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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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