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BOGOTA, Colombia, (March 19, 2024) – The Government of Dominica, through its Ministry of Tourism, announces its participation in the Routes Americas 2024 conference. Commencing today, March 19th and extending through March 21st in Bogota, Colombia, this event marks Dominica's pursuit of enhancing air connectivity and cementing its position as a leading green destination on the global stage. Routes Americas 2024 stands as the foremost air service development forum in the Americas, uniting aviation and tourism professionals from across the globe. This year's conference is set to host senior decision-makers from the region's top airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. Dominica's involvement underscores the nation's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities to boost air access—a critical component of its tourism sector. "Today, as we step into Routes Americas for the third time, our enthusiasm and optimism for what lies ahead are unprecedented. Our previous engagements have led to significant enhancements, such as the Douglas Charles Airport runway improvement and demonstrated to our airline partners and stakeholders that Dominica is serious about its development and future prospects. As we continue to build on established connections and forge new ones, our focus remains on creating a sustainable, accessible, and enriching experience for all who visit our shores. This dedication to relationship-building is the cornerstone of our success and will propel us toward even greater achievements, as we continue to invest in the new international airport, and other initiatives." - Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. Dominica's delegation to Routes Americas 2024 includes Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism; Benoit Bardoille, CEO of Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA); Samuel Johnson, CEO of Dominica’s International Airport Development Company; Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist for Discover Dominica Authority; and Kyanna Dyer, Miss Dominica 2024. The Ministry of Tourism remains optimistic about the outcomes of Routes Americas 2024, anticipating a future where Dominica becomes an even more accessible and sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. (DOWASCO) will, as customary host a week of activities beginning March 18 to observe World Water Day this year. On March 22, Dominica will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day under the theme: 'Water for Peace.’ Every year, DOWASCO hosts Water Week to coincide with the global celebration of the world’s water resources. Plans this year have been curtailed and will focus on our annually planned poster and essay competition for both primary and secondary school students, in-person presentations to schools by DOWASCO staff, tours of our sites at Antrim and Morne Daniel. The activities will culminate with a mini-exhibition at the Botanic Gardens. Staple events like our Debate Competition and Customer Appreciation Day have been excluded this year. The mini exhibition at the Botanic Gardens will be held on Friday, March 22 from 10:00am to 3:00pm and will highlight the work of DOWASCO as well as our partners in water resources management in Dominica. This includes the Forestry Division, the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation, The Dominica Red Cross and the Dominica Meteorological Service. Students participating in the poster and essay competition are encouraged to have their submissions sent in before the deadline of March 25, 2024. In the spirit of raising awareness students and teachers are also encouraged to decorate their schools in observance of World Water Day and email a photo or less than 60 seconds video to DOWASCO at k.stjean@dowasco.dm and get a chance to be awarded Best Water Day- themed school. DOWASCO looks forward to the participation of all for a successful week of activities.

Recently, the Government of Dominica presented keys to 42 deserving Dominicans for homes constructed under the 'Housing Recovery Project.' Dr. Genora Joseph, the Project Manager, emphasized that these new homes will significantly enhance the lives of the recipients. The Housing Recovery Project has engaged 49 contractors and has successfully delivered a total of 248 homes to date. As of March 18th, 2024, the 42 beneficiaries have officially become homeowners.

As Consumer Rights Day was commemorated worldwide on Friday, attention shifted towards the evolving landscape of consumer rights, notably within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In an era increasingly shaped by data and algorithms, ensuring fair and responsible AI usage for consumers emerged as a pressing concern. In the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) consistently advocated for expanded consumer rights in the digital sphere. Recent initiatives emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary challenges while fostering a marketplace characterized by equity and transparency. As the digital economy continues to expand, consumers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the implications of AI. While AI offers various benefits such as convenience and personalized experiences, it also presents risks, particularly concerning consumer data rights and privacy. Through awareness and active engagement, consumers can navigate these complexities and advocate for policies that protect their interests. The CCC plans to release a study on data protection and privacy commissioned by the CCC, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, and conducted by London Economics. This study examines the impact of data protection and privacy regulations on competition and consumer protection within the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME).

Raymond Lawrence, former Chief Cultural Officer, expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of rehabilitation efforts for the Arawak House of Culture. He emphasized the lack of progress six years after Hurricane Maria, lamenting the absence of initiatives to support the sustainability of the arts industry, despite the emergence of numerous cultural and arts groups on the island.

Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), echoed the growing calls for change in Dominica, particularly emphasizing the critical need for effective governance. Speaking to a gathering in Grand Bay on Sunday, he underscored the significance of engaging in dialogues on electoral reform as a means to both honor the legacy of past leaders, such as the late Prime Minister Pierre Charles, and to improve governance standards. Despite Charles's truncated tenure, his advocacy for good governance remains relevant. Dr. Fontaine urged Grand Bay residents to seize the opportunity presented by Electoral Reform Assemblies to showcase Dominica's potential for governance improvement. He encouraged them to embrace electoral reform as a means to empower themselves in selecting representatives who can drive economic and social development for the community.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts an average growth rate of 4.5% for Dominica in 2024-2025. According to the Staff Concluding Statement from the 2024 Article IV Mission conducted in Dominica from March 5-14, the IMF credits the projected growth to the recovery of stayover tourism to pre-pandemic levels, efforts to expand agriculture, and progress made in priority infrastructure projects. "The outlook remains positive, predicated on the full recovery of stayover arrivals, implementation of key investment plans, and prudent fiscal management. “Inflation is projected to converge to 2 percent consistent with trading partner dynamics. The transition to geothermal production, the new airport and hotel projects to expand tourism capacity, and projects to bolster resilient infrastructure are expected to yield long-term growth dividends and reduce external imbalances,” the report stated.

Jeanelle Brisbane, Assistant Forest Officer, has announced the agenda for the Forestry Division's series of events, in conjunction with Dominica's celebration of Forest Week 2024. The activities will commence with an exhibition at the Botanical Gardens and will conclude with an award ceremony honoring forestry officers. The event is set to run from March 18th to 22nd, 2024. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet and supporting life in numerous ways. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change. Forests also provide habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, forests regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination and air purification. Moreover, forests are vital for human well-being, as they provide resources such as timber, food, medicine, and recreational opportunities. Protecting and sustainably managing forests is essential for ensuring a healthy environment, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.

Mathan Walter, the Director of Trade, explained the Ministry of Trade's involvement in embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting its initial stages of development and subsequent growth. He stressed the importance of public awareness initiatives to educate people about the increasing prominence of AI, which he identified as a key priority for the ministry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. AI technologies include machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. These systems can analyze large amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions or decisions with little to no human intervention. AI is being increasingly integrated into various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and retail, to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making processes.

This week, two of the artists represented by the Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica returned home with their curator after showing in a dynamic and inspiring Fair in Barbados. The 14th edition of the Caribbean Fine Art (CaFA) Fair Barbados, took place from March 6th to 10th, at the Bagnalls Point Gallery, Pelican Village Craft Center in Bridgetown. The artists represented by Vetivert Contemporary were award-winning and internationally collected artists; Carol Sorhaindo, Micheal Lees, Marica Honychurch and Aaron Hamilton as well as emerging Sculpture and Jewelry Artist Yaena Eugene Carbon. A diverse collection of paintings, sculpture and photographs were showcased in a specially curated room within the fair, offering attendees a unique and immersive experience of Dominican art. Visitors were able to experience a thought-provoking exhibition that explored pressing social issues and histories. Artists and Curator Carla Armour spoke of the significance of the Gallery showing at an international fair, “our attendance at CaFA means that we showed the work of 5 of our artists to a new market, opened opportunities for our artists to network and broaden conversations around regional collaborations and international opportunities.” In addition to the exhibition, Armour was also invited to present and moderate a panel discussion on the Finalé event Sunday, March 10th, 2024. The panel was introduced by CaFA Fair director Anderson Pilgrim, with presentations by David Emmanuel Noel, Artist & Director of Occhi Arts & Entertainment and Tony Cole of Cole’s Art Gallery (UK), Jeanelle Brisbane - founder of Wild Dominique (via video), and Mr. Richardo Marshall, Director R2RP in the Prime Minister's Office, Barbados. The engaging presentations on the topic; ‘Artists in their environment, how their work is informed by their role as climate change collaborators, commentators and change motivators’, inspired in-depth discussions and debates. "It was an honour to represent our artists and moderate the panel discussion on a hybrid stage, globally digital and in-person at CaFA." said Carla Armour. "Our participation in this event marks a significant milestone in our Gallery’s journey towards international recognition and market visibility for our local Artist and Dominica’s Creative sector." The new gallery installed their first exhibition of Fine Art paintings and photographs last April with follow-up installations in October and December 2023. Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica is located at Lacou Restaurant & Private Dining Room within the Historic Melrose House and courtyard situated on the edge of Roseau’s French Quarter. "Our vision is to provide our represented Dominican artists with mentorship, curation, and international exposure, to position our art alongside the best in the world," says Carla Armour, Curator and one of Vetivert Contemporary’s 8 represented Artists.

At the event marking the 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Dominica and China, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit discussed his decision to recognize the One-China Policy during his tenure. He stressed that this decision prioritized Dominica's national interests, aiming to seamlessly align foreign policy with domestic priorities. Skerrit also pointed out the successful partnership between the Chinese Agricultural Mission and the government in strengthening the agriculture sector. He highlighted their joint efforts to improve various sectors of the economy, demonstrating the shared goals and interests of both nations.