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Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre will present the 2024/2025 budget at the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Eleventh Parliament on Friday, July 26, 2024. The proposed Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, amount to one billion four hundred and eighty-six million, nine hundred and fifty-one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three dollars (EC$1,486,951,793.00). Parliament will also seek authorization to borrow by means of overdraft from financial institutions as well as authorization for an additional credit facility from the International Development Association (IDA) for funding of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project. A resolution to amend the Value Added Tax Schedule is also on the agenda. At this meeting, Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton D.A.H will deliver her inaugural address to the Parliament. The proceedings of the House will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live by your preferred mediums. -Ends-

The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Directors following the successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July 20, 2024. The meeting convened beekeepers from across the island and key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy underscoring the Government’s commitment to advancing apiculture on the island. Mr. Ryan Anselm, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, reaffirmed Honourable Minister Royer’s steadfast support for the development of apiculture on the island, pledging resources and collaborative efforts to enhance beekeeping practices and promote sustainable agricultural practices, and announced plans to allocate lands specifically to beekeepers for the establishment of apiaries aiming at increasing individual apiaries to 100 hives. On July 22, 2024, the board convened for its first meeting where key leadership positions were determined among its nine elected Directors. The newly elected Board of Directors and their respective positions are as follows: • President: Mr. Kevin James; • Vice President: Mr. Nathaniel Lowel; • Public Relations Officer (PRO): Ms. Vernella Orlé; • Treasurer: Mr. Leroy Cyprien; • Secretary: Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul; • Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Cyril Robinson; • Members: Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, Mr. Berlvin Gardier. Mr. Kevin James, elected as President, brings a wealth of experience and a bold vision to the helm of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. His dedication to promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and enhancing the role of beekeepers in agricultural ecosystems is evident. Under his leadership, the cooperative will continue to develop plans for the inaugural 'Honey in the Town' initiative. This event will aim to not only increase awareness on apiculture but also educate the public on the crucial role bees play in our environment. "I am honored to lead this esteemed group of individuals who share a deep commitment to the well-being of bees and the advancement of our cooperative, together with this new Board of Directors, I am confident we will achieve significant milestones in promoting beekeeping awareness and expanding our membership base." said Mr. Kevin James, President of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Mr. Nathaniel Lowel, assuming the role of Vice President, as a seasoned beekeeper himself brings strategic acumen and a passion for environmental conservation to the board. Ms. Vernella Orlé, elected as the Public Relations Officer, will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and public engagement of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Her knowledge in communication and community outreach will ensure advocacy for apiculture. Mr. Leroy Cyprien, elected as Treasurer, brings a robust financial background and his meticulous approach and dedication will support the operational efficiency and long-term sustainability of the cooperative. Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul, serving as Secretary, will manage administrative duties and ensure smooth coordination within the board. Mr. Cyril Robinson, assuming the role of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, will support Ms. Paul in administrative tasks while assisting Mr. Cyprien in financial management responsibilities. The newly elected Members, Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, and Mr. Berlvin Gardier, bring diverse perspectives and valuable expertise to the board. Their collective experience in beekeeping and agriculture, will enrich discussions and decision-making processes within the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. extends its gratitude to the outgoing board members for their dedication and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders in furthering the goals of sustainable beekeeping practices.

Cancer has emerged as one of the most formidable health challenges of the 21st century. Its rise in prevalence is alarming, with the World Health Organization estimating that cancer is responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, making it the second leading cause of death globally. Several factors contribute to the increasing burden of cancer. Firstly, population aging plays a significant role. As life expectancy increases, so does the incidence of cancer, as it predominantly affects older individuals. Secondly, lifestyle changes, including unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, are major risk factors. The modern lifestyle, with its high-stress levels and exposure to environmental pollutants, further exacerbates the situation. The complexity of cancer lies in its many forms and behaviors. Over 100 types of cancer exist, each requiring a unique approach to treatment. Advances in medical research have led to better understanding and new therapies, such as immunotherapy and personalized medicine, which offer hope. However, these treatments are often costly and not universally accessible, creating disparities in outcomes between different socioeconomic groups and regions. The economic impact of cancer is profound. The cost of treatment, coupled with the loss of productivity, places a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Developing countries, in particular, struggle with limited resources and infrastructure to effectively combat the disease. Despite these challenges, global efforts are underway to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about risk factors and promote early detection through screenings. Research continues to explore new frontiers in oncology, seeking to turn cancer into a manageable chronic condition. In conclusion, while cancer’s grip on global health is tightening, the collective efforts of the medical community, governments, and society offer a glimmer of hope. Through continued innovation and equitable access to care, the fight against cancer is far from over, and progress is being made toward a future where it can be effectively controlled and eventually conquered.

The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has started its public consultation to agree on a suitable WACC for the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC). A consultation document has been published for stakeholders’ comments and sets out the Commission’s and DOMLEC’s determinations on the WACC. A face-to-face consultation is also scheduled for August 14, 2024, at the Dominica Public Service Union Building, where representatives of IRC and DOMLEC will make presentations on that matter. The outcome of this public consultation will result in the IRC’s final decision on the WACC. The WACC represents the return the company must achieve to satisfy investors, including both debt and equity holders. This return will guide the compensation shareholders of DOMLEC will receive for the capital that is invested in its regulatory assets, that are used for providing the service to its customers. This WACC will be utilized in the tariff calculations for the three-year tariff period. This is the second public consultation related to the Electricity Tariff/Rate Review. The other critical proposals to be decided by IRC before new electricity rates are considered will be DOMLEC’s five-year investment plan, revenue requirement, rate base, load research and cost-of-service calculations. Finally, the rate proposal will present the new rates that customers will pay for the three-year tariff period. The consultative document on DOMLEC’s WACC can be accessed on https://www.ircdominica.org/consultative/. IRC’s proposed decisions, along with the relevant consultation questions, start on page 17. Stakeholders have until August 16, 2024, to provide responses. IRC will publish its final decision on September 27, 2024.

Her Excellency Mrs. Athenia Benjamin, Dominica's Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs, delivered an inspiring address to the attendees of the 2024 community launch of the 2024 Wesley Reunion, emphasizing the theme "La We Konnek." She highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration within the community of Wesley, both at home and abroad. Speaking at the July 7th event she posited “ It is reunion time again. Our Theme for this Reunion 2024 is 'La We Konnek.' I will say to us here today who are within the sound of my voice, let all of us connect to make Wesley the unified community where each and every one of us, regardless of where we reside, can come together to ensure that our community of Wesley progresses. Further she stated “we are situated in the best piece of real estate in Dominica and are positioned to excel and do well. The onus is on every one of us to take advantage of all the opportunities before us. We should, as a community, seek to uplift those among us who have the potential to do well.” The Ambassador who is also from Wesley further highlighted that Wesley residents throughout the globe have the expertise, skills, and abilities amongst the many professionals that the village has produced to help push the community forward. Ambassador Benjamin noted her conviction that the vision behind the theme, 'La We Konnek,' includes: 1. Connecting in areas of education where our students will excel. 2. Connecting in the area of health to sensitize our residents to healthy habits, continuing to produce centenarians and introducing healthier lifestyles to enjoy the fruits of our labor. 3. Connecting as mentors to our young people in career paths to encourage and motivate them to succeed. 4. Connecting with the elders of our community to learn from their life experiences and enhance our own quality of life. 5. Staying connected to build on the gains we have made, such as the Wesley Diaspora's commitment to the rehabilitation of Cabana, which will provide employment opportunities for residents. She made a call to residents at home that as the local reunion committee routinely asks for help with community development projects to join in and be supportive. The Wesley Reunion Committee invites everyone to participate and support the upcoming reunion activities, aimed at strengthening the bonds within the community and fostering growth and development.

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The Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) proudly presents four (4) athletes who will be representing the Commonwealth of Dominica at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Dominica’s team of athletes, consisting of two males and two females, mirrors the gender balance that will be achieved at Paris 2024 as for the first time in history, Paris 2024 will have an equal number of men and women competing and will represent the first time in 24 years that Dominica has competed in another sport besides Athletics at the Olympic Games. The following short biographies highlight the athletes and the composition of the officials. ATHLETICS Thea Lafond Gadson Mrs. Thea Lafond Gadson, who hails from the community of Mahaut and is based in the USA, will be competing in the female Triple Jump. Mrs. Lafond Gadson is Dominica’s first Indoor World Champion and has also qualified for two World Championships and Two World Indoor Championships. Additionally, she has won Commonwealth Games Bronze & Silver medals, a PanAmerican Bronze medal and several other awards, proving herself to be a true podium contender for Paris 2024. Mrs Lafond Gadson qualified for Paris 2024 by meeting the entry standard. In March 2024 she achieved a personal best of 15.01 meters at the 2024 Indoor World Championships which surpassed the qualification standard of 14.55m. Since the opening of the Athletics Qualification period which ran from 2023 - 2024 Mrs. Lafond Gadson surpassed the entry standard on eight (8) occasions and is currently ranked 4th in the world. This shall be Mrs. Lafond Gadson's 3rd consecutive Olympic Games and she is also a holder of a Paris 2024 Olympic Scholarship funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and facilitated by the DOC. Dennick Luke Mr. Dennick Luke, who hails from Portsmouth, is currently completing his tertiary education in Jamaica. Mr. Luke secured a universality placement in the discipline of 800m. Despite not achieving the qualification mark, the IOC Games regulations, which support the development of participation of all National Olympic Committee’s, allow for the placement of at least one Athletics athlete in each gender if none are able to achieve the qualification mark which is referred to as the Universality Placement. After a lengthy process conducted by the DOC and the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association, guided by the rules of the World Athletics Organization and Paris 2024, which limited the universality placement for 800m to only three (3) persons worldwide per gender, Mr. Luke was successful in his application. Since the opening of the Athletics Qualification period which ran from 2023 - 2024, Mr. Luke achieved two (2) personal bests, with the most recent being in June 2024 with a mark of 1:47.36 which is also a National Record. This shall be Mr. Luke’s 2nd consecutive Olympic Games and he is also a holder of a Paris 2024 Olympic Scholarship funded by the IOC and facilitated by the DOC. SWIMMING Warren Lawrence Mr. Warren Lawrence, who resides in Switzerland, will be making his Olympic debut and is Dominica’s first male swimmer since 2000. Mr. Lawrence secured a universality placement in the 50m freestyle. Despite not achieving the qualification mark, the IOC regulations, which support the development of participation of all National Olympic Committees, allows for the placement of at least one Swimming athlete in each gender if none are able to achieve the qualification mark once select requirements are met, which is referred to as the Universality Placement. Mr. Lawrence competed in the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in the 50m freestyle where he achieved his personal best of 24.51 which is also a National Record. Mr. Warren Lawrence is the son of Dominica Olympian, Woodrow “Woody” Lawrence who also competed in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games in the 50m freestyle. Warren lived most of his life in Dominica and attended school from early childhood, including the Sheba Care and Riverbank preschools, then moved on to the Pioneer Preparatory and later St. Lukes Primary Schools. He attended his early days of high school at the Community High and then transferred over to the Saint Mary's Academy. Warren participated actively in swimming with Dr. Jenny Allport-Williams and his first coach was Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis, who is also the current Secretary of the Dominica Swimming Association. He was also a member of the Dominica Fencing Association and participated in several local training and tournaments. In 2017 after hurricane Maria, Warren and his mother returned to Switzerland. In 2018, Warren joined the Kreuzlingen Swim Club and has developed into an Elite level swimmer competing at various Swiss and European level competitions and championships. Jasmine Schofield Ms. Jasmine Schofield, who resides in the USA and returns to Dominica consistently, will be making her Olympic debut as Dominica’s first female swimmer since 2000. Ms. Schofield secured a universality placement in the 50m freestyle. Despite not achieving the qualification mark, the IOC Games regulations, which support the development of participation of all National Olympic Committees, allow for the placement of at least one Swimming athlete in each gender if none are able to achieve the qualification mark once select requirements are met, which is referred to as the Universality Placement. Ms Schofield recently competed in the 2024 36th CCCAN Championships in Mexico and swam a new personal best and National record of 30.26 seconds in the 50m freestyle, breaking the time of 30.60 she swam in Doha at the World Championships in February. Additionally, Ms. Schofield has recently been awarded a World Aquatics scholarship and will be training at the Thanyapura Training Center in Thailand starting in September. Ms. Jasmine Schofield is the daughter of Dominica Olympian Francilia Agar Schofield, who also competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in the 50m freestyle. GENERAL TEAM OFFICIALS The Dominica team will be led by Chef de Mission Mr. Woodrow Lawrence, supported by Team Leader, Mr. Brendan Wiliams and Olympic Attache, Shelly-Ann Meade. They will be accompanied by: Athletics Coach, Aaron Gadson; Swimming Coach, Gino Deflorian; Francilia Agar Schofield, Swimming Coach for the Panam Mulhouse Camp; Press Attaché, Garvin Richards and Physiotherapist, Kala Flagg. Mr. Billy Doctrove, President of the DOC, and Mrs. Fenella Wenham Sheppard, Secretary General of the DOC, will complete the team. The DOC would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the four aforementioned athletes and extend our full support to them in Paris 2024. We would like to assure Dominica’s athletes that not only the DOC, but the entire country, will be supporting you as you step onto the International Sporting stage. The DOC would also like to thank Panam Sports for making it possible for the athletes and coach to attend a Pre-Games Training Camp to assist in acclimatization and to further bolster their final preparations. This training camp will be held in Mulhouse, France and will cater to countries from the Panam region in over twenty (20) sports including Swimming. Ms. Jasmine Schofield, accompanied by Coach Francilia Agar Schofield, will be participating in this camp. GAMES BACKGROUND The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will commence with an Opening Ceremony on 26th July and officially end on 11th August 2024. Paris is the main host city, with select events held in surrounding cities in France. The Games will feature 329 events in 32 sports with 206 nations participating with 10,672 athletes.

The Wesley Village buzzed with excitement and nostalgia as villagers and online patrons gathered for the official launch of the 2024 Wesley Reunion activities. The event, held on Sunday, July 7th, marked the beginning of a series of celebrations leading up to the main reunion from December 20th to 29th, 2024. Key addresses were delivered by Ms. Janelle Burnette-Yarde, Coordinator of the Wesley Reunion 2024, and Ms. Revelyn St John, President of the Wesley Reunion 2024 Committee, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable event. Ms. Janelle Burnette-Yarde: Celebrating Community and Connection Ms. Janelle Burnette-Yarde's address resonated deeply with the attendees as she highlighted the significance of the reunion. “As we gather here today, we celebrate the launching of our community reunion with a sense of excitement and nostalgia. This is a special moment to reflect on our shared experiences, reconnect with old friends, and look toward the community’s future,” she began. She emphasized the profound impact that the community of Wesley has had on its members, fostering lifelong friendships and providing unwavering support. “We have all continued to grow and learn throughout our lives, and we have made a difference in the community & world at large in our unique ways,” she continued. “As we look to the future of this reunion, it fills us with hope and optimism.” Ms. Burnette-Yarde called for a celebration filled with joy and gratitude, urging everyone to reconnect with old friends and families. She concluded her speech with a heartfelt message: “Here’s to reminiscing, reconnection, and reliving the magic we once created together as a community. May it be just the beginning of renewed connections that will inspire and enrich our community. Cheers to our reunion, to bringing back our community unity and its limitless potential.” Ms. Revelyn St John: Unity and Heritage Ms. Revelyn St John, President of the Wesley Reunion 2024 Committee, followed with a powerful speech that underscored the resilience and unity of the Wesley community. “It is an honor to stand before you today as the president of the Wesley Reunion Committee 2024. As we gather this afternoon in our beloved community and connect through social media, I am constantly reminded of how grateful I am to come from Wesley. Our roots run deep, and our bonds are unbreakable,” she said. She highlighted the community’s ability to overcome challenges, emphasizing the theme of the reunion, 'La Wi Konnek,' which means 'Let's Connect.' “Wesley people are overcomers. We, Wesleyans, can achieve great things when we unite and work together,” she stated. Ms. St John called on the community to come together to bring peace, joy, and harmony to Wesley. She celebrated the rich tapestry of the village, woven together by prominent family names that form the fabric of the community. “I am asking that we come together as one people to bring peace, joy, and harmony to our village. Wesley, let us connect—La Wi Konnek—this December 20-29, 2024. This reunion is not just an event; it is a celebration of our shared heritage, our resilience, and our unity,” she urged. Looking Forward to December The launch event set the stage for the upcoming reunion activities, which will culminate in a grand celebration in December. The Wesley Reunion 2024 promises to be a time of reconnecting, celebrating shared heritage, and fostering unity within the community. For the latest updates and more information, follow the Wesley Reunion on social media at @WesleyReunionDA.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services wishes to inform that dental services at the Roseau Dental Clinic have resumed operations as of July 11th, 2024. After a temporary closure due to an electrical fire, the technical team has resolved the issues, and the Ministry is excited to welcome patients back. Clinic hours continue as follows: Monday to Friday: 8am – 3pm To schedule an appointment, or make inquiries, please visit us at the Roseau Dental Clinic at its location on Bath Road (former Campbell’s building) or 266 5808. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services appreciates your patience and understanding during the brief, yet untimely, suspension of services and looks forward to continue serving you.

A final call to action is being issued for young individuals from ages 16 to 35, encouraging them to apply for the 2024 cohort of the National Youth Parliament of Dominica. This initiative aims to engage and empower Dominican youth, providing them with a unique opportunity to shape the future of Dominica through meaningful discussions, legislative proposals, and insights into the parliamentary system. Application for NYP was officially open on Monday, October 23rd, 2023 and all interested individuals who have not applied are urged to send all applications by Wednesday, July 31st 2024. Applications are to be submitted using the official digital form which can be found on the National Youth Council’s Facebook page at National Youth Council of Dominica or on Instagram at nycdomnica. Applicants can also contact the NYCD office at 767-448-6944. The National Youth Parliament of Dominica offers a dynamic platform for young Dominicans to voice their opinions, share their ideas and actively contribute to the nation's development. It is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with an interest in politics, law, and social sciences, and anyone with a passion for positive change. Participation in the National Youth Parliament offers numerous benefits to Dominican youth, including gaining practical experience in parliamentary procedures and debate, developing leadership and public speaking skills, networking with like-minded young leaders from across Dominica, contributing to discussions on critical national issues, and ultimately making a positive impact on the country's future. For further information and the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to follow the National Youth Council on Facebook at National Youth Council of Dominica, on Instagram at nycdomnica or call the NYCD office at 767-448-6944. The National Youth Parliament of Dominica invites young citizens to actively engage in the country's governance and make a meaningful difference. Every voice counts!

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services regrets to inform the public that dental services at the Roseau Dental Clinic located on Bath Road have been temporarily disrupted due to unanticipated electrical issues. The electrical issues stem from a small electrical fire which occurred during the work day on Monday 8th July 2024. As a result, all dental procedures for the day were immediately halted. This prompt decision was taken, firstly, to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff and secondly, to prevent damage to the very sensitive dental equipment. As such, clients holding appointments scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2024 are advised that these appointments have been postponed. The electrical division has made assessments and the technical team is working diligently to resolve the issue and restore full functionality within twenty-four (24) hours. Once services have been restored, patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted directly by the administrative team to reschedule. The Ministry understands the importance of uninterrupted dental care and is committed to resolving this issue swiftly. Regular updates will be provided via local media and the Ministry’s social media. The Roseau Dental Clinic has been serving the community with comprehensive dental care for over 40 years. The team comprises of experienced dental professionals dedicated to providing outstanding dental services in a friendly and comfortable environment. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding and patience during this time.