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The Dominica Grammar School (DGS) will have the opportunity to defend their debate championship title of last year after securing a place in the finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition. The DGS will face Wesley High School (WHS) in the finals. The both schools triumphed over their opponents in the semi-finals. Both semi-final debates took place on March 26th and the Dominica Social Security was the lead sponsor and partner in this round. The first semi- final debate was on the topic: “The growth in informal sector employment poses a greater challenge to the sustainability of Dominica’s Social Security System than unemployment in the formal sector.” In this debate, St. Martin Secondary School (SMSS), represented by Shanaiyah John and Kurdez Simon, argued on the proposing side, while Wesley High School, represented by Hephzibah Ademola and Niola Alleyne, took the opposing position. At the end of the debate, St. Martin Secondary School scored 516 points, while Wesley High School secured a stronger 573 points, earning them a place in the finals. WHS’s Hephzibah Ademola delivered an outstanding performance and was awarded Best Speaker for the debate. The second semi-final focused on the motion: “The Dominica Social Security System should introduce an unemployment benefit, even if it requires restructuring existing benefits and/or contribution rates.” Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS), represented by Kianna Aaron and Allick Stedman, argued in favor of the motion, while Dominica Grammar School, represented by Lydia Charles and Micaela Benjamin, opposed it. Both teams delivered well-structured and engaging presentations, but Dominica Grammar School emerged as the stronger side, scoring 702 points compared to Isaiah Thomas Secondary School’s 627 points. Micaela Benjamin of DGS was named Best Speaker for the second debate. Organizer Trudy Christian expressed hearty congratulations to the teams making it to the finals, noting that this would be Wesley High School’s first entry to this round. She praised the high level of preparation of all the semi-finalists and specifically highlighted the amazing contribution of the coaches. Mrs. Kellan Stedman, coach of the ITSS team, and Mrs. Dahlila Lee, coach of the SMSS team, were given tokens of appreciation upon their exit from the competition. Christian also expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their continued investment in education, offering special thanks to headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd., as well as major sponsors Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart, and Dominica Social Security for their support of the initiative. More details to come on the finals of this year's competition.

Thanks to its work with the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund, FAO has implemented dozens of projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, benefiting thousands of farming families — a topic addressed during a technical workshop held in Panama. - Since 2006, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) began its partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it has mobilized more than USD 530 million in the region, supporting 33 countries. At the same time, joint work with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has mobilized around USD 650 million across 24 regional projects focused on sustainable land use, restoration of productive landscapes, and resilience of rural livelihoods, integrating adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development. Concrete results These resources have enabled achievements such as the reforestation of 1,559 hectares of degraded lands in the Imataca Forest Reserve (Venezuela), as well as the creation of the first Indigenous forestry enterprise, Tukupu, responsible for the sustainable management and use of this reserve. In the Caribbean — through an initiative involving Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago — national legislative frameworks for pesticide management were updated in line with international standards, helping reduce environmental contamination. In Mexico, Peru, and Chile, in the field of agrobiodiversity — particularly in crops from centers of origin such as maize and potato — conservation and sustainable use criteria have been incorporated into regulations and production promotion instruments. These have contributed to strengthening food security and preserving wild varieties that enhance the resilience of agricultural systems. In Ecuador, 1,370 hectares obtained organic certification for cocoa production. This progress has expanded opportunities for accessing new markets and improved the socioeconomic conditions of the participating local producer associations. Through these strategic alliances, efforts have been made to promote ecosystem restoration and conservation; prioritize policies affecting ecosystem services; encourage forest-based solutions to the climate emergency; strengthen sustainable forest management; and reinforce value chains to increase the resilience of Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. All of this aims to make the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors more efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Toward GEF-9 and opportunities with the GCF  To continue exploring opportunities, nearly 100 representatives and experts from Latin America and the Caribbean met this week in Panama City at the Regional Technical Workshop: Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture and the Environment in the GEF’s Ninth Replenishment Cycle, and Financing Possibilities with the GCF. The meeting, supported by FAO, sought to strengthen partnerships that have boosted financing for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. “Stopping and reversing biodiversity loss in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems — which support the livelihoods of millions of families in the region — is key to transforming agrifood systems,” said Rene Orellana, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean.  “FAO offers tools, experience, methodologies, and knowledge, as well as platforms to facilitate inclusive and integrative spaces for intersectoral dialogue, promoting agrifood systems as part of the solution to major environmental and climate challenges,” he added. The workshop is taking place at a crucial moment, paving the way for the Ninth Replenishment of GEF Funds (GEF-9), which will cover the 2026–2030 period under the vision of “a healthy planet, healthy people.” This new cycle will promote systemic change through integrated programs in areas such as food systems, forest biomes, and sustainable cities, complementing its five traditional focal areas. Aligned with FAO’s Climate Change Strategy (2022–2031), which positions food systems transformation as essential for addressing climate change, the workshop also explores GCF financing opportunities. Through analysis of its investment windows, criteria, and readiness mechanisms, the aim is to support countries in identifying priority climate actions from a sectoral, inclusive, and transparent perspective.

Cabinet, at its meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, approved the sale of thirty-seven (37) residential lots, twenty-six (26) at the Canefield Housing Scheme and eleven (11) at Plat Ma Pierre, to young professionals within the public and private sectors as well as members of the Dominican diaspora, at subsidized rates. This initiative forms part of Government’s continued commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and supporting wealth creation through property ownership, particularly among the nation’s youth. It also reflects a strategic effort to encourage greater investment and reconnection among Dominicans living abroad. In total, the Government has approved the sale of eighty-five (85) residential lots for the 2025/2026 Financial Year, including in Warner, Jimmit, Hillsborough Garden, Cotton Hill, Grand Bay, Pottersville and Bath Estate. This broader initiative reflects a strategic and sustained approach to land allocation and housing development across multiple communities.

Cabinet, at its meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, approved the appointment of the Sperm Whale Reserve Board, along with the creation of critical positions to support the effective implementation of the Sperm Whale Reserve Act. The decision represents a significant step forward in safeguarding Dominica’s marine biodiversity and reinforcing the country’s global leadership in marine conservation. The newly appointed Sperm Whale Reserve Board will provide strategic oversight, policy guidance and governance for the management and protection of the Reserve. The Board will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the objectives of the Act are achieved, including the preservation of sperm whale populations and the sustainable use of marine resources. In addition, Cabinet has approved the establishment of the positions of Chief Sperm Whale Reserve Officer and Sperm Whale Reserve Rangers. These roles are essential to the operationalization of the Reserve and will be responsible for the day-to-day management, monitoring, enforcement and public education activities within the designated area. The Chief Sperm Whale Reserve Officer will oversee the administration and coordination of all Reserve activities, while the Reserve Rangers will be tasked with enforcement, surveillance and stakeholder engagement to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act. This initiative underscores the Government’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development and the protection of Dominica’s unique natural heritage. It also aligns with national and international efforts to promote biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Cabinet, at its meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, approved the appointment of the Medical Laboratories Council in accordance with the provisions of the recently enacted Medical Laboratories Act 2024. The council aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for medical laboratory services in Dominica and ensure the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism in the sector. The Medical Laboratories Council comprises representatives from key stakeholder institutions, including the Medical Board, the Ministry of Health, the Dominica Bar Association, the Dominica Bureau of Standards, the Dominica Chamber of Commerce and experienced and qualified laboratory technologists. This multi-sectoral composition ensures a balanced, transparent and technically sound approach to the governance and oversight of medical laboratory services in Dominica. The establishment of the Council is central to the effective implementation of the Medical Laboratories Act and will serve to enhance public confidence in laboratory testing and diagnostic services across the country. The functions of the Medical Laboratories Council include:  Regulating and overseeing the practice of medical laboratory services in Dominica;  Establishing and enforcing standards for the operation, licensing and accreditation of medical laboratories;  Registering, licensing and maintaining a register of qualified laboratory professionals; Promoting and ensuring adherence to quality assurance and quality control systems in all medical laboratories;  Investigating complaints and taking appropriate disciplinary action in cases of professional misconduct or breaches of established standards;  Advising the Minister for Health on matters relating to medical laboratory services and policy development;  Facilitating continuing education, training and professional development for laboratory personnel; and  Collaborating with relevant local, regional and international bodies to ensure compliance with best practices and emerging standards in laboratory medicine. The Government reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the health sector through robust regulatory systems and institutional capacity building. The appointment of the Medical Laboratories Council underscores this commitment and represents a proactive approach to safeguarding public health and improving healthcare delivery in Dominica.

The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) proudly announces a landmark partnership with global sportswear leader Adidas, which will serve as the Association’s official uniform sponsor moving forward. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the continued evolution and professionalization of athletics in Dominica. As one of the world's most recognized sports brands, Adidas carries a legacy of innovation, performance, and elite athletes. This partnership aligns seamlessly with the Dominica Athletics Association’s vision to elevate the standard of athletics locally while enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Dominican athletes on the regional and international stage. Through this agreement, athletes representing Dominica will be outfitted in high-performance Adidas apparel designed to meet the demands of elite competition. Beyond functionality, the uniforms will reflect a strong visual identity—one that shows a world-class brand and the pride, resilience, and determination of the Dominican people. The Association views this partnership as more than a sponsorship; it is a strategic alliance rooted in shared values of excellence, discipline, and ambition. By aligning with Adidas, the Dominica Athletics Association reinforces its commitment to providing athletes with the tools, support, and global exposure necessary to succeed at the highest levels of sport. President of the Dominica Athletics Association, Brendan Williams, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: “This partnership with Adidas marks a transformative moment for athletics in Dominica. Partnering with a brand of this global prestige shows where we are heading as an organization. It is not just about uniforms—it is about identity, confidence, and the message we send when our athletes step onto the track. Our athletes will wear Adidas with pride, but more importantly, they will wear the flag of Dominica with even greater purpose. This collaboration strengthens our ability to support and inspire our athletes as they represent our nation on the world stage.” The Dominica Athletics Association also expresses deep appreciation for the opportunity to partner with Adidas, recognizing the brand’s trust and investment in Dominican athletics. The collaboration is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while reinforcing national pride among supporters at home and abroad. As Dominican athletes don their new uniforms for upcoming competitions, they will carry not only the mark of a globally respected brand but also the enduring spirit of a nation committed to excellence in sport.

The Citizenship by Investment Committee and Management of the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) wish to inform the general public and stakeholders of the appointment of Ms. Renée Moses, as Head of Diasporic Affairs. Ms. Moses brings over a decade of experience in strategic marketing, international trade relations, destination branding, and stakeholder engagement across the Caribbean, United Kingdom, European, and Middle Eastern markets. She is a dynamic and results-driven executive with a proven track record in leading high-performing teams and executing multi-market campaigns that drive growth and global brand visibility. Most recently, Ms. Moses served as Marketing Manager with a licensed local agent, where she led marketing and business development strategy. Ms. Moses has also held senior marketing roles with Atlantis, The Palm, Kerzner International in Dubai, and the Grenada Tourism Authority, where she successfully increased visitor arrivals, expanded international trade networks, and managed high-impact promotional initiatives across key global markets. Her experience includes extensive collaboration with embassies, consulates, and diaspora stakeholders to promote Grenada’s brand internationally. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Marketing from The University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from St. George ’s University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate. The Committee and Management welcome Ms. Moses to the role and are confident that her international experience and strategic expertise will contribute meaningfully to the establishment and growth of Diasporic Affairs.

Outsource Development, under the leadership of Natasha Yeeloy-Labad, is proud to launch the Dialogue in Motion – Peace Ambassadors Initiative, as part of the UNESCO Peace Leadership Program (2025–2026 Cohort 1). This initiative will engage some 50 volunteer young professionals across the private and public sectors as Peace Ambassadors over the next six months. Participants will be equipped with practical tools to strengthen intercultural dialogue, enhance self-awareness, and improve how they communicate and collaborate within diverse environments. The program places a strong emphasis on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to dialogue-driven solutions. In addition to professional engagement, the initiative will extend its impact to approximately 200 school-aged youths, creating opportunities for early exposure to peace-building concepts, cultural understanding, and collaborative problem-solving. Speaking on the initiative, Project Lead Natasha Yeeloy-Labad emphasized the importance of building capacity for dialogue: “This work is about equipping individuals with the awareness and tools to engage meaningfully across differences. When we strengthen how people communicate and understand each other, we strengthen communities and create pathways for peace.” Through this initiative, Outsource Development continues to demonstrate its commitment to capacity building, youth engagement, and sustainable development, while contributing to global efforts to promote peace and partnership. As a member of the UN Global Compact the organization embraces the principles of cooperation for goals and ensuring sustainability in development. The participants attending will in addition to completing the Why Are We Like that training will be recognized by the Peace Leaders Network as a Peace Leader.

The Dominica State College (DSC) is preparing to host its highly anticipated DSC Career Fair, scheduled for April 16th, 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to student development and workforce readiness. The Career Fair will provide students with a valuable platform to explore various career paths, network with industry professionals, and connect directly with potential employers. The event is expected to bring together a wide cross-section of organizations, offering students insight into real-world opportunities and career expectations. In addition to student participation, DSC is extending a strong invitation to business owners, employers, and organizations to take part in the event. Companies are encouraged to register, showcase their services, and engage with a pool of emerging talent ready to enter the workforce. Marketing & Communications Officer at the Dominica State College, Kimberly Benjamin noted “This initiative is not only about preparing students but also about strengthening partnerships between the College and the business community.” “We are calling on organizations to play an active role in shaping the future workforce of Dominica.” Interested businesses and individuals can register or obtain more information by contacting the Career Development Office at careerdevelopment@dsc.edu.dm or 255-8124. The DSC Career Fair promises to be a dynamic and impactful event, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for both students and employers.

5 new comers have been named in the Senior Men’s National Football Team as Dominica gets set to resume its campaign in the Concacaf Series this week in the Dominican Republic. Dominica is set to face Guyana on Friday March 27th at 3pm at the Estadio Cibao, Santiago de los Caballeros and also play Sint Maarten on Monday 30th March at 6pm at the same venue. The National team is coming off two defeats in the first leg of the tournament held in St Kitts back in November 2025. The games this week will be the first set of matches under interim head coach Kurt Herd. The Technical Staff has named an 18 member squad, which includes 5 new comers and 3 overseas based players. Making their debuts at the senior level will be We United midfielder Jahlil Alexander, Middleham United striker Clemson Isaac, National under 20 players Dwight Eloi and Nicholas Harve, and US based Titus Sandy Jnr who plays with the MLS side Orlando City FC. The full 18-man team is Donte Newton, Dwight Eloi, Nick Anthony, Savio Anselm, Jervanie Xavier, Antawn Larocque, Clemson Isaac, Marcus Bredas, Eustace Marshall, Titus Sandy Jnr, Nicholas Harve, Troy Jules, Audel Laville, Briel Thomas, Javid George, Lyan Edwards, Dhamario Challenger and Jahlil Alexander. The team is being coached by Kurt Herd with Oris Mills as assistant coach, Kelvin Benjamin as team manager, Clevon Vidal is the team medic, Courtney Challenger the goal keeper coach, Reginald Darroux equipment manager, Dr Curtis St John team doctor and Garvin Richards team media officer.

The Dominica Cadet Corps is celebrating 25 years since its revival in 2001, with a week-long lineup of activities aimed at commemorating the milestone. The events, scheduled from March 22 to March 28, 2026, are designed to engage the public and raise awareness—particularly among potential cadets—about the benefits of joining the organization and its role in youth development across Dominica. Although revived in 2001, the Dominica Cadet Corps has a much longer history, having existed for over 116 years in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Over the years, it has remained a voluntary organization committed to shaping young individuals through paramilitary training, discipline, and leadership development. Organizers say the anniversary activities will not only celebrate the Corps’ legacy but also highlight its continued contribution to national development and the empowerment of Dominican youth.

Reinforcing national capacities to support safe trade and long-term growth of Grenada’s soursop production – Grenada holds a unique distinction as the only country in the world currently authorized to export fresh non-irradiated soursop to the United States of America, which highlights the need to continually enhance efforts to strengthen the sanitary and phytosanitary systems in the soursop value chain. This invaluable soursop industry serves as a critical lifeline for rural livelihoods and plays a significant role in the country’s export success. Its rare market access positions soursop as a high-value strategic crop, generating an estimated USD 2.6 million annually and supporting approximately 2,600 farmers, most of whom are smallholders whose livelihoods depend on its continued growth. To support and protect this vital industry, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands & Forestry in Grenada, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), recently implemented the “Enhancing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity and market access for Grenadian soursop exports projects.” As part of this initiative, a three-day capacity-building workshop on Risks and Anticipatory Frameworks for the Soursop Industry was held in Grenada from February 9 to 11, 2026, at the National Stadium, facilitated through partnership with FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA). The comprehensive workshop brought together 31 participants, including 18 females and 13 males mainly drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture and its technical units including extension, pest management, and forestry services as well as the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). This diverse group of technical officers, programme staff, and institutional partners enabled meaningful cross-sector discussions on surveillance, early warning systems, and coordinated response planning to strengthen the protection of the island’s soursop industry. The training forms part of a broader set of interventions under the project aimed at strengthening SPS systems along the entire value chain, focusing on strengthening participants’ ability to anticipate and manage plant health risks through improved surveillance, early warning systems, particularly early pest detection and/or early signs of infestation, sample reporting, scenario planning and coordinated response mechanisms. These include the development of a holistic surveillance programme and emergency response system, strengthening institutional capacities for pest detection and certification, piloting traceability systems for export markets, and building the capacities of farmers and extension services in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). During the workshop, FAO also highlighted some complementary activities being executed under the project, including the establishment of two farmer-owned demonstration plots, one in Saint Andrew and the other located in Saint Patrick which will support farmer training, the promotion of Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management for enhanced on- farm productivity and sustainability in Grenada’s soursop sector. Ms Anne Desrochers, FAO Production and Plant Protection Specialist emphasized that by strengthening technical capacity and coordination among stakeholders results in building a more resilient and sustainable soursop industry in Grenada. She stated, “Grenada’s exclusive access to the United States market for fresh soursop presents a significant and timely opportunity to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and uplift rural communities”. Ms Desrochers stated that overall, the participants described the training as highly valuable, noting that the mix of theoretical sessions and practical exercises provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. The training concluded with the identification of key actions including common implementation barriers and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen preparedness and anticipatory responses within the soursop value chain.