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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has disclosed a notable rise in dengue fever cases throughout the Caribbean amidst the observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2024. PAHO data reveals that this year has seen over 6.5 million cases of dengue fever across the Americas, tripling the figures from the same period in 2023. In the English, Dutch, and French-speaking Caribbean alone, over 25,000 cases have been documented, exceeding half of last year's total. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa has cautioned about the lethal consequences of undiagnosed and untreated dengue, expressing concern over the region's alarming spike in cases. Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of Mosquito Awareness Week, running from May 6 to 12, in rallying collective efforts to eradicate breeding grounds, halt disease transmission, and safeguard communities, particularly ahead of and during the rainy season. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, thrives in and around households, breeding in stagnant water-filled containers. These diseases, characterized by fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and in severe cases, fatality, pose significant health risks. Contributing factors to the mosquito's proliferation include rising temperatures, improper waste disposal, water-retaining containers, and weather anomalies. PAHO advocates for active participation in Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2024, viewing it as an opportunity to coordinate, educate, and engage in cleanup initiatives.

Thomas Letang, the General Secretary of the Public Service Union (DPSU), expressed concerns regarding the contemporary challenges facing the union during his address at the 12th Biennial Delegates Conference. He emphasized ongoing issues within public service employment, highlighting the politicization of the system and its adverse effects on various aspects, such as recommendations for acting permanent employment. He criticized the practice of replacing qualified public officers with less experienced individuals and raised concerns about prolonged acting appointments without official appointments. Letang reiterated the union's stance as independent from political affiliations, focusing on issue advocacy and opposition when necessary. Additionally, he highlighted instances where individuals are unaware of their employment rights, stressing the importance of understanding and asserting these rights. President Steve Joseph echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for union members to educate themselves about their rights and actively advocate for them. He underscored the role of unions in protecting workers' rights and promoting balance in society.

A newly recognized political party has emerged in the Commonwealth of Dominica, as confirmed by a letter from the Chief Elections Officer, Ian Michael Anthony. The United Progressive Party (UPP) has officially gained recognition, effective May 8, 2024, under Regulation 4(2) of the House of Assembly (Elections) Regulations. In accordance with this recognition, the UPP has been assigned the symbol of a Bottle. This symbol will be printed alongside the names of the party's official candidates on the ballot paper in each constituency. Additionally, the party's designated color is orange, and its symbol, the bottle, is meant to signify independence and freedom within the framework of the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Furthermore, the party's constitution outlines its motto as "Unity for Progress" and its slogan as "Unity for Progress". The UPP envisions a future for Dominica characterized by democracy, freedom, and dignity for its people. It aims to utilize the country's resources sustainably to enhance the well-being of all citizens and residents equitably, while fostering economic and social empowerment and a commitment to the common good and community. The party's primary mission, as stated in its constitution, is to participate in the general elections of Dominica with the goal of securing political office. This, it believes, will enable the effective management of the nation's affairs in alignment with its vision for the future.

As the mercury rises and the sun beats down, the importance of staying hydrated cannot be overstated. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hitting the hiking trails, or simply going about your daily activities, proper hydration is key to maintaining good health and well-being, especially during hot times. Here are several reasons why staying hydrated is crucial: Regulation of Body Temperature: Our bodies rely on water to regulate temperature through sweating and evaporation. When it's hot, we sweat more to cool down, and if we're not adequately hydrated, our bodies can struggle to maintain a normal temperature, leading to overheating and potentially dangerous heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Optimal Physical Performance: Dehydration can impair physical performance, causing fatigue, weakness, and reduced endurance. Whether you're engaging in strenuous exercise or simply going about your daily routine, staying hydrated ensures that your muscles and organs can function at their best. Cognitive Function: Research has shown that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, including memory, attention, and mood. When you're not properly hydrated, you may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or stay alert, which can impact your productivity and overall well-being. Prevention of Health Issues: Chronic dehydration can contribute to a range of health issues, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and constipation. By drinking enough water, you can help flush toxins from your body, support kidney function, and maintain healthy digestion. Skin Health: Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. When you're well-hydrated, your skin is more resilient, supple, and less prone to dryness and irritation. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out toxins and promote a clearer complexion. Prevention of Heat-Related Illnesses: In hot weather, the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases. Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to prevent these conditions, as it helps your body regulate temperature and replace fluids lost through sweating. Boosted Immune System: Adequate hydration supports a healthy immune system by facilitating the transport of nutrients and oxygen to cells and tissues. When you're hydrated, your body is better equipped to fend off infections and illnesses, keeping you feeling your best. To stay properly hydrated during hot times, it's important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is the best choice, but you can also hydrate with other beverages like herbal teas, fruit-infused water, and electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Additionally, eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can contribute to your overall hydration. In conclusion, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health and well-being, especially during hot weather. By prioritizing hydration and making it a part of your daily routine, you can support your body's vital functions, prevent heat-related illnesses, and feel your best all year long.

In the heart of St. John’s Harbour, a buzz of anticipation fills the air as Antigua and Barbuda commemorates a significant achievement, greeting over 500,000 cruise passengers within a mere span of five months. According to Rawle Reynolds, the Operations Manager at the Antigua Cruise Port, as of May 5th, the nation has welcomed 496,000 passengers through 253 ship calls. Today, the grand arrival of two majestic vessels, the Stellar Voyager and Ocean Odyssey, promised to propel the total beyond the 501,000 mark. This influx of guests augers well for the local tourism industry, with reservations for the upcoming summer season eclipsing previous records. Antigua stands on the brink of an unprecedented surge in cruise tourism, paving the way for what seems like a great year ahead.

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) welcomes the ruling issued by the Dominica High Court, which declared unconstitutional, null and void section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act prohibiting 'gross indecency' punishable by 12 years imprisonment and section 16 prohibiting 'buggery' punishable by 10 years imprisonment and/or committal to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. Legislative provisions that criminalize private consensual same-sex relations are against international human rights standards, as they violate human dignity, privacy, and freedom of expression. It is also worth noting that the Dominica High Court in its decision highlights international and Inter-American standards which stipulate that laws criminalizing consensual intimate relations between persons of the same sex are against the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the American Convention. With this landmark decision, Dominica has aligned itself with other nations whose courts have struck down criminalization provisions as human rights violations. Most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries now comply with Inter-American standards on decriminalization. The IACHR has noted that even when these laws are not enforced, they have a negative impact on society, as they foster prejudice, encourage acts of violence, and enable a culture of impunity. In 2020, the IACHR emphasized that such criminal prohibitions interfere in aspects related to the private lives of individuals on the basis of a protected category of the American Convention without reasonable justification, in violation of human rights standards. Furthermore, they constitute barriers for persons with non-normative sexual orientations and gender identities to access other rights, such as freedom of association, freedom of expression, health, employment, access to justice, among others. All States in the region that still maintain these forms of criminalization are called upon to repeal laws that facilitate the persecution of LGBTI persons in any form and that encourage acts of violence due to prejudice and discrimination. In addition, the States of the region are urged to continue advancing the social inclusion and real equality of LGBTI people. The IACHR reaffirms its commitment to States and Civil Society Organizations to assist in the processes to create a legal framework that protects LGBTI persons from all forms of violence and discrimination. A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

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In a world driven by innovation and connectivity, the role of marketing professionals has become more crucial than ever. From shaping brand identities to crafting compelling narratives, these individuals serve as the backbone of successful businesses, yet often their contributions go unnoticed. As we commemorate Marketing Professionals Day, it's time to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes and acknowledge the indispensable value they bring to the table. Marketing professionals are the architects of brand perception. They meticulously craft campaigns that resonate with target audiences, leveraging psychology, market research, and creativity to capture attention in a crowded digital landscape. Whether it's through captivating storytelling, engaging visuals, or strategic social media initiatives, they are adept at cultivating brand loyalty and driving consumer behavior. Moreover, marketing professionals are at the forefront of adapting to ever-evolving consumer trends and technological advancements. In an era where algorithms change overnight and new platforms emerge constantly, their ability to stay agile and innovative is paramount. They embrace data-driven insights to refine strategies, optimize campaigns, and deliver measurable results. Beyond the realms of promotion, marketing professionals are catalysts for positive change within organizations. They bridge the gap between departments, fostering collaboration between sales, product development, and customer service to ensure a cohesive brand experience. By championing customer-centricity and advocating for ethical practices, they uphold the integrity of brands and build trust with consumers. However, the journey of a marketing professional is not without its challenges. They navigate a competitive landscape fraught with pressure to deliver ROI, often facing tight deadlines and budget constraints. Yet, it is their resilience, adaptability, and passion for their craft that drive them forward, fueling innovation and pushing boundaries. On Marketing Professionals Day, it's important to express gratitude for the dedication and expertise of these individuals who play a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, an aspiring professional, or simply a consumer benefiting from their efforts, take a moment to recognize the impact of their work. So, here's to the marketing professionals who transform ideas into reality, who captivate hearts and minds, and who propel businesses to new heights. Your creativity, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment are the driving force behind every successful campaign and every memorable brand experience. Today, and every day, we celebrate you.

Credit FAO In a small island nation on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, there is a species of wild sea moss, or red algae, called Gracilaria that Dominicans have traditionally farmed and used to make drinks, gels and other products such as textile dyes. Gracilaria, like other sea moss varieties, has a lot of dietary and cosmetic advantages. But this slow-growing variety has caused production and supply challenges for its farmers, leading to a reliance on imports of other varieties from neighbouring islands to meet local demand. Farming sea moss is an intricate process that involves harvesting the algae, cleaning off foreign weeds and debris, bleaching and drying the harvested algae in the sunlight, before packaging the dried raw material for sale. Unfortunately, the Gracilaria species easily attracts foreign weeds, like epiphytes. While other species of algae are self-cleaning, cleaning Gracilaria is tedious and labour-intensive. Moreover, yields from the Gracilaria species are relatively low at an average ratio of 18 kilograms wet to 1 kilogram dry and that means lower profits. “Many of the farmers were growing sea moss on their own. They faced a lot of challenges growing Gracilaria, and the returns were not always as good. They would get discouraged, and some stopped farming sea moss,” says Dorian Sanford, a government Fisheries Officer for aquaculture and mariculture. Despite these difficulties, many farmers refused to give up on sea moss. A solution to the problem came in the form of Eucheuma cottonii, a commercial sea moss species first introduced to the region many decades ago. This species was offered up as part of a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) project focused on strengthening livelihoods, supporting sustainable development and building resilient agrifood value chains. The FAO project provided classroom and field training in Eucheuma cottonnii production and good aquacultural practices. Led by Thomas Nelson, a sea moss expert from the island of Saint Lucia, the training reached technicians, extension officers and farmers from three sea moss cooperatives. Eucheuma cottonii is a fast-growing and self-cleaning species that produces the quantity and quality of sea moss needed for profitable production. It has seen great success in Saint Lucia and other neighbouring islands that farm sea moss commercially. Since three major farming groups in the communities of Woodford Hill, Calibishie and Grand Bay started working with Eucheuma cottonii, there have been significant improvements in sea moss production and yields. “Since FAO came on board, we engaged the farmers’ groups about experimenting with this sea moss species. At first some of them struggled with it, but after a few months, the groups got excited about the new yields and about planting and harvesting sea moss. We started having groups harvesting anywhere between 180 kilograms and 325 kilograms of sea moss,” says Sanford, who himself received FAO training and guides farmers in the commercial production of sea moss on the island. Optimism about the future of sea moss farming has increased since the introduction of Eucheuma cottonii. Two of Dominica’s major agroprocessors are buying the raw product from local farmers. The farmers’ group in Grand Bay is exporting sea moss in small quantities to the United States of America and in Woodford Hill, they are exploring converting sea moss into cosmetic products. To continue guiding farmers and developing the industry, Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy is supporting the farmers with the introduction of drying sheds and have also developed a nursery for the Eucheuma cottonii species to help new and existing sea moss farmers. The nursery allows the farmers to rebound more quickly from damage and sea moss losses caused by storms, like Tropical Storm Bret in June 2023. Through the nursery, they received 18 kilograms of sea moss to restock their farms. Despite occasional difficulties caused by extreme weather, sea moss remains high on the country’s aquaculture agenda due to its high-income earning potential. It is creating jobs and a better quality of life for Dominican farmers and communities. “Dominica will soon be on the map for growing sea moss,” Sanford says. Strengthening production is just the first step in building up the value chain. In the long run, the project aims to strengthen linkages between the private and public sectors. Creating these long-term partnerships can help boost investment in the sea moss sector and enhance the resilience and sustainability of sea moss production in Dominica. Chris Davis

The theme this year for World Red Cross Day is “Keeping Humanity Alive”. Every day, this seems to be one of the greatest challenges mankind faces. How do we as a species care for each other and keep each other’s sufficient survival ongoing. The continuation of human life should not depend on its mere existence, but on its viability to withstand poverty, injustice of all kinds, prosperity, and peace. The Red Cross Movement in Dominica and throughout its many National Societies in the world is determined to make a profound impact on the life of all human beings wherever they are. In Dominica, we not only provide social services, but for example implement programs for women farmers and tree planting where trees have been destroyed through neglect or bushfires, thereby protecting our environment whilst providing for the less privileged. The dignity of the human being is always at the forefront, as we aim despite many difficulties and challenges to prevent human suffering and reach out to humanity, especially to the most vulnerable. As we once again observe World Cross and Red Cross Day this year, 2024, we renew our dedication to keep humanity alive in its deepest and fullest meaning. To all our volunteers who enable us to carry out our mandate, I with you a Happy Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. -END-

Senior officials from CARICOM convened via video conference hosted at the CARICOM HQ to prepare for the upcoming Council for Foreign and Community Relations meeting, slated for May 23-24 in Dominica. In her opening remarks, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, emphasized the need to address the current global challenges threatening international law and the multilateral system. She highlighted the importance of coordinated foreign policy among CARICOM Member States, as outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Solomon underscored the collective strength of Small Island Developing States in facing shared challenges and the significance of unity in advancing their interests. The meeting aims to assess CARICOM's relationships with both traditional and emerging partners and solidify its stance on regional and international issues. The Caribbean council