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The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), hosted by Antigua and Barbuda on 27-30 May 2024, will convene global leaders to deliver a bold new programme of action to support small island nations in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These 39 small islands, home to approximately 65 million people, are stewards of the ocean and gatekeepers to a high degree of biodiversity. However, these countries are grappling with high import and export costs, a rising debt crisis and the worsening impacts of climate change. The four-day Conference will seek to deliver specific initiatives and concrete deliverables to address critical SIDS-specific challenges including the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and spiraling debt. World leaders will join the private sector, civil society and young people to advance new ideas, raise new pledges of support and cover critical issues for the future of SIDS, such as economic revitalization, climate finance, aid effectiveness, data and digital innovation, as well as health and youth. The Conference will open with statements expected from the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Conference, the President of the UN General Assembly, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council, the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, the Secretary-General of the Conference and a youth representative. In addition to eight plenary meetings and five interactive dialogues, the Conference will feature five high-level special events: the SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit, the SIDS4 Civil Society Forum, the SIDS Gender Equality Forum, the 2024 SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the SIDS4 Private Sector Roundtable. The Conference will culminate in the adoption of a new 10-year plan that will focus on practical and impactful solutions to support the SIDS in building resilience and attaining their sustainable development objectives. The Zero-Draft Outcome document highlights the needs of SIDS, outlines avenues for achieving targets and suggests UN system reform in support of these countries.

Recently, there has been growing concern in Dominica as the water level of the iconic Boiling Lake has dropped significantly. The Boiling Lake, located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is one of the island's most famous natural attractions, known for its unique boiling water caused by volcanic activity beneath the surface. Local authorities and environmentalists have expressed worry over this unexpected development, as the Boiling Lake is not only a significant tourist attraction but also holds ecological importance for the island. The lake's water level dropping could signify changes in the volcanic activity or alterations in the hydrological system, raising questions about the lake's long-term stability and ecological health. Efforts are underway to assess the situation and understand the underlying causes of the water level drop. Scientists, geologists, and environmental experts are conducting investigations to determine whether this decline is a temporary phenomenon or part of a larger environmental shift. Concerned citizens are also advocating for measures to protect and preserve the Boiling Lake and its surrounding ecosystem. As Dominica relies heavily on tourism, the potential impact of changes to the Boiling Lake's water level on the island's economy is also being considered. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to address any potential risks or challenges associated with this development.

DOMINICA’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES HAS RECEIVED A BOOST WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW HEALTHCARE SERVICE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOMES With its motto "Bringing Compassionate Healthcare to You," Demers Care Services (DCS) launches a new option in Dominica for accessing healthcare services . DCS will provide nursing and other health -related services to individuals, families, and groups in the comfort of their own setting. Recognizing the importance of individual responsibility for health and the right to access to quality healthcare services, Demers Care Services will bridge the gap for those who do not require institutionalized care. The service ensures that care is not compromised due to the absence of hospitalization. Demers Care Services offers a range of services tailored to meet diverse needs, including, but not limited to: •Administration of IM and IV medication •Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care •Continuous day and/or night care •Diabetic foot care •Dressings of wounds and ulcers •Meeting of hygienic needs •Periodic blood pressure and glucose monitoring •Post-operative care •Rehabilitative care (e.g., post-stroke) •Routine doctor and nurse visits at home Co-founder of DCS, Denise M. Edwards, hails this service as a dream come true which embodies her deep belief that everyone deserves compassionate care. She is motivated by one of her favorite nurse theorists who proposed that the unique function of the nurse is to help individuals to do those things that they would have done unaided if they had the ability so to do. Mrs Edwards reaffirms that providing compassionate care is are Rewarding experience for both the carers and those who are being cared for. Demers Care Services encourages those in need of care without hospitalization to reach out for an initial assessment. Contact can be made via phone at +767-275-CARE (2273) or through email at 767demers@gmail.com Demers Care Services says it is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind for both patients and their families.

Variety News has been reliably informed of the passing of Digital Creator, Elias Dupuis. Tragically, he drowned at Titou Gorge earlier today. Our sympathies to the family and friends.

The arrest of seven American nationals took place on Sunday where they remained in police custody. Reports are that they were arrested at Exotica Cottages at Giraudel, belonging to Environmentalist & Agronomist Atherton Martin and wife, and their arrest is said to be unlawful. Among those in custody are a doctor, a U.S Court of Appeal Judge, an engineer and a pilot. Police have confirmed the arrest but are remaining tight-lipped on the matter. They were all picked up at around 7 am Sunday and transported to Police Headquarters on a Task Force Bus. They arrived on the island on three private planes, and the U.S. Embassy is investigating the matter. Meantime, the seven were released later that same day -March 24, 2024, without any charges and have since left Dominica.

At the recent launch of the Dominica Festival Committee's Jazz & Creole Festival, Andia M. Ravariere, Destination Marketing Manager of Discover Dominica Authority, emphasized the importance of public support for the island's festivals, citing their positive impact on tourism-driven economic activity. The launch event, held at 'The Realm Dominica' in Roseau, unveiled plans for the festival scheduled for May 5, 2024, at Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park, Portsmouth. Ravariere expressed excitement for this year's festival, anticipating it to be exceptional. She highlighted how the festival blends jazz with Dominican culture and encouraged locals to embrace it as a platform to showcase their heritage. Ravariere urged the Dominican community to rally behind the Jazz and Creole Festival, promising an even more spectacular event compared to previous years at Cabrits National Park.

Alaine, hailing from the island of Jamaica has been announced as the headlining act for this year's Jazz n' Creole festival, revealed during the official launch of the event's 13th edition at the Realm in Roseau last Friday. Set to take place on Sunday, May 5 at Fort Shirley in Cabrits, Portsmouth, the festival's theme, "Creole Fusion," promises a blend of creole traditions with a vibrant, modern twist, reflected in attire combining traditional elements with colorful contemporary flair. With breakout single "No Ordinary Love" in 2005, Alaine has since delivered a string of hits including 'Deeper,' 'Dreaming of You,' 'Sacrifice,' 'Rise in Love,' and 'Bye, Bye, Bye.'

Acting Health Minister, Dr. Cassandra Williams, revealed an uptick in cancer-related fatalities in Dominica from 2020 to 2022 during the Dominica Cancer Society (DCS) Annual General Meeting over the weekend. Cancer stands out as one of the primary non-communicable diseases contributing to mortality rates in Dominica. Dr. Williams underscored the Government's commitment to ensuring universal access to fundamental tests and consultations at the primary healthcare level. Additionally, Yvonne Alexander, President of the DCS, emphasized the importance of prioritizing diagnostic tests and cancer screenings. She expressed concern over prolonged wait times for diagnostic appointments, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

Roseau, Dominica – ​March 26 2024…The semi-finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition took place on March 25th 2024 at the Fort Young Hotel. In the first semi-final debate, St. Mary’s Academy took on the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy. The SMA, represented by Noah Sorhaindo and Jelani Shillingford proposed the moot “It is the responsibility of the government to urgently implement strategies to mitigate the damaging impacts of brain drain in Dominica.” The SMA scored 701 points to Arthur Waldron SDA Academy’s 564. Noah Sorhaindo of the SMA was adjudged best speaker. The Arthur Waldron SDA Academy was represented by Reuan Thomas and Malia Betrand. In the second semi-final debate, the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School challenged the Orion Academy on the topic “Dominican youth have been given sufficient opportunities to positively impact the economy.” The Orion Academy, represented by Dymond Daniel and Ejahdi Jazz Maxwell, secured victory in this debate, scoring 654 points to ITSS’ 633. Dymond Daniel was adjudged best speaker in this debate. The ITSS was represented by Amelia Charles and Jo-Annel Serrant. The finals of the competition will be held on April 17th2024 at Truth & Grace Fellowship Global at 11am. At the finals, the most memorable debaters of this year’s debate series will be highlighted and awarded with prizes sponsored by Domlec. The winners of the final debate will receive an all-expenses paid trip for four to St. Lucia. The top sponsors of this year’s competition are Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd, Lindo Mart, Fine Foods Inc. (KFC), Freeman Consulting Group LLC, DBS Radio, National Cooperative Credit Union, Western Illinois University, Insurance Company of the West Indies and Dr. Joshua Lloyd & Mrs. Karyncia Joseph-Lloyd. -End-

The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), along with licensed member broker dealers and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC), has announced the hosting of the 2024 Regional Schools Investment Competition (RSIC). Following the success of the inaugural competition last year, which saw 29 schools from across the ECCU competing for the top spot, this year's event will take place from October to November 2024. To prepare students for the competition, Education Webinars will be conducted to introduce them to investment fundamentals, financial securities, and provide insights into the Eastern Caribbean Securities Markets. These webinars will be open to all students virtually, and a separate competition briefing session will be held with the participants prior to the start of the competition. Targeting 3rd to 5th form students and 1st-year tertiary level students, the competition will comprise two phases. The first phase is the Intra-Country competition, where schools will compete within their respective countries. The winners of the Intra-Country phase will then progress to the regional phase to compete for the title of Regional Champion. Over the course of 6 weeks, participants will engage in securities market activities, gaining valuable investing insights and skills while putting their knowledge to the test.

Petra-Grell Shillingford, Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, discussed an upcoming project aimed at improving the country's capacity to strengthen food security and fulfill supply chain requirements. Shillingford highlighted the project's goal of assisting farmers in revitalizing their livelihoods, ensuring adequate food access for citizens, and ultimately tackling food insecurity issues. Speaking on state-owned radio, she mentioned that farmer registration for project participation will begin soon, providing online registration options and encouraging farmers to visit designated farmer service centers to ensure their inclusion.

The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) is excited to announce a deal with Japanese sportswear company ASICS. ASICS will become the Association‘s official apparel sponsor for two (2) years, up until World Athletics Junior Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. ASICS is one of the top sportswear brands in the world, seeking to penetrate new markets that embody the global apparel company’s philosophy of a Sound Mind, Sound BodyTM. With recent successes by Dominican Athletes, namely; Thea Lafond-Gadson, Trenesse Hamilton, Kerelle Etienne, Addison James, and Dennick Luke. ASICS found it fitting to partner with the Dominica Athletics Association, having identified it as an organization making strategic moves to grow the sport locally, and ambitions to replicate its successes on a global stage through its upcoming talents. The brand will supply the Athletics Association, with complete performance competition and training gear, as well as podium wear. The uniforms embody the unique characteristics of Dominica and its national flag, with striking a green, red, black, and white color scheme that will truly differentiate the country on the global scene. The Executive of the Dominica Athletics Association is confident that this timely collaboration will give the athletes added confidence and national pride as they are adorned in their new national uniforms. Additionally, the Executive of the Dominica Athletics Association would like to thank Mr. Takayuki Watanabe from the ASICS Sports Marketing Team for his support during the negotiations and expresses its gratitude to everyone who played a pivotal role in the finalization of this partnership. The uniforms will make its debut at the 51st edition of the Carifta games, to be held in Grenada from March 30 – April 1, 2024, where the Dominican delegation is seeking to increase its medal haul at this key premier event showcasing junior athletes from the Caribbean.