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The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is strengthening national efforts to create healthier food environments in Dominican schools. The initiative forms part of a regional response to the alarming rise in childhood overweight and obesity- now affecting one in every three Caribbean children. Unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, fat, and ultra-processed foods continue to fuel non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death and disability across the region. To tackle this challenge, CARPHA and PAHO have jointly developed the Technical Recommendations for Nutrition Standards for Caribbean Schools, designed to guide countries in standardizing the foods and beverages sold or served in primary and secondary schools. These recommendations support the creation of healthier school environments by increasing access to nutritious meals and limiting unhealthy options. From November 20 to 24, 2025, under a Subsidiary Agreement between CARPHA and PAHO, Dominica will receive country-specific guidance and training to implement these standards, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term health outcomes. The initiative aims to support the development and strengthening of national nutrition standards for all foods provided and sold in schools and early childhood services. This effort directly contributes to achieving global targets to end all forms of malnutrition and reduce NCDs and obesity rates by 30% by the year 2030. The programme will:  Provide updates on regional food policy related to childhood nutrition.  Build understanding of the new CARPHA–PAHO technical recommendations and their importance for child health and development.  Strengthen practical skills in planning and preparing healthy school meals and snacks.  Improve food safety practices in school food environments.  Clarify roles and responsibilities of school food providers in creating healthier food settings.  Support the development of draft national nutrition standards through multi- sectoral collaboration. The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and ensuring that schools serve as spaces that promote healthy growth, learning, and development. This collaboration represents a major step forward in protecting future generations from preventable diseases and promoting a healthier, more resilient nation.

Executive Member of the Dominica Diabetes Association and Young Leader for Diabetes in Dominica, and Pharmacy Technician, Ms. Royette Charles, is on a mission to inspire hope among individuals living with diabetes. She is also calling on the wider Dominican public to make proactive lifestyle changes that can help prevent the onset of the illness. Ms. Charles emphasizes the importance of viewing diabetes as a serious health issue that requires consistent effort and discipline. She encourages those affected to adopt a more balanced lifestyle - prioritizing healthier food choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and staying committed to long-term wellness habits. She also noted that a healthy lifestyle is not just about prevention, but about empowering those already diagnosed to manage their condition effectively. According to Ms. Charles, maintaining proper routines can significantly improve overall well-being. Speaking to the media recently, Ms. Charles highlighted the need for diabetics to become comfortable and knowledgeable with using appropriate testing supplies. She believes that understanding how to properly monitor their condition is essential to better management and improved quality of life.

The Youth Development Division of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development will host its Short Course Certificate Ceremony on Friday, November 21, 2025, 2:30PM, at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital Amphitheatre. The event will celebrate the achievements of more than one hundred (100) young people who have successfully completed a series of eight-week training programmes across the island. These short courses, delivered between November 2024 and November 2025, were designed to equip young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with practical, marketable skills that support employability, entrepreneurship and personal development. The training was offered free of charge and spanned seven communities, with one programme delivered entirely online to ensure maximum accessibility. Participants will be recognized for completing one of nine specialized training areas: Small Electronic Repair, Basic Sewing, Canva & Photoshop Design, Financial Literacy, Beginner Videography, Digital Devices Maintenance & Repair, Digital Literacy and Public Speaking & Leadership Presence (online). All courses also integrated weekly Soft Skills Sessions focused on communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, work culture readiness, leadership presence, stress management and time management, ensuring a holistic approach to youth development. The Division anticipates that, as in previous cycles, many graduates will use their newly acquired skills to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, secure employment, or advance to higher-level training programmes. As part of its ongoing mandate, the Youth Development Division will continue expanding opportunities for young people through initiatives such as the Digital Literacy & Work Readiness Programme, the Heavy Equipment & Truck Operations Programme, and community-based leadership and life skills sessions. The Division looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Short Course graduates and reaffirms its commitment to supporting youth empowerment across Dominica.

“Sustainability is not charity, it’s smart business,” said the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett, at the opening of a vibrant UN and private sector forum this week. The event, hosted by the UN and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), brought together a variety of UN agencies [i] , the Government of Barbados, academics, international financial institutions and an impressive array of private sector entities from two-person micro enterprises to large hotels and banking and insurance giants. In addressing the central aim of the forum - to work together to deliver sustainable business and financing solutions in Barbados - it was agreed that businesses centring sustainability has become critical to their success. According to Springett, “Companies that embrace the Sustainable Development Goals are not only reducing risk, they’re unlocking new markets, attracting investments and ensuring the trust of consumers and employees alike.” The critical need to develop greater resilience in a country and region increasingly prone to extreme, often devastating, weather events such as recent hurricanes Melissa and Beryl, was also a key theme of the event. According to Paul Inniss, BCCI President, “For small island economies like ours, resilience is no longer optional, it is essential for competitiveness and sustainability.” He noted the importance of partnerships to ensure progress and success and stressed that the BCCI was the first Caribbean business chamber to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. He also highlighted work with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to build resilience in small businesses.    “We are all stakeholders in a future built on partnership, collaboration and shared prosperity… We have seen what is possible when the UN, Government and the private sector work hand in hand…Now it is time to chart the path forward.” The power of partnerships was also embraced by Honourable Kay S. McConney, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, who, while talking of boundless opportunities and emerging frontiers for the Barbados economy, highlighted the UNICEF-led Green Rising Initiative. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is the Global Chair of this climate action intervention and launched the Barbados national chapter in June 2025, with the aim of giving 5,000 young people training in green entrepreneurship.    “The Green Rising initiative is cultivating a new generation of climate-smart innovators and problem solvers,” said Minister McConney, adding, “It is designed to equip young people with the skills and the networks and the opportunities to participate directly in the green economy as entrepreneurs, as technicians, as scientists and as creative thinkers. The private sector can certainly play a pivotal role.” For Yolande Oliver, a manager at KPMG and one of the participants, the takeaway was clear. “For every solution, for every recommendation we put forward to a client, we need to ensure that it aligns with the SDGs, that the DNA of their operations speaks to sustainable growth so that their success is lasting and meaningful.  That’s one way I can give back to my community.” ----Ends--- [i]  International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Global Compact, UNICEF, UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women

The workshops aimed at boosting the island’s sustainable land management and climate resilience – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), recently hosted two Inception Workshops for the “Supporting Land Degradation Neutrality in St. Kitts and Nevis” Project Preparation Grant. The workshop marks the beginning of a collaborative process to design a full-scale project that will enhance the resilience of the island’s landscapes, safeguard ecosystems, and support communities in adopting sustainable practices to reduce land degradation. The workshop brought together 49 participants, 33 from Saint Kitts and 16 from Nevis comprised of government officials, technical experts, and key stakeholders to initiate the project’s design phase. The initiative aims to strengthen national efforts toward sustainable land management, climate resilience, and the achievement of Land Degradation Neutrality in line with international commitments. At the workshop in Saint Kitts, Hon. Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, delivered the opening remarks, noting that, “Land, humanity, culture, heritage and progress are interconnected and interdependent and for Saint Kitts and Nevis, guided by our Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), we must accomplish land management with sustainability and considerations of the present and future generations at the fore.  That is why this supporting Land Degradation Neutrality Project is timely, important and truly welcomed as a means of solution-building”.  She added, “With the materialization of the project's anticipated outputs, our nation will be taking some necessary steps forward and leaning into actions that are needs- specific, community-focused and nature-based.  I use this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to our international partners, the GEF and FAO for your agencies' continued support”. Meanwhile, in Nevis, Ms Rhosyll Milnes Gaskell, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered remarks on behalf of the island. She noted that, “A project like this can support us in multiple ways from strengthening policy and institutional frameworks to take effective action against land degradation, to promoting integrated management of land, forest, and water resources. It can also help reduce sedimentation, pollution, and flooding in lowland and coastal areas through better upland management. Additionally, the project encourages environmentally sustainable, income-generating activities such as ecotourism; builds local capacity to adapt to climate change and reduce vulnerability; and fosters the exchange of best practices and lessons learned across sectors and regions to enhance overall implementation.” Mrs Neila Bobb-Prescott, GEF Task Manager and Climate Finance Specialist with FAO Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean, who participated in both workshops, emphasized that, “The primary objective of projects like this is to enhance the quality of life for all. Through this initiative, FAO’s experts will support the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis in advancing toward their vision of a more prosperous and sustainable future.” During the workshop, the participants reviewed the GEF-approved project concept and discussed important matters such as ongoing national initiatives and stakeholder engagement, implementation and execution arrangements, the project preparation process and co-financing requirements, and a roadmap for next steps in project design and development. FAO technical experts, including Dr Cruz Ferro Vazquez, Soil Health and Sustainable Soil Management Consultant, and Ms. Lili Ilieva, Natural Resources Management Officer from the FAO Investment Centre in Rome, Italy, presented the project design and guided discussions on sustainable land and soil management approaches.

As another festive season draws near, Campari is making waves across the Caribbean with its ‘Red Passion Holiday Winningz; promotion. With activations currently taking place in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, St. Lucia, Grenada, and The Bahamas, Campari encourages consumers to celebrate with a chance to win big this holiday season. Each year, Campari inspires consumers to embrace the spirit of the holidays, whether its raising a glass at a favourite bar, sharing an intimate moment at home, or social moments with friends and family. In true Campari fashion, the brand is not only setting the tone for unforgettable experiences but is also engaging its consumers by giving back to them. “Campari is more than a brand, it’s an invitation to live passionately and celebrate boldly,” said Theresa Higgins-Edwards, Campari Export Manager. “This holiday season, we’re rewarding that passion by giving back to our loyal consumers who make every celebration unforgettable”. Until December 31 st , each purchase of Campari brings more reasons to celebrate. With every pour, consumers have the chance to win exciting weekly, monthly, and a grand prize, adding even more joy to the holidays. To participate in the festivities, consumers can purchase a 750ml/1litre bottle of Campari from participating supermarkets and wholesalers, to win weekly cash prizes, supermarket and gas vouchers and phone cards. Monthly prizes will include laptops, iPhones, and Samsung/Apple Watches. For the grand prize, one lucky winner per market will walk away with a furniture and appliance shopping spree, valued at US$3,500 or the cash equivalent, or utility bills covered at a value of US$2,400. “Across our Caribbean markets, we’ve seen how deeply Campari resonates with those who appreciate culture, connection, and energy,” added Higgins-Edwards. “With this campaign, we’re turning that connection into tangible rewards, making sure every pour this holiday season comes with the chance to win big”. Campari has always been about passion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, and the brand invites consumers across the Caribbean to toast togetherness, excitement, and bold living. When you choose Campari, you’re not just choosing a drink, you’re choosing passion, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

On November 13, 2025, the Rotary Club of Dominica proudly hosted a special ceremony, at the Dominica State College (DSC), marking the induction of new members into the Interact Club of the Dominica State College. The event celebrated the commitment of young leaders ready to embrace Rotary’s values of service, leadership, and community engagement.  During the ceremony, dozens of DSC students took the Interact pledge, officially becoming Interactors and joining one of Rotary’s most vibrant youth leadership programs. The Rotary Club of Dominica expressed its enthusiasm for the expanding partnership with the College and commended the students for their dedication to service above self. In addition to the induction, the Rotary Club of Dominica presented three academic scholarships  to qualified Dominica State College students. These scholarships were awarded based on academic excellence, community involvement, and demonstrated financial need. The recipients were recognized for their perseverance, strong character, and commitment to making a positive impact both on campus and within their communities.   ·         Reginald Gomez-Burke Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jonty Vidal, ·         Victor Josse Scholarship awarded to Carina Monica Harve, and the ·         John Archibald Scholarship awarded to Keturah Charles   The ceremony signified the Club’s ongoing commitment to youth development in Dominica, and the club’s commitment to supporting young people through leadership opportunities and educational support which is central to Rotary’s mission. Additionally, initiatives like the Interact Club and the scholarship program strengthen the island’s future by investing in promising young leaders. The Rotary Club of Dominica extends its appreciation to the administration of the Dominica State College for its continued collaboration and congratulates all new Interactors and scholarship recipients. The Club looks forward to seeing these young leaders grow, serve, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Dominica.

On November 19, Dominica joins the global community in commemorating International Men’s Day (IMD). This year, the nation will celebrate under the national theme, “From Boys to Leaders: Inspiring the Next Generation of Dominican Men”, aligning with the international theme, “Supporting Men and Boys.” International Men’s Day provides a global platform to highlight issues affecting men and boys, advocate for gender equality, and recognize their invaluable contributions to society. This year’s theme emphasizes mentorship, empowerment, and the nurturing of leadership skills among young men, supporting the government’s priorities of fostering positive masculinity, responsible leadership, and community service. The 2025 national observance of IMD seeks to:  Promote positive male role models and celebrate men’s contributions to families, communities, and national development.  Create safe platforms for men to discuss and address social issues affecting them, with the goal of achieving gender equality and social justice.  Encourage mentorship opportunities that foster personal and professional growth, empowering men to become strong community leaders and advocates for positive masculinity. As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is hosting the #MensDayDominica which encourages meaningful acts of recognition and support. The campaign invites participants to: 1. Wear blue, the international color for Men’s Day. 2. Post a photo of a man in their life on social media with #MensDayDominica to raise awareness. 3. Send a private message to a man in their life to express appreciation. All organisations are encouraged to participate and promote the campaign within their networks. By celebrating men and facilitating these positive and supportive interactions, they can help reduce isolation, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen social connections. The Ministry hopes that initiatives like this will continue to raise awareness of men’s and boys’ issues and remind men that they play a crucial role in achieving gender equality.

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently concluded a three-day strategic session dedicated to strengthening the tourism framework of the sister isles, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Led by Chief Executive Officer Stacey Liburd, Chief Marketing Officer Tornia Charles, and Quality Assurance Manager Keron Moore, the initiative reflected GTA’s continued commitment to inclusive development across the tri-island state. Over the three days, the GTA delegation hosted a series of interactive presentations and stakeholder meetings focused on sustainable growth, product enhancement, and market readiness. Key sessions included a Strategic Presentation outlining the GTA’s vision for the islands’ continued integration within the national tourism strategy; a Social Media Workshop highlighting digital marketing best practices; a Quality Assurance session emphasizing service standards; and a practical Marketing 101 module designed to help local businesses strengthen their promotional capacity and reach. A central feature of the programme was a stakeholder engagement tour in Petite Martinique, allowing the delegation to gain first-hand insight into the island’s tourism assets and the needs of local operators. The visit fostered open dialogue on service delivery, training and investment opportunities aimed at building greater resilience and visibility for the sister isles. “The development of Carriacou and Petite Martinique is fundamental to Grenada’s overall tourism growth,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority. "These sessions are about listening, sharing practical tools, and creating sustainable pathways that empower our industry partners on every island to thrive. Our goal is one cohesive tri-island product that celebrates diversity while delivering excellence.” One Carriacou service provider who participated in the sessions, expressed appreciation for the GTA’s renewed focus, “The quality of the presentations has been impressive and it was a much-welcomed opportunity to meet with GTA representatives to discuss important issues. There’s a real sense of forward momentum and I applaud the Authority’s determination to help raise standards and motivate continued growth.” The Grenada Tourism Authority remains committed to ongoing collaboration with tourism partners across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and will continue to build capacity, drive innovation and ensure sustainable tourism growth throughout the tri-island state.

By René Orellana Halkyer, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is a reality that is reshaping agrifood systems and compromising global food security. Its impacts are evident in both the quantity and quality of food, affecting agricultural yields, water availability, pest emergence, disease spread, and fundamental processes such as pollination. Even changes in atmospheric CO₂ concentration are altering crop biomass and nutritional value. In 2024, climate shocks were the main driver of food crises in 18 countries, affecting 72 million people experiencing high levels of food insecurity. Hurricane Mellisa, which struck Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, is a recent example of the severe effects these events have on agrifood systems. Over the past five decades, climate change has reduced global cereal yields by 2%- 5%; in Latin America alone, maize yields have declined by around 5%. Since 1961, climate change has reduced global agricultural productivity by 21%, which is equivalent to losing seven years of progress. These figures make one conclusion clear: it is urgent to rethink and transform agrifood systems by accelerating mitigation and adaptation measures. But doing so requires addressing a critical financing gap. Despite the urgency, in 2023 only 4% of climate-related development financing was allocated to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. This imbalance threatens the ability of the most vulnerable countries to adapt and transition toward sustainable production models. If we truly want agrifood systems that are more sustainable and resilient, climate financing must prioritize agriculture and the livelihoods of rural communities. Without sufficient resources, international commitments will remain words on paper rather than concrete results. In this context, COP30 is decisive. The promotion of agroforestry projects in the Amazon, which restore degraded lands and directly benefit local communities, is a fundamental element for the sustainability of ecosystems related to food and agriculture. The presentation of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), led by Brazil with support from the World Bank, proposes an innovative model to finance global forest conservation, seeking to mobilize USD 25 billion from countries and USD 100 billion from private investors. This approach shows that sustainability can also be an economic opportunity when there are vision and commitment. The early approval of the COP30 agenda demonstrates political will to advance on climate financing, energy transition, adaptation, and resilience. The challenge now is to turn commitments into concrete targets, with clear deadlines and real resources. History has shown that promises without action do not feed anyone. At FAO, we are promoting strategies that combine mitigation and adaptation, such as integrated fire management, whose Call to Action was launched at this COP under the leadership of Brazil and with the support of 50 countries. COP30 arrives at a crucial moment to place agriculture, food, and the role of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities at the center of global discussions. The future of food, sustainability, and global stability depends on COP30 being more than a Summit: it must be the beginning of a new era of climate action centered on agrifood systems.

DDA showcases the island’s evolving culinary tourism product through authentic dishes and cultural experiences — Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will participate in the closing night of the 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival on November 22. The festival runs from November 11–22 and is recognized as one of the Caribbean’s leading culinary showcases, attracting chefs, food enthusiasts and tourism professionals from across the region. Dominica’s closing-night presentation will spotlight the island’s Creole food traditions and its expanding food-culture tourism product. The delegation will be led by Chef Nyanda, who will conduct live culinary demonstrations and Marketing Executive for the Caribbean Ms. Makerah George, who will engage festival partners, promote Dominica’s offerings and highlight the destination’s growing reputation for authentic culinary experiences. Chef Nyanda will present two signature dishes that reflect both the heritage and innovation of Dominican cuisine: • CodfishSancochewith Smoked Chicken • CalallooRosemary Vinaigrette and Dasheen Croquettes with Spicy Mango Chutney The dishes feature bold Caribbean flavors paired with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing Dominica’s creativity, sustainability and deep connection to its natural environment. “This festival provides an excellent opportunity for Dominica to showcase its unique food culture and reinforce our position as a destination where nature, culture and cuisine seamlessly blend,” said Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority. “Through our participation, we aim to share the authentic flavors and stories that make Dominica a true standout in regional gastronomy.” Alongside the demonstrations, Dominica’s booth will feature local confectionaries, rums and destination brochures, offering visitors a broader glimpse into the island’s traditions and diverse tourism experiences. Dominica’s participation aligns with DDA’s commitment to strengthening culinary tourism as a key pillar of destination marketing. The St. Martin Gastronomie Festival provides an ideal platform to deepen partnerships, increase visibility and position Dominica as a compelling culinary destination within the region.

The 4th Annual Dive and Conservation Festival concluded another successful edition, following a week of immersive activities that celebrated Grenada’s rich marine biodiversity, sustainable tourism and community-led conservation efforts. The festival opened with a ceremony at Mount Cinnamon Resort, where sponsors, partners, and participants gathered in a shared spirit of excitement and environmental stewardship. Hosted by Shanai St. Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), the launch underscored the festival’s mission to highlight the island’s marine beauty while advancing education and awareness on conservation. “This festival brings together people who share the common love of the ocean and conservation. It’s about learning, exploring and protecting the beauty that surrounds us. Every dive, every conservation effort contributes to something greater, ensuring that Grenada’s marine environment continues to thrive for years to come,” said Shanai St. Bernard, Nautical Development Manager at the GTA. Throughout the week, participants explored the interconnectedness of conservation, innovation, and sustainability through field visits and hands-on experiences. Highlights included a sea moss farming demonstration showcasing sustainable cultivation practices that support coastal livelihoods; a dive at the “World Adrift” sculpture park in Carriacou, focused on reef rehabilitation; and an Endangered Grenada frog sighting at Grand Etang, which spotlighted Grenada’s remarkable biodiversity. The festival also featured Conservation Conversations, a conference that brought together students, sustainability experts and conservationists for open dialogue and learning. The session included a screening of ‘Open Season’, a documentary chronicling efforts to protect Grenada’s sea turtle population. “The knowledge shared and the work accomplished each year at the Dive and Conservation Festival are truly invaluable,” said Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA. “Grenada is blessed with extraordinary marine ecosystems and rich biodiversity, treasures we are proud to showcase, but also deeply committed to protecting. This festival embodies that mission - the protection and sustainability of our environment for generations to come.” The week concluded with mangrove restoration and birdwatching activities in Woburn Mangrove Boardwalk, where participants joined local conservationists to plant seedlings and observe the diverse wildlife that thrives within these ecosystems. Through each activity, the Dive and Conservation Festival reaffirmed Grenada’s standing as both a premier dive destination and a regional leader in sustainable marine tourism.