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The upcoming round of the inter-secondary schools debating competition, scheduled for this week, will feature compelling topics such as CXC, Gun Amnesty, and Carnival. Trudy Christian, the organizer of the event, foresees an intriguing competition, pointing out that these subjects have captured public attention for quite some time. Christian highlighted the significance of Friday's competition, where Convent High School and Orion Academy will engage in a debate on whether the island's Carnival has evolved into a hyper-sexualized event, deviating from its traditional cultural origins. This debate aligns with the conclusion of the 2024 Carnival season.

The political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Dr. Thomson Fontaine, addressed the issue of gun violence in Dominica following the arrest and fine of Dr. Darroux for illegally importing gun accessories. Dr. Fontaine brought attention to the prevalent presence of unlicensed firearms, highlighting an unresolved case of firearm theft from a police station. He expressed the UWP's concern regarding this matter and urged the government to take decisive action, including strengthening penalties for offenses related to firearms. Dr. Fontaine also voiced the UWP's unease about ongoing political interference in the operations of the police force and the judiciary. He cited the continuous persecution of opposition members as a clear example of such meddling.

Former Prime Minister Edison James emphasized the persistent advocacy of the United Workers Party (UWP) as a defender of the Dominican people, despite efforts to stifle its expression. He highlighted the crucial role of the party as the voice for the voiceless, pointing out that without its presence, there would be no advocate for those lacking representation. James called on the people of Dominica to unite in support of the UWP during its upcoming gathering on February 25, emphasizing the importance of rallying behind the party to amplify the voices of those who cannot advocate for themselves. Mr. James asserted that his commitment to advancing the welfare of the people is not swayed by external pressures but is instead rooted in his unwavering dedication to delivering a clear message, even in the face of attempts to silence him.

During the seventh session of the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR) earlier this month, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) engaged in continuous discussions regarding proposals to modify the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). The discussions consistently underscored the significance of their work for future global security. Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, emphasized the importance of the Working Group's endeavors, stating that their efforts would shape the next decade of global surveillance and collective security, especially in dealing with health emergencies and high-impact epidemics. Throughout the meeting, governments focused on refining amendments to articles and annexes that were in an advanced stage of negotiation. Substantial dialogue also took place on the continuum from public health alert to a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and pandemic. Co-Chair Dr. Ashley Bloomfield reiterated that the WGIHR is a Member State-driven process during the final public session, emphasizing that the final package of amendments would be agreed upon by consensus. On March 8, 2024, Member States will address additional issues related to equity, collaboration, capacity building, and financing, which are also under consideration by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), when the seventh meeting of the WGIHR resumes.

Isaac Solomon, the Acting President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has issued a cautionary statement about the repercussions of insufficient investment in strategies for climate resilience. He underscores that a lack of sufficient resources allocated to climate resilience measures may worsen the effects of climate change, resulting in higher costs. Solomon points out that several of the bank's borrowing member countries are already grappling with these outcomes. Solomon stressed that the Bank's effectiveness relies on strengthening current partnerships and identifying new collaborators to pool resources for sustainable development.

Discover Dominica has announced the appointment of Ms. Andia M. Ravariere as the new Destination Marketing Manager, effective February 14, 2024. Ms. Ravariere, a devoted advocate of sustainable tourism development and a native of Colihaut, joins Discover Dominica with an impressive portfolio and a firm commitment to propelling the island's tourism industry forward. Ms. Ravariere's tenure in the industry is marked by significant achievements, including a key role in the successful reopening of Anguilla's tourism sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Her strategic approach to tourism policy and project development has led to an expansion of tourism offerings in Anguilla, aligning seamlessly with Discover Dominica's goals. "With her exceptional background and credentials, Ms. Ravariere embodies the vision and mission of Discover Dominica. Her passion for developing sustainable community-basedprograms aligns perfectly with our objectives of creating inclusive growth within our tourism sector," said Colin Piper, CEO of Discover Dominica. In her remarks, Ms. Ravariere expressed her vision for her new role: "I look forward to making productive and amicable connections with all tourism contributors on the island. One of my greatest passions is seizing opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods via sustainable tourism efforts. I am excited to work with our DDA team and the Ministry of Tourism to retarget dwindling markets and target new niche markets, driving international and regional traffic to Dominica." Ms. Ravariere's deep-rooted dedication to community engagement in tourism is reflected in her founding of the Colihaut Community Tourism Development non-profit group in 2013. The successful Colihaut Fish Lime event, born out of this initiative, has strengthened local industries and supported Dominica's women entrepreneurs, creating lasting economic benefits. Her academic foundation holds a master's degree in Tourism Development and Management and a bachelor’s degree in International Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies St. Augustine. Her tourism marketing and destination management skills further cement her capability to elevate Dominica as a standout destination in sustainable tourism. Discover Dominica is confident that under Ms. Ravariere's leadership, the organization will achieve new heights in destination marketing and sustainable tourism practices, contributing to the long-term prosperity of Dominica's economy and its people.

Catholic priest Fr. Herman Sharplis praised the late Ferdina Frampton for her remarkable capability to excel in various endeavors, acknowledging her flexibility and positive impact in any context. Today, in a solemn ceremony, radio personality Ferdina Frampton was laid to rest. Fr. Herman Sharplis, during the service, emphasized her legacy, pointing out that sh e inherited her broadcasting skills from her father, following in his footsteps. He lauded her as the most articulate broadcaster on the island and commended her adaptability and optimistic outlook, underscoring her talent for bringing positivity to every environment she found herself in.

UWP Leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, argues that after engaging with individuals from various sectors in Dominica, it is evident that ineffective economic governance has resulted in stagnant wages and notable adverse effects on different economic sectors. According to the politician, the people of Dominica are grappling with the repercussions of an inefficient economic management, leading to persistently low wages and detrimental impacts on their overall well-being. Dr. Fontaine underscored that these issues are widespread and significantly affect the daily lives of the populace. Furthermore, Dr. Fontaine highlighted that, owing to the unfavorable state of the country's economy, the United Workers Party, in collaboration with other partners and stakeholders, intends to host a substantial economic conference in June 2024 to address and deliberate on these pressing issues.

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (DOWASCO) has provided clarification in response to statements attributed to the company in a publication on DNO dated February 6, 2024, subsequent to a meeting held in the Kalinago Territory on January 31, 2024. During the meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, representatives from DOWASCO, including General Manager Mr. Bernard Ettinoffe, along with Parliamentary representative for the Salybia constituency and Minister responsible for Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick, and Kalinago Chief Lorenzo Sanford, addressed residents of the Kalinago Territory. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing water provision in the territory, particularly concerning the main distribution pipeline along the main road. Challenges such as damage caused by heavy equipment and interruptions in service, particularly related to the international airport project and the Crapaud Hall Feeder Road, were addressed. In terms of financial matters, it was emphasized that customers in the Territory owe $1.9 million to DOWASCO. Mr. Ettinoffe encouraged residents to settle their accounts and assured them of DOWASCO's commitment to facilitating debt collections with the assistance of company personnel. Subsequent meetings are planned for individual hamlets to further discuss these issues and ensure effective follow-up.

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, has revealed the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as 'One Resilient Common Future.' Scheduled for Monday, March 11th, Commonwealth Day will commence with a variety of events and activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. The celebrations of Commonwealth Day span across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific, and Europe. Reflecting on the significance of this year's theme, Secretary-General Scotland commented that each year, countries observe Commonwealth Day to acknowledge, celebrate, and strengthen their 56 member states, all of whom are dedicated to the Commonwealth Charter. She added that this year's theme emphasizes the collective strength that empowers countries to confront and overcome current challenges, emerging with resilience, paving the way for a future where wealth is not only widespread but genuinely equitable. Secretary-General Scotland also conveyed well wishes on behalf of the Commonwealth to His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, for a swift recovery.

The Chairman of the Dominica Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank (AID Bank), Martin Charles, has disclosed that the bank recorded a profit of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Charles emphasized the significance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, while also expressing the bank's continuous commitment to investing in various sectors of the country's economy. Charles acknowledged the challenges that the AID Bank still encounters with its non-performing portfolio. He indicated that in the upcoming financial year, the bank will undertake efforts to reduce the level of delinquency among customers.

Edison James, the former Prime Minister, who is currently on $50,000 bail, was detained in connection with an alleged incitement case involving former opposition leader Lennox Linton and current United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine. In an interview with a local radio station , James shared his experience, noting that he spent approximately 20 minutes in holding before being released. The alleged incitement case has been transferred to the High Court for trial.