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Michael Lees, the President-Elect of the Waitukubuli Artists Association (WAAA), conveyed excitement about the path that the newly elected executive will guide the organization towards. He pointed out several ongoing and upcoming initiatives on the island that the organization is actively participating in. Despite the array of projects, Lees underscored that this year's central emphasis will be on strengthening the internal structure of the organization. The primary goal is to establish and enhance systems that will facilitate the smooth and efficient operation of the association.

Jo-Anne Commodore, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, underscored the Ministry's significant role, dedication to safety, and diverse responsibilities. She emphasized the crucial function of justice delivery in society. Commodore also expressed pride in the proactive community policing initiative, highlighting it as a measure to enhance communication and relationships between the police and the community, showcasing the Ministry's commitment to maintaining order and engaging with the community. Furthermore, Ms. Commodore mentioned that, among the various initiatives pursued by the Ministry, a recent collaboration involves a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The goal of this project is to bolster the government's capacity to address irregular migration and improve the integration of migrants.

Last Friday, residents of Calibishie gathered in a public meeting to express their dissatisfaction with the proposed use of the local playing field for the construction of the upcoming Calibishie primary school. The planned primary school is intended to include various facilities, including a dedicated playing ground for students. Residents highlighted the crucial role this area plays in fostering community relationships and promoting sports activities in the area. Their discontent arises from a collective desire to preserve the playing field's integral role in the fabric of community life. Meanwhile, in an interview with a local news outlet addressing the situation, Lakeyia Joseph, the Member of Parliament for the area, stated that discussions took place with the Ministry of Education and various stakeholders last week. Another meeting was scheduled for Tuesday. Joseph aligned herself with the residents, supporting their position that the playing field should not be repurposed for the construction project.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declared that after the disbursement of the earmarked $15 million to landowners in the Wesley area, the government's outstanding debt is anticipated to fall below $15 million. The disbursement is contingent upon the government's financial standing. In response to concerns regarding the country's fiscal health, Skerrit underscored the ongoing construction of the largest infrastructure project in the nation's history as proof of economic resilience. Skerrit clarified that the allocation of funds surpassing $30 million for the expansion of the Douglas Charles Airport runway played a pivotal role in postponing the repayment of a substantial portion of the government's debt. He highlighted the necessity of these funds for critical infrastructure development, emphasizing their contribution to the overall progress of the nation despite the impact on debt reduction.

Mr. Mckelson Ferrol, the Director of Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), emphasized the accomplishments of the unit in seizing substantial amounts of illicit funds in 2023. He pointed out that, in collaboration with law enforcement, the unit handled three cases totaling $351,681.02, with two successfully concluded in courts. Additionally, during the same period, the FIU achieved a noteworthy cash seizure of €295,400. Mr. Ferrol underscored the crucial role of the FIU in ensuring compliance with the Financial Action Task Force's 40 recommendations since its establishment in June 2001. He added that, through coordination, legislative review, and policy development, the FIU has significantly contributed to Dominica's adherence to international standards.

Contestant #2, Ms. Nickese Morancie, was bestowed with the title of Miss Petro Caribe as the company stepped up to sponsor her in the upcoming 2024 Miss Dominica Pageant. Tamika Chambers, the Sales and Marketing Manager at Petro Caribe, conveyed the company's delight in supporting Ms. Morancie, emphasizing their dedication to Dominica's social and economic progress. Ms. Morancie, in turn, extended her gratitude to the company for sponsoring her journey. She expressed optimism that the established partnership would thrive on the path to the pageant throne.

It is with solemn regret that we announce the passing of Ferdina Fernanda Frampton, age 49 of Leopoldville, who died on Wednesday January 17 th , 2024 at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. She was employed at Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd. (Flow) as the Senior Communications & Marketing Executive and was a Radio Personality and Host of the renowned In the Spotlight Program. She will be remembered by her: SISTERS: Ferdreena Frampton and Esther Drigo. BROTHERS: Fabian, Bernard, Stephen, Lindon, Patrick and Rick Frampton, Kurt Wayland and Isaac Drigo HER LOVING PARTNER: Larry Lazare and adopted son Lemare Lazare SISTERS IN LAW: Alix Frampton and Jermin Williams STEP-MOTHER: Joan Frampton STEP-SISTERS: Kerrine Henderson and Gail Colaire STEP-BROTHER: Mervin Henderson, and Garvin Colaire NIECES: Alyshia, Minkah, Tsehai, Jerleema, Linell and Alaiya Frampton, Shawna Bellot, Kheia, Sherniah and Faith Wayland, Nadisha and Shakira Bellot Milleisha Thomas and Kelsi Garrett GRAND-NIECE: Kerniah NEPHEWS: Ngozi, Daijian, Juelz and Ocean Frampton, Nahshon Bellot, Kimmel, Kowee and Kervoni Wayland, Tristan and Jervon Drigo, Omar and Noel Lewis and Kobi Garrett GRAND-NEPHEW: Kaiden UNCLES: Camelice, Simpson, Garner, Martin, Maxime, Avondale and James AUNTS: Ruth, Sylma, Camelite, Catherina, Philomen, Martina, Elizabeth, Norma, Julie, Thelma and Clevo COUSINS: Camelice Jr., Tamisha, Joanne, Joshua, Justin, Camisha, Brendon, Ezel, Hannah, Chris, Malika, Jameson, Natasha, Heather, Gasper, Jerry, Paul, Grayson, Laurel, Charline, Randy, Ken, Patrice, Garvin, Russ, Nicholson, Nadia, Ellen, Georgeline, Georgelee, GeorgeMac, Allyson, Curtis, Claudine, Magras, Rhonda, Ronald, Dionne, Tris, Sasha, Cheryl-lynn, Kenny, Andy, Wendy, Kerry, Cameron, Dillon, Saidi, Delma, Jed, Neila, Shawn, Nessa, Jennifer, Sherian, Trent, Trestle, Mahalia, Magnolia, Wayne, Samantha, Rechad, Jebediah, Dr. Marlon Alexander, Celine, McCartney, LaToya, Jameson, Tia, Brian, Marva, Ittha, Vanissa, Gail, Sherry, Maxwell, Jenny, Marvlyn, Julia, Julian, Brent, Paula, Ashton, Irma, Cleveland, Hamlet, Mervin and Yashmin. CLOSE FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES: Daniel Marie, Francine Harve Jean-Jacques, Edeline Harris, Athenia Bellot, Kendra Fagan, Asa Banton, Regina Walsh, Alex Bruno, Blanche Peltier, Nurse Juliana Commodore, Simeon Joseph, Dionne Durand-Smith, Carlton Languedoc, Romualda Hyacinth, Val Cuffy, Dennison Joseph, Leandra Lander, Charlene- White-Christian, Father Herman Sharplis, Father Elton Letang, Jordan Jerome, Ivona John Baptiste-Lugay, Kaywana Fontaine-Wilson, Kerdisha St. Louis, Matthias Peltier Jnr., Carlisle Jno Baptiste, Jael Joseph, Dawn Symes, Carla Armour, Tamara Lowe- James, Anthony Paul, Steve Lewis, Mikkie Graham, Lilia Roberts and Chandra Irish. She also leaves to mourn many colleagues and associates of the following:  President’s Charities Foundation  Staff of Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd. (Flow)  The Media Fraternity in Dominica  Staff of the University of the West Indies  Staff and Students of the Roseau Primary School  Dominica Calypso Association  Queen Show Committee  Dominica Toast Masters  Rotary Club of Dominica  Dominica Red Cross Society The Funeral Mass of the late Ferdina Fernanda Frampton will take place on Monday, February 19 th , 2024, at 2pm at Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church with Interment at the Pointe Michel Catholic Cemetery. Viewing of the body of Ferdina Frampton will commence at 1pm. Family, friends and well-wishers are also informed that the memorial vigil of the Celebration of Life of Ferdina will be held on Sunday, February 18 th at 5pm, on Old Street next to the Flow Commercial Building. All are welcome to attend.

On Wednesday, 31st January 2024, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in its Original Jurisdiction, found that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State of Jamaica was in breach of Article 82 and paragraph 18 of Schedule III of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) by not imposing the 40% CET on soap noodles imported from extra-regional sources. The case before the Court was DCP Successors Limited v The State of Jamaica [2024] CCJ 1 (OJ). The Claimant, DCPS, is a Dominican company that manufactures soap noodles and soap products. These soap noodles may be moulded into various soap products including but not limited to laundry bar soap. Since DCPS’ soap noodles and its other soap products are manufactured within CARICOM, those goods are eligible for and receive preferential treatment compared to similar goods imported from non-CARICOM States. Regional importers of DCPS’ products do not pay the 40% CET established by CARICOM on soap products. DCPS exports its soap noodles and other soap products, which they manufacture, throughout the region. The State of Jamaica was the Defendant to the claim. There are also soap-producing companies operating in Jamaica. These producers do not manufacture soap noodles. They import soap noodles manufactured in Malaysia and Indonesia. In Jamaica, these soap producers add fragrances, oil extracts, moisturisers, and colour to the imported noodles, reshape them into various forms, repackage them, and then sell the final product. Jamaica was not imposing the CET on the soap noodles imported from extra-regional sources, initially based on a misclassification of the tariff under which the soap noodles fell. After DCPS complained about this classification, Jamaica sought and received advice from the World Customs Organisation which confirmed the misclassification. The State of Jamaica, however, continued to exempt the imported soap noodles from the applicable 40% CET. The exemption was firstly based on the contention that the Jamaican soap products were community goods eligible for preferential treatment, and latterly, it was based on a domestic exemption regime: the Productive Inputs Programme, established by Jamaican legislation and applied to the Jamaican soap producers. DCPS attempted to engage soap producers in Jamaica to supply them with soap noodles. However, the Jamaican soap producers took issue with the quality of DCPS’ soap noodles. After hearing from the parties, the CCJ found in its judgment that it was not permissible to grant duty exemption on soap noodles imported from extra-regional sources when the same or similar products are produced in CARICOM in adequate quantities. The application of tariff protection on such items is consistent with the objectives of the RTC and, in particular, with Schedule III of the RTC, which elaborates a special regime for oils and fats, which includes soap and soap noodles. The Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) may suspend the 40% CET on soaps and soap noodles when there is an insufficient supply in CARICOM. The CCJ found that the wording of Jamaica’s exemption regime was consistent with the principle that, before granting exemptions, Member States should first source from within CARICOM. However, the CCJ found that Jamaica failed to consider or assess, whether soap noodles were available in adequate supply from regional manufacturers before granting the CET exemption to Jamaican soap producers according to its exemption regime. The Court held that the evidence given proved that DCPS could supply the entire CARICOM Single Market with soap noodles, and the soap noodles manufactured by it were not rancid or otherwise unfit for purpose, as claimed by some Jamaican soap producers. The CCJ accordingly found that Jamaica was not in compliance with Article 82, and paragraph 18 of Schedule III of the RTC when it did not impose the 40% CET on soap noodles imported from extra-regional sources. In relation to Jamaica’s alleged breach of Article 84 of the RTC, the CCJ accepted counsel’s concession that the Jamaican soap products could not be characterised as goods of Community origin. Jamaica relied on a defence of good faith concerning this non-compliance, but the CCJ held that good faith, even if present, could not excuse responsibility for the violation. The CCJ awarded costs to DCPS and will hold a case management conference to consider how the matter will proceed for determination of the question whether, and if so, what other possible remedies or relief are due to DCPS. The CCJ’s full judgment is available via www.ccj.org. END

To maximize your savings and minimize your expenses, here are some tips you can follow: 1. Create a budget: Start by tracking your income and expenses to get a clear picture of your financial situation. Then, create a budget that allocates your income towards savings, essential expenses, and discretionary spending. 2. Cut unnecessary expenses: Review your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. This could include reducing dining out, canceling unused subscriptions, or finding cheaper alternatives for certain products or services. 3. Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a separate savings account. This way, you'll be consistently saving without having to think about it. 4. Prioritize debt repayment: If you have any high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, make it a priority to pay it off as quickly as possible. This will save you money on interest payments in the long run. 5. Shop smart: When making purchases, compare prices, look for discounts or coupons, and consider buying used or refurbished items instead of brand new ones. 6. Negotiate bills: Contact your service providers (such as cable, internet, or insurance companies) and negotiate better rates or discounts. Often, they are willing to work with you to keep your business. 7. Save on utilities: Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, adjusting your thermostat, and insulating your home properly. 8. Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook meals at home as much as possible. This will not only save you money but also give you more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. 9. Avoid impulse purchases: Before making a purchase, give yourself some time to think it over. This will help you differentiate between wants and needs, and reduce impulsive spending. 10. Increase your income: Look for opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a side gig or freelancing. The extra money can be put towards savings or paying off debt. Remember, saving money is a long-term goal, so be patient and stay committed to your financial plan. #savings #expenses

Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer, stresses that the cultural advancement and sustainability of Dominica are not solely dependent on contributions from large corporations; small businesses also play a significant role in MAS DOMINIK 2024. He commends small businesses for their contributions to Dominica's development and also applauds the general public for supporting carnival activities, ensuring their safety and peaceful execution. Matthew also commended the absence of airborne and foodborne illnesses, attributing it to the adherence to guidelines established by the environmental health department. This includes compliance with regulations regarding food safety, waste disposal, and other specified requirements. #culture

Minister of National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, highlighted the diverse importance of the two regional emergency shelters situated in Jimmit and Castle Bruce, emphasizing that they serve a purpose beyond mere physical structures. He stressed the crucial roles these shelters play in enhancing Dominica's disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. One noteworthy aspect he pointed out is the substantial water storage capacity integrated into the shelters, providing a vital resource for residents during natural disasters. Minister Blackmoore revealed that there are currently 66 satellite phones in storage, intended for distribution to various stakeholders in the event of a natural disaster. This initiative is designed to facilitate communication when conventional communication channels become unusable. #emergency #shelters