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The Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership and Small Business Development is hosting a Creole Attire & Accessories Exhibition and Sales, an event that focuses on showcasing and selling Dominica’s traditional and contemporary creole clothing and accessories. This exhibition will be held downstairs the Government Headquarters commencing Friday September 20, 2024; and will also be held on the following three (3) consecutive Fridays: September 27, October 4 and October 11, 2024. The exhibition will commence from 9am daily and end at 5:00pm This event serves both cultural and economic purposes, aiming to sustain the creole fashion tradition while supporting our local talent and businesses. The ultimate objectives are to promote a rich cultural heritage through its traditional and modern fashion and support local small businesses by providing a platform for local designers and artisans to showcase their work and reach a broader market. Exhibits on display and for sale will comprise of display of creole garments like madras fabric attire, and modern creole-inspired designs such as brooches, fascinators, clutches, bags, hats, jewelry and footwear. In addition, on each Friday, we will provide the opportunity for a food vendor to prepare and sell some of our locally made foods including roast breadfruit and codfish, cassava bread/cakes, coconut products and confectionaries to name a few Picture copyright VNG.

Acclaimed jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud has been announced as a winner in the Jazz category of the 2024 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA). The annual awards showcase global talent across a variety of genres, celebrating musical excellence from artists around the world.   Marie-Claire, originally born on the island of Dominica and raised in the Bronx, New York City, is elated to receive this honor.  "To win “Best of America Jazz at the for my original song CHASIN’ RAINBOWS is beyond wonderful because winning means more people will hear my song which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams.” said Marie-Claire.   The 2024 competition saw submissions from over 55 countries- underscoring the diversity and unity that the awards strive to promote. The final list of 116 winners included artists across genres like Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz. Entries were also categorized by geographic regions, highlighting talent from Africa, Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.   "We weren’t just celebrating individual melodies but a harmonious global symphony, where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories," remarked Shahed Mohseni, Founder & Executive Director of ICMA.   The ICMA judges, comprising a panel of experts from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries, evaluated entries based on their originality, message, melody, harmony, composition, and production quality. Winners, including Marie-Claire, will receive career-enhancing rewards such as scholarships to the DIY Music School’s Music Industry Online Course, personalized mentoring sessions with ICMA judges, promotional support, and official award certificates.   Marie-Claire is currently recording her Jazz album, CARAVAN, with Plaid Dog Recording.   It is expected to be released by late October 2024. A familiar face on jazz stages, she regularly performs with pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge- owned by Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli and his wife Victoria.  Prior to that, her one-woman show, "The Great American Songbook at the Movies," was a staple at Parker’s Thompson Hotel Central Park, where she would sometimes be accompanied by renowned pianist Lee Musiker and other talented musicians.   Recently Marie-Claire performed in Honolulu at the Hawaii Classical Music International Competition Winner’s Concert and headlined a sold-out show in Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series. Before that, she debuted in her first film, $FREE99, which will be featured at major upcoming film festivals. She made her off-Broadway debut in 2022 when she starred in Tennessee Williams’ one-act play “Hello From Bertha.”   Marie-Claire's diverse career also includes performances at iconic venues like the Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, New York City Hall, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, and Small’s Jazz Club in Jamaica. She has graced stages at international festivals, including Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival.   A recipient of the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and an award for her career achievements and community service from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Marie-Claire is a soprano who sings Opera, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and is also a songwriter. She has also been honored with citations from the New York State Senate, New York City Hall, and the United Nations.   Stay tuned for more news and updates on Marie-Claire's upcoming performances in the U.S. and abroad by visiting her official website marie-clairegiraud.com . - Marie-Claire is represented by the Kenneth Carol Agency.   -END-

The Dominica Hospitals Authority (DHA) proudly celebrates one year of service at the Marigot Hospital. Over the past year, the Marigot Hospital has served the Marigot district by providing access to quality healthcare services, including specialist clinics, urgent care services, pharmacy, x-rays, ECG and other diagnostic services. In July 2024, a new dental service was introduced, further enhancing access to medical provisions for residents within the surrounding communities. Over the last year, through the services offered at the Marigot Hospital, a total of seventy (70) specialist clinics were held and care was administered to over three thousand, five hundred (3500) patients at the urgent care. In the coming months, the DHA will expand services as the Government moves towards full utilization of the hospital. The DHA remains committed to delivering quality, people-centered care at both the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and the Marigot Hospital. Management extends sincere thanks to the DHA staff for their dedicated and professional service throughout the past year. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the residents of the Marigot district for welcoming us as part of the community. Once again, happy one-year anniversary to the management and staff of the DHA and to the residents of the Marigot district.

Dominica put up a spirited effort but came up short against superior opponents as they suffered their first defeat in the Concacaf Nations League losing to the Dominican Republic in their Group D, League B match on Tuesday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center. Dominica fresh of the heels of a historic win over Antigua on the weekend, were put on the backfoot early as they tried to cope with the speed and ball movement of the Dominican Republic Team. The team weathered the early storm, but the Dominican Republic managed to push ahead when Ronaldo Vasquez got on to the scoresheet in the 11th minute of play, while Dominica was down to 10 men with a player dealing with an injury. The Dominican Republic pounced again a few minutes later as Dorny Romero made it 2-nil in the 25th minute of play, again with Dominica with only 10 men on the field an injured player was being attended too. The Dominican Republic took the 2-nil lead into the half time break. Dominica gave a much better showing in the 2nd period and were able to string a few passes, but their efforts were didn’t result in the needed goals to get back into the match. Defensively the team held its shape and didn’t concede further goals and the match ended 2-nil in favour of the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Dominica Authority, is set to host the 2024 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 12. The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. each day. This two-day event aims to provide valuable insights and resources for Dominica's cruise industry stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to:  Discover the latest cruise trends: Gain insights into current trends and the cruise industry's future outlook.  Elevate service quality: Learn strategies and best practices to enhance service quality and exceed visitor expectations.  Access health screenings: Take advantage of on-site health screenings to ensure preparedness for the upcoming cruise season.  Explore additional opportunities. Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, emphasized the event's significance: "The symposium will feature presentations on a range of topics, including health protocols, financing options, and other essential cruise-related matters. It is an excellent opportunity for all cruise stakeholders—craft and souvenir vendors, tour guides, hair braiders, taxi service providers, and others—to come together, network, and equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the industry. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to sign up and attend this important event to ensure we are fully prepared for the upcoming cruise season." Interested stakeholders are encouraged to confirm their attendance by contacting Cory Sergenton at csergenton@dominica.dm or calling 767-255-8249 or 767-255-8226.

Jael Joseph’s Digital Platform Embarks on a New Chapter of Empowerment and Creativity Jael Joseph has officially relaunched BlackIslandGirl.com , transforming her passion project into a dynamic multimedia platform that caters to a wide array of interests and communities. Originally created in 2021 as Joseph’s capstone project at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Black Island Girl has now evolved into a comprehensive digital space that reflects her creative vision and commitment to representation, storytelling, and empowerment. The newly revamped site features a broad range of content sections, including Beauty, Business, Culture, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Politics, and “The BIG Feature,” a spotlight segment focusing on in-depth stories and profiles. In addition to articles and features, the site’s new “What’s New” section provides event promoters with the opportunity to list their events, making Black Island Girl a go-to source for cultural and community engagement. One of the most significant changes in this relaunch is the platform’s shift towards multimedia offerings. Businesses can now request custom commercials and podcasts, giving them new avenues to promote their products and services. This expanded functionality opens the door for Black Island Girl to tap into every corner of modern media, creating a space that engages audiences through multiple forms of content. Advertisers can now leverage the platform’s growing reach, promoting their brands and services within a diverse and inclusive community. Jael Joseph’s vision for the site goes beyond traditional media, offering opportunities for men and women alike to find inspiration, learn, and connect. The relaunch of Black Island Girl comes at a time when Joseph is dedicating more time and energy to the project, following the registration of Black Island Girl Multimedia. This business venture further underscores her intent to build a creative and empowering space. Under the same multimedia banner, she also released her debut film Territory, a powerful short documentary that has been recognized internationally. Territory was nominated at several film festivals and took home the award for Best Short Documentary at the 2023 Caribbean Tales International Film Festival, marking another major achievement in Joseph’s creative career. This relaunch highlights the multifaceted talent of Jael Joseph and her dedication to creating a platform that not only showcases her work but also serves as a source of inspiration for others. With its enhanced offerings, Black Island Girl is now positioned as a go-to multimedia hub for those interested in culture, wellness, business, and more. As Joseph continues to focus her energy on Black Island Girl, the platform is poised to become an essential digital space that empowers and uplifts. Whether through its rich content, multimedia offerings, or community-focused event listings, Black Island Girl is set to carve out a unique niche in the media landscape, fueled by Jael Joseph’s passion and creativity.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through its partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, is conducting a three-day training for health care providers in order to implement the Mental Health Gap Intervention Guidelines (mhGAP-IG). The mhGAP-IG is a program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the objective of scaling up care for priority mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders. The Intervention Guide presents the integrated management of priority MNS conditions using algorithms for clinical decision making. The overarching objective is to develop competencies to identify and assess people with MNS conditions, deliver care, and refer to specialist care as necessary, through the primary health care system. This training will be facilitated by PAHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health, Dr Claudina Cayetano, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, and Social Worker at the APU, Mr Dave Laudat. Chief Medical Officer (Ag), Dr Andy St Hilaire, while offering welcome remarks, noted that everyone has a moral responsibility to attend to those with mental health issues. “Through this workshop, we will gain the tools to bridge the gap between mental health needs and accessible care, ensuring that everyone in Dominica has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, far too often, these issues remain in the shadows, hidden behind stigma and misunderstanding. It is our duty to shed light on these challenges and to provide the support and care that every individual deserves,” he stated. “This training is particularly timely, as we continue to face the lingering impacts of the global pandemic, natural disasters, and social challenges that have intensified the need for robust mental health services. Today marks an important step in our journey toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive health care system—one that recognizes the dignity of every individual, regardless of the challenges they face.” Meanwhile, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, indicated that the role of the health care worker is paramount in addressing mental health issues. “Throughout this training, you will hear the term MNS, which means mental, neurological and substance abuse conditions. These account for 13 percent of the global burden of disease, yet between 75 and 95 percent of persons don’t receive the treatment that they require, although effective treatment exists. This is what represents the mental health gap. And this is why this training is so important toyou as non-specialized healthcare workers in psychiatry in helping to address the needs of people with priority MNS conditions.” It is anticipated that the training will lead to increased access to mental health care in primary care settings, improved quality of care for MNS conditions in primary care settings, reduced referral burden on mental health specialists and strengthened health systems for MNS care in all health regions of the country.

The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kenrick “Soulka” Emanuel as the Technical Director of its Football Program for the 2024-2025 year. Emanuel, a highly respected figure in Dominican football, brings over 13 years of national team experience, including five years as team captain, and five years playing in the Canadian National Soccer League with London City. His appointment marks a key milestone in advancing football development in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean region. Emanuel, who began his football journey at the age of 14, continues to demonstrate a deep passion for the game at 55. His extensive experience working with players of all ages—from Under-15 teams to the senior national squad—has shaped his ability to mentor and nurture young talent. His new role at the 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy will focus on leveraging his wealth of experience to help develop Dominica's next generation of football stars. “I’m excited to work with this talented group of young footballers. My goal is to help them grow as players while ensuring they stay committed to their clubs,” Emanuel said. “I’m not here to form a new team but to elevate individual skills. Each player is unique, and my approach will focus on refining their specific strengths, whether it’s dribbling, accuracy, or tactical awareness. It’s all about helping them reach their full potential.” As Technical Director, Emanuel will oversee the training and development of the Academy’s footballers, with a focus on enhancing technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical fitness, and mental resilience. His personalized approach aims to provide tailored development paths for each athlete, positioning them for success at the collegiate level in the United States and beyond. “We are thrilled to have someone of Kenrick 'Soulka' Emanuel’s caliber leading our Football Program,” said Jerry Williams, Director of Da Next Level Sports Management and Recruiting Group. “His in-depth knowledge of the game and his unwavering commitment to youth development make him the ideal fit for our Academy. We are confident his leadership will elevate our program and help guide our athletes toward success.” The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of athletes, both on and off the field. Under Emanuel’s leadership, the Academy will collaborate with parents, coaches, clubs, and the broader community to ensure young footballers receive the highest level of training and support as they pursue their athletic dreams. The Academy officially launched its 2024-2025 program on Friday, September 6, 2024, with training sessions commencing on Saturday, September 7, 2024. As the Technical Director, Emanuel will play a pivotal role in the Academy’s mission to cultivate Dominica’s football talent and open pathways to opportunities in competitive sports globally.

Dominica kicked off its campaign in the Concacaf Nations League on a winning note as they got past host Antigua and Barbuda in their opening Group D, League B match on Saturday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center. Dominica hit the ground running and created many opportunities to score in the first half, but despite all their dominance on the ball in the first 45 minutes they were not clinical enough in front of goal and the two teams went into the half time break tied at 0-0. Chad Bertrand eventually broke the deadlock when play resumed getting a brilliant goal from distance. The Dublanc FC midfielder caught the Antiguan goal keeper off guard with his strike and put Dominica in front in the 46th minute. The lead was short lived as Antigua got the equalizer a few minutes later. Goal Keeper Glenson Prince made the initial brilliant save, but the ball fell in the path of Javorn Stevens who levelled for Antigua in the 53rd minute of play. The Dominican team quickly responded and it was the premier league’s leading goal scorer Travist Joseph who got the go-ahead goal. Joseph rewarded coach Ellington Sabin’s decision to start him upfront as opposed to the defence as he got onto the end of a Troy Jules cross into the box to put Dominica back in front in the 57th minute of play. It was then the captain and goal keeper Glenson Prince’s turn to take center stage as he came up with some big saves to keep Dominica in front. The Dominica defence stood tall as they secured the 2-1 win. The win puts Dominica level with on points with the Dominican Republic after the first round of matches. Dominica will play the Dominican Republic in their next match on Tuesday September 10th at 11am at the same venue. Credit G. Richards

The 5th Artificial Intelligence for Information Accessibility (AI4IA) Conference, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Information for All Programme (IFAP) Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA), is set to return on September 28 for the annual celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information. The conference will convene global thought leaders, policymakers, academics, technology experts, and the general public to discuss the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its societal impact. The fifth staging of the conference will offer an expanded programme with eight (8) satellite events in Botswana, New York, Jamaica, China, India, Columbia, Canada, and Europe, leading up to the main on-demand conference on the Gather Town platform on Saturday, September 28. With over 68 speakers worldwide, attendees can expect engaging discussions and valuable insights on how AI can foster a more inclusive and equitable future. The Jamaica-based virtual panel is organized in collaboration with the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, UNESCO Caribbean, and the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO. Scheduled for Thursday, September 19, this panel will explore the theme “Generative AI: Impact on Misinformation and Disinformation.” The event will feature keynote remarks by Professor Christopher Charles from the University of the West Indies and include the official launch of the “Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap,” a comprehensive strategy for the region. Cordel Green, Chair of the UNESCO IFAP Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA), Vice-Chair of UNESCO IFAP, Conceptualizer and Convenor of the AI4IA Conference, and 876-833-4416 Unit 10 HR-13 13 Haining Road, Kingston 5 Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ), emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The AI4IA Conference continues to expand its global reach, addressing the most pressing issues in AI today, particularly around inclusivity, impact and ethical governance. With Jamaica leading critical discussions, we are uniquely positioned to highlight the challenges and opportunities AI presents for Small Island Developing States. Our goal is to platform diverse voices and ensure that AI innovation benefits everyone, not just a select few.” Green further emphasized Jamaica’s active participation, stating, “Jamaica’s involvement in the AI4IA Conference underscores our commitment to advancing the responsible use of AI. We are proud to contribute to a global dialogue that addresses the challenges of AI and explores how it can be a force for good, particularly for Small Island Developing States like ours.” Other speakers at the Jamaica panel will include Theo Chambers, lecturer, philosopher, reverend, and author of ‘Digital Pandora Box: Unleashing AI’s Total Knowledge’; Craig Perue, Research Fellow and Senior Consultant at the Mona School of Business and Management, University of the West Indies and lead author of the BCJ commissioned ‘Digital Media and Information Literacy (DMIL)’ policy framework; Stuart Hylton, Director of Assurance and Compliance Services at Symptai Consulting Limited; Paul Hector, Advisor for Communication and Information, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean; and Paula Istruiz Cavero, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Programme, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean. Christina Williams, Policy and Legal Advisor will moderate this panel. Following Green’s remarks, Samridhi Arora, Supreme Court Advocate in India, Rapporteur for the UNESCO Working Group on Information Accessibility, and AI4IA Conference Committee Chair, further underscored the importance of global cooperation in shaping AI’s future. She noted, “Artificial Intelligence offers incredible opportunities for progress, but it also poses significant challenges that must be addressed collaboratively and inclusively. The AI4IA Conference is a unique platform where diverse stakeholders can come together to discuss, debate, and shape the future of AI in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to all.” By advancing the understanding of AI and its potential to foster inclusivity worldwide, the AI4IA Conference aims to promote UNESCO IFAP's strategic priorities of information accessibility, information literacy, information ethics, information for development, information preservation, and multilingualism in cyberspace.

F&F International, a company owned by two sisters based in the USA with deep roots in the community, has made a generous donation to the Soufriere / Scotts Head / Gallion Village Council. The company donated 14 school bags with school supplies as part of its commitment to supporting education and local youth. The donation is aimed at providing needed support to families within the community and easing the financial burden associated with purchasing school supplies. By providing students with necessary items such as notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers, and erasers among others, F&F International hopes to contribute towards fostering an environment where every child has access to quality education. "We are happy to give back to our community by supporting the educational needs of our young students," said Deborah & Esther of F&F International. "As a company with deep roots in this village, we understand the importance of investing in our future generations. This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on local education." The Soufriere / Scotts Head / Gallion Village Council expressed their appreciation for this generous contribution from F&F International and emphasized how it will benefit students within their communities. This initiative underscores F&F International's dedication as an active corporate citizen committed to enriching society through philanthropic efforts.

The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) proudly announces the formation of its new board, dedicated to combating diabetes and its related complications in our nation. The new Executive Member of the Dominica Diabetes Association are: ● President: Antonia Samuel ● 1st Vice President: Carlton Lanquedoc ● 2nd Vice President: Dr. Alisha Honore ● Secretary: Marvlyn Birmingham ● Treasurer: Lennox St. Aimie ● Secretary-Treasurer: Royette Charles ● PRO: Richie Ferrol ● Two Ordinary Floor Members: Alexia Athanaze and Royette George   The Advisory Board Members to the Executive comprise of: Dr. David Johnson, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts and ECC Health Director Nurse Priscilla Prevost. DOMDA’s Mandate Our mission is to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for effective policies to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. We aim to create a supportive community and collaborate with healthcare providers to enhance health outcomes. Key Goals and Objectives The new board has established the following objectives:1. Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the community on diabetes prevention and management. 2. Community Health Programs: Implement initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles and regular health screenings. 3. Support Resources: Create support groups and provide essential resources for individuals and families. 4. Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with government and organizations to promote healthier environments. 5. Healthcare Training: Offer workshops for healthcare professionals on effective diabetes care.We invite the public to join us in these efforts. Together, we can reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Dominica and improve overall health. DOMDA takes this opportunity to thank the past executive members for their unwavering effort during their tenure.