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The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence invites the public to attend the TVET Showcase 2026 on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Ground Floor of Government Headquarters. Held under the theme, "TVET for Excellence: Showcasing Skills, Breaking Stigmas, Building Futures," the showcase will highlight the creativity, innovation and practical skills of students engaged in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Exhibits will feature areas such as Agriculture, Garment Production, Food and Nutrition, Woodwork, and other vocational disciplines, demonstrating the valuable role TVET plays in preparing learners for employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong success. The Ministry encourages students, parents, educators, public officers, private sector partners and the wider public to attend and support this celebration of skills development and excellence.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, in collaboration with the Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK), will host the 15th Edition of the Kwéyòl Spelling Bee Competition on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Alliance Française in Roseau. The competition aims to promote the use, preservation and appreciation of Kwéyòl among students and encourage greater engagement with the language within the formal education system. Four schools will participate in this year’s competition: Bense Primary School, Paix Bouche Primary School, Penville Primary School and St. Luke’s Primary School. The programme will feature remarks from officials representing the Ministry of Education and KEK, with students competing for top honours in the language and cultural competition. The Kwéyòl Spelling Bee competition was first introduced in 2010 as an initiative to promote the use of Kwéyòl among students within the education system. Over the years, the competition has provided an important platform for students to strengthen their language skills while deepening appreciation for Dominica’s linguistic and cultural heritage. The Ministry of Education and KEK continue to encourage public support for the competition and look forward to another exciting showcase of student talent, cultural pride and language excellence.

Raise productivity, essential for building more resilient agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean A report by Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean warns that increasing agricultural productivity is crucial for building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, and represents an indispensable condition for ensuring well-being, food security and the future of agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). –Ministers of Agriculture from the region and senior representatives of ECLAC, FAO, IICA and CAF participated in the launch of the report Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas: A Perspective on Latin America and the Caribbean 2025–2026, which states that agriculture can strengthen its contribution to agrifood systems through productivity improvements driven by adequate financing and policy, institutional, financial and technological innovations. The new report, jointly prepared by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, was presented during a virtual event attended by José Antonio López Leonardo, Vice Minister of Rural Economic Development of Guatemala, as well as Muhammad Ibrahim; José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs; Rene Orellana Halkyer; and Maximiliano Alonso, along with other authorities and specialists from the regional agricultural sector. During the event, Vice Minister López highlighted the adoption of Guatemala’s Agricultural Sector Policy 2026–2032, aimed at sustainably and equitably strengthening rural development, emphasizing coordination among different sector institutions and actions to improve access to productive resources, strengthen agricultural health systems and support decision-making through agroclimatic roundtables. “Its objective is to increase, in an equitable and sustainable manner, the sector’s contribution to national economic development by expanding productive and food opportunities for rural families,” he stated. “We must raise productivity as a central objective of policy both for economic growth and for greater social mobility and equity. Technological, scientific and institutional innovations are public goods that require sustained public investment and equitable access policies. Increasing the productivity of family farming simultaneously improves food security, rural employment and equity,” said Muhammad Ibrahim. “Agriculture can become a decisive engine for overcoming the low-growth trap affecting Latin America and the Caribbean, closely linked to stagnant productivity. But this will not happen automatically: it requires explicit and deliberate productive development policies, with investment, capacities, innovation, financing and market access. Productivity does not occur in a vacuum: it is built in territories, through governance, public-private coordination and local capacities. That is both the challenge and the great opportunity to transform the region’s agrifood systems,” said José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs. “At FAO, we are working to accelerate the productive transformation of the agrifood sector through technologies such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and other solutions adapted to local realities, as well as by closing gaps in strategic infrastructure. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between commercial banks, development banks and multilateral organizations in order to expand access to adequate and innovative financial instruments for producers. In this regard, FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative has mobilized USD 1.75 billion in the region to accelerate agricultural and rural development in the most underserved territories,” said Rene Orellana Halkyer. “Increasing productivity is essential for building more resilient agrifood systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve this, we need a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation, adequate financing, coordinated public policies and a strong commitment to social equity. Without productivity there is no sustainability, and without sustainability there will be no lasting productivity,” said Maximiliano Alonso. A strategic priority for the region The study warns that increasing agricultural productivity is now a strategic priority for the region because it determines not only the ability to produce more affordable food at lower cost, but also the capacity to respond to growing demand for healthy, nutritious, safe and sustainably produced food, while ensuring food security, rural employment, increased producer incomes and the resilience of agrifood systems to environmental and economic shocks. It emphasizes that although Latin America and the Caribbean has demonstrated strong productive capacity for decades in several areas, progress has been uneven and the region now faces a triple challenge: producing more, doing so sustainably and ensuring social inclusion. The publication highlights that over the last decade, total factor productivity (TFP) in the region increased by only 5 percent, equivalent to 0.9 percent annually, driven by technological advances such as the development and adoption of improved seeds, biotechnology, mechanization, precision agriculture, new irrigation systems and more sustainable production practices. At the same time, it notes that nearly 75 percent of production growth came from greater use of inputs and only 25 percent from efficiency improvements, reflecting increasing dependence on fertilizers and agrochemicals. The report identifies six major bottlenecks behind stagnant agricultural productivity: structural heterogeneity, technological gaps, weak governance, territorial and digital inequalities, human talent limitations and financing constraints. In this regard, the document states that around 16 million small farms — more than 80 percent of the regional total — face severe limitations in access to land, technology, financing and markets; only 15 percent of small producers have access to formal credit; and only 39 percent of rural households have internet access. It also states that increasing agricultural productivity is essential to reducing the cost of a healthy diet in the region, currently the highest in the world. In 2024, the regional average cost was estimated at USD 5.16 in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per person per day, above the global average of USD 4.46. As a result, around 28 percent of the regional population cannot afford a healthy diet, a figure that rises to 50 percent in the Caribbean. A comprehensive and multidimensional approach Against this backdrop, the document by ECLAC, FAO, IICA and CAF proposes advancing toward a new, more comprehensive and multidimensional approach to productivity that combines economic efficiency with environmental sustainability and social inclusion. It proposes a new generation of public policies aimed at strengthening agricultural research, expanding access to financing, modernizing technical assistance and rural extension services, promoting digital transformation and encouraging more sustainable and diversified production systems. The report explains that the future of agricultural growth will increasingly depend on efficiency and innovation because between 2023 and 2032, 79 percent of the global increase in crop production will come from productivity improvements and only 15 percent from the expansion of agricultural land. The publication stresses that overcoming productivity stagnation requires removing structural barriers, strengthening regional cooperation and building coordinated policies capable of connecting innovation, financing, knowledge and sustainability, for which it proposes eight lines of action. These are: enabling policies as the structural basis for productive transformation; financing as an ecosystem that mobilizes all resources needed for innovation and sustainability; technical assistance and rural extension services that strengthen productivity capacities; technology and digital innovation leading toward smart and inclusive agriculture; efficient and intelligent use of inputs and natural resources; sustainable and diversified production systems; trade and regional integration as drivers of productivity and innovation; and value addition at origin to retain and multiply value in territories. The event concluded with remarks by Héctor Huergo, agronomist and renowned journalist, currently director of Clarín Rural in Argentina, who called on the organizations behind the document to “go beyond their own borders and collaborate so that this new narrative on the role of agriculture in the Americas reaches the international stage.” “The document lays out the problems, the relatively low productivity, but as an average of a highly heterogeneous situation in which we have some of the highest productivity levels on the planet alongside others still somewhat stuck in the mud of helplessness caused by structural problems that we have not been able to solve. Fortunately, this report places that task squarely on the table. It is a call for governments to act in the right direction to reduce the gap between those moving at high speed and those still trapped in backwardness and the general lack of progress,” he concluded. Photo credit must be given: ©FAO/Denni Visuals. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO Photo credit must be given: ©FAO/Denni Visuals. Editorial use only. Copyright ©FAO

Supported and Endorsed by the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) — At a time when many young people are facing challenges related to drug abuse, alcohol consumption, crime, and limited opportunities, the 100+ Young Men’s Development Forum aims to inspire a different path—one built on education, leadership, personal development, and sports. Hosted by Creole Heartbeat and In Nature Tours, the Forum will take place on June 17–18, 2026, bringing together young men, student-athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and community leaders to explore how sports can be used as a tool for positive change. The Forum's message is clear: sports is about more than competition—it is about building people. Participation in sports teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, accountability, and respect. More importantly, it creates opportunities for scholarships, career development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and personal growth. At a time when many young men are vulnerable to negative influences, the Forum seeks to demonstrate how sports can provide purpose, direction, and hope. Through exposure to successful athletes, coaches, recruiters, business leaders, and professionals, participants will gain valuable insights into building successful futures both on and off the field. The Forum will also highlight the important role sports can play in national development. By investing in youth sports, Dominica can create opportunities in education, sports tourism, event management, coaching, health and wellness, media, and entrepreneurship while positioning the Nature Island as a destination for training camps, recruitment showcases, and international sporting events. The support and endorsement of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) reinforces the importance of using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, education, leadership development, and national progress. Event Details 100+ Young Men's Development Forum 2026 June 17–18, 2026 Atlantique View Retreat Resort, Dominica Theme Sports and Its Benefits: Building People, Creating Opportunities, Promoting Dominica & Empowering Young Men Motto Prepare • Achieve • Lead Registration Young men, student-athletes, parents, coaches, teachers, sports administrators, and community leaders are encouraged to participate. Register today:https://forms.gle/aCvm6DFW3WXYy7xQ9 Hosted by: Creole Heartbeat & In Nature ToursSupported and Endorsed by: Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) Building Better Men. Creating Better Communities. Strengthening Dominica.

UN experts* today expressed profound concern regarding the escalating threats, coercive measures and judicial weaponisation deployed by the United States of America against Cuba. “Efforts to change the constitutional order of a sovereign State through threats and coercion echo colonial-era practices,” the experts said. Following the abduction of Venezuela’s President Maduro in January 2026, President Trump’s declaration of the so-called "Donroe Doctrine" in March 2026 asserting US predominance over the Western Hemisphere has raised significant alarm. “Statements by the US President regarding the "honour of taking Cuba" reflect a deeply concerning strategy of coercion against a sovereign State.” “This assertion is not mere rhetoric, but part of a broader strategy involving the long-standing embargo on Cuba, its listing as a State-sponsor of terrorism, the recent fuel blockade and the imposition of coercive measures on third parties,” the experts said. The recent federal indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, appears connected to these efforts to undermine Cuba's sovereignty. This misuse of domestic judicial proceedings against sitting or former heads of State, as an instrument of coercive foreign policy constitutes an abuse of process that violates the principles of sovereign equality and self-determination under the UN Charter. The experts said that the announcement of the deployment of the USS Nimitz to the southern Caribbean underscores an additional element of unlawful coercion, contravening articles 2(4) and 2(7) of the UN Charter, as interpreted by the International Court of Justice. The experts have previously pointed to the severe humanitarian implications of oil import restrictions imposed on Cuba since January 2026, warning that Cuba faces vast energy shortages and blackouts that disrupt essential services and ultimately the right to life, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups. “These actions are part of a disturbing trend of lawlessness and contempt of multilateralism and the UN Charter. The normalisation of coercion and threats of regime change undermines the integrity of the entire international legal order.” “A democratic and equitable international order requires that all States, regardless of size or power, participate on equal footing, free from undue pressure,” they said. The experts urge: The Government of the United States to immediately cease all threats against Cuba's sovereignty and to revoke unilateral coercive measures adopted contrary to international law. All UN Member States to refrain from recognising or implementing measures that violate the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention, and to take all appropriate steps within the UN framework to uphold the international legal order. The UN Security Council and General Assembly to urgently address the threats against Cuba as a matter affecting international peace and security. *The experts: George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Zaina Jallad, Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights | OHCHR

Today marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Dominica Red Cross Society is calling on all citizens, residents, and communities across the nature island to prioritize early preparation and safety. With the memory of past devastating storms still a powerful reminder, the Dominica Red Cross emphasizes that proactive planning is our strongest defense against the unpredictability of tropical storms and hurricanes. The season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and forecasters predict an active period, making immediate action essential for every household. The Dominica Red Cross Society has already begun optimizing its disaster response mechanisms, reinforcing community disaster response teams, and restocking essential relief supplies across our network of local branches. However, institutional readiness is only half of the equation. True resilience relies heavily on individual and family preparedness. To ensure your home and loved ones are secure, the Dominica Red Cross recommends taking the following vital steps starting this week: • Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss where your family will meet if separated and establish clear evacuation routes if your home is located in a flood-prone or landslide area. • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Gather at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, essential medications, and copies of important personal documents stored in waterproof bags. • Access Regional Risk Tools: Visit https://caribbean-risks.org/en/ to access interactive maps, hazard information, and localized resources designed to help you understand specific vulnerabilities in your area. Secure Your Property: Trim overhanging tree branches near your roof, clear drains around your yard, and ensure you have functional storm shutters or materials to secure windows and doors. • Stay Informed: Monitor official updates from the Dominica Meteorological Service and local authorities. Avoid spreading unverified information on social media. The Dominica Red Cross Society remains deeply committed to supporting the people of Dominica before, during, and after any potential weather systems. Our volunteers are active in communities islandwide, providing educational resources and guidance to help vulnerable families build safer, more resilient environments. Do not wait for a storm warning to begin getting ready. Start your preparations today to protect your family, your neighbours, and our beautiful country. For additional guidance and to check regional risk levels, remember to use the online platform at https://caribbean-risks.org/en/. For more information on disaster preparedness tips or to find out how you can volunteer with your local chapter, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Dominica Red Cross Society headquarters in Roseau.

The Government of Dominica, in partnership with the Green Climate Fund and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), will officially launch the Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP) on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities through climate-smart agriculture, improved disaster management infrastructure, and enhanced Early Warning Systems to better prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges. #ClimateResilience #Dominica #DOMCREP #BuildingResilience #ClimateAction

In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, observed during the month of May, the RayAsta Foundation donated stroke support apparatus to four nursing homes across Dominica as part of its continued commitment to improving stroke care, recovery, and awareness within the community. The donations were made to Divine Victory Elderly Care Home, the Dominica Infirmary, Molimis Care Home, and Premium Home and Residential Care Services (PHARCS). The initiative was aimed at providing facilities which care for elderly persons and individuals who may be affected by stroke, mobility challenges, or other health conditions requiring additional support. The donated items are intended to be used by residents in the home for improving their ability to help themselves. Through this effort, the Foundation hopes to strengthen the support available within care homes and encourage greater awareness of the needs of stroke survivors and vulnerable elderly persons. Stroke remains a serious health concern in Dominica, affecting individuals, families, and communities. The RayAsta Foundation continues to emphasize the importance of stroke education, early recognition of symptoms, timely medical response, and proper post-stroke care. Speaking on the initiative, CEO of the Foundation, Cecilia St. Hilaire noted that “Stroke Awareness Month is not only a time to educate the public, but also an opportunity to provide practical support to those on the frontlines of care”. “Caregivers and nursing home staff play a vital role in the daily lives of stroke survivors and elderly residents. This donation is one way of showing support for the important work they do, while also helping to improve the quality of care provided to those who need it most,” she stated. RayAsta Foundation remains committed to supporting stroke survivors, caregivers, families, and institutions through awareness, training, advocacy, and community outreach.

The month-long initiative focuses on national site rehabilitation and positioning the island for global wellness tourism - Backed by a historic 15% surge in total visitor arrivals for 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have officially launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026 with a dual focus on global wellness positioning and a comprehensive national site-rehabilitation strategy. The island’s performance metrics show significant, sustained momentum moving through the first quarter of 2026. According to data tracked by Travel and Tour World, stayover arrivals increased by an estimated 10% as of March 31, 2026, compared to the same period last year. Simultaneously, cruise tourism recorded a powerful 21% increase over the corresponding 2025 period, pushing total visitor volume toward the 497,000 mark. Capitalizing on Global Visibility This statistical growth is being heavily driven by an aggressive global visibility campaign. Dominica was recently featured across top-tier international travel media, including National Geographic, The Guardian, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Business Insider, and USA Today. This mainstream print coverage was further amplified by a high-impact digital partnership with global creator IShowSpeed, which showcased Dominica's cultural assets and adventurous terrain to millions of next-generation travelers. To leverage this international attention, Tourism Awareness Month 2026 is pivoting heavily toward wellness tourism, the fastest-growing sector in global travel. Phased Destination & Infrastructure Upgrades To systematically manage this increased capacity and elevate the on-island visitor experience, the Ministry of Tourism is executing a multi-tiered infrastructure program across key natural and cultural sites: Active On-Site Rehabilitation:Structural works are moving ahead steadily at Champagne Beach and the Kalinago Barana Autô. Slated Product Enhancements:Phased upgrades are finalized and being deployed for Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach. Secured Grant Funding Development: Capital injection has been locked in for critical environmental and access upgrades at Cabrits National Park and the Indian River. These targeted site upgrades directly complement Dominica's long-term macro infrastructure developments, including the international airport, the cable car development and the Portsmouth Marina project. A Sustainable, People-Centered Economy Throughout the month-long observance, the DDA will roll out a national calendar featuring localized wellness activations, school-based educational outreach, community-led beautification projects, a stakeholder panel discussion, a wellness fair and the annual Tourism Awards. "Tourism is fundamentally a people-centered economic engine that creates direct, tangible opportunities for our taxi operators, tour guides, farmers, vendors and young entrepreneurs," said the Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. "While landmark infrastructure projects form our structural foundation, the ultimate Dominican product is defined by the environmental stewardship, pride and authentic hospitality of our people. Together, let us continue building a tourism industry that is sustainable, people-centered and rooted in the beauty and spirit of our nature island." The Ministry of Tourism extends its appreciation to the Office of the Prime Minister for its unwavering investment in the sector's transformation, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the Discover Dominica Authority, the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), the International Airport Development Company (IADC) and local hospitality operators.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, yesterday, received a donation of twelve (12) desktop computers, three (3) tablets and one (1) laptop from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), aimed at strengthening the management and efficiency of the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS). The handover ceremony took place in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services and brought together representatives of the Ministry and the World Food Programme as well as other recipients of donations from the WFP. The devices will support the Department of Social Services in enhancing data management, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening service delivery to vulnerable individuals and families across Dominica.Twenty-two (22) tablets and two (2) desktop computers were also presented to support village councils across Dominica, through the Information Support System Unit and the Office of Disaster Management. Programme Assistant at the United Nations World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office, Dominica Satellite Office, Ayisha Richards, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and the use of digital tools in strengthening social protection systems to meet the needs of citizens, particularly during times of crisis. “Together, these contributions support a broader goal, building stronger and more responsive and shock-ready systems to better serve communities across Dominica. WFP is proud to stand with the Government in this effort and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to strengthen resilience and improve lives. This hand over reflects our continued commitment to supporting Dominica in strengthening digital social protection systems and empowering institutions both on the national and community levels,” Richards stated. Austin Lazarus, Computer Analyst with the Information System Support Unit (ISSU), highlighted the role of digital transformation in improving accountability and operational efficiency within local government systems. “We have been supporting the councils through the PCAS primarily, which is basically a system that allows digital conversion of receipt of payment, which has been very impactful to the councils as well as the ministry and auditing. So with the use of the tablets, the councils will definitely be more enhanced and more efficient in their reporting, et cetera. So we're very much grateful for this donation and ISSU is very much in partnership and in support of this movement,” he reflected. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr. Kyra Paul, welcomed the donation and underscored the value of modernizing the Ministry’s operations.“Most recently, we have developed what we call the SWMS, which is the Social Welfare Information Management System, a tool that will help with improvements and enhancements to our service delivery, introducing innovation and digital technology into the management and administration of our programs under the Social Services Department. Obviously, these pieces of equipment will help us in expanding our digital infrastructure. And of course, it's an opportune time to demonstrate the kind of partnership that we've established with the ISSU Computer Center, under the Ministry of Finance, and with the ODM,” Dr. Paul noted. “Fortunately, with the support of WFP as well, we were able to develop the DECHA form, which is a consolidated multi-stakeholder data collection tool to collect Information on households and affected individuals post shock. We were able to pilot the DECHA during the recent trough and it demonstrates that when we pull resources together for data collection, the targeting of services can improve and it can be more effective because it actually meets the specific needs of our clients,” Dr Paul continued. Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Honourable Dr. Cassandra Williams, expressed gratitude to the World Food Programme for its continued partnership and support to Dominica’s social sector. “We thank you so much on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services for your partnership. You've been a partner to the Government of Dominica. You've helped us in so many ways and you have stuck with us and we're very grateful for that. We look forward to this. And I know, it will definitely enhance the efficiency of delivery within the Social Services Department,” Minister Williams stated. She further emphasized that strong social protection systems are essential to national development and community wellbeing. “When we strengthen the tools and systems used by our social workers and welfare officers, we strengthen our ability to reach families faster, respond more efficiently, and provide care with greater dignity and effectiveness.”The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners such as the World Food Programme to strengthen social protection systems and improve the quality of services delivered to the people of Dominica.

Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, addressed the UN Security Council’s open debate on upholding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, where he called for strengthening multilateralism, international law, and the Organization’s central role in preserving international peace and security. In his remarks, he acknowledged China’s leadership in convening the debate and linked the defense of the international order to the need to address conflicts and threats affecting global stability. In his speech, the Foreign Minister denounced U.S. policy toward Cuba, which he described as a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace. Rodríguez Parrilla rejected the indictment against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, considering it a politically motivated decision, and warned of its possible use as a pretext to justify military aggression against the island. He also noted that the energy blockade and the tightening of the embargo have serious humanitarian consequences for the Cuban population. The Cuban foreign minister reiterated that Cuba does not pose a threat to the United States and reaffirmed the country’s willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest, always on the basis of respect for sovereignty and non-interference. Finally, he called on the international community, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Global South, the UN Security Council, and the UN General Assembly to take action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe or military aggression against Cuba.

By Muhammad Ibrahim Director General, IICA – The extreme variant of the El Niño phenomenon predicted by international weather forecasts, combined with the global fertilizer crisis, poses a dual threat to rural economies, social stability, and agricultural production in Latin America and the Caribbean—a region critical to global food security. Even separately, both factors pose enormous challenges for regional agriculture. Combined, they could become a perfect storm for millions of producers, affecting food security in quite a few nations. Forecasts indicate a high probability of El Niño developing this year, with potentially uneven effects: heavy rains and flooding in some regions; prolonged droughts and water stress in others. The common concern is the uncertainty regarding the phenomenon’s potentially greater intensity. In the Southern Cone, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, some regions could benefit from increased rainfall and a recovery in crop yields. In Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, the outlook is less favorable. There, the risk of lower yields and crop losses, decreased livestockproductivity, disruptions in agricultural markets, and sharp increases in food prices is significant, which can lead to a deterioration in food security and force producers and consumers to face costs running into the millions. These are not potential dangers; recent history bears them out. These impacts, particularly in rural areas, are often followed by debt, migration, and nutritional decline. For agricultural producers, especially small and medium-sized ones, climate uncertainty makes it difficult to decide what to plant, how much to invest, or what level of fertilization to apply. And when fertilizers become more expensive or scarce, many choose to reduce application rates, decrease the area planted, or switch to less demanding crops, with immediate and negative effects on yields and production. Unlike in the past, it is now possible to anticipate the occurrence, impacts, and consequences of climate phenomena such as El Niño—or its counterpart, La Niña. Today, it is unjustifiable to act only on the consequences and limit ourselves to reacting when drought is advanced, floods occur, crops are lost, or prices rise. We must act sooner to minimize negative impacts. For all these reasons, the time has come to move toward a proactive regional strategy. It is imperative to promote a broad hemispheric dialogue on agri-food resilience that brings together governments, international organizations, producers, the financial sector, academia, and the private sector around a common agenda: developing anticipation capabilities to protect both agricultural production and life in rural areas. In this context, international technical cooperation, with its capacity for political and technical coordination and its relationships with governments, producers, companies, and international financial institutions, is uniquely positioned to promote regional cooperation agreements and proactive responses, as well as, if necessary, to coordinate aid and solidarity efforts to address emergencies. Among the public-private collaboration mechanisms that can be promoted are regional platforms for climate and agricultural coordination; agreements with fertilizer and logistics companies to ensure supply in vulnerable areas; innovative financial instruments in partnership with public and private banks; the expansion of climate insurance; and joint technological adaptation programs for small and medium-sized producers. Private sector participation is crucial for these strategies to be viable and scalable, given that chemical companies, agribusiness, banks, technology firms, and export chains play a fundamental role in the shared development of agricultural resilience. Strengthening early warning systems and transforming climate information into concrete decision-making tools must become a regional priority. Latin America and the Caribbean produce meteorological and agricultural data of immense value, but often that information does not reach producers in a timely manner. The widespread adoption of drought-resistant seeds and tools for efficient water management, combined with an agronomic management strategy that incorporates advanced technologies (such as GPS, drones, and sensors), should be among the other objectives of this coordination. The dual challenge posed by El Niño and the fertilizer crisis can also become an opportunity: that of building a new agri-food governance system based on regional cooperation, innovation, and foresight. Latin America and the Caribbean produce food for billions of people, both within and beyond their borders. Protecting this productive capacity is not merely an economic challenge. It is a strategic issue for development, rural stability, and global food security.