The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through its partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, is conducting a three-day training for health care providers in order to implement the Mental Health Gap Intervention Guidelines (mhGAP-IG). The mhGAP-IG is a program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the objective of scaling up care for priority mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders. The Intervention Guide presents the integrated management of priority MNS conditions using algorithms for clinical decision making. The overarching objective is to develop competencies to identify and assess people with MNS conditions, deliver care, and refer to specialist care as necessary, through the primary health care system. This training will be facilitated by PAHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health, Dr Claudina Cayetano, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, and Social Worker at the APU, Mr Dave Laudat. Chief Medical Officer (Ag), Dr Andy St Hilaire, while offering welcome remarks, noted that everyone has a moral responsibility to attend to those with mental health issues. “Through this workshop, we will gain the tools to bridge the gap between mental health needs and accessible care, ensuring that everyone in Dominica has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, far too often, these issues remain in the shadows, hidden behind stigma and misunderstanding. It is our duty to shed light on these challenges and to provide the support and care that every individual deserves,” he stated. “This training is particularly timely, as we continue to face the lingering impacts of the global pandemic, natural disasters, and social challenges that have intensified the need for robust mental health services. Today marks an important step in our journey toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive health care system—one that recognizes the dignity of every individual, regardless of the challenges they face.” Meanwhile, Consultant Psychiatrist at the APU, Dr Nadia Wallace, indicated that the role of the health care worker is paramount in addressing mental health issues. “Throughout this training, you will hear the term MNS, which means mental, neurological and substance abuse conditions. These account for 13 percent of the global burden of disease, yet between 75 and 95 percent of persons don’t receive the treatment that they require, although effective treatment exists. This is what represents the mental health gap. And this is why this training is so important toyou as non-specialized healthcare workers in psychiatry in helping to address the needs of people with priority MNS conditions.” It is anticipated that the training will lead to increased access to mental health care in primary care settings, improved quality of care for MNS conditions in primary care settings, reduced referral burden on mental health specialists and strengthened health systems for MNS care in all health regions of the country.

The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kenrick “Soulka” Emanuel as the Technical Director of its Football Program for the 2024-2025 year. Emanuel, a highly respected figure in Dominican football, brings over 13 years of national team experience, including five years as team captain, and five years playing in the Canadian National Soccer League with London City. His appointment marks a key milestone in advancing football development in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean region. Emanuel, who began his football journey at the age of 14, continues to demonstrate a deep passion for the game at 55. His extensive experience working with players of all ages—from Under-15 teams to the senior national squad—has shaped his ability to mentor and nurture young talent. His new role at the 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy will focus on leveraging his wealth of experience to help develop Dominica's next generation of football stars. “I’m excited to work with this talented group of young footballers. My goal is to help them grow as players while ensuring they stay committed to their clubs,” Emanuel said. “I’m not here to form a new team but to elevate individual skills. Each player is unique, and my approach will focus on refining their specific strengths, whether it’s dribbling, accuracy, or tactical awareness. It’s all about helping them reach their full potential.” As Technical Director, Emanuel will oversee the training and development of the Academy’s footballers, with a focus on enhancing technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical fitness, and mental resilience. His personalized approach aims to provide tailored development paths for each athlete, positioning them for success at the collegiate level in the United States and beyond. “We are thrilled to have someone of Kenrick 'Soulka' Emanuel’s caliber leading our Football Program,” said Jerry Williams, Director of Da Next Level Sports Management and Recruiting Group. “His in-depth knowledge of the game and his unwavering commitment to youth development make him the ideal fit for our Academy. We are confident his leadership will elevate our program and help guide our athletes toward success.” The 767 Nature Island Elite Sports Academy is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of athletes, both on and off the field. Under Emanuel’s leadership, the Academy will collaborate with parents, coaches, clubs, and the broader community to ensure young footballers receive the highest level of training and support as they pursue their athletic dreams. The Academy officially launched its 2024-2025 program on Friday, September 6, 2024, with training sessions commencing on Saturday, September 7, 2024. As the Technical Director, Emanuel will play a pivotal role in the Academy’s mission to cultivate Dominica’s football talent and open pathways to opportunities in competitive sports globally.

Dominica kicked off its campaign in the Concacaf Nations League on a winning note as they got past host Antigua and Barbuda in their opening Group D, League B match on Saturday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center. Dominica hit the ground running and created many opportunities to score in the first half, but despite all their dominance on the ball in the first 45 minutes they were not clinical enough in front of goal and the two teams went into the half time break tied at 0-0. Chad Bertrand eventually broke the deadlock when play resumed getting a brilliant goal from distance. The Dublanc FC midfielder caught the Antiguan goal keeper off guard with his strike and put Dominica in front in the 46th minute. The lead was short lived as Antigua got the equalizer a few minutes later. Goal Keeper Glenson Prince made the initial brilliant save, but the ball fell in the path of Javorn Stevens who levelled for Antigua in the 53rd minute of play. The Dominican team quickly responded and it was the premier league’s leading goal scorer Travist Joseph who got the go-ahead goal. Joseph rewarded coach Ellington Sabin’s decision to start him upfront as opposed to the defence as he got onto the end of a Troy Jules cross into the box to put Dominica back in front in the 57th minute of play. It was then the captain and goal keeper Glenson Prince’s turn to take center stage as he came up with some big saves to keep Dominica in front. The Dominica defence stood tall as they secured the 2-1 win. The win puts Dominica level with on points with the Dominican Republic after the first round of matches. Dominica will play the Dominican Republic in their next match on Tuesday September 10th at 11am at the same venue. Credit G. Richards

The 5th Artificial Intelligence for Information Accessibility (AI4IA) Conference, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Information for All Programme (IFAP) Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA), is set to return on September 28 for the annual celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information. The conference will convene global thought leaders, policymakers, academics, technology experts, and the general public to discuss the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its societal impact. The fifth staging of the conference will offer an expanded programme with eight (8) satellite events in Botswana, New York, Jamaica, China, India, Columbia, Canada, and Europe, leading up to the main on-demand conference on the Gather Town platform on Saturday, September 28. With over 68 speakers worldwide, attendees can expect engaging discussions and valuable insights on how AI can foster a more inclusive and equitable future. The Jamaica-based virtual panel is organized in collaboration with the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, UNESCO Caribbean, and the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO. Scheduled for Thursday, September 19, this panel will explore the theme “Generative AI: Impact on Misinformation and Disinformation.” The event will feature keynote remarks by Professor Christopher Charles from the University of the West Indies and include the official launch of the “Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap,” a comprehensive strategy for the region. Cordel Green, Chair of the UNESCO IFAP Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA), Vice-Chair of UNESCO IFAP, Conceptualizer and Convenor of the AI4IA Conference, and 876-833-4416 Unit 10 HR-13 13 Haining Road, Kingston 5 Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ), emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The AI4IA Conference continues to expand its global reach, addressing the most pressing issues in AI today, particularly around inclusivity, impact and ethical governance. With Jamaica leading critical discussions, we are uniquely positioned to highlight the challenges and opportunities AI presents for Small Island Developing States. Our goal is to platform diverse voices and ensure that AI innovation benefits everyone, not just a select few.” Green further emphasized Jamaica’s active participation, stating, “Jamaica’s involvement in the AI4IA Conference underscores our commitment to advancing the responsible use of AI. We are proud to contribute to a global dialogue that addresses the challenges of AI and explores how it can be a force for good, particularly for Small Island Developing States like ours.” Other speakers at the Jamaica panel will include Theo Chambers, lecturer, philosopher, reverend, and author of ‘Digital Pandora Box: Unleashing AI’s Total Knowledge’; Craig Perue, Research Fellow and Senior Consultant at the Mona School of Business and Management, University of the West Indies and lead author of the BCJ commissioned ‘Digital Media and Information Literacy (DMIL)’ policy framework; Stuart Hylton, Director of Assurance and Compliance Services at Symptai Consulting Limited; Paul Hector, Advisor for Communication and Information, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean; and Paula Istruiz Cavero, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Programme, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean. Christina Williams, Policy and Legal Advisor will moderate this panel. Following Green’s remarks, Samridhi Arora, Supreme Court Advocate in India, Rapporteur for the UNESCO Working Group on Information Accessibility, and AI4IA Conference Committee Chair, further underscored the importance of global cooperation in shaping AI’s future. She noted, “Artificial Intelligence offers incredible opportunities for progress, but it also poses significant challenges that must be addressed collaboratively and inclusively. The AI4IA Conference is a unique platform where diverse stakeholders can come together to discuss, debate, and shape the future of AI in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to all.” By advancing the understanding of AI and its potential to foster inclusivity worldwide, the AI4IA Conference aims to promote UNESCO IFAP's strategic priorities of information accessibility, information literacy, information ethics, information for development, information preservation, and multilingualism in cyberspace.

F&F International, a company owned by two sisters based in the USA with deep roots in the community, has made a generous donation to the Soufriere / Scotts Head / Gallion Village Council. The company donated 14 school bags with school supplies as part of its commitment to supporting education and local youth. The donation is aimed at providing needed support to families within the community and easing the financial burden associated with purchasing school supplies. By providing students with necessary items such as notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers, and erasers among others, F&F International hopes to contribute towards fostering an environment where every child has access to quality education. "We are happy to give back to our community by supporting the educational needs of our young students," said Deborah & Esther of F&F International. "As a company with deep roots in this village, we understand the importance of investing in our future generations. This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on local education." The Soufriere / Scotts Head / Gallion Village Council expressed their appreciation for this generous contribution from F&F International and emphasized how it will benefit students within their communities. This initiative underscores F&F International's dedication as an active corporate citizen committed to enriching society through philanthropic efforts.

The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) proudly announces the formation of its new board, dedicated to combating diabetes and its related complications in our nation. The new Executive Member of the Dominica Diabetes Association are: ● President: Antonia Samuel ● 1st Vice President: Carlton Lanquedoc ● 2nd Vice President: Dr. Alisha Honore ● Secretary: Marvlyn Birmingham ● Treasurer: Lennox St. Aimie ● Secretary-Treasurer: Royette Charles ● PRO: Richie Ferrol ● Two Ordinary Floor Members: Alexia Athanaze and Royette George   The Advisory Board Members to the Executive comprise of: Dr. David Johnson, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts and ECC Health Director Nurse Priscilla Prevost. DOMDA’s Mandate Our mission is to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for effective policies to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. We aim to create a supportive community and collaborate with healthcare providers to enhance health outcomes. Key Goals and Objectives The new board has established the following objectives:1. Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the community on diabetes prevention and management. 2. Community Health Programs: Implement initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles and regular health screenings. 3. Support Resources: Create support groups and provide essential resources for individuals and families. 4. Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with government and organizations to promote healthier environments. 5. Healthcare Training: Offer workshops for healthcare professionals on effective diabetes care.We invite the public to join us in these efforts. Together, we can reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Dominica and improve overall health. DOMDA takes this opportunity to thank the past executive members for their unwavering effort during their tenure.

Monelle Alexis announces the launch of DominicaVacancies.com , a job portal designed to transform the employment landscape in Dominica. This platform aims to streamline and elevate all users' job search and recruitment experience, making it more efficient, affordable, and accessible. Key Features of DominicaVacancies.com:  Email Alerts for Job Seekers: Job seekers can subscribe to email alerts to stay updated on new job postings, ensuring they never miss an opportunity.  Company Research Capabilities: Users can research potential employers directly on the site before submitting their applications.  Resume Upload and Direct Application: Job seekers can upload and save their resumes and apply for jobs directly through the website, streamlining the application process.  Seamless Job Posting for Employers: Businesses can post and manage job listings effortlessly, with the ability to receive timely email notifications upon resume submissions.  Real-Time Data and Dashboards: Employers can access real-time data and dashboards to monitor and optimize recruitment efforts.  Affordable Job Listings: Employers can post job openings at competitive rates, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.  Direct Engagement with Candidates: Employers can engage with potential candidates directly through the platform.  Access to Diverse Talent Pool: Gain direct access to a diverse pool of talented candidates, enhancing your recruitment process. "Having taught myself how to build websites, this project was a challenging but rewarding way to address two significant issues on the island—access to job opportunities and the cost of recruitment. I hope users find the platform beneficial. The site will remain free for job seekers, and to celebrate the launch, all employers can post jobs at no cost until Dec. 31. My team will carefully vet vacancy notices and company profiles before they are posted,” said Monelle Alexis, CEO and Founder of DominicaVacancies.com. Monelle Alexis will leverage her digital and traditional marketing expertise to effectively promote DominicaVacancies.com within Dominica and throughout the Caribbean region. This strategic approach aims to attract the most suitable candidates from a broader talent pool, ensuring that employers have access to the best possible applicants. Looking ahead, Monelle Alexis plans to expand the platform's reach and capabilities, aiming to serve the region soon.

Courts Ready Cash, a leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, is excited to announce its sponsorship of multiple football teams and leagues across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This strategic partnership underscores the company's ongoing commitment to fostering community development and supporting the growth of local sports. The sponsorship estimated to be over $120,000.00, will provide vital support to teams and leagues in various islands, including St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua, Dominica, St. Vincent and Grenada. With this partnership, Courts Ready Cash aims to enhance the infrastructure, training, and resources available to athletes, coaches, and sports organizations in the region. "We are thrilled to be a part of the vibrant football community in the OECS," said Kim Alister Florent, OECS Senior Manager for Marketing & Business Development with Courts Unicomer. Sports play a crucial role in bringing communities together and nurturing young talent. Through our sponsorship, we hope to contribute to the development of football and inspire the next generation of athletes in the region." The sponsorship will include financial support, equipment donations, and the organization of community events and workshops aimed at promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy living. Courts Ready Cash is dedicated to not only supporting the teams on the field but also engaging with the wider community to foster a love for the sport. Local football associations and community leaders have expressed their gratitude for Courts Ready Cash’s commitment to the sport. Stanton Seraphin, President of East Central FC stated, "This partnership with Courts Ready Cash is a game-changer for us. It will enable us to provide better opportunities for our players and elevate the standard of football across the islands." As Courts Ready Cash continues to expand its involvement in community initiatives, this sponsorship highlights the company's dedication to making a positive impact in the OECS. The collaboration will not only boost the local football scene but also contribute to the social and economic development of the communities involved.

The Commonwealth of Dominica, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted senior government officials from across the Eastern Caribbean at State House, Roseau on Friday, August 30 for the Preparatory Meeting of the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Ministerial Forum will be held in Barbados on October 31 – November 1, under the theme “Resilience in Action: Social policies to navigate uncertainty in Latin America and the Caribbean”. The Eastern Caribbean Preparatory Meeting was launched in the presence of Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, with the in-person and virtual participation of Ministers and senior personnel for Social Development, Environment and Finance from English-speaking member and associate member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as well as Barbados. The Meeting was opened by the Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, with the Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Barbados’ Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, giving remarks contextualizing the Meeting ahead of the upcoming Forum. The Representative of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, delivered the feature address. The Minister said, “As we look ahead to the upcoming Ministerial Development Forum, let us leverage this opportunity to collaborate, learn from each other, and work towards a more prosperous and resilient future for all. Together, with the support of partners like UNDP, I am confident that we can make significant strides in achieving our shared goals of sustainable development and inclusive growth.” During the Preparatory Meeting, senior UNDP specialists facilitated roundtable discussions on resilience and adaptability in social protection and social inclusion; climate vulnerability and social safety nets; digitalization; and financing for social policies. Participants explored innovative approaches to address inequality and shocks, make social safety nets more resilient, and promote inclusive economic growth so they can approach the upcoming Ministerial Forum for Development with greater clarity and focus, as well as examples of success representing the broader Caribbean region. UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Limya Eltayeb, emphasized the importance of clearly articulating the Caribbean perspective, noting this was the first time the Ministerial Forum was being held in-person in the English-speaking Caribbean. “Social protection and social justice are needed now more than ever to support vulnerable communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, where almost one third of people live in poverty. The high-risk, high-vulnerability communities and nations are those most exposed to the increasing uncertainties of today’s world. For the Caribbean, that includes more frequent and severe climate events, as well as heightened vulnerability to instability and disruptions in other parts of the globe. This Preparatory Meeting for Eastern Caribbean States has been instrumental to current discussions, will inform new policies, and is timely. We are grateful to the Government of Dominica for partnering with us to host this important event. It was a truly collaborative effort, and we anticipate a dynamic Ministerial Forum in Barbados in October.” The Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean was held for the first time in 2007 with the aim of offering ministers and other decision makers a space to discuss experiences in public policies in the field of human and social development and respond to the new challenges of the region. The last Forum was held in 2023 in Santiago, Chile.

The Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge, newly renamed from the GEMS Entrepreneurship Challenge, officially launched its second round of grant funding for local entrepreneurs on September 2, 2024. This initiative aims to provide substantial financial support to entrepreneurs looking to invest in and grow their businesses. This initiative stems from the influence of Phillip Nassief, the visionary behind Dominica Coconut Products (DCP) and the Fort Young Hotel (1986) Ltd. who had a profound influence and positive impact on Dominica’s economic and social landscape. Phillip passed away on April 28th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, generosity, and community spirit. Lizra Fabien, the Foundation’s Director of Entrepreneurship, stated, “This Challenge is designed to empower entrepreneurs by enhancing and expanding their businesses within the hospitality and tourism supply chain. The top winner will receive $20,000 EC, while second and third place winners will be awarded $15,000 EC and $10,000 EC, respectively. We welcome applications from businesses that supply products and services related to tourism and hospitality, along with those that demonstrate innovation and scalability while maintaining ethical business practices. In order to be successful in the application process, each applicant must provide details of the new and innovative idea that will be implemented with the use of the grant.” Lizra further shared, “The Foundation is delighted to make a significant impact on the experience of our local entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. During our recent visit with Terri Henry Lovel of Bee Natural, the winner of the inaugural Entrepreneurship Challenge, she shared the transformative effect of the grant on her business. With the funds, Terri acquired a new machine named Big Mama, which has boosted her production capacity to twelve times her previous output, significantly reduced production costs, and increased her profit margins.” The Foundation encourages all eligible businesses to apply. To qualify for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: - Be citizens or legal residents of Dominica. - Have a registered and operational business in Dominica for at least two years. - Provide financial statements for the last fiscal year and budgets for the current or upcoming year. - Include all relevant personal and business documents in the application. - Submit references from at least four customers attesting to the quality and reliability of the product or service. - Previous winners of this Challenge are not eligible to apply. For more information on eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and to access the application form, please refer to the Phillip Nassief Entrepreneurship Challenge | GEMS Foundation Guidelines. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications by September 30, 2024, to foundation@gems.dm. A shortlist of seven applicants will be notified on November 13, 2024, and those selected will participate in a live pitching event on November 27, where the winners will be announced. The GEMS Foundation invites all interested applicants to join an information session on Thursday, September 12, at 7:15 PM. More details will be shared via the Foundation’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/gemsfoundation/ and Foundation Website www.gems.dm/foundation/ . The GEMS Foundation extends its gratitude to key donors and the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce for their support in making this Entrepreneurship Challenge possible.

The Technical Staff of the Senior Men's National Football Team has named a 23 man Squad for the first two matches in the Concacaf Nations League. The team includes 3 newcomers and 4 overseas based players. The new comers are Calibishie FC goal keeper Ronnie Lockhart, Harlem defender Dwayne Etienne and Middleham United midfielder Malachai Bonney. The overseas based players are Glenson Prince, Julian Wade, Troy Jules and Rufuson Pierre-louis. The squad will be led by Glenson Prince. Dominica will play its first match on Saturday September 7th against Antigua. The Technical Staff includes Heinrich Anselm - Manager Ellington Sabin - Head Coach Delroy Watt- Assistant Coach Nathaniel Angol - Goal Keeping Coach Mutiu Olagunju - Team Doctor Clevon Vidal - Team Medic Garvin Richards - Media Officer Reginald Darroux - Equipment Manager

In response to the economic challenges facing Dominica, particularly the dearth of viable employment opportunities for the nation's youth, persons with disabilities, and the "Men at Risk" demographic, IsraAID Dominica has successfully concluded a transformative skills development program in partnership with the Dominica Business Training Center (BTC). This collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the island’s employment downturn in a virtual graduation ceremony held today Monday September 2nd, 2024. The program empowered 75 participants, aged 18 to 45, equipping them with essential digital skills and business training to thrive in both traditional and online employment spheres. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of the participants—ranging from individuals lacking formal college education to university graduates seeking specialized digital proficiencies—the training was tailored to meet the unique needs of each group. This inclusive approach ensured that high school dropouts with a propensity for computer literacy and those with advanced education could benefit from the initiative. The program focused on key areas such as, offering training in essential digital tools like QuickBooks, Excel, Word, and Photoshop. Capacity building was also emphasized, with workshops on vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), as well as information on the Work Online Dominica Programme and understanding remote work. Upon completion, participants received certification, enhancing their employability in local and global markets. The program’s effectiveness was ensured through monitoring & evaluation, with continuous adjustments made to meet participants' evolving needs. Recent assessments have shown a rising interest in online tutoring among previously trained youth, especially as virtual education has gained wider acceptance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program not only tackled the pressing employment challenges youth but also established a sustainable foundation for their socioeconomic empowerment. “I love learning new skills, and I love learning about graphic design, so I'm happy that I got a chance to explore another platform that helped me broaden my horizons in that subject. Having the skill and certificate will definitely help me get to the places that I need to, especially as I venture into the online working world, " said one of the participants from the program. The online graduation ceremony held earlier today was a celebration of these achievements and a momentous occasion for the graduates, their families, and the wider community.