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

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

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

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

Head Coach of Dominica’s national athletics team, Nabi Wallace, has affirmed that the team is fully prepared for the games, following its final training session held on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Speaking just hours before the official start of the 2025 CARIFTA Games, Coach Wallace expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness and mindset. “The team is ready — physically and mentally,” Wallace stated. “We had a very productive session today. Coach Godwin worked closely with the throwers, while I handled the long jumpers. It was also an opportunity to test out the new track, which was valuable.” Dominica will begin its campaign on Saturday morning with Kerelle Etienne competing in the Girls’ Under-20 100m dash at approximately 11:40 AM. Later in the evening, the team will make history by contesting the 4x400m mixed relay for the very first time. “Kerelle received her program from her coach, and we supported her in completing that. Our 4x400m mixed relay team also had the chance to practice baton exchanges, which went well,” Wallace added. Meanwhile, Coach Godwin Dorsette echoed Wallace’s optimism, sharing his belief that Dominica will start the competition on a strong note. “Tomorrow we’re opening with the 100 meters and the mixed relay. I’m feeling confident. I see good things coming for Dominica,” Dorsette said. Both athletes and coaching staff are aiming not only for podium finishes but also for personal bests and long-term athletic progression. The CARIFTA Games 2025 kicked off officially on Friday with the opening ceremony.

Dominica’s Jeriah Lewis delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday, April 20, achieving a new personal best of 7.06 metres in the Boys’ Under-20 Long Jump at the ongoing 2025 CARIFTA Games. Competing against a strong field of 20 athletes from across the region, Lewis finished 5th overall, solidifying his position as one of the top young jumpers in the Caribbean. His impressive leap not only earned him a commendable placement but also marked a significant milestone in his athletic career. “I feel proud of myself. It was quite challenging out there, but I still put my best foot forward and competed for my country,” said Jeriah Lewis. “Back at home, I was jumping mid-six [metres], and I just came out here today and jumped a new personal best—so I feel really proud.” Lewis also acknowledged areas for improvement in his performance, including his approach and take-off technique. “I know I could’ve done better, especially getting my feet properly on the board and improving both my distance and height,” he noted. “But I intend on working harder to improve and come back even stronger.” Lewis’s performance highlights what has been an inspiring weekend for Team Dominica, with several athletes showcasing determination and excellence as they proudly represent the nation on the regional stage.

Dominica’s sprint sensation, Kerelle Etienne, proudly represented the nation in the Girls’ Under-20 100m event at the 52nd CARIFTA Games on Saturday, showcasing both talent and determination. Etienne delivered a commendable performance in the semi-final round, clocking 11.76 seconds to place third in her heat. However, despite her impressive effort, the time was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Reflecting on her performance, Etienne shared, “I feel great since this is my first Under-20. It’s not what I expected, but I still did great.” Ahead of the semi-final, she admitted feeling “quite confident and nervous.” Although she did not advance to the final, Kerelle’s participation is a testament to her dedication, discipline, and growing potential. Her performance continues to inspire young athletes across Dominica, reminding them of what is possible with hard work and perseverance. “One positive takeaway from today is to not give up and to run through the line,” she said. The Girls’ Under-20 100m title was claimed by Shanoya Douglas of Jamaica, who won the final in a time of 11.26 seconds.

Head Coach of Dominica’s national athletics team, Nabi Wallace, has affirmed that the team is fully prepared for the games, following its final training session held on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Speaking just hours before the official start of the 2025 CARIFTA Games, Coach Wallace expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness and mindset. “The team is ready — physically and mentally,” Wallace stated. “We had a very productive session today. Coach Godwin worked closely with the throwers, while I handled the long jumpers. It was also an opportunity to test out the new track, which was valuable.” Dominica will begin its campaign on Saturday morning with Kerelle Etienne competing in the Girls’ Under-20 100m dash at approximately 11:40 AM. Later in the evening, the team will make history by contesting the 4x400m mixed relay for the very first time. “Kerelle received her program from her coach, and we supported her in completing that. Our 4x400m mixed relay team also had the chance to practice baton exchanges, which went well,” Wallace added. Meanwhile, Coach Godwin Dorsette echoed Wallace’s optimism, sharing his belief that Dominica will start the competition on a strong note. “Tomorrow we’re opening with the 100 meters and the mixed relay. I’m feeling confident. I see good things coming for Dominica,” Dorsette said. Both athletes and coaching staff are aiming not only for podium finishes but also for personal bests and long-term athletic progression. The CARIFTA Games 2025 kicked off officially on Friday with the opening ceremony.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Commonwealth of Dominica, Miguel Fraga, paid an official visit to the headquarters of the National Archives of Dominica, where he was received by the Chief Librarian, Renita Charles. During the cordial meeting, the Cuban diplomat toured the facilities of the Archive, accompanied by his hostess, and was able to appreciate part of the valuable collection of documents preserved by this institution, considered part of the historical memory of the region. Among the outstanding materials shown to the Cuban diplomat were copies dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the Slave Registers, fundamental documents for the study of the colonial history of the Caribbean and the impact of the slave system. Renita Charles explained to the Ambassador the efforts currently being made to preserve this historical heritage, with special emphasis on the digitization work aimed at guaranteeing public access and long-term conservation of the documentary collections, many of which are unique and highly fragile. Ambassador Fraga expressed his admiration for the sustained work of the National Archive and underscored the importance of rescuing and preserving the history of the Caribbean peoples, whose shared roots strengthen the ties between Cuba and Dominica. The Cuban diplomat reiterated Cuba's willingness to strengthen cultural and academic cooperation with Dominica in areas such as heritage conservation and historical research. The visit concluded with an exchange of views on possible joint initiatives and mutual appreciation for the opportunity to strengthen ties between the two Caribbean nations. Source: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/cuban-ambassador-miguel-fraga-visits-national-archives-dominica-and-highlights-historical

Discover Dominica Authority and local stakeholders engage with regional travelers, showcase summer travel packages, and strengthen industry partnerships at key tourism events. — Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) successfully participated in the 2025 Salon du Voyage exhibitions in Martinique and Guadeloupe, where they promoted Dominica’s summer travel packages and connected with regional travelers. The events allowed for direct engagement with travel professionals and potential visitors, offering immediate booking options for tourism experiences. In Martinique, the exhibition took place from March 21-23, 2025, at the Palais des Congrès de Madiana. DDA representatives included Ms. Daphne Vidal, Project Officer, and Ms. Markerah George, Acting Marketing Executive for the Caribbean and French West Indies. They were joined by private sector stakeholders, including Ms. Nancy Atzenweiler of Jungle Bay, Mrs. Decima Sharplis Valentine of Sea World Guest House, and Mr. Ricknal Daley of Ricky’s Tours, Voyages & Services. The group promoted Dominica’s nature and wellness tourism while facilitating same-day bookings. The Holiday and Leisure Fair was held in Guadeloupe from April 4-6, 2025, at the Palais des Sports du Gosier. The event’s theme, “The Islands Between Them,” highlighted the connectivity and uniqueness of Caribbean islands. The Dominica booth featured Ms. Samantha Letang, Group Marketing Manager at GEMS; Ms. Shaney Bartley, Marketing Assistant at Fort Young Hotel; Ms. Vidal and Ms. George of DDA; Ms. Atzenweiler of Jungle Bay; Mrs. Jenniffer Sharplis, manager of Flamboyant Hotel; and Miss Dominica 2025, Ms. Tanisha Balson. Balson’s presence added cultural flair, further strengthening Dominica's appeal. "Our participation in the Salon du Voyage exhibitions in Martinique and Guadeloupe highlights our commitment to expanding Dominica’s presence in the Caribbean tourism market. These events provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with regional travelers, build lasting relationships with industry professionals, and showcase our island’s diverse offerings. Dominica's natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality make it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic experiences. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from the French West Indies, as these markets continue to be an integral part of our tourism strategy" said Ms. Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority The success of these exhibitions reflects DDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in key markets. The participation in both Martinique and Guadeloupe highlights the Authority’s strategy to boost summer travel, increase visibility, and foster partnerships that will contribute to sustained growth in Dominica’s tourism sector.

New consultancy provides tailored support to accommodation providers, enhancing value, efficiency, and guest experiences across Dominica’s tourism sector — The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority are enhancing Dominica’s accommodation sector through a new initiative designed to improve competitiveness, guest experiences, and operational efficiency across local properties. The Package Development Consultancy, launched in December 2024, is led by tourism consultant Josea Browne of Rude Theory. The program aligns with Dominica’s vision of becoming a premier sustainable and experiential travel destination. Since the launch, Browne has engaged 36 property owners and conducted site visits at more than 10 accommodations to gather insights and customize support based on the sector’s needs. As part of the initiative, a seminar was held on March 26 at the Goodwill Parish Hall. The event brought together 54 accommodation owners and potential investors for presentations on industry trends, guest demographics, third-party booking platforms, revenue management, operational improvements and marketing strategies. Representatives from the National Bank of Dominica, the Aid Bank, and the Small Business Unit also participated, sharing information on financing options, fiscal incentives, and licensing requirements. The consultancy offers practical strategies for accommodation providers, focusing on the following:  Review and assessment of property features  Package pricing to boost value and profitability  Marketing strategies to reach target markets  Operational enhancements, including staffing and systems  Tailored action plans for implementation  Monitoring and evaluation to track success  Value-added opportunities for long-term growth “This consultancy represents a significant step in elevating the standards and profitability of Dominica’s accommodations,” said Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Development Manager at Discover Dominica Authority. “By equipping property owners with the tools to create compelling packages and improve operational efficiency, we’re enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening the foundation of our tourism product. It’s about making sure every stay in Dominica tells a story—and delivers value.” While initial efforts focus on Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE)-certified properties, the consultancy will expand to include smaller accommodations and vacation rentals to ensure widespread impact across the tourism sector. A key objective of the seminar was to gather stakeholder feedback for a policy paper on proposed concessions to support vacation rental development. These recommendations will inform future policy to stimulate investment and strengthen the sector's sustainability. The government remains committed to developing the island’s accommodation offerings, improving the visitor experience and reinforcing Dominica’s standing as a top destination for responsible tourism.

Since its official launch in 2024, Project Discovery Dominica has quickly established itself as a transformative force for the nation's youth — with even greater initiatives set for 2025. Project Discovery, based in Barbados and active across the region through eight vibrant chapters, is dedicated to empowering young people through leadership, innovation, and active community engagement. The newly formed Dominica chapter has rapidly gained traction, making its mark by successfully hosting CARYFED — a prestigious regional youth forum that brings together emerging leaders to tackle key social and development issues. Driven by a mission to inspire and mobilize youth, the Dominica chapter has already launched several impactful initiatives. A major early milestone was a membership drive supported by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust Fund, aimed at encouraging greater youth participation. The chapter also emphasized strong governance by providing leadership training for its executive team, ensuring a solid foundation for long-term growth. In addition to leadership development, community service has been central to the chapter's mission. The "Color the Community"; campaign, a creative outreach initiative, focuses on revitalizing public spaces and building civic pride. Its first project, “Campus Bloom” — developed in partnership with the Environmental Club of Dominica State College — aimed to enhance the college environment while fostering sustainability awareness among students. Chairperson Beverly Leblanc highlighted the chapter’s commitment to equipping young people with essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, digital literacy, communication, and problem-solving — tools crucial for success in both their personal and professional lives. Looking ahead to 2025, the chapter is excited to partner with Dominica State College for sessions during Agriculture Week and Science Week, under the ACTS Summer Camp umbrella. The ACTS focus — Agriculture, Culture, Tourism, and Science — aligns perfectly with Project Discovery's mission, and this new collaboration marks an important step in the chapter’s strategic expansion. Through these efforts, Project Discovery Dominica remains dedicated to national development and youth empowerment via innovative and educational programming.