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In celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026, the President of the Dominica Red Cross Society, Reginald Winston, issued the following statement under the global theme, “United in Humanity”. All across the world, fellow human beings marginalize and attack other human beings, even those of us working voluntarily for the good of all. These actions further divide our communities and make our work more dangerous. Our theme, "United in Humanity," for this year's World Red Cross Red Crescent Day should not be just a tagline; it is a firm conviction cut from the fundamental principles of our movement. It is a poignant reminder to the world that our volunteers aren't just service providers, but they are neighbors, friends, family members, and that the people we help aren't mere victims or statistics, but are our fellow human beings. By being united in humanity, we bridge the gap between those who help and those who need it, between us and them. During the last floods which occurred in Dominica, the Dominica Red Cross, through its volunteers, used the opportunity to reclaim the narrative of our shared humanity and to reemphasize and manifest the proximity that makes our movement unique. Allow me to quote, if I may, from one of the beneficiaries in the Kalinago territory: "There are moments in life," she says, "when the weight of the world presses down so heavily that a person begins to wonder whether anyone even knows that they exist. But my entire family wish to extend our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to the entire Dominica Red Cross. One particular volunteer made kindness even more extraordinary. She remembered me in a moment that I felt so invisible to the world and was a balm to my spirit that no words can fully capture. We, the less privileged, or poor, or displaced, who are unable to help ourselves, who sit quietly and wait, are still there." She adds, "May the Red Cross continue to be a beacon of hope for every community in Dominica, especially those of us who live in the places hardest to reach." What more can I, as President of the Dominica Red Cross, add to these sterling words but to encourage our volunteers to continue to show real courage and humanity in our work, demonstrate our care for the individual, and reemphasize by our actions the fundamental principles of this noble movement that we all have the privilege to share in service to our fellow human beings. A happy Red Cross Day to all.

The Returning Officer for the upcoming Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) elections, Ms. Tania Burnett, has confirmed the list of eligible nominations received for executive positions ahead of the Association’s Annual General Meeting. As of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM, the following nominations were duly received and met all requirements:  President - Brendan Williams  Vice President - Walson Pacquette  Secretary General - Phillip White  Assistant Secretary/Treasurer - Felicien Antoine  Treasurer - Jermasha Mellow  Public Relations Officer - Judy Larocque The election to confirm the above nominations will be held on, Saturday, May 23, 2026, during the Dominica Athletics Association AGM, at the Dominica Olympic Committee Conference Room from 10 AM. In accordance with Section 14.1 of the Dominica Athletics Association Constitution, the positions of, School Representative, Club Representative, Male Athlete Representative and Female Athlete Representative, will not be decided at the AGM. These positions will instead be elected at a Special General Meeting to be convened within four (4) weeks of the AGM. Details of that meeting will be communicated in due course. Media representatives and interested stakeholders are invited to follow these developments as the DAA moves to confirm its executive leadership for the upcoming term.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association officially launched its two-day Referee Clinic today, Friday, May 8, 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening the standard of basketball officiating and overall development of the sport in Dominica. The clinic brings together local referees, aspiring officials, and basketball stakeholders for intensive training sessions focused on the latest rules interpretations, game management, mechanics, positioning, communication, and professional officiating standards. The initiative forms part of DABA’s wider strategy to improve the quality and consistency of basketball officiating across all divisions and competitions on the island. The training sessions will feature classroom instruction, on-court practical demonstrations, video analysis, and interactive discussions designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to officiate at a higher level. DABA emphasized that the development of referees remains a critical pillar in the advancement of basketball in Dominica, noting that quality officiating contributes significantly to player development, game management, and the overall growth and professionalism of the sport. The association also highlighted its continued commitment to investing in education and capacity building for referees, coaches, players, and administrators as part of its long-term vision for Dominican basketball. DABA encourages all participants to take full advantage of the learning opportunity and thanked the facilitators, officials, and partners supporting the successful staging of the clinic.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence will host a STEM Fair on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, commencing at 10:00 a.m. The STEM Fair will be held under the theme “STEM at Work: Building Industry Capacity through Ideas.” The fair will provide a national platform for students from primary and secondary schools to showcase innovative projects that demonstrate the application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to solve real-world challenges. The initiative seeks to promote innovation, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among students while emphasizing the role of STEM education in strengthening local industry capacity and supporting national development. Members of the public are invited to view students’ displays from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm and to experience firsthand the ingenuity and talent being cultivated in schools across Dominica.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejects, in the strongest terms, the Executive Order issued by the White House on May 1, 2026, which intensifies, to extreme and unprecedented levels, the economic, financial, and commercial blockade against Cuba. Likewise, it condemns the decision by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on May 7, 2026, which added the Cuban entities Gaesa and MoaNickel S.A. to the Specially Designated Nationals List, this being the first coercive measure resulting from the order signed on May 1. This constitutes an act of ruthless economic aggression that multiplies the extraterritorial effects of the blockade, with the potential application of secondary sanctions against foreign companies, banks, and entities, even if their business operations in the United States have no connection to Cuba. The measure will further hinder the functioning of the national economy, which has already been facing, since January 29, 2026, the disastrous effects of the oil blockade imposed on that date, which paralyzed fuel exports to the country. Acting as a global policeman and in flagrant violation of international law and the basic rules of free trade in goods and services, it explicitly and brazenly attacks Acting as the world’s policeman and in flagrant violation of international law and the basic rules of free trade in goods and services, the sovereign right of all States that have or wish to maintain economic, commercial, and financial relations with Cuba is being explicitly, blatantly, and directly attacked. The highest U.S. authorities, particularly the Secretary of State, are attempting to force the international community, through blackmail and intimidation, to submit to and comply with the blockade. No country is exempt from this threat to extend the genocide against the Cuban people, in an attempt to force Cuba’s isolation from the international economic and financial arena. We warn that this aggression against the Cuban economy and people would only achieve its intended destructive effect if sovereign and independent nations allow themselves to be intimidated by the U.S. government. We know that the world will never meekly accept illegal norms, will not renounce sovereign equality, nor will it leave its citizens, businesspeople, corporations, and financial institutions unprotected. The international community has historically opposed and condemned the genocide being committed against the people of Cuba by the United States government, which has lasted nearly seven decades. We denounce the criminal nature of these aggressive measures aimed at forcing the entire Cuban population to surrender through hunger and desperation and at attempting to create a social, economic, and political catastrophe on a national scale. We also reject the U.S. government’s intention to create a humanitarian crisis in order to justify more dangerous actions, including military aggression against Cuba. In all international forums, Cuba will continue to denounce the blockade. Likewise, we urge the international community to confront this onslaught, which constitutes a dangerous escalation in the U.S. quest to exercise domination and control Cuba’s destiny, thereby violating the independence and sovereignty of all states.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, has officially taken the decision to rename the Castle Bruce Health Centre as the Nurse Hyacinth Thomas Health and Wellness Centre, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to healthcare in the district. This decision reflects the Government’s continued commitment to honouring individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to national development, particularly within the health sector. Nurse Hyacinth Thomas is widely regarded as one of the most influential medical professionals to have served the Castle Bruce district, dedicating years of service to the care and well-being of its residents. The renaming also comes as the facility undergoes important upgrades, with works currently ongoing to retrofit the centre to be climate resilient, ensuring that it remains functional and accessible even in the face of extreme weather events. Upon completion, the enhanced facility will continue to provide essential primary healthcare services, health education, and wellness support to the people of Castle Bruce and surrounding communities. Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andy St Hiliare, underscored the significance of the decision. “This renaming is a fitting tribute to a healthcare professional whose life‟s work has touched countless individuals and families. Nurse Hyacinth Thomas represents the very essence of community healthcare: selflessness, dedication, and compassion.” Dr. St Hilaire added, “As we invest in modern, climate-resilient health infrastructure, it is equally important that we honour those who laid the groundwork for quality care in our communities. This gesture ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire both current and future generations of healthcare providers.” In reflecting on the honour, Nurse Hyacinth Thomas expressed both humility and pride. “Really I am very humbled but very excited too because I wasn‟t expecting it. I know I worked hard, I did a lot for my community...but I didn‟t do it for name. I really did it because of the love of God.” She also highlighted her enduring connection with the community. “I believe when the news breaks out, they will be very happy... Because they do not forget me. When they meet me, nice greetings...So it‟s really how you deal with people; it will have a lasting impact on you and on them.” Commenting on the upgraded facility, Nurse Thomas noted, “You know, when I see the work that is being done there, I say to myself „Wow, that is a mini hospital.‟ It‟s true. It was a main health centre but now it is expanding to have other offices and other areas for our nurses and so it is really a great honour for us here in Castle Bruce. Not only for me who it is named after, but when our people come there, they know they are coming to a modern health centre. I am sure some of them will also say a mini hospital.” An official renaming ceremony will be announced, bringing together residents, healthcare workers, and government officials to celebrate the life and legacy of Nurse Hyacinth Thomas.

By Michelle Brathwaite When The Bahamas hosted the Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Escazú Agreement in April, it marked the first time the conference had been held in the Caribbean. For a region on the front lines of climate change, biodiversity loss and intensifying development pressures, the moment could not be more timely. The Escazú Agreement is a landmark regional treaty that guarantees the rights to access information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters. At its core, it is about how decisions are made, who has a voice, and how human rights are protected when development and environmental protection intersect. For small island and coastal states, where ecosystems are fragile and communities depend directly on land, sea and natural resources, these principles are fundamental. Ten of the 19 countries that have ratified the Escazú Agreement are from the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Their leadership reflects a growing regional commitment to transparency, participation, accountability and the protection of environmental human rights defenders. I encourage other Caribbean States to follow their example. The urgency is clear. Climate change is intensifying storms, flooding and sealevel rise. Biodiversity loss threatens food security and livelihoods. At the same time, development pressures continue to grow. Decisions taken today will determine whether development strengthens resilience and inclusion or deepens inequality and environmental harm. These issues were front and centre at an official COP side event organized by the UN Human Rights Office. Speakers representing diverse sectors of society engaged openly on the human rights obligations of States and responsibilities of businesses and one message was clear: communities affected by environmental decisions must be informed early and able to participate meaningfully. This is not only a human rights obligation; it is also sound policy. When communities are excluded, projects often face resistance, delays and loss of trust. When participation is genuine and timely, decisions are stronger, risks are better managed, and outcomes are more sustainable over time. But challenges remain. Greater awareness is still needed of the protections and opportunities the Agreement offers – not only for communities, but also for States and businesses. One of the Agreement’s most important provisions is Article 9, which focuses on the protection of environmental human rights defenders. Across the Caribbean, individuals and communities work courageously to protect ecosystems and the rights of others, often with limited resources and at personal risk. Intimidation or reprisals against those who raise environmental concerns are incompatible with international human rights law and with the commitments States have made under the Escazú Agreement. They also undermine the principles of participation and trust that Caribbean countries reaffirmed at the COP. States in the region should ensure that individuals working to defend the environment and human rights are able to carry out this work safely and without intimidation. And businesses operating in the Caribbean must ensure that their activities do not contribute – directly or through their value chains – to threats, criminalization or reprisals against those who raise environmental concerns. The UN Human Rights Office for the Caribbean remains committed to supporting States through capacitybuilding, and technical assistance on the rights of access to information, public participation in decisionmaking, access to justice, and the application of a human rightsbased approach to environmental action. Hosting COP4 in The Bahamas was a powerful reminder that the Caribbean is not only vulnerable – it is also leading. With continued cooperation and political will, the Escazú Agreement can help ensure that development is inclusive and participatory and that it protects the right to a healthy environment for present and future generations. Michelle Brathwaite is Regional Representative of the UN Human Rights Office for the Caribbean Community

In an effort to continue strengthening ties with one of its vital global markets, the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently completed a comprehensive sales and outreach mission to the United Kingdom. Under the leadership of CEO Stacey Liburd, the delegation focused on high-level trade activations and diaspora community building to drive long-term visitor demand and market performance. The mission opened with a two-day diaspora outreach programme led by Melinda Telesford, Marketing Executive at the GTA. The sessions combined both face-to face and online platforms, moving beyond mere updates, and focused on how the UK-based diaspora can act as a strategic engine for tourism. Discussions were held to explore how the community can leverage their networks and expertise, to drive advocacy and visitation to the Spice Isle. A defining moment of the mission was the GTA’s participation in the exclusive Virtuoso On Tour UK & Ireland. By engaging directly with a cohort of 30 travel advisors, the delegation successfully reinforced Grenada’s competitive edge within the premium travel sector, a primary driver of sustainable tourism for the islands. “The UK continues to be a strategically important market for Grenada, and this mission provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen and deepen our relationships across key segments,” said CEO Stacey Liburd. “Engagement with our diaspora community and trade partners reaffirmed a strong and growing interest in Grenada’s distinctive tourism offering. We leave the UK encouraged by the level of enthusiasm and confident in the momentum generated as we look ahead to the upcoming seasons.” Beyond community outreach, CEO Liburd spearheaded a series of media and trade engagements designed to synchronize in-market partners with the GTA’s 2026 strategic roadmap. These engagements were engineered to convert existing destination interest into sustained visitor demand, ensuring that Grenada’s market performance remains on a high-growth trajectory. “The conversations we had with our UK diaspora community were both encouraging and eye-opening,” stated marketing executive Melinda Telesford, “There is a wealth of networks and expertise within the community that we can tap into and the willingness to contribute to Grenada’s growth was evident. This outreach was just the beginning of what we believe will be a powerful and ongoing partnership.” This mission reflects the GTA’s multi-dimensional approach to market development, weaving together trade relations, market positioning and community advocacy. The Grenada Tourism Authority continues to utilize these targeted activations to diversify and scale Grenada’s global destination profile.

The initiative aims to help soursop exporters meet GLOBALG.A.P. standards, enhance food safety, improve traceability, and expand access to international markets 29 April, 2026 - St. George’s, Grenada - Building on ongoing efforts to strengthen Grenada’s soursop value chain, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), has launched a targeted certification pilot aimed at advancing compliance with international food safety standards and improving export readiness. This latest intervention forms part of the project “Enhancing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity and Market Access for Grenadian Soursop Exports” and represents a critical shift from foundational capacity building to market-oriented compliance and certification. The initiative will support two selected packhouses and ten associated farmers in achieving GLOBAL G.A.P. certification. GLOBAL G.A.P. certification is a globally recognized, voluntary farm assurance standard that verifies safe, sustainable, and ethical agricultural production. It focuses on food safety, environmental protection, worker welfare, and product traceability from farm to retailer, acting as a "passport"; for producers to access global markets. It strengthens risk management through structured food safety controls and increases buyer confidence in the quality and safety of produce. The addition of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements further aligns producers with United States regulations, supporting compliance with evolving import standards. A national training workshop held at the Grenada National Stadium on April 21, 2026, officially launched the pilot initiative. The session focused on implementing GLOBAL G.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Fruit and Vegetables GFS v6, along with the FSMA Add-on requirements. These are voluntary, audit-based modules designed to verify that farms and food facilities comply with specific Food and Drug Administration (FDA) preventive control, produce safety, or import rules. With 31 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), farmers, exporters, and other private sector representatives, attendance considerably exceeded expectations due to the workshop's significant importance. The first week of launch activities signaled the beginning of the certification pathway. In addition to the training workshop, the participating packhouses and farms underwent on-site preliminary assessments to evaluate their current level of compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. and FSMA requirements. Based on these evaluations, customized corrective action plans will be developed for each entity, identifying the specific improvements needed to achieve certification in a practical and targeted way. Training and technical assistance were led by the FAO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry of Grenada, with support from Inversiones Riel S. de R.L., a technical consulting firm from Honduras specializing in SPS systems and international certification processes. “We are pleased to support the launch of this pilot initiative to advance GLOBALG.A.P. certification within Grenada’s soursop value chain. This effort represents an important step in strengthening food safety, improving production standards, and expanding market access for our stakeholders. By aligning with internationally recognized certification systems, we are positioning our exports to compete more effectively”, stated Mr. Thaddeus Peters, Chief Agriculture Officer (Ag.). Mr. Ricardo Pineda, Lead Consultant, Inversiones Riel S. de R.L noted, “We are pleased to have successfully completed Phase 1 with the selection of two highly qualified exporters. This milestone lays a strong foundation for certification under GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 with the FSMA add-on by November 2026, opening new opportunities for Grenada’s soursop in high-value international markets.” "This process is pushing us to tighten our operations and be more consistent across the board; it will be challenging, but it's exactly what we need to grow and compete in more demanding markets"stated Marlon St. Louis, General Manager of Simply Pure Agroprocessing, in response to the initial activities. FAO Plant Production and Protection Specialist, Ms. Anne Desrochers emphasized, “While this pilot presents a valuable opportunity to advance GLOBALG.A.P. certification, it is not a passive process. Selected farmers and packhouses must commit time, resources, and consistent effort to implement the required improvements, an essential step toward achieving certification and accessing higher-value export markets.” The next phase of the pilot will focus on intensive, hands-on training and technical support across key certification areas, including good agricultural practices, record-keeping, traceability, post-harvest handling, and audit preparedness.

Annie Samuel-Etienne, a past student of Wesley High School, has been officially hooded by Virginia University of Lynchburg, having been conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Administration, graduating with high honors. Dr. Samuel-Etienne, who currently serves as a Director of Programs and has worked extensively with the State of Florida, has built an impressive career dedicated to supporting at-risk communities in South Florida. Her leadership and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact across the region. Now officially Dr. Samuel-Etienne, she continues to make her community proud through her achievements and dedication to excellence. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Samuel-Etienne and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association proudly announces a historic milestone for the nation as Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team prepares to compete in its first-ever senior men’s tournament sanctioned by FIBA. Dominica will participate in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, scheduled for July 8–12, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana. Group A Line-Up Dominica has been drawn in Group A alongside: Guyana (Host) Dominica Turks & Caicos Islands Antigua & Barbuda Bermuda A Historic First for Dominica This marks the first time in history that Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Team will compete in a senior men’s tournament at the FIBA level — a major breakthrough for basketball development in Dominica. The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) views this as a defining moment in the growth and elevation of the sport across the island. “This is a proud and defining moment for Dominica basketball. Our participation represents years of growth, commitment, and belief in our athletes. We are stepping onto the regional stage ready to compete and represent our country with pride.” More Than a Tournament Participation in this competition provides: Valuable international exposure for players A pathway toward AmeriCup qualification Increased visibility for Dominica basketball Opportunities for athlete development and recruitment Looking Ahead DABA will now move into the preparation phase, including: National team selection Training camps Strategic partnerships and support initiatives This historic debut signals the beginning of a new era for basketball in Dominica. Call to Support The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association calls on all Dominicans, both locally and abroad, to rally behind the team as they represent the Nature Isle on the regional stage. History is being made. Dominica is ready.

The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) is set to deliver another exciting slate of games as Week 3 of the national basketball competition tips off from Wednesday, May 6 to Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. With teams beginning to find their rhythm and standings taking shape, Week 3 promises intense matchups, emerging rivalries, and standout individual performances as clubs push for early dominance. WEEK 3 GAME SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 6, 2026 7:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 2 vs Possie Pacers 9:00 PM: Police Sports Club vs BAA Sharks Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00 PM: West Coast Ballers vs D-Treads Blazers 2 9:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 1 vs Happy 767 SC Dominators Friday, May 8, 2026 7:00 PM: Denise Charles Seahawks vs Convenience Plus Mahaut Gators 9:00 PM: Marigot Sunrise vs Prowlers Saturday, May 9, 2026 7:00 PM: Perky’s Pizza 767 SC Young Ballers vs D-Treads Blazers 2 9:00 PM: Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons 1 vs D-Treads Blazers 1 COMPETITION HEATING UP As the competition progresses, teams are placing greater emphasis on execution, consistency, and depth. Clubs such as the Dominators, Falcons, Blazers, and Sharks will be looking to assert their dominance, while rising teams like the Ballers, Pacers, and Prowlers aim to disrupt the standings and build momentum. Week 3 is expected to be a turning point, with several teams playing multiple games that could significantly impact their position in the league. Coaches and players alike understand the importance of these matchups as they look to secure playoff positioning early in the season. FAN EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY SUPPORT DABA continues to encourage fans, families, and basketball enthusiasts across Dominica to come out and support the teams. The Massacre Indoor Sports Complex is expected to come alive each night with energy, entertainment, and competitive basketball at its finest. “This is where the competition truly begins to take shape,” said a DABA representative. “Week 3 will showcase the depth of talent in Dominica and the passion that continues to drive the sport forward.” Basketball fans are urged to attend, support their favorite teams, and be part of the growing excitement surrounding the national league. All games are open to the public.