The highest court in New York has overturned the rape conviction of movie producer Harvey Weinstein. In a 4-3 decision, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge made an error by allowing testimony about uncharged sexual acts involving other individuals, which unfairly prejudiced the case against Weinstein. The court stated that this testimony served no relevant purpose and portrayed Weinstein in a biased light. Weinstein, aged 72, was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and prosecutors accused him of using his power to exploit aspiring female actors for sexual purposes. They argued that Weinstein offered career opportunities in exchange for sexual favors, a practice they claimed was common knowledge within the film industry. While prosecutors contended that testimony from additional women reflected Weinstein's intent to use forceful coercion, the court's majority opinion criticized this as undermining the principle of excluding evidence based solely on propensity. Despite the overturning of his conviction, Weinstein remains incarcerated, with the possibility of facing a retrial by the Manhattan district attorney's office. Additionally, he has been convicted of sex offenses in Los Angeles and is serving a 16-year sentence there. Pic credit :People

As the academic year 2023-2024 progresses, the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) recognizes the increasing pressure students face as they prepare for the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). In response, the NYCD is proud to announce the launch of the Virtual Exam Readiness Series under the theme, "Beyond the Books: Crafting a Blueprint for Exam Triumph”. This comprehensive initiative is designed to equip students with the tools and support needed to excel in their exams. This 2-day virtual series will be held via ZOOM on Tuesday 30th April and Thursday 2nd May from 5:30 pm each day. The Exam Readiness Series aims to promote educational youth activities and programs in Dominica while addressing the critical issue of exam anxiety and stress. Through Zoom, the series will offer study strategies and mental health support to enhance students' preparation for these pivotal assessments. President of the National Youth Council, Phael Lander says "The launch of the Exam Readiness Series underscores the NYCD's commitment to supporting the holistic development of young people in Dominica". The series will feature presentations from distinguished speakers, including education experts, counsellors, and high-performing student representatives. Topics will include crafting study schedules, adopting efficient study techniques, managing exam-related stress, avoiding procrastination and smartphone distractions and leveraging technology for enhanced learning. NYCD’s 2nd Vice-President, Wendy Wallace stated, "We recognize the challenges students face as they prepare for high-stakes examinations like CSEC and CAPE, through the Exam Readiness Series, we aim to provide comprehensive support to students, not only academically but also in terms of their mental well-being, to ensure they can approach their exams with the confidence needed to excel ." The NYCD encourages all students who will sit the CSEC and CAPE examinations this year to participate in the Virtual Exam Readiness Series. – END --

TikTok intends to legally challenge a law deemed unconstitutional, threatening its potential sale or ban in the US. This law, recently signed by President Biden, mandates TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app within nine months or face US blockage due to concerns over data sharing with the Chinese government, claims TikTok has consistently refuted. TikTok's CEO vows to fight for users' rights in court, emphasizing their commitment to data security and freedom of expression. While the bill garnered significant support in Congress, legal experts anticipate a lengthy legal battle, possibly reaching the Supreme Court. Despite regulatory hurdles and the app's popularity among young Americans, questions remain about the feasibility and implications of a potential sale, given the substantial regulatory scrutiny and limited pool of potential buyers.

Roseau, Dominica - April 24 2024: The Stem Girls Club will be officially launched during a ceremony at the Mahaut Primary School on April 25, 2024 at 4:30p.m.  April 25, 2024 is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as Girls in ICT Day. This year’s theme for the Girls in ICT Day celebrations is “Leadership”, to underscore the critical need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The Stem Girls Club was established in the Mahaut Constituency in 2023 to create and foster an ecosystem that nourishes the interest, talent and intellectual capital of girls and women in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Club provides an opportunity for girls to explore STEM careers and to identify education and training opportunities to address the structural barriers and gaps that have been identified in various research studies on gender equality and ICTs. Parliamentary Representative for the Mahaut Constituency, Honourable Cassanni Laville, Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, Ms. Mellisa Graham and Mrs. Nicole Laville are leading the initiative which targets girls ages 8 – 16 years.  Several STEM related activities have been held since August 2023 including a field trip to the Oxygen Plant at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, learning session on the Properties of Cement and Concrete with Civil Engineer, Honourable Cassanni Laville, and creating building structures from marshmallows and spaghetti, among others. Honourable Cassanni Laville, the Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Honourable Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and the Digital Economy will address the function.  The feature address will be delivered by Mrs. Jessica Ricketts-Esprit, CEO of Triage Health. -Ends-

Roseau, Dominica-April 23, 2024: Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Frankie ‘Krazy Tee’ Bellot, the Proprietor of Kairi FM. He died on April 23, 2024, after a period of illness. Mr. Bellot was a pioneering figure in the media industry and a staunch proponent of frank political discourse in Dominica. As the proprietor of Kairi FM, established in 1994, he championed the growth of broadcast media and provided a platform for the promotion of Dominica’s arts and culture. Mr. Bellot made a lasting contribution to Dominica’s economy, providing employment for several Dominicans through his various business enterprises. A stalwart supporter of the Dominica Labour Party, Mr. Bellot was known for his vigorous engagement with political and governmental matters, and for his readiness to support community initiatives. The Party is grateful for his years of generous patronage; particularly the collaboration with Kairi FM to disseminate information and engage regularly with the Dominican public. The Cabinet of Ministers and the Dominica Labour Party extend heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bellot's wife, Catia, his children, mother and the Kairi FM family. We stand in solidarity with them and wish them God’s comfort in this time of bereavement. -Ends-

The President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, has resigned from his position, effective immediately. His decision comes after being placed on administrative leave in January and feeling that he won't be treated fairly by the institution. His lawyers, based in St. Lucia, conveyed this in a letter to the bank, expressing concerns about the violations of its charter, policies, rules, and regulations. They've given the bank until May 4 to negotiate a separation agreement and warned of potential legal action if necessary. This development follows an ongoing administrative process since January, during which Dr. Leon was on leave until April.

The Dominica Hospitals Authority acknowledges the heightened public interest surrounding the recent passing of one of our nurses, who was both a valued member of our team and a patient of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. We take this opportunity to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, as well as to our staff and colleagues of the deceased nurse. It is indeed a difficult time for everyone and our prayers and best wishes are with all those who have been impacted in any way. On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, the Honourable Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services and Senior Management of the Hospital were present at the hospital to support our team members, the bereaved family and other associates of our late colleague. We acknowledge the numerous comments and concerns raised in the public domain and wish to make it fundamentally clear that many of the comments provide an inaccurate account of the events. Notwithstanding, the Board of Directors of the Dominica Hospitals Authority will appoint an external team of professionals to immediately conduct a thorough and impartial fact-finding review of the circumstances surrounding the nurse's care at our facility. We take all reports, whether official or unofficial, seriously and remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in all matters concerning the functions and operations of the Hospital. Our priority is to uphold the highest standards of care and integrity within our hospitals.

Proprietor of Kairi FM radio, Frankie ‘Krazy T’ Bellot has passed. Variety News extends condolences to the family, friends and all those affected. May he rest in peace.

Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of human civilization, providing sustenance, economic prosperity, and a fundamental connection to the land. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, the significance of agriculture resonates across cultures and continents. Beyond its role in providing food, agriculture encompasses a myriad of benefits that shape societies and ecosystems. Feeding the World: At its core, agriculture is about feeding people. It sustains billions of lives by producing a diverse range of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. With a growing global population, agriculture's role in ensuring food security and combating hunger remains paramount. Through advancements in technology, crop diversity, and sustainable practices, agriculture continues to adapt to meet the ever-increasing demand for food. Economic Growth: Agriculture serves as an economic engine, driving growth and prosperity in rural and urban areas alike. It creates employment opportunities along the entire value chain, from farming and processing to distribution and retail. Smallholder farmers, in particular, play a vital role in local economies, contributing to poverty reduction and fostering rural development. Moreover, agriculture contributes to international trade, with agricultural exports serving as a significant source of revenue for many countries. Environmental Stewardship: Despite its importance, agriculture also presents environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. However, sustainable agricultural practices offer solutions to mitigate these issues. Conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and organic farming are just a few examples of approaches that prioritize environmental stewardship while maintaining productivity. By promoting biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable agriculture helps safeguard the planet for future generations. Cultural Heritage: Agriculture is deeply intertwined with cultural identity and heritage. Traditional farming practices, agricultural festivals, and culinary traditions reflect the unique relationship between communities and the land they cultivate. Through storytelling, art, and rituals, agriculture shapes cultural narratives and fosters a sense of belonging. Preserving agricultural heritage not only honors the past but also strengthens cultural resilience and identity in the face of rapid globalization. Innovation and Resilience: The agricultural sector continues to innovate in response to evolving challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and market volatility. Emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, genetic engineering, and digital farming, offer new opportunities to increase productivity, optimize resource use, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Moreover, resilient agricultural systems are essential for building adaptive capacity and ensuring food security in the face of uncertainty. In conclusion, the significance of agriculture transcends mere sustenance, encompassing economic, environmental, cultural, and technological dimensions. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, agriculture remains a bedrock of human civilization, providing nourishment for both body and soul. By embracing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of agriculture to create a more equitable, resilient, and thriving world for generations to come.

Stockfarm, Dominica – ​April 19 2024…The Dominica State College was the proud recipient of a donation of sixty-five state-of-the-art computers valued at ECD $295, 696 from the NTRC. The donation was funded by the Universal Service Fund. In the official handover ceremony, held at DSC’s Upper Campus on Friday 19 April, Director of the NTRC, Mr. Craig Nesty indicated that in recognition of the importance of technology to the educational background of the students, when the project proposal came from the DSC to establish an innovation hub, the NTRC immediately jumped on board. Mr. Nesty indicated the computers which were being donated had impressive specs to allow the students to be able to complete complex mathematical calculations among other things, and would assist in ensuring Dominica can transform to the next stage of its digital development. Ms. Urania Williams, Universal Service Fund coordinator at the NTRC was instrumental in getting the proposal approved for the donation to the DSC. Officer-in-Charge at the DSC, Ms. Trudy Christian highlighted the responsiveness of the NTRC to facilitate improvements of the technological capacity of the learning resources of the college. She indicated that the proposal for the computers to establish an innovation and entrepreneurial hub at the DSC was the work of the Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. HermanciaEugene-Zamore. The project proposal took into consideration DSC’s vision to produce lifelong learners who can compete globally and the need therefore to ensure that the college can facilitate virtual and immersive learning environments and adequate technological learning resources. Students of the DSC undertaking various programmes which are impacted by the donation of the computers also gathered to witness the official handover. Adrian Piper, an architectural student in the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology expressed his gratitude for the donation and the ability the new equipment will give him and his classmates for digital design. Tyra Matthew, an Administrative Office Assistant student in the Faculty of Arts and Science, also expressed her gratitude and the improvements already felt in the ease of operation in her programme. The Dominica State College continues to endeavour to partner with institutions and agencies to further its learning resource capacity and improve the quality of education received by the students enrolled. -End-

Roseau, Dominica - Crime Stoppers Dominica extends its heartfelt appreciation to the generous sponsors and collaborators whose support has been instrumental in advancing our mission of enhancing public safety and combating crime within our community. We are particularly grateful to longstanding supporters Digicel Dominica and Flow Dominica for their continued dedication. Throughout the close of 2023 and the onset of 2024, Crime Stoppers Dominica has been fortunate to receive sponsorship from the following esteemed businesses: Archipelago Trading Ltd., Belfast Estate Ltd., Fine Foods Ltd., Fort Young Hotel, Giselle Astaphan, Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, J. Astaphan & Co. Ltd., Jungle Bay Resort, National Bank of Dominica, National Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, Secret Bay Development Ltd., Springfield Trading Ltd., and The Realm. The contributions from these entities are pivotal in sustaining our endeavours, particularly in upholding our overseas call center. This crucial facility enables concerned citizens to anonymously report crimes they may have witnessed or possess information about. By facilitating this vital service, individuals play an integral role in assisting law enforcement agencies to solve crimes, thereby safeguarding the welfare and security of our neighbourhoods. We extend our sincere gratitude to each sponsor for their unwavering generosity and dedication to fostering a safer community for all. Their support enables us to maintain a confidential platform for citizens to report crime-related information without fear of reprisal. Crime Stoppers programs heavily rely on community support and are primarily funded by private donations received from individuals and professional organizations. For those wishing to contribute, donations can be made via check to Crime Stoppers Dominica Inc. or through MoBanking to Account No. 615000334, Mobile ID 5553018. If you witness a crime or possess information that can aid in its resolution, we urge you to utilize our anonymous hotline at 1-800 8477 or 1-800-TIPS. Your involvement could significantly contribute to protecting your home, family, and community. For further details about Crime Stoppers Dominica and our initiatives, please visit our Facebook page at Crime Stoppers Dominica. Help safeguard your home, family, and community. A message from Crime Stoppers Dominica.