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Dominica-born music coding expert and creative executive, Chester “Massive” Wilkins was on Saturday 22 November 2025, honored by Upper Room Theological University in Fayetteville North Carolina, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, digital rights management, Caribbean cultural promotion, and global entertainment innovation. The degree was conferred during a graduation ceremony at the University, where Dr. Wilkins was acknowledged for his pioneering work in ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding and his leadership in facilitating revenue streams and rights protection for artists globally, including a particular focus on Caribbean creators. His decades-long commitment to bridging technology, creative culture and intellectual property make this honor especially appropriate. Upper Room Theological University is a faith-based institution committed to holistic higher education, combining bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes across theological, ministerial and creative arts disciplines. Its honorary degree programme is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, cultural impact and vocation-driven service. The Iowa-based Dr. Wilkins is a widely respected strategist and entrepreneur, advocating for fair compensation, digital transparency, and empowerment of artists—especially from the Caribbean region. He has been on music and IP (Intellectual Property) panels from New York, to Trinidad, to Chicago- most recently at the National Bar Association’s Centennial Convention as a presenter on the “Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence” panel, alongside notable legal minds, including fellow Dominican Bernice Lawrence an entertainment lawyer based in Atlanta Georgia. Through his company Know the Codes, Dr. Wilkins has trained dozens of lawyers across the US on ISRC coding and metadata, as digital advancements continue to impact the music industry and the lives of their clients. Receiving the Doctorate of Music signifies more than a ceremonial accolade—it reflects Dr. Wilkins’ consistent fusion of artistry, technology and advocacy. Dr. Michael Neely, an Atlanta-based music manager and former A&R (Artists and Repertoire) at Def Jam Records, said he was proud to recommend Dr. Wilkins for this honorary degree. “He is understanding, he is very intelligent and he is capable of doing everything he has mentioned.” Dr. Neely, who received an honorary Doctors of Music in 2024 added, “I have witnessed on the sidelines how he interacts with people. He doesn’t gatekeep and he is always teaching others including myself.” “To receive this honorary doctorate is humbling. I accept it not only for myself, but on behalf of every creative soul from Dominica, the Caribbean, and beyond—who has believed that our music, our culture, our stories belong on the world stage, states Dr. Wilkins. He continues, "My role is to help creators protect their works so that they can monetise their talent and earn the royalties that they deserve.” Dr. Wilkins intends to leverage this recognition as a springboard to expand his mentorship of Caribbean professionals seeking careers in music technology, rights management, and digital entrepreneurship. He hopes in 2026 to host and continue his training of legal minds in ISRC coding. Dr. Wilkins is the son of Winston Wilkins (Deceased) and Melvina Boyer, owner of the once popular hangout spot Melvina's Bar and Restaurant in the community of Pointe Michel. He is the stepson of Mr. Vincent Boyer who helped raise him. At Saturday’s convocation, honorary degrees were conferred in several categories: Arts& Entertainment, Civic, Community Involvement, Ecclesiastic, Humanitarian and Music Awards.   Chester Wilkins Credit: On Target Comm

Tuesday, November 25, the Parliament of Dominica paid solemn tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, on the ninth anniversary of his passing. At the request of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honor of the Cuban leader, whose figure transcended borders and marked contemporary history. In his speech, the Prime Minister mentioned Fidel Castro's work and his global impact due to his internationalist vision and unwavering solidarity. Skerrit recalled that “We in Dominica are well aware of his generosity and contributions to the economic and social development (of the country). We will always have fond memories of President Fidel Castro,” he said. The tribute is part of the activities taking place in various countries to mark the centenary of Fidel Castro, which will be commemorated in 2026. These initiatives highlight his political legacy, his thinking, and his influence on the processes of world integration. The tribute by the Parliament of Dominica reaffirms the historic ties of friendship between Dominica and Cuba and recognizes the mark left by one of the most influential leaders in the region. Site credit: https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/dominica-parliament-pays-tribute-fidel-castro

Public invited to experience the first official showcase of the 2026 Carnival season The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will host the official launch of Mas Domnik 2026 on Friday, November 28, from 5:30 p.m. at The Factory on Valley Road. The event is open to the public and will set the stage for the start of one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and culturally rooted Carnival seasons. Mas Domnik, celebrated as “The Real Mas,” is among the region’s oldest Carnival traditions. Its origins stem from masquerade practices of formerly enslaved individuals in the 1700s, evolving into a festival that blends African, European, French and Kalinago influences. Today it remains a safe and welcoming celebration recognized for its authenticity and deep cultural expression. A key feature of the launch will be the official presentation of the Miss Dominica 2026 contestants. This first public appearance introduces the young women who will serve as cultural ambassadors throughout the season and participate in a pageant known for highlighting leadership, talent and national pride. Traditional mas will be showcased through performances from groups including Sennsé, Mahaut Lapo Kabwit, the Big Boom-Boom Ladies, Bwa Bwa, Darkies, the Kalinago Tete Mass and Ban Akiyo. Their appearances will spotlight the ancestral craftsmanship, rhythm and oral storytelling traditions that continue to define Mas Domnik’s cultural identity. The entertainment lineup will bring together the island’s top musicians and DJs. Patrons will enjoy live performances from TK Combo and Riddim Knockaz along with musical sets by DJ MJ and MV on the Keys, DJ Taffy and Friends, DJ Sleem, DJ Snow and DJ Flip. Their combined energy is expected to ignite excitement and signal the start of an unforgettable Carnival season. “Mas Domnik is one of our most powerful expressions of identity, creativity and resilience. As we launch the 2026 season, we celebrate the traditions that shaped us while creating new opportunities for our people, our cultural practitioners and our tourism sector. I encourage everyone to come out and experience the spirit of community and pride that makes Dominica’s Carnival unlike any other in the region,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority. Residents and visitors are invited to join the celebration on November 28 and experience the traditions, creativity and communal spirit that make Mas Domnik truly unique. Those unable to attend in person can tune in to live coverage on Emonews, DBS Radio, Kairi FM and the Dominica Festivals Facebook page. The launch marks the official start of the 2026 Carnival season, which will culminate with the grand celebrations of Carnival Monday and Tuesday on February 16 and 17, 2026.

The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has launched a Rental Housing Survey beginning November 24, 2025. The survey targets both landlords and tenants and is designed to gather critical data that will inform the establishment and operations of the forthcoming Tenancy and Rent Commission. In the 2024–2025 National Budget Address, the Government committed to creating the Tenancy and Rent Commission as part of its pledge to strengthen the housing sector. The Commission will play a central role in providing stronger protections for both landlords and tenants, preventing exploitation, and ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable housing across the country. The information collected through this survey will guide the Commission in addressing key challenges within the rental housing market. These include improving protections for landlords and tenants, setting and enforcing housing standards, and promoting a fair, transparent, and equitable rental environment. The survey questionnaires are available on the official Government of Dominica website: Tenant Survey: https://forms.dominica.gov.dm/x/72ByEpCF Landlord Survey: https://forms.dominica.gov.dm/x/y35cUejl The Ministry encourages all landlords and tenants to participate in this important national exercise. Your input is vital to shaping a modern, fair, and balanced rental housing system for Dominica.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator, on behalf of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC)   In the face of a disaster, the difference between quick recovery and prolonged hardship often comes down to one thing: information. Who is affected? How severe are the damages? Who needs help first? In the Caribbean, where disasters are growing stronger and more frequent, technology can turn chaos into action. The reality on the ground is that, too often, communities wait weeks for assessments before help arrives. A farmer loses not only her crops, but also stored seeds and irrigation equipment. A fisher is left without nets, fuel or safe harbour access. A market vendor loses stock during a power outage but still owes rent and supplier fees. These delays aren’t because governments don’t care, but because the systems we rely on are slow and need improvement. As we’ve seen with recent storms like Hurricane Melissa, delays in assessment mean missed planting seasons, extended income loss, and avoidable setbacks across multiple sectors. Can technology help? Only when it fits our realities. CPDC’s research across five Caribbean countries shows that only 21% of community organizations currently keep vulnerability data on their members. That means most cooperatives, credit unions, and civil society groups simply don’t have records ready and on hand about who is most at risk. Whether it’s the elderly farmer without irrigation equipment, the young fisher still repaying a motor loan, or the market vendor dependent on refrigeration with no backup power, help is harder to target, and delays are sure to happen. Digital tools like shared databases, mobile apps and surveys, and even SMS-based tools can help local organizations identify risks and track their members’ needs in real time. Imagine a cooperative with an app showing which members are most exposed to flooding, or a credit union instantly verifying who qualifies for an emergency payout after a storm. CPDC’s research recommends testing digital tools across the region through cooperatives and CSOs to help track member risk and deliver disaster support faster, starting with small-scale action rather than large technological overhauls. But While Digital Tools Show Promise, Not Everyone Has Equal Access Across the region, access to smart devices and stable internet is not the same for everyone. Many women, rural families, and the elderly are not using apps. Power outages after storms make digital tools temporarily inaccessible. If technology is built without considering gender, age, connectivity, or socio-economic gaps, the people most at risk remain excluded and unprotected. That is why any move toward a “Smart Caribbean” must consider who has digital access, who requires in-person support, and how to use technology to complement—not replace—human networks. It must help organise data and blend digital tools with long-standing traditional methods of support to determine what systems will truly work on the ground. Technology and Community-led Finance Technology also strengthens meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). Parametric insurance, for example, relies on weather data triggers, like rainfall or wind speed, so payouts can happen automatically without lengthy inspections. Satellite imagery, weather stations, and mobile money transfers combine to ensure that affected families receive funds within days, not months. For informal workers, technology can be the key to inclusion. Mobile payments mean fishers without bank accounts can still receive insurance payouts. Digital surveys allow market vendors to register with their associations quickly, building the databases needed to prove their vulnerability. Even WhatsApp groups can serve as rapid communication channels during emergencies, linking communities to trusted organizations. Recovery Must Start Before Impact Tools alone won’t make us ready—but tools combined with trusted institutions can. With meso-level CDRFI and the right technology, we can shorten recovery times, target assistance more fairly, and ensure that no one is left behind. A Caribbean powered by smarter data, trusted institutions and people-centred tools is one where recovery happens faster and where fewer families are forced to start over. CPDC’s research provides a roadmap for how technology and meso-level CDRFI can work hand-in-hand to make this possible. The next step is putting those tools in the hands of the people who know their communities best. Learn more about how technology and meso-level disaster finance can protect livelihoods. Explore CPDC’s CDRFI research and join the conversation through the Risk Resilience Hub . Climate change isn’t waiting, and neither should we.  Damaged vessels from Hurricane Beryl, Barbados. Photo Credit - Ricardo Mazalan Osbourne Brumley at his “hurricane-proof” egg facility, destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Photo Credit - Maria Alejandra Cardona Crop field in Cayo District, Belize. (Photo Credit - contributed)

Dominica-The Dominica Football Association (DFA) is proud to announce that the Dominica Senior Women’s National Team- the Sisserou Girls- will meet Jamaica in a CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier on Saturday, November 29 at 3 p.m. at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. This match forms part of Dominica’s journey to elevate women’s football on the regional stage and strengthen the presence of the Nature Isle in international competition. “We are proud of the work, discipline, and resilience of our women,” said Head Coach Ronnie Gustave. “This team has been training hard. Showing a lot of heart, and they are ready to represent Dominica.” Dominica recently participated in the WIFA Tournament in St Vincent, and while the team did not medal, Coach Gustave said the competition provided an opportunity to assess the team’s capabilities and make the necessary changes and work on the areas needing improvement. “Our focus has been discipline, structure, and simply the basics and fundamentals. This is a major test for us against a regional powerhouse, but our women are ready to give their all for Dominica. And as we saw recently in Curacao’s qualifier in the men’s, anything is possible and small islands can do big things. The players have worked hard, and we are ready,” he continued. The team, today, welcomed overseas-based players Jewel Harve, Trinity Esprit, Chloe Lecointe, Eden Lander, Starr Humphreys and LeMyah Forde during its 2-a- day training sessions. The complete roster reads: Goalkeepers: Dymond Daniel Jewel Harve Gaylisha Lockhart Defenders: Shajirah St. Rose Jarisha Laurent Breanelle Laurent Lean Laurent Kimra Joseph Jessica Pierre Louis Trinity Esprit Whitney Charles Daniella Laurent Midfielders: Timecia Pierre Louis Rosalinda Paul Kenisha Jno Lewis Alianne George Chloe Louise Lecointe Eden Rayne Lander Kimara Felix Nyomie Defoe Strikers: Britney Dennis Starr Humphreys Le-Myah Forde Staff: Head Coach: Ronnie Gustave Assistant Coach: Sheldon Casimir Goalkeeping Coach: Melvin Angol Team Manager: Regina Walsh Trainer: Duly Polydore Medical Staff: Rose Annette Peltier-Lugay Equipment Manager: Steve Casimir Media Officer: Sheena Harry Dominica is competing in Group B alongside Jamaica, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Antigua and Barbuda. The DFA calls on all Dominicans at home and abroad to support the team as they fly the flag of the Nature Isle with courage and determination. Match Details: • Opponent: Jamaica • Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 • Venue: Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia • Event: CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is pleased to announce that Grenada will host its first-ever national flower festival from 8 – 15 November 2026. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at The Tower Estate, marking a historic moment for the nation’s floriculture, tourism, and creative sectors. The Grenada Flower Festival will celebrate the natural beauty, floral heritage, and the talent of growers, arrangers, designers, and horticultural communities across the tri-island state. The eight-day celebration will include village beautification projects, garden tours, floral installations, workshops, community competitions, and curated culinary and cultural experiences inspired by Grenada’s botanical richness. “Grenada is blessed with an extraordinary natural environment, lush mountains, fertile valleys, and gardens that overflow with life,” said Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “As we continue to strengthen our destination offerings and expand our niche markets, the Grenada Flower Festival provides a new platform to showcase our islands in a fresh, meaningful, and sustainable way. From edible flowers in cuisine to the growing perfumery sector, from community gardens to sustainability practices, this festival will open new opportunities for culture, agriculture, tourism and enterprise.” The announcement was also attended by members of Grenada’s world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show delegation. Catherine John, long-standing member and current team lead of the Grenada Chelsea Exhibit, and the only person to have participated in all 18 of Grenada’s RHS Gold Medal-winning exhibits, shared her excitement about the festival’s potential. “Grenada has always been admired internationally for its flowers, foliage, and creativity,” John said. “People at Chelsea always ask us, ‘Where can we see these plants growing?’ Now we will finally be able to say, ‘Come to Grenada.’ This festival is an opportunity to show the world the abundance we have here at home, to inspire the next generation, and to celebrate our growers who create beauty every day.” The GTA also highlighted the importance of early engagement with growers, communities, and tourism partners, noting that planting for 2026 begins now. The festival will be planned and executed in partnership with floriculture groups, creative industries, the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association, Ministries of Tourism and Agriculture and community associations across the country. More details about the festival, including branding, programme, competitions, tours, and participation guidelines, will be announced in early 2026.

No woman or girl should live in fear online. Women and girls deserve to be safe, and that safety must extend to digital spaces. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the Caribbean is a place where they can live, work and engage online free from fear, exploitation, and harassment.   The Caribbean Policy Development Centre, in reaffirming its commitment to Gender Equity, joins with the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 to December 10. This year, CPDC stands firmly in supporting the theme : UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls , highlighting the urgent need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other technology-facilitated abuse.   Digital spaces have become central to communication, education and professional life in the Caribbean, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. For many women and girls, these spaces are meant to be a place of connection, economic empowerment, relaxation and creativity , such as scrolling Facebook, checking Instagram, marketing a small business or networking professionally. Yet these everyday activities are often disrupted by threats that violate their safety, freedom, and participation. According to CARICOM statistics (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey), 63%–76% of women and girls in Latin America and the Caribbean have experienced gender-based violence in different settings [1] . Globally, a UN Broadband Commission report (cited by Internet Society) finds that women are 27 times more likely than men to be victims of cyber violence [2] .   CPDC therefore recognises digital violence as a human rights violation and a barrier to building inclusive, equitable and democratic societies. Thus, CPDC urges civil society organisations to take the lead in advocating for stronger protections, raising awareness, and providing support for survivors of digital violence. By working together with regional institutions, governments, and the private sector, civil society can help build safer, more inclusive digital environments across the Caribbean, ensuring that women and girls are allowed to interact on digital platforms without fear, exploitation or harassment.     Ways Civil Society Can Help:   Advocate for stronger laws and policies to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Raise awareness  through campaigns, workshops and educational activities on safe digital practices. Provide support services  for survivors, including counselling, legal assistance, and safe reporting mechanisms. Partner with digital technology platforms to improve reporting systems, content moderation and digital safety tools. Collaborate across sectors , sharing resources and building networks to promote safe and inclusive digital spaces.   The safety, dignity and freedom of Caribbean women and girls must extend to all digital spaces. It is only by protecting their rights, listening to their voices and empowering them to participate fully in society that we can work towards a truly inclusive, equitable and safe Caribbean for everyone. Let us stand up for our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends. Credit: A Mighty Girl

Violence against women and girls is a global scourge. And in our digital age, it is being amplified by the reach and speed of technology. That is why online protection is the focus of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Online harassment, deepfakes and hate speech are proliferating. Misogynistic content is moving from the margins to the mainstream. And violence that begins in the digital world can spill over into the physical –– in the form of stalking, abuse, even femicide. Ending this crisis demands action from us all: Governments must criminalize digital violence and strengthen support for survivors. Technology companies must ensure their platforms are safe and accountable. And communities must come together in zero tolerance for online hate. We cannot allow digital spaces to be yet another place where women and girls are unsafe. On the 30 th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, I call on the world to unite to end violence against women everywhere. Together, we can build a world free of fear where every woman and every girl can thrive. ***

Global award spotlights Dominica’s conservation innovation — The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) congratulate Rosalie Bay Distillery (RBD) and Oceans Forward on receiving a Silver Award at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards in the category of Sustainability, Environment & Climate – Product, Innovation or Service (Non-Profit) . The international recognition highlights Dominica’s growing leadership in environmental innovation and sustainability. Rosalie Bay Distillery earned this distinction for its pioneering approach as the world’s only conservation distillery. RBD dedicates 100 percent of its earnings to local marine conservation while producing ultra-premium craft rums traceable from farm to glass at its facility in Rosalie. This model advances Dominica’s position as the Nature Island by demonstrating how responsible enterprise can directly support long-term environmental protection. This conservation-driven approach also strengthens community resilience. The “Pour to Protect” concept links rum sales to marine conservation outcomes and supports livelihoods through jobs in sugar cane cultivation, supply chain operations and distillery functions. This connection between economic activity and conservation creates sustainable benefits for communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems. The Ministry of Tourism and DDA recognize this achievement as a meaningful milestone in Dominica’s sustainability journey. The work of Rosalie Bay Distillery, Oceans Forward and local conservation partners continues to reinforce national priorities in environmental protection, community development and responsible tourism.

The Fourth Meeting of the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament will be held at the House of Assembly on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Among matters on the Order Paper, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre will present Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the year 2024/25. The Minister will also present bills for the Imposition of a Levy for the Maintenance of Highways, the Excise Tax (Amendment) Order 2025 and the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Order 2025, measures announced in the 2025-26 National Budget. The proceedings of the House will be broadcast via the Government Information Service (GIS) and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS) from 10:00 a.m and shared via this media house.

The Dominica State College (DSC) has officially unveiled the six contestants who will vie for the coveted title of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026. The introduction and sashing ceremony took place on Thursday, November 20th, marking the formal presentation of the contestants to the College community and signaling the start of their pageant journey. During the ceremony, each contestant also selected her competition number, which determines the order of appearance on show day. The 2026 contestants are:  Contestant #1: Kalie Clarke  Contestant #2: Nina Browne  Contestant #3: Mikkedia Joseph  Contestant #4: Nathalia Christmas  Contestant #5: Sherkhia Andrew  Contestant #6: Kenisha Demezin This year’s edition will feature six competition rounds, including a formal interview segment, giving each young woman the opportunity to demonstrate personality, cultural pride, talent, confidence, and public speaking ability. The 2026 Miss DSC Mas Jamboree marks the official return of the event to Dominica’s Carnival calendar after a five-year hiatus. Its comeback underscores DSC’s continued commitment to student development, cultural expression, and youth empowerment. The College is inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to sponsor a contestant to contact the DSC Student Affairs Department. Sponsorship plays a key role in preparing contestants for the competition and contributes significantly to the overall success of the event. The Dominica State College extends its best wishes to all six contestants as they embark on their journey toward the Miss DSC Mas Jamboree crown.