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Following the success of his high-energy single Bounce , which garnered over 300K views on YouTube in just two months, Dominican-born dancehall artist Supalyne shifts gears with a deeply personal and introspective track. I Will Be Alright is not just a song; it’s a heartfelt anthem of hope, faith, and perseverance. As the new year unfolds, many are reflecting on the past—a mix of triumphs and setbacks—and grappling with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. For some, this season can bring feelings of disappointment or even deep sadness when the goals don’t come to fruition. Supalyne understands this all too well and has channeled his journey of resilience into his latest release, I Will Be Alright . “ Life hasn’t been easy for me,” Supalyne shares candidly. “I’ve struggled with deep depression long before my mother passed. When she was sick, it got worse, and when she died, I felt like I hit rock bottom. But even in those moments, I’ve kept searching for ways to stay positive, to keep going, and to not give up on life altogether. ” This raw honesty forms the foundation of I Will Be Alright . The track captures Supalyne’s resilience as he navigates grief, sadness, and the challenge of finding balance in life. It’s a reflection of his belief that past pain doesn’t define an entire life—that brighter days are always around the corner. This latest single focuses on: Faith in God: At its core, I Will Be Alright is a spiritual anthem. The lyrics emphasize trust in God’s plan, offering a reminder that divine guidance and protection can be a source of strength during life’s darkest moments. Resilience and Positivity: Lines like “Stay firm, keep your head up” and “Medz cool any weather” encourage listeners to remain steady and positive, no matter the challenges they face. Hope and Transformation: The song acknowledges that tough times are temporary and carries a message of hope that change is always possible. Self-Reflection and Growth: Supalyne’s lyrics touch on humility and personal growth, recognizing shortcomings while committing to self-improvement. For Supalyne, I Will Be Alright is more than just a song—it’s a mantra. “That feeling where you don’t want to get out of bed and nothing matters… I’ve been there. But I’ve learned that life is about balance,” he explains. “If I’ve been through so much hardship, then the good stuff that outweighs it is somewhere just around the corner. I just have to stay positive, keep growing, and keep trying.” He hopes that his journey—laid bare in this track—will resonate with listeners who may be going through similar struggles. “No matter what happens in life, I will be alright. And you will be alright as well.” As we step into the new year, I Will Be Alright serves as a reminder that healing and growth are ongoing processes. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain and hardships we’ve faced, but it’s equally important to believe in the possibility of brighter days. Supalyne’s anthem inspires us to hold onto hope, trust in our faith, and keep moving forward—one step at a time. So, whether you’re celebrating achievements or recovering from setbacks, let I Will Be Alright be the soundtrack to your journey of resilience and renewal in 2025. Here is the Video Premiere: https://youtu.be/PSrSRBNDSEA For more information on Supalyne and his latest releases, follow him on social media @Supalyne [ https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/supalyne/i-will-be-alright ]. Be sure to stream “ I Will Be Alright ” on all major platforms now ! --- About Supalyne Born in Fond Cole and raised in Marigot, Dominica, Supalyne has quickly become a household name in Caribbean music. Known for his fusion of dancehall, bouyon, and hip hop, he has performed alongside some of the region's biggest acts and continues to push the boundaries of his sound. Supalyne’s goal is to become Dominica’s first international dancehall star, with a focus on authenticity and innovation in every track he creates. --- Press Contact: ACEM by Jael Inc.

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator and Advocate, Belize Imagine that you've entrusted your life's savings to a bank, believing it's safe. Suddenly, you find out that the CEO took all your money to a casino known for rigging the games. The odds are stacked against the CEO; worse yet, he WILL lose your life savings. This is the reality of deep-sea mining—an emerging industry that threatens to strip the ocean’s seafloor for profit. Small countries are being sold the illusion of riches through deep sea mining, but what they’re really getting is a risky gamble that could threaten their very survival. Mining companies and powerful nations present deep sea mining as a win-win opportunity—a quick way for small countries to earn money “while saving the planet through green technology.” But behind these big promises lies the truth of exploitation, where these nations risk their most precious resources and livelihoods, leaving them with nothing but empty promises and environmental devastation. The Nauru Precedent: A Cautionary Tale Take Nauru, for example. This small Pacific island was once one of the richest countries in the world because of its phosphate reserves. It used to be a beautiful place, full of plants and wildlife. But years of mining for phosphate destroyed the soil and vegetation. Now, it's mostly empty, eroded land that cannot even be used for agriculture. Biodiversity decreased significantly, and several plant and animal species were lost forever. Its economy collapsed, leaving its people in poverty and its environment ruined. Now, Nauru is back in the spotlight for deep sea mining and is now being attracted by this risky industry. In 2021, Nauru triggered the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA) “two-year rule,” that sped up efforts to finalize mining regulations. Why? Because Nauru desperately needs money and is backing a mining company to exploit its seabed. Isn’t it strange that a country damaged by mining is now being asked to allow more environmental destruction? This is a warning for small nations that are being tempted by promises of wealth and pushed into risky ventures with long-term consequences they can’t afford. Mining can cause damage that's impossible to fix, and it's a risk small island nations simply can't take. The Caribbean Connection The Caribbean faces similar challenges. Many countries, including Belize, rely on tourism and fishing—both dependent on a healthy ocean. Communities across the region have grappled with sargassum blooms, which blanket beaches and disrupt marine ecosystems, and Saharan dust clouds, which harm air quality and public health. These challenges underscore how interconnected the natural world is and how external disruptions can have negative local impacts. Deep sea mining would only add to these pressures. Deep sea mining threatens key industries that support Caribbean economies. When companies disturb the seabed, they can release toxic clouds that suffocate marine life, create noise pollution, and disrupt food chains. This disruption could lead to species extinction and harm vital habitats that have taken millions of years to form. It’s important to remember that the ocean is not just something to exploit; it’s a complex system that provides essential services to humanity. These include regulating our climate and ensuring food security. By chasing quick profits from deep sea mining, we risk harming the long-term health of our planet. A High-Risk Gamble Let’s look at what mining companies don’t want you to see. While deep-sea mining promises potential profits from valuable minerals like nickel and cobalt, we must ask: at what cost? Consider the economy of a Caribbean nation: Fishing Industry: Generates millions in revenue each year. Marine Tourism: A key part of economic stability. Ecosystem Services: Include processes like absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Biodiversity: Potential future medical discoveries from marine life. Once deep-sea mining starts, all these systems can be affected. Mining could cause damage that we can’t reverse before we even understand how these ecosystems work. Disturbing the seabed might also release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, worsening climate change. Coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism will feel these impacts more severely. The truth is we don’t need deep sea mining to create a sustainable future. We can recycle existing metals and improve land-based mining practices instead. More importantly, investing in a healthy ocean offers long-term economic benefits. The push for deep sea mining highlights a serious imbalance in power. Small nations often find themselves pressured into agreements that prioritize quick profits over long-term sustainability. It’s time to change this narrative. Caribbean nations should join the call for a precautionary approach on deep sea mining until we understand its full impacts. By standing together, we can advocate for fairer regulations and sustainable alternatives. A Call to Action The ocean is more than just a resource; without it, we simply would not survive. For small nations like those in the Caribbean, it represents culture, livelihood, and identity. We cannot let history repeat itself. The story of Nauru should serve as a warning for us all. Let’s reject the risky gamble of deep sea mining and invest in our ocean's health instead. Caribbean countries like Belize must choose: Will we protect our ocean's future or gamble it away for quick profits? The choice is clear: we can either risk an uncertain future or protect our ocean while building a sustainable future for generations to come. Instead of repeating past mistakes, we should choose a future where our ocean thrives and our communities prosper.

The Cuban people marched demanding an end to the blockade and the removal of Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. A march for the honour and dignity of the country.   More than 500,000 Cubans from the capital, representing the entire country, marched this Friday along the Havana boardwalk in front of the US Embassy the Cuban people took to the streets to raise their voices against the blockade imposed by the US government. The Havana seawall was once again filled with Cubans fighting for their rights and for a sovereign country with unwavering principles, despite the difficulties.   The Cuban people gathered at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, with the presence of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and other members of the country’s government.   In the first block of the march, representing their people, were parliamentarians from the National Assembly of People’s Power, who hours earlier had concluded their ordinary session, in days of contributing debates on the problems, aspirations and challenges of the country.   Speaking to his compatriots, the Cuban president recalled that the current American administration, which as of December 20 has exactly one month left in the White House, “has done nothing to move away from the line of reinforced blockade and economic suffocation of Cuba, which was left as a legacy by the Republican administration that returns to the Oval Office in January.”   The President of the Republic stressed that there are numerous statements by personalities from the United States and other parts of the world, demanding that President Biden use his power to at least remove from that spurious list “the name of a nation that should never have been on it.”   Pointing out Cuba as a State that supposedly sponsors terrorism – the president asserted – “is at the very least false and immoral, wherever the accusation comes from, but it is doubly so when the accusation comes from American territory, where paramilitary groups that organize, promote and finance terrorist actions against social and economic structures in Cuba are currently training.”   “No American leader can classify Cuba as a terrorist state,” he stated categorically in his vibrant speech.   Later, Díaz-Canel considered that “the permanence of Cuba on that list and the intensification of the blockade policy are ruthless actions towards the Cuban people, which must cease now.”   “The United States’ attempt to undermine the dignity of this people, by means of the club, has been destroyed today, with this concentration and combative march, which demonstrate how high the honour of our Homeland continues to be,” said the Cuban President, and hundreds of thousands of flags were waved high. Slogans echoed in the distance: “overthrow the blockade”, “we are not terrorists, take us off the list”, “down with the blockade”, and many others demanding the end of the blockade and, therefore, respect for Cuba and its sovereignty.   In the voice of the President of Cuba, the feeling of an entire people could be heard, convinced that if the United States persists in its efforts to undermine our sovereignty, independence and socialism, it will only find rebellion and intransigence. “Every administration that has tried has been survived by the Cuban Revolution, and that will continue to be the case.”   The people of the capital marched for an hour and 45 minutes along the Malecón, a street that belongs to all Cubans. It was a march for life, honour and dignity. It was a march for the future of this Giant people, who continue to spread joy, confidence and optimism, even in the midst of adversity.

Discover Dominica Authority announces the appointment of Ayodele Andrew as its Festivals and Events Manager, effective December 18, 2024. With over two decades of experience in event management, tourism, and hospitality, Ayodele is well-equipped to enhance the island's major festivals and further establish Dominica as a top destination for cultural tourism. Ayodele Andrew holds a degree in Business Administration & Marketing from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada, and a diploma in Hospitality Business Management from the University of Derby, UK. She has been instrumental in organizing some of the Caribbean's most prestigious festivals, including the World Creole Music Festival, Mas Domnik, Antigua & Barbuda Carnival, and the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. Her expertise spans across hospitality, project management, and sustainable tourism, making her a natural fit for this role. In her new role, Ayodele will oversee the planning, execution, and marketing of Dominica's flagship events. Her leadership is expected to enhance the global visibility of these festivals, further strengthening the island's tourism industry and preserving its cultural heritage. "I am truly honored to take on this role at Discover Dominica Authority," said Ayodele Andrew. "Festivals and events are integral to Dominica's identity and tourism sector. I look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to create memorable experiences that highlight our rich heritage and solidify Dominica as a leading destination for cultural tourism." Benoit Bardouille, Chairman of Discover Dominica Authority, commented: "Ayodele's extensive experience and deep passion for tourism make her the ideal fit for this role. Her leadership will contribute to the continued success of our festivals, enhancing Dominica's presence on the global stage and strengthening the island's tourism sector." Ayodele's appointment comes at an exciting time as Discover Dominica Authority prepares for a dynamic year of events, including the highly anticipated Mas Domnik. Under her guidance, the Authority aims to attract visitors and support local talent through innovative programming and sustainable practices.

Do It Center proudly announces the opening of its new retail location, Do It Center Express, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to serving Dominicans with quality home improvement solutions. Conveniently located on Cork Street in Roseau, Do It Center Express combines the accessibility of a city-center location with the trusted quality, variety, and service that customers have come to rely on. Completed in just six months, this new store location has created 16 jobs, further contributing to the local economy. “We are thrilled to open this new location,” said Evadney Esprit, General Manager of Do It Center. “Our mission has always been to provide customers with a wide selection of quality products at great prices, supported by a friendly and knowledgeable team. This new location will allow us to enhance that mission and bring even more value to our customers in Roseau and island wide.” Do It Center Express is designed to make shopping more accessible and convenient, catering to customers in the city with quick access to essential home improvement products. The expansion reflects Do It Center’s dedication to continuously innovating and growing to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)- Dominica marked International Migrants Day (IMD) 2024 with an inspiring and dynamic event under the theme “Every Step.” Held at the Fort Young Hotel, the IMD Mixer brought together government representatives, stakeholders, migrants, and civil society to celebrate the contributions of migrants to Dominica and strengthen collaborative efforts in migration management. The event commenced with opening remarks by Sherma Oscar, Financial Assistant at IOM Dominica, who welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting migrants’ journeys. She underscored the event’s theme, noting that every step migrants take enriches the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Dominica. Head of Office Natasha Greaves delivered a compelling address, reflecting on the strides Dominica has made in migration management. According to Greaves, “our collective responsibility is to ensure that these steps are taken safely and on regular pathways. Migration should never be a perilous journey but a beacon of hope. By fostering safe migration, we unlock the immense potential that migrants bring, fueling sustainable development and enriching societies.” IOM Dominica launched its first magazine “Routes and Roots” that captures the essence of the organization’s work on the island, while amplifying the voices of migrants who have made Dominica their home. “This publication celebrates their journeys, their contributions, and the steps we are taking together to build a more inclusive society—one where diversity is celebrated, and human rights are upheld,” said Natasha. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Ms. Jo-Ann Commodore shared a message highlighting the importance of the projects that IOM Dominica has collaborated on with the ministry over the past two years: “A capacity building management programme was implemented by IOM which focuses on developing institutional capacity, human capacity and operational capacity. The trainings provided, paid special attention to the treatment of women, unaccompanied children and victims of human trafficking. “ Mrs. Gloria Joseph, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, in an impactful address spoke on the importance of treating migrants like they are Dominicans. She also shared pertinent information on the rights and responsibilities of migrants, urging Dominicans to consider their families who may also be migrants in other countries. “I implore you, be very considerate of the foreign nationals in Dominica, and when once they have gotten their status, they are no longer foreign nationals. We are there. They are us,” Joseph remarked. Both ministries expressed gratitude for IOM’s support in capacity-building initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing migration challenges. A symbolic handover of equipment and communication materials to key ministries served as a tangible representation of IOM’s support in enhancing migration management capabilities. The materials will aid in data collection, public awareness, and strengthening inter-agency communication—all critical components for informed policymaking and service delivery. Attendees participated in the “Migration Matters Mixer,” an interactive session that fostered dialogue, networking, and shared reflections on the importance of migration to Dominica’s future. Migrants present, some of whom came to Dominica by way of Haiti, Nigeria and Cuba shared their various journeys to Dominica, the warmth of the people and the opportunities they received through regular migration pathways. The mixer was followed by an electrifying cultural performance by Afrobeat artist and Cameroon migrant, Marie Pascal Affana, whose music brought the evening to life and celebrated the vibrant diversity migrants bring to the island. The event concluded with closing remarks by IOM Dominica Project Coordinator Vynliz Dailey. She expressed her gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration. “Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the inspiration we have drawn from the incredible strength of migrants. Let us commit to fostering inclusion, embracing diversity, and building bridges that connect us all,” Dailey said.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica is proud to join the global community in celebrating International Migrants Day (IMD) on December 18, 2024, under the theme “Every Step." This year’s theme underscores the importance of safe and regular migration pathways, challenging the negative narratives surrounding migration and celebrating migrants while fostering inclusive policies that benefit individuals and communities alike. In commemoration of this day, IOM Dominica will host an IMD Mixer, a networking event bringing together government officials, private sector stakeholders, and civil society partners. The event, to be held at the Fort Young Hotel, will provide a platform for dialogue on migration governance and celebrate the achievements of Dominica in enhancing its capacity to manage labour migration effectively. Natasha Greaves, Head of Office for IOM Dominica, expressed pride in the organization’s partnerships and the progress made in migration governance: “International Migrants Day is a time to celebrate the contributions of migrants and to reaffirm our commitment to their rights and inclusion. I am especially proud of the strong partnerships and collaborations IOM Dominica has fostered with government ministries, local organizations, and international allies. These partnerships have been instrumental in driving impactful change and strengthening Dominica’s migration systems. On December 18 we will launch our first magazine, Routes and Roots which details the incredible partnerships we’ve built and the meaningful stories of resilience we have captured and communities and people that inspire our work. IOM Dominica remains committed to strengthening migration systems that benefit everyone.” Dominica recently demonstrated its commitment to strengthening labour migration management with the successful completion of a three-day workshop titled Building Capacity for Effective Labour Migration Management and a two-day Essentials of Migration Data Training (EMDT). Organized by IOM, both events brought together representatives from key government ministries and departments; Building Capacity for Effective Labour Migration Management equipped them with tools and knowledge to enhance policymaking, address challenges such as discrimination and xenophobia, improve migrant integration, while EMDT provided an understanding of the key concepts in migration data and statistics, inform about potential strategies for obtaining data and how to identify the strengths and limitations of available data at the different stages of the data life cycle from data planning, to collection, to management, to analysis, and finally, dissemination. “The recent workshop and training exemplify the power of collaboration in addressing migration challenges and seizing opportunities for growth,” noted Ms. Greaves. “By working together, we are building stronger systems and ensuring that migration contributes positively to Dominica’s development.” Both events focused on aligning national practices with international standards while addressing regional dynamics. Participants explored strategies to make migration processes more inclusive and efficient, receiving insights into data-driven decision-making, policy formulation, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. The IMD Mixer will continue to build on these achievements by providing a space for dialogue, reflection, and forward planning. The event will celebrate the partnerships that have strengthened migration management in Dominica and showcase IOM’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe and orderly migration. “As we commemorate International Migrants Day today, we extend our gratitude to all our partners who have supported our initiatives throughout the year,” added Ms. Greaves. “Together, we are creating a future where migration is celebrated as a driver of development and inclusion - one step at a time.”

By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Environmental Communicator and Advocate, Belize Vampire squid, yeti crab, gummy squirrel sea cucumber, and glass sponges sound like characters from a storybook. But these bizarre and beautiful creatures are real; thriving in the dark, cold depths of the ocean. This underwater wonderland now faces a threat from mining corporations that want to strip the seabed of its rich minerals for profit, leaving destruction behind.  The deep sea regulates the planet’s temperature, stores vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and generates oxygen. It’s also a biodiversity hotspot, home to species found nowhere else.  Yet, we know so little about it. Scientists estimate we’ve explored more of the moon’s surface than the deep sea. Every dive reveals something new—a previously undiscovered species, a unique ecosystem, or even life-saving medicines. To mine the deep sea without understanding it is like tearing pages from a book we’ve barely started reading.  The Cost of Greed Imagine a bulldozer tearing through a rainforest, uprooting ancient trees, and destroying countless wildlife, often unique to that ecosystem. Essentially, deep-sea mining is like vacuuming the sea floor, except the damage happens on a far greater scale and with even more devastating consequences.  Deep sea mining isn’t just risky; it’s reckless. Mining companies want to extract valuable minerals from polymetallic nodules, crust, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents—rich in metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. As these giant machines scrape the ocean floor, they unleash toxic plumes—clouds of sediment that suffocate marine life and spread far beyond the mining zone. Noise pollution from their operations disrupts whales, dolphins, and other animals that rely on sound to navigate. Coral gardens, hydrothermal vents, and sponge fields—some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet—could be wiped out in days.  The Caribbean Connection These corporations are targeting the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a biodiversity hotspot in the Pacific Ocean. Stretching between Hawaii and Mexico, it holds enormous fields of rock-like formations—polymetallic nodules. To them, these nodules are dollar signs. To marine life, the estimated 21 billion tons of polymetallic nodules, they’re home.    You might think, "What does this have to do with Belize or even the Caribbean region?" Everything.  Our ocean knows no borders. The clouds of sediment won’t stay confined to the areas being mined, they can travel thousands of kilometers, affecting fisheries and coral reefs. Noise pollution will disrupt migratory species vital to Belize and the Caribbean's marine ecosystems and tourism industry.  Take Peggy, for example—a female loggerhead turtle equipped with a MarAlliance satellite tag. Since leaving Belize in March 2024, Peggy has traveled thousands of kilometers to the waters of Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. This journey proves just how interconnected our ocean is. For creatures like Peggy, these disruptions can mean life or death.  And it’s not just about species. It’s about people. Fishermen, tour operators, and coastal families who depend on the ocean will bear the brunt of decisions made far away. From fishing to diving tourism, our livelihoods are tied to the sea.  Like Belize, the Caribbean’s economy depends on a healthy ocean. So, deep sea mining poses a huge threat to our way of life because the impacts can ripple across borders. In addition to affecting the livelihoods of many that depend on the sea, it will also impact the economy and ecosystems, globally. The Bigger Picture  Let’s not forget that we are trying to save our planet from the ‘triple planetary crisis’—the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. As if these challenges weren’t already enough, deep sea mining could make us even more vulnerable. The deep sea is a critical carbon sink, absorbing greenhouse gases that would otherwise speed up and increase climate change. Disturbing this balance risks releasing stored carbon, making the climate crisis even more severe.  The mining industry argues that we need these metals for green technologies like batteries and renewable energy. What makes this even more frustrating is that the greed driving deep sea mining is entirely unnecessary. The truth is, we don’t need to destroy the deep sea for a sustainable future. Alternatives like improved recycling of existing metals and the development of sustainable technologies can meet our needs without ripping apart the seabed.  A Call to Protect the Deep Belize and the Caribbean cannot afford to ignore the risks of deep sea mining. The ocean connects us all, and its destruction will ripple across nations.  We must join the fight to #DefendTheDeep and call for a precautionary approach until we understand its full impact and have safeguards in place to protect our planet’s most precious resource. By raising awareness, advocating for strong regulations, and supporting sustainable alternatives, we can protect the ocean and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.  PHOTO CAPTIONS Saltwater Cave is located just north of South Water Caye in Belize. Photo Credit: Above And Below — By Andres Fletes Giant mining machines used to mine the deep sea. Photo Credit: Sustainable Ocean Alliance Peggy, a female loggerhead turtle tagged by MarAlliance. Photo Credit: MarAlliance Spotted drum: Photo Credit: Above And Below — By Andres Fletes

I wish to commend the minibus drivers of our country. Has anyone stopped to think how valuable our minibus drivers are to those who rely on public transportation or those who require the bus service for short term? Minibus drivers are multitaskers. They ply their routes regularly - picking up and dropping off passengers, assisting the elderly and others, receiving money and giving change, remembering their passengers drop off points, combatting traffic, challenging roads, elevated fuel prices, parts, service, maintenance, increased insurance premiums etc, etc, etc... Special mention to those driving manual (stick) shift - Bravo! Recently, I've become a public transport user or 'Hire 11' as we would say in days gone by, and I am in awe of our minibus drivers. In my view, public transportation is an option rather than driving to and from Roseau! To the minibus drivers of the Canefield Route - Cress Jr, Turbo, Legit, Seraphine, David (x2), the minibus driver who explained to me the bus fare, the minibus driver with the gospel music (needed it that day!) and the minibus driver from the Grand Fond Route, I sayTHANK YOU! I also wish to acknowledge my fellow passengers. Minibus drivers are our unsung heroes! Let's acknowledge their vital role in our society. And finally a note to the Traffic and Licensing Department - Bus Route Banners on Minibuses would be welcomed... Thank you! Nancy NASSIEF CAUDEIRON

Beloved in Christ, The Christmas season provides me with the opportunity to extend heartfelt good wishes to all. I pray that this season will bring the blessing of peace to your hearts and homes. The first reading at Christmas Mass at night is invariably taken from the Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet proclaims, “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone. … For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:1,5) This is the message of Christmas! The joyful, hopeful message that God is with us! Isaiah says, “A child is born for us.” Christmas is about the invisible God becoming visible. The divine becoming human. The message of Christmas is relayed beautifully in the Carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” One verse in particular gives voice to the true meaning of Christmas, “Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity. Please as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.” Christmas is about the Eternal Word of God, the Only Son of God, assuming our human nature. He came speaking the language of self-giving love. He came to reveal to us that God is love. He came to show us the way of love, the way of truth, the way of life. When God entered our world clothed in human flesh, that humble act said something profound about the human person; that wounded by sin though we may be, imperfect though we are, in God’s eye we are GOOD, and we are LOVED. Christmas proclaims the awesome truth that the human person is loved by God to such a degree that the Infinite One would lower himself to invite us back into communion with him. Christmas is first and foremost about love. God’s love for us. The amazing love of God calls us to neighborly concern, generosity and unselfish love. The love we are meant to share is to reflect the love God has for us. This time of year can be joyous for some and a struggle for others. There is the joy of gathering with family and friends. But the season can be a struggle for those who are alone, who have lost loved ones, those who go without the basic necessities of life. I encourage us to show God’s love and peace to all, most especially to those for whom the joy of Christmas is elusive. Dear brothers and sisters, it is my fervent prayer that you will have a blessed and wonderful Christmas, and that each and every one will know the truth that God is not distant and that Jesus Christ is born for our good and the salvation of the whole world. May the Lord’s peace be upon us. May you have Blessed Christmas, filled with peace, joy and love. As pilgrims of hope let us journey together throughout the JubileeNew Year 2025.

Student Athlete Focus Newsletter, a publication dedicated to shining a light on the achievements and stories of Dominican student-athletes, proudly announces the release of its second issue. This issue's cover story features Treneese Hamilton, an inspiring young athlete whose dedication and resilience have marked her journey to becoming a rising star in sports. Her journey showcases the spirit of determination and pride, symbolized by her holding the Dominica flag high. Inside This Edition:  Club Feature: Spotlight on WE United FC, a key contributor to Dominica’s thriving football culture.  Local Spotlight: Highlighting student-athletes such as Dhamario Challenger (Football) and Kenya John (Netball/Football), who continue to excel in their respective sports.  Regional & International Stars: o Amiah Gilbert (Cricket) o Mosiah Bonney (Football) o Mervin Mingo (Volleyball) o Kesean Shillingford (Basketball) o Stephan Pascal (Cricket) This issue underscores the importance of recognizing local and regional student-athletes who balance academics, sports, and personal development. It also highlights their contributions to uplifting the profile of Dominica on the sporting stage.

Dominica invitesthe world to Mas Domnik 2025: The Real Mas from January 18 to March 5, 2025 , with the main events taking place on March 3 and 4. Next year's celebration promises to be the most exciting yet, showcasing an authentic cultural experience that highlights Dominica's rich history, music and community spirit in a safe atmosphere.   Mas Domnik is notably one of the oldest carnivals in the Caribbean, dating back to the 1700s. It has deep historical roots in the masquerade traditions originating from formerly enslaved Africans. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant festival that blends African, French, Kalinago and European influences. Mas Domnik stands out as one of the Caribbean's most authentic carnivals, featuring lively music, dance, elaborate costumes and street parades. This celebration of freedom and cultural pride unites communities in joyous festivities.   Key Events Include: • Opening of Carnival : January 18, 2025 • Miss Dominica Pageant : February 27, 2025 • Sunrise : February 28, 2025 • Carnival Monday : March 3, 2025 • Carnival Tuesday : March 4, 2025 • Téwé Vaval : March 5, 2025   In addition to these main events, over 40 fringe events will take place beginning January 7, offering visitors a dynamic experience of Dominica’s festivities.   Traveling to Dominica for Mas Domnik is easy and convenient.Multiple airlines connect the island to major hubs in the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Key airlines include LIAT 2020, Sunrise Airways, Caribbean Airlines , WINAIR and InterCaribbean Airways. Ferries like RFS L'Express des Îles provide convenient connections to neighboring islands. For international travel, American Airlines and United Airlines are key carriers from the United States. Early booking is recommended for the best travel options.