Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

National record holder and World Champion in the women’s triple jump Thea Lafond Gadson is confident she can bring home Dominica’s first Olympic Medal as she participates in the women’s triple jump at the Paris Summer Olympic Games this week. Thea who is the first Dominican to medal at the Commonwealth Games and the first Dominican to win gold at the World Championships is set to compete on August 2nd in the Women’s Triple Jump Qualifiers. The Women’s Triple Jump will get underway 12:15 pm Caribbean time on Friday. Thea needs a jump of 14.35 meters on Friday to qualify for Saturday’s final. She is the current national record holder at 15.01 meters. Meantime Dominica opens its hunt for medals on Thursday August 1st with Warren Lawrence competing in the Men’s 50-meter freestyle swimming event. Lawrence will swim in Heat number 4. The heats will get underway at 11:16 am Caribbean time, Thursday morning. National swimmer Jasmine Schofield also takes to the pool on August 3rd for the Women’s 50-meter backstroke. 800-meter runner Dennick Luke runs in the men’s 800-meter event on August 7th. -END-

Two Dominican documentaries have been selected to be featured at this year's Conch Shell International Film Festival in New York. "Dementia: The Island Journey" by Rianna Patterson, which delves into the challenges of dementia in the Caribbean, and "Territory" by media entrepreneur Jael Joseph, which examines issues within the Kalinago community, particularly their connection to the land in the absence of their indigenous language, will be showcased. "Dementia: The Island Journey" was recently screened at the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival in England last month and received an honorable mention at the awards night while "Territory" won Best Short Documentary at the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada last September. Rianna expressed her excitement for the opportunity to share knowledge and stories on dementia with the Caribbean diaspora in the US. She noted that this is the documentary's fourth festival selection. Jael emphasized the significance of the Kalinago story, highlighting their resistance to colonization and their importance in the broader Caribbean context. She expressed her humility and gratitude for the exposure. The Conch Shell International Film Festival is a competitive event that features short films by independent and student Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora filmmakers, as well as established filmmakers. The 2024 festival will be held from October 10-13 at Regal UA Midway in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.

Ms. Jasmine Schofield, who resides in the USA and returns to Dominica consistently, will be making her Olympic debut as Dominica’s first female swimmer since 2000. Ms. Schofield secured a universality placement in the 50m freestyle. Despite not achieving the qualification mark, the IOC Games regulations, which support the development of participation of all National Olympic Committees, allow for the placement of at least one Swimming athlete in each gender if none are able to achieve the qualification mark. Ms Schofield recently competed in the 2024 36th CCCAN Championships in Mexico and swam a new personal best and National record of 30.26 seconds in the 50m freestyle, breaking the time of 30.60 she swam in Doha at the World Championships in February. Additionally, Ms. Schofield has recently been awarded a World Aquatics scholarship and will be training at the Thanyapura Training Center inThailand starting in September. Ms. Jasmine Schofield is the daughter of Dominican Olympian Francilia Agar Schofield, who also competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in the 50m freestyle. Credit G Richards

Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre will present the 2024/2025 budget at the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Eleventh Parliament on Friday, July 26, 2024. The proposed Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, amount to one billion four hundred and eighty-six million, nine hundred and fifty-one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three dollars (EC$1,486,951,793.00). Parliament will also seek authorization to borrow by means of overdraft from financial institutions as well as authorization for an additional credit facility from the International Development Association (IDA) for funding of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project. A resolution to amend the Value Added Tax Schedule is also on the agenda. At this meeting, Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton D.A.H will deliver her inaugural address to the Parliament. The proceedings of the House will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live by your preferred mediums. -Ends-

The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Directors following the successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July 20, 2024. The meeting convened beekeepers from across the island and key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy underscoring the Government’s commitment to advancing apiculture on the island. Mr. Ryan Anselm, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, reaffirmed Honourable Minister Royer’s steadfast support for the development of apiculture on the island, pledging resources and collaborative efforts to enhance beekeeping practices and promote sustainable agricultural practices, and announced plans to allocate lands specifically to beekeepers for the establishment of apiaries aiming at increasing individual apiaries to 100 hives. On July 22, 2024, the board convened for its first meeting where key leadership positions were determined among its nine elected Directors. The newly elected Board of Directors and their respective positions are as follows: • President: Mr. Kevin James; • Vice President: Mr. Nathaniel Lowel; • Public Relations Officer (PRO): Ms. Vernella Orlé; • Treasurer: Mr. Leroy Cyprien; • Secretary: Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul; • Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Cyril Robinson; • Members: Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, Mr. Berlvin Gardier. Mr. Kevin James, elected as President, brings a wealth of experience and a bold vision to the helm of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. His dedication to promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and enhancing the role of beekeepers in agricultural ecosystems is evident. Under his leadership, the cooperative will continue to develop plans for the inaugural 'Honey in the Town' initiative. This event will aim to not only increase awareness on apiculture but also educate the public on the crucial role bees play in our environment. "I am honored to lead this esteemed group of individuals who share a deep commitment to the well-being of bees and the advancement of our cooperative, together with this new Board of Directors, I am confident we will achieve significant milestones in promoting beekeeping awareness and expanding our membership base." said Mr. Kevin James, President of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Mr. Nathaniel Lowel, assuming the role of Vice President, as a seasoned beekeeper himself brings strategic acumen and a passion for environmental conservation to the board. Ms. Vernella Orlé, elected as the Public Relations Officer, will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and public engagement of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Her knowledge in communication and community outreach will ensure advocacy for apiculture. Mr. Leroy Cyprien, elected as Treasurer, brings a robust financial background and his meticulous approach and dedication will support the operational efficiency and long-term sustainability of the cooperative. Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul, serving as Secretary, will manage administrative duties and ensure smooth coordination within the board. Mr. Cyril Robinson, assuming the role of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, will support Ms. Paul in administrative tasks while assisting Mr. Cyprien in financial management responsibilities. The newly elected Members, Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, and Mr. Berlvin Gardier, bring diverse perspectives and valuable expertise to the board. Their collective experience in beekeeping and agriculture, will enrich discussions and decision-making processes within the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. extends its gratitude to the outgoing board members for their dedication and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders in furthering the goals of sustainable beekeeping practices.

Cancer has emerged as one of the most formidable health challenges of the 21st century. Its rise in prevalence is alarming, with the World Health Organization estimating that cancer is responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, making it the second leading cause of death globally. Several factors contribute to the increasing burden of cancer. Firstly, population aging plays a significant role. As life expectancy increases, so does the incidence of cancer, as it predominantly affects older individuals. Secondly, lifestyle changes, including unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, are major risk factors. The modern lifestyle, with its high-stress levels and exposure to environmental pollutants, further exacerbates the situation. The complexity of cancer lies in its many forms and behaviors. Over 100 types of cancer exist, each requiring a unique approach to treatment. Advances in medical research have led to better understanding and new therapies, such as immunotherapy and personalized medicine, which offer hope. However, these treatments are often costly and not universally accessible, creating disparities in outcomes between different socioeconomic groups and regions. The economic impact of cancer is profound. The cost of treatment, coupled with the loss of productivity, places a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Developing countries, in particular, struggle with limited resources and infrastructure to effectively combat the disease. Despite these challenges, global efforts are underway to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about risk factors and promote early detection through screenings. Research continues to explore new frontiers in oncology, seeking to turn cancer into a manageable chronic condition. In conclusion, while cancer’s grip on global health is tightening, the collective efforts of the medical community, governments, and society offer a glimmer of hope. Through continued innovation and equitable access to care, the fight against cancer is far from over, and progress is being made toward a future where it can be effectively controlled and eventually conquered.

The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has started its public consultation to agree on a suitable WACC for the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC). A consultation document has been published for stakeholders’ comments and sets out the Commission’s and DOMLEC’s determinations on the WACC. A face-to-face consultation is also scheduled for August 14, 2024, at the Dominica Public Service Union Building, where representatives of IRC and DOMLEC will make presentations on that matter. The outcome of this public consultation will result in the IRC’s final decision on the WACC. The WACC represents the return the company must achieve to satisfy investors, including both debt and equity holders. This return will guide the compensation shareholders of DOMLEC will receive for the capital that is invested in its regulatory assets, that are used for providing the service to its customers. This WACC will be utilized in the tariff calculations for the three-year tariff period. This is the second public consultation related to the Electricity Tariff/Rate Review. The other critical proposals to be decided by IRC before new electricity rates are considered will be DOMLEC’s five-year investment plan, revenue requirement, rate base, load research and cost-of-service calculations. Finally, the rate proposal will present the new rates that customers will pay for the three-year tariff period. The consultative document on DOMLEC’s WACC can be accessed on https://www.ircdominica.org/consultative/. IRC’s proposed decisions, along with the relevant consultation questions, start on page 17. Stakeholders have until August 16, 2024, to provide responses. IRC will publish its final decision on September 27, 2024.

visit our Facebook page for the rest of the highlights plus much more news! 🗞️ https://www.facebook.com/varietynewsgroup

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services wishes to inform that dental services at the Roseau Dental Clinic have resumed operations as of July 11th, 2024. After a temporary closure due to an electrical fire, the technical team has resolved the issues, and the Ministry is excited to welcome patients back. Clinic hours continue as follows: Monday to Friday: 8am – 3pm To schedule an appointment, or make inquiries, please visit us at the Roseau Dental Clinic at its location on Bath Road (former Campbell’s building) or 266 5808. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services appreciates your patience and understanding during the brief, yet untimely, suspension of services and looks forward to continue serving you.

A final call to action is being issued for young individuals from ages 16 to 35, encouraging them to apply for the 2024 cohort of the National Youth Parliament of Dominica. This initiative aims to engage and empower Dominican youth, providing them with a unique opportunity to shape the future of Dominica through meaningful discussions, legislative proposals, and insights into the parliamentary system. Application for NYP was officially open on Monday, October 23rd, 2023 and all interested individuals who have not applied are urged to send all applications by Wednesday, July 31st 2024. Applications are to be submitted using the official digital form which can be found on the National Youth Council’s Facebook page at National Youth Council of Dominica or on Instagram at nycdomnica. Applicants can also contact the NYCD office at 767-448-6944. The National Youth Parliament of Dominica offers a dynamic platform for young Dominicans to voice their opinions, share their ideas and actively contribute to the nation's development. It is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with an interest in politics, law, and social sciences, and anyone with a passion for positive change. Participation in the National Youth Parliament offers numerous benefits to Dominican youth, including gaining practical experience in parliamentary procedures and debate, developing leadership and public speaking skills, networking with like-minded young leaders from across Dominica, contributing to discussions on critical national issues, and ultimately making a positive impact on the country's future. For further information and the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to follow the National Youth Council on Facebook at National Youth Council of Dominica, on Instagram at nycdomnica or call the NYCD office at 767-448-6944. The National Youth Parliament of Dominica invites young citizens to actively engage in the country's governance and make a meaningful difference. Every voice counts!

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services regrets to inform the public that dental services at the Roseau Dental Clinic located on Bath Road have been temporarily disrupted due to unanticipated electrical issues. The electrical issues stem from a small electrical fire which occurred during the work day on Monday 8th July 2024. As a result, all dental procedures for the day were immediately halted. This prompt decision was taken, firstly, to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff and secondly, to prevent damage to the very sensitive dental equipment. As such, clients holding appointments scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2024 are advised that these appointments have been postponed. The electrical division has made assessments and the technical team is working diligently to resolve the issue and restore full functionality within twenty-four (24) hours. Once services have been restored, patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted directly by the administrative team to reschedule. The Ministry understands the importance of uninterrupted dental care and is committed to resolving this issue swiftly. Regular updates will be provided via local media and the Ministry’s social media. The Roseau Dental Clinic has been serving the community with comprehensive dental care for over 40 years. The team comprises of experienced dental professionals dedicated to providing outstanding dental services in a friendly and comfortable environment. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding and patience during this time.