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A debating team from the Dominica State College leaves the island on Sunday, June 23 for St. Lucia to participate in the second annual debate competition and exchange with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) will host the debate competition and exchange. There will be two competitive debates, engagements on debating and public speaking and networking activities which will run over a two-day period. The aims of this exercise are to continue to foster regional integration through academia, to promote collegial information sharing and cultural exchange and also to strengthen the art of debating amongst young people. Anna-Lisa Hunter, Bijoux Alisha Desiree, Adeola Xavier and Tyquanda Davis will represent the Dominica State College in the two scheduled debates. Arielle Ford, will also form part of the team and will take part in the workshops and exchange. All the team members are executive members of the DSC’s Literary & Debating Society. The debaters will debate on the topics “A circular economy approach is the most sustainable path to a just and inclusive society.” and “Constitutional challenges to laws which criminalize consensual, private sexual acts between persons above the age of consent, is the best way to reduce the marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community.” Coach and Advisor of the Dominica State College Literary and Debating Society, Trudy Christian will accompany the debaters. The participation of the DSC team in this competition was sponsored by American Canadian School of Medicine, Nagico Insurances, Republic Bank, Amy Lloyd and several private sponsors. -End-

The Legacy of Dominica’s St. Andrew’s High School is to be preserved with the Grand Reunion 2025. Past St. Andrew’s High School students have formed an organization which will stage a Grand Reunion from July 6 – 12, 2025 in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Since the doors of the school closed in 2006, several efforts have been made to convene a past students’ reunion. However, “this hurdle has been crossed and the Grand St. Andrew’s Reunion is on”; this is according to the Executive Chair of the St. Andrew’s Reunion Committee, Mr. Wilworth “Riggly” Robin. St. Andrew’s High School began operations in the Londonderry area in 1979. The school was born out of a necessity; for providing education to students from the North, and North-East of Dominica, who found it difficult to access secondary schooling in the established institutions due to the lower capacity in the aftermath of Hurricane David. The Methodist Church, a special collaborating partner and the honored Institution of the 2025 Grand Reunion, responded to the needs and demands of the people. The establishment of St. Andrew’s created opportunities not just for learning, but for wider community development. Between 1979 and 2006, St. Andrew’s served as a link between the future and the past, dreams, and realities. The school also served as a base of spiritual belief, faith, and progress. Past students, former staff members, teachers, the Methodist Church, affiliates and well-wishers are expected to participate in the Grand Reunion 2025 which will feature several events. Firstly, a Grand Pre-launch is staged for Sunday July 7, 2024, at 6PM. This event will be carried on ZOOM/FACEBOOK Live and is expected to sensitize members of the immediate St. Andrew’s family ahead of the Public Media Launch. In the meantime, the reunion committee is appealing to the alumni of St. Andrew’s High to register their interest to attend the Grand Reunion 2025 which is being held under the theme: Our Foundation Our Legacy, by following the St. Andrew’s High School, Dominica FACEBOOK page for details on the links to ZOOM and the Google Form for registration .

The first tropical storm of the Atlantic season has formed over the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. Named Alberto, the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and strong winds to the Texas and northeastern Mexico coasts through Thursday. Forecasters predict Alberto will make landfall along the Mexican coast late Wednesday or early Thursday. On Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported the storm was moving towards the region at approximately 8 miles per hour. Early rains had already started in Texas, and the National Weather Service indicated that rainfall could affect the I-35 highway later in the day. By 10 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service confirmed that the system had officially become a named tropical storm.

Ferdison Valmond, a trailblazing Indigenous and Climate Change advocate, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest, first Dominican and Indigenous youth appointed to the UN High Level Climate Champions team. He will serve as a Race to Resilience Youth Fellow, focusing on inclusivity in gender, women, youth, and Indigenous peoples within the Race to Resilience campaign. The Race to Resilience Campaign: The Race to Resilience is a global campaign launched to catalyze action towards a resilient future for all. It is driven by the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, which was formed in 2016 to enhance collaboration between governments, businesses, cities, and civil society. The campaign aims to mobilize actors across various sectors to build resilience and adaptation to climate change impacts, particularly in vulnerable communities. UN High Level Climate Champions Team: The UN High Level Climate Champions team plays a crucial role in driving climate ambition and action worldwide. Established in 2015, the team works closely with stakeholders to mobilize climate action at all levels and sectors. Champions are appointed to represent diverse constituencies and geographical regions, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to tackling climate change. Ferdison Valmond's Appointment: Ferdison Valmond's appointment as a Race to Resilience Youth Fellow underscores the UN's commitment to empowering young voices and Indigenous communities in climate action. His role will focus on integrating the perspectives and needs of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and Indigenous peoples, into resilience- building efforts globally. Ferdison Valmond: "I am honored and humbled to join the UN High Level Climate Champions team as a Race to Resilience Youth Fellow. This appointment represents a significant opportunity to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in climate discussions and to drive inclusive climate action worldwide." About Ferdison Valmond: Ferdison Valmond is a 20-year-old climate activist from Dominica. His passion for environmental advocacy has led him to become a prominent voice for sustainability within his community and beyond. He is the National Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Network (CYCN) and Indigenous Youth Representative to the UN Global Indigenous Youth Forum and Former UN Advisor to the Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the eastern Caribbean. Ferdison is dedicated to driving positive change and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

On Monday 17th June 2024 at the Upper Campus in Stockfarm, the Dominica State College launched a new educational product for the summer, a day camp coined A.C.T.S Summer Camp. A.C.T.S refers to the pillars on which the camp experience will be based: Agriculture, Culture, Tourism, and Science. This strategic focus underscores the college's commitment to nurturing these vital sectors, which are not only pivotal to Dominica's economy but also integral to its rich cultural heritage and sustainable development goals. The camp will run over a 4-week time period, from July 15th to August 9th and will cater to two groups of children, those of ages6 to 11 and those of ages 12 to 15. Each week, from 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, the children will engage in fun activities and educational sessions geared toward reinforcing one of the camp’s pillars. On Friday of each week, the children will engage in a field trip activity which revolves around the pillar of focus of that week. A.C.T.S Summer Camp is expected to engage a plethora of professionals from the different areas of focus to facilitate sessions. For instance, drumming sessions by cultural icon, Derek “Rah” Peters, Creole language sessions by“Konmitépou Etid Kwéyòl” (KEK), basket weaving and cultural dance appreciation will be features of the week focused on culture. The camp is also designed to expose children to the college environment, allowing them to experience the computer and science labs, library and classroom space, as well as to interact with college faculty and students. The concluding feature of the camp will allow the children to showcase, to a wider audience, the outcomes of their experiments and activities conducted during camp sessions. The Dominica State College has engaged various partners in both the private and public sector for this new summer day camp initiative. JCI Dominica is a proud partner in this endeavor. Other sponsors and partners include Kalinago Barana Aute, Discover Dominica Authority, Jungle Bay Dominica, Agri Sales Ltd, Bloom Box, K.E.K, Stockfarm Bus Driver’s Association and Jolly’s Pharmacy. To be a part of the A.C.T.S Summer Camp, parents can register on www.dsc.edu.dm. The Dominica State College also encourages persons to reach out via email to the camp’s organizing committee at secgeneralstudies@dsc.edu.dm or 767-275-3667 to sponsor a deserving child to engage in this comprehensive summer experience.

OECS Day, celebrated annually on June 18, marks a significant milestone for the Eastern Caribbean. It commemorates the establishment of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) through the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre in 1981. This day is not only a celebration of regional unity but also a reflection on the progress made and the challenges overcome by the OECS member states. The OECS, comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and associate members Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, was founded with the vision of promoting economic integration, sustainable development, and collective security. Over the past 43 years, the organization has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and addressing shared challenges across the region. ### Strengthening Regional Unity The significance of OECS Day lies in its embodiment of the collective spirit and determination of the Eastern Caribbean nations. The Treaty of Basseterre set the foundation for a regional bloc that emphasizes unity and cooperation. This unity is crucial in a global landscape where small island nations face unique challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and external political pressures. OECS Day serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the achievements that can be realized when nations work together towards a common purpose. ### Achievements and Milestones The OECS has made significant strides in various sectors since its inception. One of the organization’s notable achievements is the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service, which has improved access to affordable medications across member states. This initiative exemplifies the OECS’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens through collaborative efforts. In the realm of education, the OECS has implemented programs aimed at harmonizing educational standards and curricula across the region, fostering a more integrated and competitive educational system. Environmental sustainability has also been a key focus, with projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable practices within member states. ### Facing Future Challenges While celebrating past achievements, OECS Day also serves as a platform to address future challenges. Climate change remains a pressing issue for the region, necessitating continued cooperation in disaster preparedness and environmental protection. Economic diversification is another critical area, as the OECS works to reduce dependence on traditional industries and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Digital transformation is emerging as a vital component of the OECS’s strategy for future growth. Embracing digital technologies can drive economic development, improve public services, and connect the region more effectively with global markets. This year’s OECS Day featured discussions on leveraging digital advancements to propel the region forward. ### Engaging the Community Community involvement is a cornerstone of OECS Day celebrations. Across the member states, various activities such as tree-planting ceremonies, beach clean-ups, and educational workshops engage citizens in the organization’s vision of sustainability and shared responsibility. These events not only raise awareness but also empower individuals to contribute to regional goals. ### A Vision for the Future As the OECS continues to evolve, its commitment to unity, sustainable development, and regional integration remains unwavering. OECS Day is a testament to the progress made and a call to action for continued collaboration. By strengthening ties and addressing challenges collectively, the OECS aims to build a resilient and prosperous future for all its member states. In conclusion, OECS Day is more than a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of the Eastern Caribbean’s dedication to unity and progress. It highlights the significance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all citizens in the OECS member states.

A safer Dominica for all, particularly children, and other vulnerable members of society - the elderly, disabled persons, women, and minority groups, including migrants - is at the heart of a new campaign launched on 13 June by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. With its slogan “Awareness + Action = Change”, the campaign is made possible with funding from the International Organisation of Migration, UN Migration (IOM), and aims through education, to spur a national effort to take action toward eliminating all forms of abuse in Dominica. “One of the objectives [of the campaign] is to improve service delivery to victims of gender-based violence, child abuse, mental health, and substance abuse,” said the Honourable Kent Edwards, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health Wellness and Social Services, during his remarks at the campaign launch. The parliamentary secretary also noted that increased reports of child abuse are among several reasons that led to a restructuring of the Government’s Social Welfare Division, which has been renamed the Department of Social Services, and is now comprised of four specialized units, which include the Social Welfare Unit, Probation Unit, Child Protection Unit, and the Counseling Unit. “To enhance the important role which data collection plays in any institution, a Data Officer has been included among the staff of the Department,” the  parliamentary secretary  said.  “A Communications Officer is also employed with a view to the dissemination of relevant information.” Speaking on behalf of the IOM, Project Coordinator, Vynliz Dailey, underscored the importance of the project, stating that it is not merely an initiative, but concretizes IOM’s commitment to working with the Government of Dominica to ensure no one is left behind, particularly the most vulnerable in society, as efforts progress to build safer communities. “One of the most critical aspects of our project is the emphasis on partnerships. We recognize that no single entity can address the complex issues of social protection alone,” Dailey said. “It requires the combined efforts of government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.” These partnerships, said Dailey, bring together diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise, that enable the creation of more comprehensive, effective solutions that drive meaningful progress and change. 2 / 2 It was also outlined during the launch that one key partnership is with the media, since their dissemination of campaign information and materials, and informed reporting, is critical to raising awareness, as outlined in the “Awareness + Action = Change” equation. To this end, IOM will be funding webinars designed to assist media practitioners with safely and effectively reporting on such sensitive topics as child and domestic abuse. In closing the campaign launch, Glenora Pacquette, Coordinator, Social Services Unit,  implored all Dominicans to pay close attention to, and where necessary, act on the initiatives and information provided as part of the communications campaign, since this level of public involvement is critical to the Department’s efforts “to help build a caring, inclusive, and resilient society in which everyone can live with dignity.” The launch event culminated with an open house at the  Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, during which members of the public, and the media were invited to visit each unit under the Social Welfare Division to gain more information about what they do, and how the respective units can be effectively utilized to enhance efforts to end abuse.

Twelve Dominican students earned a place on the Dean’s List at Western Illinois University last semester.  The undergraduate students, part of a growing cohort at the university, all earned GPA’s of 3.6.   Several of the students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester. Recognized Students are: • Jeanelle R E Kerr (Senior) • Naomi C P Scotland (Senior) • Francine Corin Julius (Senior) • Kervell Dadra Vital (Senior) • Berni Hamael Servil (Senior) • Marlon Moses (Senior) • Najeh Sole Francis (Senior) • Nashida Stacia Bertrand (Senior) • Jade I S Lindsay (Senior) • Rhesa Lawrence • Roanne Jno Baptiste • Sanchez Shernice Jno Baptiste Dominican and other Caribbean students in the growing regional cohort continue to excel academically.  More than 50 students from the sub- region placed on the Spring 2024 Dean’s List. University Provost, Dr. Mark Mossman, noted that the university sees the Caribbean as its primary area for building a successful international undergraduate program.  He noted the positive reports from the professoriate on their outstanding dedication to academics. Dominicans typically begin their studies online before completing on campus in the USA.  WIU Scholarships are based on local college or CAPE achievement and covers a high percentage of tuition for strong students.  Top students can compete for the International Presidential Scholarship which provides a full tuition scholarship.  Western Illinois University is a state institution of stellar reputation established in 1899.

In today's dynamic and competitive job market, building a successful career requires more than just technical skills. It demands strategic planning, continuous learning, effective networking, and a proactive approach to personal growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your current role, adopting these essential strategies for professional development can pave the way to long-term success. ### 1. **Set Clear and Achievable Goals** Setting specific career goals is the first step towards professional development. Define where you want to be in the short-term (next 1-2 years) and long-term (5-10 years). Your goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, if you're aiming for a management position, outline the skills and experiences you need to acquire to reach that goal. ### 2. **Invest in Continuous Learning** In today's rapidly evolving workplace, staying relevant means committing to lifelong learning. Take advantage of training programs, workshops, webinars, and online courses to develop new skills and deepen your expertise. Consider pursuing certifications or advanced degrees related to your field to enhance your credibility and open up new career opportunities. ### 3. **Develop Strong Interpersonal Skills** Effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are crucial for career advancement. Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Seek feedback regularly and be open to constructive criticism. Developing empathy and emotional intelligence will help you navigate workplace dynamics and build a supportive professional network. ### 4. **Take on Challenges and Seek Growth Opportunities** Don't shy away from challenges – embrace them as opportunities for growth. Volunteer for new projects, initiatives, or leadership roles that allow you to stretch your skills and showcase your abilities. Be proactive in identifying areas where you can make a meaningful impact within your organization. ### 5. **Build and Maintain a Professional Network** Networking is a powerful tool for career development. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to connect with peers and experts in your field. Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends. Nurture relationships by offering help, sharing knowledge, and showing genuine interest in others' careers. ### 6. **Seek Mentorship and Guidance** Find mentors who can provide valuable insights, advice, and guidance based on their own experiences. A mentor can offer career advice, help you navigate challenges, and provide constructive feedback. Consider joining professional associations or mentorship programs to connect with mentors who can support your professional growth. ### 7. **Embrace Adaptability and Resilience** The ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is essential for career success. Stay agile in response to industry trends, technological advancements, and organizational changes. Develop resilience by learning from failures, maintaining a positive attitude, and focusing on continuous improvement. ### 8. **Stay Updated on Industry Trends** Stay informed about developments in your industry, including emerging technologies, market trends, and regulatory changes. Subscribe to industry publications, follow thought leaders on social media, and participate in online forums or discussion groups. Being knowledgeable about industry trends demonstrates your commitment to staying ahead of the curve and positions you as a valuable asset to employers. ### 9. **Maintain Work-Life Balance** Achieving professional success doesn't mean sacrificing your well-being. Maintain a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and managing stress effectively. Cultivate hobbies and interests outside of work to recharge and maintain perspective. ### 10. **Evaluate and Adjust Your Career Plan Regularly** Periodically evaluate your progress towards your career goals and adjust your plan as needed. Reflect on your achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Stay flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances and new opportunities that align with your professional aspirations. By implementing these strategies for professional development, you can build a fulfilling and successful career that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Remember, investing in yourself and taking proactive steps towards growth and improvement will set you apart as a confident and capable professional in your field.

The Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) celebrates Olympic Day on Saturday, June 22nd 2024, marking the 130th anniversary of the Founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with the observance of Olympic Day. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at the Bath Estate playing field. It begins with the traditional 2km Run/Walk/Cycle/Movement activity and will be followed by a demonstration of sporting activities at display booths at the Bath Estate Playing Field by various national sporting associations as well as free giveaways, facepainting, bouncing castles, races and many other activities to encouragement movement and fun. Preceding the event, the message of IOC President, Mr. Thomas Bach, will be read by the President of the DOC, Mr. Billy Doctrove. The DOC is appealing for the general public to support this year’s event.  This event is open to all age groups and free drinks will be served. Please note that wheelchair-bound members and cyclists can also participate since the route has been modified to suit everyone. The route for the Run/Walk/Cycle/Movement activity is as follows: Beginning at the Bath Estate Playing Field, take first right towards the Bath Estate Main Road; down the Bath Estate Main Road taking a left after the bridge towards the UWI Open Campus; through the Botanic Gardens gate to the intersection on Bath Road; right turn along Bath Road down towards the Goodwill Link Road; at the intersection on River Street turn right alongside the Windsor Park Sports Stadium River Bank on to the Bath Estate bridge take the first right turn after the Bath Estate bridge towards the Bath Estate Playing Field