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For the third consecutive year, Sagicor General, a prominent insurer, has renewed its financial support for national cyclist Kohath Baron. This renewal, spanning the 2023-2024 period, signifies another milestone in Baron's burgeoning career, especially as he ventures into competing in the under-23 age category internationally. As per the agreement, Sagicor General pledges financial assistance to aid Baron's training and equipment needs. In return, Baron will proudly showcase the Sagicor brand while representing Dominica at cycling events globally. Furthermore, he will engage in Sagicor-sponsored activities across Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean, strengthening the partnership. Cheryl Rolle, the General Manager and Principal Representative for Sagicor in Dominica, expressed her joy while presenting the sponsorship package to Baron. She commended Baron's unwavering commitment to his sport and underscored Sagicor's unwavering support for his global aspirations. Rolle reiterated the agency's pride in Baron's dedication to achieving his goals and representing Dominica diligently.

Minister of State for Public Utilities, Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, praises Dominica's renowned status as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean," crediting the island's breathtaking and unspoiled landscape as the region's most exquisite and pristine. She emphasizes Dominica's recent strategic initiatives aimed at solidifying its position as the premier nature tourism destination in the wider Caribbean. Minister Lockhart-Hypolite also highlights the tourism sector's substantial progress, emphasizing its pivotal role in bolstering the country's economy. Furthermore, she elaborates on the nation's marketing strategy, emphasizing the utilization of its abundant and high-quality natural resources while also incorporating its rich cultural heritage into promotional endeavors to enhance tourist appeal.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William, has been diagnosed with cancer, and is undergoing chemotherapy. She has since released a video to that effect. Pic Cosmopolitan

On Saturday March 16th, 2024, the Anse Kouanari Tourism Association Inc. (AKTA) hosted a Community Stakeholder Consultation and Workshop with stakeholders and residents of the Castle Bruce community. The consultation was held to discuss the community’s vulnerabilities to climate change in preparation for a Community-based and Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction Project for Castle Bruce. The Consultation kicked off with an 'About Us' presentation, sharing with participants a brief history of AKTA, its focus areas, previous projects and upcoming events/activities. Session 2 was a presentation through which the participants learned what vulnerability means - in the context of climate change and extreme weather events, as well as the three key components of vulnerability. The highlight of the workshop was a Community Mapping session, facilitated by AKTA’s Project Manager – Mrs. Naomi Bannis-Sampson, in which participants worked in groups to understand the layout of the community and the key features and resources that have been impacted or may be at risk from disaster and climate hazards. Community Mapping is a participation driven process that draws on local knowledge and memory in a community and puts people's spatial knowledge around an identified issue of interest on the map. It identifies and documents the location of hazards and vulnerable areas of most concern, important community assets/infrastructure, livelihood activities and natural resources in the community. It can also be used to identify key resources and services that enable adaptation to the impacts of disaster and climate hazards. In attendance were several community leaders including members of the Village Council, Clergy, Uniform groups, Disaster Committee and Schools. Additionally, many farmers, a few college students and other residents of the community also attended. AKTA sought feedback from a few individuals who attended the session: Retired Park Warden Fortinelle Jacob indicated that he welcomed the consultation in which participants became more aware of their vulnerability to disaster and extreme weather events. He also commended the group for taking this initiative of engaging with residents and helping them to gain a deeper understanding of vulnerability. He said, “people are not taking disaster vulnerability seriously in our area”. Acting Chief of Dominica Scout Association & 1st Castle Bruce Scout Troup Leader Kenrick Lecointe said, “this initiative was a brilliant one, we really need to save our rivers and agricultural land”. Mrs. Naomi Bannis – Sampson said that she was very pleased with the turn out, “the turnout was excellent with a cross section of community members (from community leaders to farmers and students) and participation was excellent. I think persons were able to grasp the concept of vulnerability even better, with the explanation of the key component of vulnerability”. Mrs.Bannis-Sampson said that she felt that this consultation made apositive impact and believes that the community is always looking for an opportunity to work together and that they are looking forward to other similar activities. This Consultation forms part of a small grant project being implemented by AKTA under the CSOs for Disaster Resilience: Empowering civil society and local communities to build resilience to hurricanes and climate extremes in the Eastern Caribbean Project - supported by a small grant from Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) with over-arching funding from the Inter-American Foundation (IAF). Furthermore, in observance of International Day of Forests – this Saturday (23/03/24) AKTA will hosting a Tree Planting Drive in the Castle Bruce community. AKTA would like to invite college & high school students, community groups and other interested parties to join them from 7am in Sikwi, Castle Bruce. -END-

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expresses his administration's readiness to offer additional assistance to Liat 2020 Ltd if required. He underscores the positive influence Liat has on regional tourism across Caribbean islands. Mr. Skerrit acknowledges Caricom's recognition of investments from other airlines such as Caribbean Airlines, Inter Caribbean Airlines, Silver Airways, Winair Airlines, and Air Antilles. However, he highlights Liat Airlines' unique role as an essential asset for air travel in the Caribbean.

Dominica has ratified the Samoa Agreement in Brussels, sparking concerns among religious leaders and entrepreneurs. They feared that the agreement would lead to larger territories imposing legislation on sensitive issues such as abortion, transgender rights, LGBTQ rights, and comprehensive sex education. This agreement, signed by the European Union and its Member States, serves as a general legal framework for relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (ACP) over the next two decades. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit acknowledged the concerns raised by Dominicans but assured the nation that the agreement would not alter the moral culture of the Dominican people.

The Ministry of Health Wellness and Social Services wishes to inform the general public of renovation works to be done at the St. Joseph Health Centre. In this regard as of Friday March 22nd 2024 services at the St. Joseph health district will be as follows: Mondays and Thursdays - St. Joseph Doctors’ Clinic will take place at the Layou Resource Centre (this clinic is for the communities of Tarreau, Layou, St. Joseph and Mero.) Doctors’ clinics for Colihaut, Coulibistrie, Salisbury and Belles will continue at its usual locations and days. Tuesdays – Childcare Clinic will be conducted at the Salisbury Health Centre. Thursdays - Antenatal Clinic will be conducted at the Salisbury Health Centre. Special Clinics Accident and Emergency services will be conducted at the Layou Resource Center. On Call (after hours) Services for the St. Joseph Health District, will be conducted at the LayouResource Center. In the event of an emergency the On call number remains the same @225-1637 and Layou Resource Center 266-4573 and 266-4574. Dressings will be conducted at the Layou Resource Center (Medical Bay) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For any other concerns please call:767 225- 1637 The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services apologizes for any inconvenience that may be caused during this period.  However, we are working to ensure a smooth transition with minimal to no interruptions in services. -END-

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has updated the public on his administration's response to the EU government's requests concerning Dominica's Visa-Free status in the Schengen region and the implementation of security measures for the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. He stated that since meeting with EU representatives earlier this year, his administration has made various adjustments to the management of the CBI program to ensure compliance with international standards. Additionally, Mr. Skerrit revealed that discussions among territories with CBI programs, including St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis, have resulted in the negotiation and finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to enhance transparency and security within the CBI program to prevent security breaches and malpractice in revenue management. The Prime Minister informed that his office has provided the EU government with a copy of the amended legislation passed in December 2023, containing initial recommendations for CBI program management. He mentioned that his team is currently awaiting feedback or further recommendations from the EU government regarding improvements to Dominica's CBI program management.

BOGOTA, Colombia, (March 20, 2024) – The Ministry of Tourism has announced a partnership with Global Lounge Network, a leading lounge management firm, to enhance the executive lounge experience at Douglas-Charles Airport and enable Dominica to tap into Global Lounge's global network. This collaboration, which occurred on the second day of Routes Americas, promises to elevate passengers' travel experience by delivering first-class amenities and services. Benoit Bardouille, CEO of DASPA, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: "Our partnership with Global Lounge Network is designed to transform the passenger experience, boost non-aeronautical revenue, and draw in premium travelers in search of exclusive lounge amenities. This initiative will enhance the appeal of our airport and generate employment opportunities at Douglas-Charles Airport. It will also elevate the level of customer service through training that aligns with international standards." The Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism, shared her excitement about the benefits of this collaboration: “Our alliance with Global Lounge Network allows them to extend their offerings in the nature island to their loyal customers. This allows Dominica to be promoted in their network which handles over  300 000 passengers monthly and the vast customer base of  Priority Pass and Lounge Key. This move puts us on par with the travel experience they offer at major hubs like Miami, Puerto Rico and San Francisco. It also supports the further development our local hospitality industry by adding value for guests. On behalf of the Government of Dominica, I want extend profound gratitude to Range Development for their outstanding work in establishing, managing and providing exceptional customer service to passengers at our existing executive lounge over the past two years and look forward to continued collaboration with them.” Global Lounge Network is renowned for its expertise in designing, financing, developing, operating, and marketing VIP lounges at airports worldwide. The executive team comprises first-class professionals boasting over 26 years of experience in the airline industry and an additional 20 years in developing lounges. Their extensive knowledge and skills enable them to design, develop, and manage lounges effectively anywhere in the world. To date, they operate 46 lounges with over 300 000 daily customers. For information, visit their website, https://globalloungenetwork.com/. Further information about our Global Lounge Network, will be released soon.