable confrontation to be irresponsible and dangerous. The revival of these threats in 2026 is evidence of the resurgence of a hostile policy that seeks to bring about the country's energy collapse through international piracy. This warning comes in a context of sovereign resistance by the Global South to the aggressive unilateralism of the Republican administration. Site: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/cubas-deputy-foreign-minister-denounces-intensification-blockade-oil-supplies-cuba

Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), in collaboration with key tourism stakeholders, will officially welcome the inaugural visits of MV Brilliance of the Seas on January 23, 2026, and MV Queen Victoria on January 24, 2026, marking two significant milestones for Dominica’s cruise tourism sector. The inaugural call of MV Brilliance of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, will be commemorated with a ceremonial plaque exchange at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth, celebrating the vessel’s first visit to the Nature Island. The ceremony will bring together the ship’s captain and crew, government officials, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders in recognition of this important occasion. On January 24, Dominica will also welcome the inaugural visit of MV Queen Victoria, a Cunard Line vessel renowned for its elegance and premium cruise experience. The visit underscores Dominica’s growing appeal as a destination for diverse cruise markets, including luxury and premium cruise lines. These two inaugural visits will bring the total number of inaugural cruise calls for the 2025/2026 season to ten (10), reflecting continued confidence in Dominica as a cruise destination. Passengers from both vessels will have the opportunity to explore the island through curated shore excursions, showcasing Dominica’s waterfalls, rainforests, marine environments, and vibrant communities. Speaking on the significance of the visits, the Discover Dominica Authority noted that inaugural calls are not only ceremonial but strategic, as they strengthen relationships with cruise partners and enhance destination visibility within the global cruise industry. The Authority extends appreciation to the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority, customs and immigration officials, tour operators, taxi associations, vendors, and all tourism stakeholders whose collaboration ensures a warm and memorable welcome for cruise visitors. Dominica continues to position itself as a sustainable cruise destination, committed to delivering exceptional experiences while preserving the island’s natural and cultural assets. Brilliance of the Seas Queen Victoria

Across Dominica, a growing number of young people are redefining what agriculture looks like not as a last resort, but as a smart, sustainable way to earn, innovate, and contribute to national development. From agro-processing to beekeeping, youth are finding modern pathways into agriculture that allow them to balance careers, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. Supported by initiatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), young people and returnees are being empowered to build livelihoods that are rooted in local resources while strengthening community resilience. Agriculture, once seen as labour-intensive and limiting, is now emerging as a space for innovation, flexibility, and long-term opportunity. One area gaining renewed interest among youth is beekeeping, a venture that offers income potential while supporting food production and environmental health. For young entrepreneurs, it represents a practical entry point into agriculture, especially for those who may already be employed full-time. Shem Jacob  is one such example. A police officer by profession and the owner of Bud’s Backyard Honey , Shem began beekeeping in 2020 after intentionally seeking a sustainable business he could manage alongside his career. “When I started my career as a police officer, I wanted to do a second job. I was serious about a business on the side,” he explains. “I found out that honey doesn’t spoil, and bees are an animal that you can leave for a few days, a few weeks, and go and come back. You don’t have to attend to them every day.” That flexibility has allowed Shem to build a business without sacrificing stability,  a model that resonates strongly with young people navigating employment, family life, and entrepreneurship. Today, his operation produces pure honey and beeswax, which he sells through local markets and directly to customers. Beyond income generation, Shem describes beekeeping as deeply grounding. “Beekeeping is very nice. It’s a very peaceful venture,” he says. “It brings you out to nature, and you actually see what small creatures can do.” He notes that producing a single bottle of honey requires the collective work of hundreds of bees,  a reminder of the value of cooperation and care for the natural world. Importantly, beekeeping supports much more than the beekeeper. Bees play a critical role in pollinating crops such as cucumbers, peppers, watermelon, coconuts, and citrus. With healthier bee populations, farmers experience improved yields, stronger food systems, and greater resilience in the face of climate challenges. This directly supports goals around food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Shem also contributes to the wider agricultural sector through his role on the board of the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. , where he helps support training, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among beekeepers across the island. “It actually opens the door to networking, meeting other beekeepers, and learning a lot,” he shares. The cooperative also connects members to regional opportunities, strengthening skills and exposing young farmers to best practices across the Caribbean. “We actually need more beekeepers on the island,” Shem emphasizes. “You cannot saturate the honey market. There’s always a need for honey and byproducts of honey and bees.” His message to young people is clear: agriculture is not only viable, it is essential. “I would encourage younger persons, anyone who feels they have the potential or the time to come into beekeeping. You’re not only making a profit for yourself, but also helping farmers and building the country.” For IOM, stories like Shem’s demonstrate how empowering youth through agriculture supports broader development goals, creating decent work, strengthening food systems, protecting ecosystems, and helping communities remain resilient and self-reliant. By investing in young people and sustainable livelihoods, Dominica is building a future where economic growth and environmental care go hand in hand. As more young Dominicans turn to agriculture with fresh perspectives and modern approaches, they are proving that working the land — and working with nature — can be a powerful way to shape their futures and the future of the island.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is reinforcing Grenada’s position as a premier marine and nautical destination with a dynamic slate of sailing and sportfishing events set to anchor the island’s 2026 nautical season. Spanning competitive regattas, international rallies and heritage celebrations, the calendar reflects sustained growth within one of Grenada’s most strategically valuable tourism segments. Grenada’s appeal within the global sailing and yachting community continues to be shaped by its natural geography, modern marina infrastructure and reputation as a safe, welcoming port of entry to the Southern Caribbean. With deep-water harbours, sheltered anchorages and seamless access to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the tri-island state has steadily evolved into a destination of choice for both competitive and leisure mariners. A major highlight of the season is the Pure Grenada Billfish Tournament, scheduled for January 25–30, which enters a new chapter in 2026 with Pure Grenada named Title Sponsor for the first time. The tournament has been one of the Caribbean’s most established sportfishing events for over 50 years and has drawn anglers to Grenada for decades and continues to play a vital role in promoting the island’s marine heritage and high-value visitor experiences. “The Pure Grenada Billfish Tournament represents the calibre of event that aligns with Grenada’s broader tourism vision,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Our decision to step forward as Title Sponsor reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening the sportfishing sector while reinforcing Grenada’s standing as a serious maritime destination.” Running concurrently, Grenada Sailing Week will also take place from January 25–30, with opening events hosted in Carriacou, underscoring the growing role of the Sister Isles within Grenada’s tourism narrative. The event blends competitive racing with cultural programming, encouraging extended stays and deeper engagement across communities. Traditional seafaring takes centre stage during the Workboat Regatta, scheduled for January 31–February 1, which celebrates Grenada’s long-standing boat-building and racing traditions. Sailors from coastal communities throughout Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique compete in handcrafted vessels, preserving a living maritime legacy that remains central to the destination’s identity. The season continues into February with the arrival of the Vikings Explorer Rally, an international cruising fleet whose participants typically spend several weeks on island. Their presence contributes directly to marina activity, local businesses, cultural exchange and community interaction, reinforcing the economic multiplier effect of nautical tourism. “Each of these events contributes to a broader ecosystem,” said Shanai St. Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the GTA. “From international rallies to community-rooted regattas, the nautical sector delivers sustained value, visibility, and authenticity for the destination.” Together, the 2026 nautical calendar reflects a deliberate and coordinated approach to marine tourism development, one that balances heritage preservation with international exposure and long-term growth. As planning for the 2027 season begins, Grenada remains focused on advancing its maritime identity and strengthening its position within the global sailing and sportfishing landscape.

Fifteen (15) farmers and over 20 government officials and private sector stakeholders comprised the initial group who participated in the week-long mission and workshop The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy in Antigua and Barbuda recently completed a week-long mission aimed at transforming local protected agriculture farms into bankable investment opportunities. The mission brought together an initial group of 15 farmers and over 20 government officials and private sector stakeholders. With the goal of transforming the island's agricultural sector into a prosperous, investment-ready opportunity starting with these farms; the mission comprised a focused agribusiness training session, farm surveys, and field interviews. Led by FAO Agribusiness Finance Specialist Dr. Omardath Maharaj, the mission focused on strengthening the financial viability of greenhouse, hydroponic, and shade house farming systems, while supporting national efforts to scale up climate-smart and digital agricultural technologies. This intervention is built on earlier initiatives that laid the groundwork for water security and nature-based solutions on model farms, as well as the Water–Energy–Food Nexus sub-project under the Mexico–CARICOM–FAO Initiative, “Cooperation for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in the Caribbean” two years ago. The mission sought to bolster current investments in water management, digital tools, and protected crop production by utilizing FAO's continuing efforts in climate-resilient agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda. It accomplished this by gathering operational and financial data at the farm level and confirming market demand. This laid the groundwork for investment-ready business cases that may raise capital and develop sustainable agricultural innovations. One of the mission's primary deliverables was the workshop,"From Data to Dollars: Building a Profitable & Resilient Farm Business," which was held on December 1, 2025, at the Agricultural Extension Division in St. John's. An estimated 19 participants, including extension officers, agri-entrepreneurs, and protected agriculture farmers, were trained on topics such as how to connect farm records and cost-of-production data to business models that are ready for investment.Local farmer, Ms Kathleen Forde of Seasonz Hydroponics Farm who attended the training, conveyed her appreciation for the session and its content. She expressed hope that the analysis will enhance farm operations and the country's agricultural output and called thetraining and field tour "timely and informative." Mr Ika Fergus, Acting Chief Extension Officer and FAO National Correspondent stated, “The mission’s outcomes directly align with the strategic goals of the Ministry. The developed business models will provide farmers with clear financial justifications and planning tools to advance commercialization and attract investment, particularly in protected agriculture systems critical for climate resilience”. Dr Maharaj emphasized that meetings with major buyers, including supermarkets and hotels, revealed significant import demand for high-value crops such as tomatoes, lettuces, and bell peppers. He noted that the follow-up farm surveys and stakeholder consultations with the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and Epicurean Fine Foods; Pharmacy helped validate market demand and operational realities. Dr Maharaj further highlighted that, “Farmers are ready to adopt new technologies, but they need viable business plans to secure financing. This mission helped bridge that gap”. The next step in the project will focus on analysing the collected data to produce five tailored business cases by February 2026. These will support farmers seeking financing and assist the Ministry in attracting investment into a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable agricultural sector, strengthening import substitution and improved livelihoods.

The knockoff round of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today, Thursday, January 22, signalling the official start of the national debate season and setting the stage for intense intellectual showdowns among the island’s top secondary schools. This was stated by Trudy Christian, organizer of the event, who confirmed that the annual competition opens with the first round, where only the highest-scoring teams will advance. The opening day of debates features six schools engaging the motion: “Local communities should have veto power over projects that significantly affect their environment.” Competing on this topic today are Orion Academy, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, Wesley High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Convent High School, and Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy. Debates continue on Friday, January 23, with three schools tackling the motion: “The legal driving age in Dominica should be lowered to increase youth independence and national productivity.” The participating schools on Friday are Castle Bruce Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School. At the conclusion of the knockoff round, the schools with the highest scores will advance to Round Two, where they will meet the reigning champions, Dominica Grammar School. Of the nine schools competing in this opening phase, only seven will progress. Christian expressed optimism about the level of excitement and public interest surrounding the competition. She encouraged members of the public to attend the debates, which will be held at the Dominica State College Upper Campus beginning at 2:00 p.m., or to tune in online, as proceedings will be live streamed via Emo News and Dominica News Online. She further thanked the sponsors, including main sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd., for supporting the initiative and for their sustained commitment to encouraging youth participation and meaningful national discourse.

The Rotary Club of Dominica officially handed over a rehabilitated chicken coop to the 4-H Club of the Grandbay Primary School during a brief but meaningful ceremony held on Friday, January 16, 2026. The project, valued at EC$27,000, was made possible through generous funding from the Rotary Club of Gateshead, England in partnership with the Rotary Club of Dominica, and forms part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to youth development, food security, and practical skills training within schools and communities. In addition to the rehabilitation works, 50 broilers and 50 layers were provided to the 4H Club to ensure the initiative begins on a strong and sustainable footing. The chicken coop will serve as a hands-on agricultural learning facility for students involved in the school’s 4-H programme, providing opportunities to develop responsibility, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and basic livestock management skills. Delivering remarks at the ceremony, President of the Rotary Club of Dominica, Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, emphasized the importance of empowering young people through practical, sustainable projects. “This chicken coop is more than a structure; it is an investment in the future of our children. Through initiatives like this, Rotary seeks to equip young people with life skills, promote self-reliance, and encourage an appreciation for agriculture as a viable pathway for development,” Dr. Jean-Pierre stated. Also addressing the gathering, Principal of Grandbay Primary School, Mr. Evans James, expressed sincere gratitude to both Rotary Clubs for their support. “On behalf of the staff and students of Grandbay Primary School, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Dominica and the Rotary Club of Gateshead. This project will significantly enhance our 4-H programme and provide meaningful learning experiences for our students,” Mr. James said. Principal Mr. James also stated that the initiative is designed to be self-sustaining, as eggs produced will be sold to members of the community. Proceeds from the sales will support the school’s feeding programme while also providing funds for the ongoing maintenance of the chicken coop, including the purchase of feed and other essential supplies. Members of the school community, Rotary representatives, and students were present for the handover, which underscored the value of international partnership and community collaboration in advancing education and youth development. The Rotary Club of Dominica continues to work closely with local and international partners to implement projects that positively impact communities across the island.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy wishes to provide clarity to unfounded information being circulated on social media about a national of the United States of America who is currently on remand at the Dominica State Prison. While the Ministry is not in the business of responding to hearsay and baseless statements, it is felt that these particular statements, which are maliciously being peddled by the opposition, should be addressed. It is public knowledge that Jonathan Scott Lehrer is one of two U.S. nationals on remand at the Dominica State Prison. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the Embassy of the United States in Bridgetown requested and was given permission to visit and/ or hold meetings with both nationals since November, 2024. It is standard Consular Practice for Diplomatic Missions to extend consular assistance to their nationals who are detained overseas, including, facilitating consular access and visits, subject to the relevant procedures of the receiving state. The request was made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Diplomatic Note and confirmation was given by the Ministry of National Security and response was then returned to the U.S. Embassy. As noted earlier, this has been ongoing since November 2024. The last meeting between the two nationals and the Embassy was held on January 14, 2026, virtually. Another in-person meeting is scheduled for February 2026 at a date and time to be confirmed by the Ministry of National Security. The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and respect in its treatment of all detainees, and has at all times facilitated Consular access for accredited representatives to their detained nationals consistent with established practice. To give the impression that this exercise is an attempt to reach an arrangement of some sort with the U.S. Government is malicious and misleading. The Ministry’s advice to the general public is to allow the justice system to take its course and refrain from making statements that could have adverse effects on the trial.