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Dominica is gearing up for the 24th annual World Creole Music Festival at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium from October 25th to 27th, 2024. This year’s festival will showcase a mix of performances from local, regional, and international artists, featuring diverse genres such as bouyon, cadence, reggae, dancehall, zouk, kompa, soca, and afrobeats. The festival will kick off on Friday, October 25th, with performances by Dominica’s Extasy Band and TK International alongside international acts T-Vice from Haiti, Nadia Batson from Trinidad and Tobago, Valiant from Jamaica, and Rotimi from Nigeria. Saturday, October 26th will see headline performances from Caribbean Music Awards People’s Choice, Asa Bantan; Caribbean Music Awards Artist of the Year in the Bouyon category, Mr. Ridge alongside Pudaz; Kassav from Martinique & Guadeloupe; Damien &; Stephen Marley from Jamaica; and Grammy Award Winner WizKid from Nigeria. Performers from St. Lucia, Umpa &; Subance will also take the stage. The final night, Sunday, October 27th, will feature Kai from Haiti, Dominica’s Signal Band and Midnight Groovers, Caribbean Music Awards Male Soca Artist of the Year Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Voice from Trinidad and Tobago and Tian Winter from Antigua. Gramps Morgan & Friends, Luciano and Dwayne Stephenson from Jamaica, and Fanny J from French Guiana will bring the festival to a close. Ticket Information:  Friday: Advance - EC$175 | At Gate - EC$200  Saturday: Advance - EC$250 | At Gate - EC$300  Sunday: Advance - EC$175 | At Gate - EC$200  Season Ticket Price: EC$450 | At Gate – EC$500 All tickets can be purchased online at www.dominicafestivals.com. Tickets can also be purchased in Dominica at Depex Color Lab, Bullseye Pharmacy and the General Post Office (opposite Roseau Ferry Terminal) from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 4 PM. Season tickets can be purchased in St. Lucia at The Cell outlets at Bay Walk Mall, William Peter Boulevard, Vieux Port and Soufriere; and in Antigua at Roti King on St Mary Street and Cool and Smooth on Market Street. The 2024 festival sponsors include the Presenting Sponsors, the Government of Dominica, and the Discover Dominica Authority. The Platinum Sponsor is Montreal Management Consultants Development Ltd. The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. is the Premier Bank of the World Creole Music Festival. Tropical Shipping is the Gold Sponsor, and Digicel (Dominica) Ltd. is the Silver Sponsor. Corporate Sponsors include FRS Express des Iles, Republic Bank EC Ltd., and Belfast Estate Ltd./Kubuli. Media Partners are DBS Radio, GIS Dominica, Kairi FM, Q95/WICE, Emo News, Vibes Radio, The Wave St. Lucia, RCI Guadeloupe & Martinique, NRJ, Bel Radio, GIS Antigua, and ABS Antigua. The Business Sponsors are Carib Beer, Pirates Ltd., Josephine Gabriel & Company Limited – Heineken Beer, Patty Shack Dominica, InterContinental Cabrits Resort & Spa, Fort Young Hotel, and Alliance Francaise.

By Ronda Luke Franklyn Peter Moses, the entertainment titan whose voice has been a staple on Dominica’s airwaves for over 35 years, has made a triumphant return to the spotlight. Known for his pioneering contributions to entertainment and comedy in the region, Moses has captivated audiences with his unparalleled charisma and talent. However, beneath his public persona, he faced personal battles that threatened to silence his vibrant spirit. Now, thanks to a revitalizing collaboration with the National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD) and the highly successful "All Jokes Aside" campaign, Franklyn is set to reignite his passion and make a powerful comeback. With his love for entertaining rekindled, he’s ready to inspire a new generation of fans. Franklyn’s Journey in Entertainment During an hour-long conversation filled with laughter, sadness and reflection, Franklyn recounted how his entry into the entertainment world was unplanned, yet it fulfilled a deep-seated desire to entertain. He began performing informally during his school days at St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), where he attended from 1978 to 1983. It was the late Principal Cuthbert Elwin who, impressed by his class antics, unexpectedly appointed him to emcee the Teenage Pageant and Calypso show. “I was like, are you kidding me? I started to get nervous because at the time I thought I could only do it for my class, but not in front of a crowd,” he recalled. “However, I went to the show, and with a bit of encouragement, I went on stage,” marking the start of his journey into comedy—a journey that would captivate many. Throughout his life, the applause and enjoyment of his audience have been his driving force. Despite facing criticism and negativity during his formative years—where he was judged for his appearance and capabilities—Franklyn says that he found motivation in the reactions of those who initially doubted him. As his performances grew more celebrated, he recognised his unique talent and launched his own comedy show, ‘Laughter in Fahrenheit,’ managing every aspect of the production himself. His career spanned the entire Eastern Caribbean, with performances in every country except Guyana, and even took him to international stages, showcasing his talent to audiences far and wide. His Battle with Bipolar Disorder While experiencing significant highs in his career, Franklyn has faced numerous lows over the years. He reflects on his lifelong struggle, revealing that something always felt amiss in his thinking. After performing, he would often feel a deep emptiness once the stage lights dimmed and the applause faded. He explained that on days when he felt overwhelmed and could barely muster the will to get out of bed, performing was his salvation, offering a momentary escape from his internal struggles. It wasn’t until 2008, upon his return from England, that he was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He likens his experience to the biblical passage from Second Corinthians 12:7, where the apostle Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” and God’s assurance that “my grace is sufficient for you.” “I consider myself like a Paul, where the Most High gives you something to keep you humble,” he said. “So, he blessed me with bipolar disorder,” the veteran entertainer added. “And that is something I do not wish on any of my enemies. God made me strong enough to carry it, not take it away. So that’s like my thorn in my side.” His battle led him to misuse substances like cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol in an attempt to silence the incessant negative chatter in his mind. Despite seeking relief through these means and eventually going to rehab, nothing seemed to quiet the tormenting voices. Franklyn candidly admits that during these dark times, he experienced severe insomnia, a lack of motivation, and overwhelming feelings of guilt. It was a profound struggle to find peace within himself. Ultimately, he had to accept that he was his own source of strength and solace, a mantra and his spiritual journey that helped him navigate through his challenges. Since his first admission to the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) in 2008, Franklyn has experienced periods of both inpatient and outpatient care. However, for over two years, he has been living there full-time, stepping away from the entertainment industry to focus on his mental health. Recently, though, a project with the NDFD reignited his passion for his craft. The Collaboration That Rekindled His Entertainment Passion Franklyn describes the call from NDFD as the spark that rekindled his passion for the spotlight. Working with the team, who showed exceptional patience and support through his “unfolding and awakening,” made him rediscover why he fell in love with entertainment in the first place. He notes that the project has allowed him to showcase his acting and comedic skills, as well as his TV and radio experience, all in one compelling form which he believes has revived his popularity across different ages. “Doing this, in that moment I realised how much I miss my entertainment. I miss radio commercials. I miss just the validation as one of Dominica’s creative minds,” he shared. “It made me so happy and that has been somewhat of a healing for me at this stage because the NDFD team planted the seed of I believe in you.” Seeing the public’s enthusiastic response to the advert, which has garnered over 60,000 views on Facebook, truly ignited something within him. “When people stop me on the street to laugh about the commercial, it’s a profound validation for me,” he says. “The reaction to our video on social media reaffirmed that I needed to dive back into this world because I thrive on positive feedback and knowing that people enjoy what I do.” While Franklyn highlights that he has worked on a few projects since his admission at the APU, he says the collaboration with NDFD has been exceptional. The “life changing” Campaign To gain insight into why Franklyn was chosen for this campaign, I spoke with Donald Bercasio, Head of the Business and Entrepreneurial Development Department and the Concept and Campaign Director for the initiative. Bercasio explained that the campaign required someone who was deeply relatable and connected to the Dominican public. He noted that Franklyn’s approachable personality, humour, and strong rapport with the community made him the ideal ambassador to amplify their message. “We also believe that Franklyn has a unique ability to engage and inspire audiences, which was crucial in effectively communicating the importance of entrepreneurship and small business development and why the NDFD is the best institution to assist in these areas,” he stated. “His performance not only brought our vision to life but also resonated deeply with the community, contributing significantly to the viral success of the ad.” The campaign director further asserted that entertainment icon remarkable journey and resilience mirror the values which they champion at NDFD— which includes overcoming challenges, seeking growth, and contributing positively to society. “The campaign’s tagline, ‘NDFD –helping people when others would not,’ emphasizes NDFD’s role as a lifeline for those who may struggle to find support elsewhere,” Bercasio stated. “The phrase “All Jokes Aside” underscores the seriousness of the challenges being addressed, positioning the campaign as both an authentic and impactful call to Action.” Other team members who collaborated with Franklyn, such as Demian Dumas, the Production Coordinator, described the experience as truly rewarding. He revealed that working alongside someone he had long admired for his humour and charisma was both a privilege and a joy. “From helping brainstorm the concept to developing the script and helping shape the overall vision, seeing it come to life and resonate so deeply with the Dominican public was incredible,” Dumas stated. Adding his voice, Cletus Joseph, Executive Director of the NDFD, highlighted that this collaboration perfectly aligns with the Foundations mission to empower and uplift the local community and by partnering with Franklyn, they sought to reach a wider audience and highlight the importance of entrepreneurship as a key path to both economic and social empowerment. A call to other Businesses When asked about his message to businesses and the community regarding the support of talent, especially in challenging times, the entertainment pioneer emphasized a critical issue in Dominica: the tendency to celebrate individuals when they are thriving, only to forget them when they face adversity. He called for a fundamental shift in this mindset, urging businesses and the broader community to provide unwavering support—not just when success is visible, but also when people are fighting through their hardest battles. What’s next for Franklyn Alongside his trusted and longtime friend, Matthias ‘Matt’ Peltier Jr., who picks him up daily from APU and has been a constant source of support, Franklyn is ready to dive into new ventures once again. One of his most eagerly anticipated upcoming projects is hosting the NDFD’s annual Creole in The Street event on October 18, an opportunity that has him brimming with excitement. In addition to cherishing his role as a proud grandfather, the comedy maestro is deeply committed to inspiring others who are battling mental health challenges. He hopes his journey will stand as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and the possibility for renewal. As he approaches his 60th birthday this December, with his passion for entertainment reignited, in the words of Franklyn, “Life has once again started for me.” Link to Franklyn’s most recent commercial with NDFD here https://www.facebook.com/NDFD.LTD/videos/993310535776191/ .

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security for the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that Kenesjay Green Ltd. (KGL), a key green energy Caribbean project developer, will conduct the Pre-Feasibility Work for the production of Green Ammonia via the utilization of geothermal energy from Dominica. This Pre-feasibility work will specifically concentrate on using geothermal energy to produce green hydrogen and will evaluate its potential in producing green ammonia. KGL’s scope includes the provision of technical and regulatory assessments focused on infrastructure, land, and environmental impact requirements associated with developing a green ammonia production complex. The Study will include a market assessment for green ammonia in various local, regional, and international destinations, including Trinidad and Tobago. This pre-feasibility study is a significant next step that reflects Dominica’s intent to leverage its geothermal resources for downstream industrial utilization as a critical pillar in the country’s economic transformation efforts. The partnership with KGL in this endeavour builds on the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and KGL to advance Dominica’s green industrialization efforts. It is an acknowledgement of the experience and expertise resident in Trinidad and Tobago as a significant global ammonia producer. The joint effort also makes tangible the vital role of regional market and resource collaboration in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Dominica Athletics Association is pleased to announce Race 2 of the Dominica Athletics Association Road Race series. The second of three (3) races is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 6 of October 2024, in Grandbay. All persons will be allowed to participate in their respective races in the following categories. Under 7,9,11 and 13 – 1K Under 15 - 2K Under 17 - 3K Under 20 and Above- 5K Registration begins at 2:00pm on the Pierre Charles Boulevard . Registration will be $1 per athlete. Additionally, there will be a President's challenge where a cash incentive will be given to athletes who surpass times set by the President of the DAA. We urge all persons to come down to Grandbay to support our athletes and also to participate in our Road Race series to test your endurance with chances to win prizes and surprises.

The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project – Project Implementation Unit under the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy hosted CSIRTAMERICA Week Dominica from September 24 – 27, 2024. The purpose of the training is to strengthen Dominica’s cyber capabilities through mentoring and specialized training related to the creation of a National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) as well as encouraging cooperative dialogue on Cybersecurity. The training is timely in that the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is in the process of establishing a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Cybersecurity infrastructure in Dominica. The four-day workshop was supported by the Organization of Americas States (OAS), Forum of the Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), and CSIRT Americas Network Team. The presenters Manuel Pérez Panero, Alejandro Sabolansky from the Organization of the Americas Cyber Security Team, Klee Aikem and Vamen Kini from Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and CSIRT Americas Network Team covered the following topics:  Incident Management, Detection and Triage  Identifying and Responding to Cyber Attacks  Technical Deep Dive into Malware, Hacking Tools and Techniques  Technical Deep Dive into Defense and Mitigation  Cybercrime and Legal Aspects In his address to the participants during the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emile Lancelot highlighted the fact that Due to the increase in these cyber-attacks, and the growing risks in cyberspace, establishing a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) that can manage coordinated responses, and have a national monitoring role of the state of threats, is necessary. Its establishment will enable Cybersecurity to be addressed and cyber resilience to be developed as a priority practice in all social and economic spheres. He further went on to state that the user is a contributor towards the risk of cyber-attacks. Ensuring that users are compliant with Cybersecurity requirements to protect information technology systems can be considered as one of the most important strategic objectives that can be implemented within Dominica. As services, businesses, and personal activities are being migrated online, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the security of our digital assets has become a national priority. The establishment of a fully functional CIRT will provide several key benefits, including: 1. Rapid Response to Cyber Attacks: With a trained team in place, Dominica will be better equipped to respond swiftly to breaches, thereby minimizing damage and recovery time. 2. Public Confidence in Digital Services: Citizens and businesses can engage in online activities with increased confidence, knowing there are mechanisms in place to protect their data. 3. Government Efficiency: Securing government systems ensures that essential services remain uninterrupted, maintaining the trust of the public and international partners. The Government of Dominica remains committed to ensuring that the CIRT is established in line with best international practices. The ongoing training is a vital part of this process while assuring the public that significant progress is being made. The strategies discussed at the training sessions will undoubtedly influence Cybersecurity policies and practices in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Six-year-old Ava Liburd from the Calibishie Primary School is the recipient of The Team Unity Lifetime Academic Scholarship (TULAS), valued at One Million Dollars ($1,000.000.00XCD). The scholarship is channeled through the H.O.P.E (Helping Ordinary People Everywhere) organization, and the first disbursement of funds was made in the 2024 school year. The official presentation took place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. TULAS is a one-off offer which marked the historic launch of TUD in the village of Calibishie on August 12, 2022. The scholarship amount was calculated based on the cost of schooling for the duration of the student’s academic life. The award is maintained with good standing, a positive grade-point average throughout the life of the award. The student must also be actively involved in social /community activities and shall volunteer his or her time to developmental causes. This scholarship, which is not transferable, is based on proven need and academic merit. Family support was also considered. The award is non-partisan, and TUD did not play a direct role in determining the awardee. TUD earlier expressed that an incoming 2023/2024 student should be considered, following the first year of schooling. Staff members of the Calibishie Government guided the selection process. This award is, therefore, a partnership between Team Unity, H.O.P.E organization, the Calibishie Government School, residents of Calibishie, and the wider Dominican community by extension. A scholarship agreement between TUD (the granting organisation), through H.O.P.E (Helping Ordinary People Everywhere) and LETISHA LIBURD & IAN GEORGE, Parents of AVA LIBURD (the receiver(s)/student) was signed during the official presentation. TUD is a fully established political entity which, according to Article 1 Clause 3 of our Constitution, aims to harmonize all efforts geared at garnering support for an electoral mandate which will form the basis for a renewed Dominica Legislative Agenda (DLA), and reform the country’s social, political and economic systems in the short and medium term. The children are our future, and the future is now.

Today, Discover Dominica Authority  announced a new non-stop flight from New York/Newark to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), operated by United Airlines. Beginning February 15, 2025, service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will operate on Saturdays, marking the second non-stop flight route from the United States to Dominica.   This significant decision by United Airlines follows extensive renovations and upgrades at Douglas-Charles Airport, including a 6,351-foot runway extension and the addition of runway grooving. These improvements not only accommodate larger aircraft but enhance safety and reduce the risk of flight cancellations. Additionally, the terminal has been upgraded to increase capacity and improve overall operational efficiency.   “The new service by United Airlines is a major step forward toward the island realizing the aggressive goal that it has set for itself and is part of the strategy being pursued in concert with the development of the new international airport,” said Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism. “This route will help alleviate the access constraints faced by the destination over the years.”   This new service will provide a significant boost to Dominica’s tourism industry by offering convenient, direct access to and from the tri-state area, one of the island's largest source markets in the United States. Looking ahead to 2025, Dominica will welcome several new hotels, adding nearly 500 rooms, 25% increase in hotel inventory, just in time for what is expected to be one of the destination's busiest travel seasons to date.   “This new service will enable Dominica to more fully capitalize on the increasing interest from travelers in visiting the destination,” said Ms. Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority. “The added capacity of the service will also enable US-based tour operators to more confidently book group travel to Dominica, sharing our product offerings with more travelers than ever before, including world-class scuba and free diving, hiking, wellness and cultural experiences.”   The launch of the new New York/Newark to Dominica flight coincides with Dominica’s iconic Mas Domnik Carnival, set for March 3-4, 2025. Known as the "Real Mas," this celebration stays true to traditional Carnival customs, featuring calypso music, Carnival competitions, and various activities leading up to two exciting days of festivities. Additional details about Dominica’s Mas Domnik Carnival will be released in the coming months.   “United is proud to partner with the Discover Dominica Authority to add beautiful Dominica to our leading global route network," said Matt Stevens, Vice President of International Network at United Airlines. “This addition further positions United as the airline of choice for customers looking to travel to unique destinations around the globe.”   To learn more about Dominica or to plan your trip, visit www.discoverdominica.com . Direct flights from New York/Newark to Dominica can be booked at united.com and on the United app.   Flights subject to government approvals.

The Rotary Club of Portsmouth led a series of impactful initiatives in September, promoting education, social well-being and health at the Savanne Paille Primary School, and environmental sustainability through its observance of World Rivers Day.   The Rotary Club of Portsmouth proudly hosted the Handing Over Ceremony for the newly installed playground equipment at the Savanne Paille Primary School, a joint project with the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, ON, Canada. The event, held on Friday 20th September, celebrated the instalment of safe, modern playground equipment designed to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being for the students. Rotary Club President McMarara Joseph highlighted the high quality of the equipment and encouraged students to take good care of it as well as expressed gratitude to all who assisted with the pilot project. He emphasised the importance of physical activity in combating childhood obesity and the desire of the Club to support other children in Dominica in a similar manner. With gratitude, Principal Ms. Juanita Carbon enthusiastically shared that the playground will enhance students’ cognitive, social, and physical development, providing a ‘safe space where the children can play’. In honour of International Literacy Day and in continued support to the Savanne Paille Primary School, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth organised a special book reading in partnerships with local author Mrs. Lisa Thomas, captivating students from Grades K and 1 with her engaging reading of her newly published book. This book titled, ‘With God I Can Do Anything’, is a story that encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities. The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the book’s powerful messages of faith, perseverance, and self-confidence, leaving a lasting impression on the young audience. In observance of World Rivers Day on September 22, 2024, the Rotary Club joined hands with the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security (P.A.Y.S.) to engage in an annual tree-planting initiative along the Indian River. This initiative, aligned with the global theme of river conservation, saw volunteers, including students and environmental advocates, community members and members of the Rotary Club planting Mahogany trees along the Indian River banks to enhance its ecosystem. World Rivers Day is an annual global event that raises awareness about the significance of rivers and the need to protect them from pollution and degradation. This tree planting initiative highlights an ongoing action that the club has undertaken in preserving the region’s natural beauty and supporting global efforts for environmental protection. Through these initiatives, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth demonstrated its commitment to education, environmental preservation, and the holistic development of the community's youth. The club remains dedicated to supporting projects that enhance the local ecosystem and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Our world today is plagued with diseases of all sorts; and conditions such as anxiety, discontent, worry, and grief; tend to sap one’s strength and break down the life forces, thereby inviting illnesses and ill-health. According to the Pan American Health Organization: “heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of illness and premature death in the Caribbean today. Most of these illnesses are caused by four modifiable risk factors; this means they can be controlled or changed. They are namely: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol.” The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of heart disease, stroke, and NCDs. The Dominica Diabetes Association encourages people to do regular screenings and health checkups. We are also asking persons to empower themselves through the acquisition and reading of meaningful health books which can lead to a greater understanding of positive lifestyle practices that can be incorporated to improve overall health and well-being. The Dominica Diabetes Association is pleased to announce that the IADPA Bookstore located on 34 King's Lane, in Roseau, is one of its new partners in combatting lifestyle diseases. At the IADPA bookstore, there are books for almost every disease and books that give insight on weight management, natural remedies, understanding food and others that explain the mind and body connection. Additionally, with every book purchased at the IADPA Bookstore, a contribution of $5.00 goes towards the fight against diabetes, hypertension and other NCDs. This is a win-win fundraiser that you and your family will be happy to participate in.

In a major step toward enhancing Dominica’s border management capabilities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica recently facilitated a comprehensive training on Document Examination and Forgery Detection. Held at the National Development Foundation of Dominica Ltd (NDFD) Conference Room on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the training was designed to equip government officials, law enforcement officers, and front-line personnel with advanced skills to identify counterfeit and forged documents. The event was led by Dr. Mohamed Awadalla, an internationally recognized Forgery Detection Consultant and Trainer with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Awadalla has held key positions, including General Manager of the Forgery Detection Department at Egypt’s Forensic Medicine Authority and Chief of the Forgery Detection Unit at the Forensic Lab in the RAK Police, UAE, bringing an extensive background of expertise to the session. As the first training of its kind in Dominica, this event underscored the nation’s dedication to strengthening its response to document fraud and human trafficking. Key topics covered in the training included: • Introduction to Forgery and Document Counterfeiting: Participants learned to classify various types of official documents, including IDs and passports, while gaining insight into common forgery practices. • In-Depth Analysis of Identification Documents: The training offered a detailed examination of ID documents and passports, focusing on materials, printing techniques, assembly processes, and security features. The use of biometric authentication methods was also discussed. • Forgery Detection Techniques: Practical sessions allowed participants to develop hands-on skills in identifying alterations and fraudulent features in IDs and passports. Dr. Awadalla expressed his enthusiasm for the session, stating, "The group was highly interactive, and it was a fantastic course. It was a long day, but I am very pleased with this group and excited that this was the first training of its kind in Dominica." IOM Dominica Head of Office Natasha Greaves added, "The impact of this training extends far beyond immediate outcomes; it signifies a broader commitment to resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement in our collective efforts to combat document fraud in Dominica." This training is part of IOM Dominica’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s capacity to detect and prevent human trafficking, document fraud, and other transnational crimes. By equipping government and law enforcement officials with critical forgery detection skills, Dominica is taking a significant step toward safeguarding its borders and maintaining the integrity of its institutions. The success of this initiative opens the door for future capacity-building collaborations between IOM Dominica and local government agencies.

The President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, DAH, is heading a high-level Dominican delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. President Burton will address the General Assembly on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 25th. The session is being held under the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.” World leaders will assess the progress made on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); discuss ways to overcome recent global shocks; and consider three action- oriented documents outlining a development path for the future, namely the ‘Pact for the Future’, the ‘Global Digital Compact’ and the ‘Declaration on Future Generations.’ Dominica’s delegation to UNGA 2024 includes First Gentleman Mr. Gilbert Burton; Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson; Dominica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E Philbert Aaron; Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E Kelver Darroux; Consular Sheldon Peter Anthony, and Assistant Superintendent of Police Valda Powell. In the absence of President Burton from the State, Her Excellency Josette Matthew will discharge the duties of Acting President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. -Ends-

Dominica Institute of Customer Service (DIOCS) is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated 2024 Service Excellence Awards and Conference – and this year, it’s bigger and better! According to Public Relations Officer – Loren Challenger the DIOCS has invited all stakeholders in the Public & Private Sector to not only rejoin us in this celebration of service excellence but to also nominate their star performers for the prestigious Service Star 2024 Award. At DIOCS, The mission to make a positive and lasting impact on the economic well- being of individuals and organizations across the Caribbean has taken on a new meaning with this years Elevate Your Service going for Gold Theme. By fostering a culture of exceptional customer service, The Institute hopes to empower our people to excel, driving growth and prosperity for the entire Island. As Dominica’s first membership-based organization dedicated to service excellence, DIOCS is committed to building national capacity in key service sectors. The vision is ambitious: to transform Dominica into a haven of Service Excellence. To achieve this, the Institute have undertaken several key initiatives, including the 30 Standards Service Charter, the Service Nation Campaign, and our flagship event—the Service Excellence Awards and Conference. What’s New This Year? This year, we’re proud to introduce the first-ever Customer Service Index (CSI), which will highlight Dominica’s Top 10 Leaders in Service Delivery. Additionally, the Biennial Gathering of Champions Conference will bring together industry leaders to share insights, celebrate outstanding achievements, and discuss the future of customer service in Dominica. With an exciting lineup of four inspiring speakers, this year’s conference promises to deliver invaluable insights. Plus, attendees will have the chance to win amazing giveaways, including the grand prize—an iPhone 13 Pro—with the purchase of their conference tickets! Service Star 2024 – Nominations will remain open to September 30th The Institute have asked ,embers of the private secure and general public to join the search by heling us find Dominica's Service Star 2024! Nominations for the Service Excellence Awards are now open, and we’re calling on businesses and individuals to recognize those who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional customer service Members of the public can Get involve by nominating service teams, and organizations or simply purchasing a conference ticket, and be part of the movement to elevate service excellence across Dominica.