New itineraries and curated experiences invite families, couples and solo travelers to explore the Nature Island this summer – The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” a new seasonal travel initiative under its Nature of Love destination campaign. The initiative features eight curated itineraries designed to help visitors explore Dominica through adventure, wellness, culture and nature-based experiences. Developed as a practical planning resource, the itineraries make it easier for travelers to navigate the destination while encouraging longer stays and deeper exploration of communities across the island. The collection includes four multi-day vacation itineraries and four full-day tours tailored for families, couples and solo travelers seeking adventure, wellness, romance and cultural discovery. “Summer the Nature Island Way highlights the many ways visitors can experience Dominica,” said Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority. “These itineraries provide inspiration and practical guidance for exploring the island while connecting with our people, culture and natural environment. Whether visitors are seeking adventure, wellness, romance or quality time with loved ones, Dominica offers experiences that create meaningful and lasting memories.” The initiative comes amid growing international recognition for Dominica as a leading destination for nature-based and experiential travel. The island was named one of the Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026 by National Geographic, ranked the number one destination in BBC Travel’s Top 25 Places to Travel in 2025 and identified by Caribbean Travel Trends 2026 as the Caribbean’s strongest-performing destination. As an extension of the Nature of Love campaign, the initiative encourages visitors to experience the connections that emerge through nature, wellness, culture and shared experiences while discovering the diversity of Dominica’s tourism product. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica offers a blend of rainforest adventures, volcanic wonders, marine encounters and wellness experiences. Visitors can hike to the world’s second-largest Boiling Lake, explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, relax in warm sulphur springs, snorkel at Champagne Reef and experience the only place on Earth where sperm whales reside year-round. Multi-Day Vacation Itineraries The collection features four multi-day itineraries designed around different travel interests: 4-Day Family Fun in Dominica combines waterfalls, marine experiences and cultural attractions for all ages. 5-Day Romantic Escape in Dominica features nature-based experiences, wellness activities and intimate moments designed for couples. 6-Day Adventure in Dominica offers hiking, canyoning, river activities and marine adventures for active travelers. 5-Day Wellness Retreat in Dominica focuses on relaxation, mindfulness, healthy cuisine and nature-inspired well-being. Curated Day Tours For visitors seeking shorter experiences, the initiative also includes four full-day tours: Roseau Valley Day Tour highlights attractions within and around Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Northern Treasures Day Tour combines rainforest exploration, heritage experiences and coastal relaxation. Calibishie Indulgence: Rum, Rocks & Relaxation showcases the flavours, scenery and attractions of Dominica’s northeast region. City Treasures & Jungle Gems blends Roseau’s historic landmarks with some of the island’s most popular natural attractions. The itineraries are designed to encourage visitors to explore communities across the island while supporting local tourism businesses, including tour operators, accommodations, restaurants, transportation providers, wellness practitioners and cultural attractions. By connecting travelers with a range of experiences and service providers, the initiative supports local entrepreneurship and encourages visitor spending across communities throughout the island. The initiative also supports Dominica’s positioning as a wellness destination by highlighting experiences rooted in nature, outdoor recreation, cultural immersion and personal well-being. From rainforest hikes and thermal springs to farm-to-table dining and mindfulness experiences, the itineraries reflect the island’s approach to healthy, sustainable and meaningful travel. Travelers can reach Dominica via direct service from Miami on American Airlines, as well as regional connections on Contour Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, FRS Express des Iles, LIAT Air, Sunrise Airways and WINAIR. The complete “Summer the Nature Island Way” itinerary collection is available at www.discoverdominica.com, where travelers can explore suggested experiences, connect with local tourism providers and begin planning their Nature Island getaway.

Following today's announcement regarding the resignation of the Honourable Miriam Blanchard as the Parliamentary Representative for Roseau North, I wish to express the deepest sentiments of a grateful government and nation for her extraordinary years of service. As I reflect, I look back with immense gratitude on Miriam’s decision to answer the call to enter public life, choosing to raise her hand and be counted when the country needed selfless service. For nearly ten years, Miriam served the people of Dominica in Cabinet with distinction — leading the reconstruction of our country's infrastructure after Tropical Storm Erika, guiding our planning and economic development and championing our workers, our public servants and our small businesses. Throughout this journey, even as the inherent fragilities of life and health became apparent, her perseverance never wavered. Miriam gave of herself entirely to the advancement of our people, and it is now time that we, as a grateful country, do the same for her. It is our turn to lift her up, to wrap her in our collective support and to hold her up continuously in prayer. The people of Roseau North have known her not only as a Minister, but as a tireless advocate who made sure their community shared fully in Dominica's progress. As she steps away to focus fully on making a complete recovery, I pray that the same remarkable resilience which she brought to the service of our country continues to hold her in good strain, bringing her comfort and renewed strength during this season of healing. I want to assure the residents of Roseau North that your interests will continue to be served without interruption, and that a by-election will be held within the period prescribed by our Constitution. The work continues. Miriam, your legacy is securely written into the progress of our nation. As you face this next chapter, please be reassured that the Government and the Dominica Labour Party will continue to stand by your side, supporting you and your family in every way possible.

The Rotary Club of Dominica is pleased to announce the official handover of a water fountain to the Roseau Primary School and the Trafalgar Primary School on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30a.m. respectively. The initiative forms part of the Club’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and improving access to safe drinking water for students. The installation of the water fountain is intended to encourage children to make healthy hydration choices by increasing their consumption of water while reducing reliance on sugary beverages. The project aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting the health and well-being of communities, particularly young people. The handover ceremony will take place on the school compound and will be attended by representatives of the Rotary Club of Dominica, teachers, students, parents, and invited guests. The Rotary Club of Dominica remains committed to projects that improve the quality of life of individuals and communities across Dominica through service, partnership, and sustainable development initiatives.

IsraAID Dominica, in its continuous partnership with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Kay & Kelan Early Childhood Disaster Risk Reduction (ECDRR) Toolkit Level 2, distributing these vital resources to 21 of the most vulnerable primary schools across Dominica. Tailored specifically for older early learners in Grades 1–3 (ages 6–8), this rollout marks a major milestone in transitioning the country’s disaster preparedness into a fully integrated, regional model of school-based climate resilience. Since 2017, IsraAID has worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Education and key stakeholders to enhance disaster resilience across the education sector. Following the success of the initial Kay & Kelan initiative—which reached preschools and pre-K classes island-wide by integrating age-appropriate disaster preparedness concepts into early learning—the Level 2 toolkit was developed to target older primary school students. The toolkit provides highly interactive, play-based resources to help teachers engage students on critical disaster risk reduction (DRR) topics, such as how to prepare for and respond to various hazards. What began as a localized project in Dominica has now matured into a sustainable, independent framework with a significant footprint across the Eastern Caribbean. The Director of IsraAID Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean, Synde Moses Joseph, emphasized the long-term impact of this milestone: "We want to thank the Ministry of Education—the relationship we have built over the years is one of genuine collaboration. You not only received our programs, you have helped us shape them, allowing us access to your schools, educators, and students. The Kay & Kelan initiative no longer needs IsraAID to carry it. This initiative has grown into a multi-component, digitally enabled school-based resilience curriculum. Its expansion across the region has been a resounding success, proving its value in Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent. Now, we are asking the Ministry to champion this initiative and become a guiding model of educational resilience for the rest of the region." This close collaboration has successfully institutionalized a culture of safety within primary education, empowering local educators to lead the safety curriculum independently while equipping the next generation with life-saving skills. Jeffrey Blaize, Chief Education Officer, emphasized the holistic approach to student safety and psychological recovery: "I must emphasize that the Ministry of Education is deeply focused on safety. We pride ourselves on the safety of our students—not just from environmental hazards, but in all aspects. We work to ensure that our school spaces are child-friendly so that students feel comfortable. When children are comfortable, they are already halfway through their learning process. We establish safety, then comfort, and then we have the learning. Furthermore, maintaining education in communities affected by disasters helps bring back a vital sense of normalcy. In a crisis situation, education supports children psychologically and emotionally, keeping them safe while helping them cope with these immense challenges." Nadia Ferrol, Assistant Chief Education Officer, celebrated the impact on local school communities:"This initiative helps teachers foster a culture of safety and empowers children with knowledge and skills that can help protect them, their families, and their communities. We want to thank IsraAID for their contribution and investment in the resilience of our schools across the island." Inside the Level 2 Toolkit: The comprehensive kit contains a suite of interactive, curriculum-aligned components: • 1 Kay & Kelan Can Prepare for Different Hazards Student Activity Book (Level 2) • 1 Kay & Kelan Can Prepare for Different Hazards Teacher’s Manual (Level 2) • 1 Teacher’s Guide for Incorporating DRR Topics into the Curriculum • 1 Toolkit Guide • 26 Educational Flashcards • 1 USB Flash Drive loaded with original DRR Songs • Hazards and Safety Board Game • "Be Safe!" Card Game • "What’s in the Go-bag?" 100-Piece Puzzle • "Fire Officers" 36-Piece Puzzle • 1 Multi-Hazard Wall Poster

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Monday for the immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, warning that their expansion is causing serious humanitarian consequences and endangering the lives of the Cuban people. According to Türk, the fuel restrictions implemented since early 2026, together with the tightening of extraterritorial sanctions, are severely affecting access to essential goods and services, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors of the population. He stressed that shortages of medicines and medical supplies are putting lives at risk and described the situation as "unacceptable." The UN official noted that the measures have deepened the country's energy crisis, causing prolonged blackouts and disrupting food production, healthcare services and humanitarian operations. He also warned that the sanctions are generating broad and indiscriminate effects that are incompatible with the fundamental principles of international human rights law. Türk urged companies and financial institutions to avoid excessive compliance practices that further restrict humanitarian activities and called for greater international cooperation to prevent a worsening of Cuba's social and economic situation.

Dominican national Garvin Le Blanc has achieved a significant academic milestone, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. The graduation ceremony was held on June 4th, 2026, at the UBCO campus, followed by a reception hosted by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. Originally from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Le Blanc grew up in and around Roseau and traces his roots to Penville in the parish of Saint Andrew. Le Blanc’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. During the university’s graduating exhibition, Odds and Ends, held in April 2026, he received the prestigious Asper Graduating Award in recognition of his digital media project work. Garvin Le Blanc, was also honoured with the Young Black Creative Award during the Black Excellence Graduation Celebration, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the creative arts and his impact within the university community. Reflecting on his journey, Le Blanc credited his success to faith, perseverance, and a strong support system. His passion for art began at a young age through drawing, reading, and writing, eventually leading him to explore media arts and design. After studying Architectural Technology at the Dominica State College and working as a digital media artist following his graduation in 2017, he relocated to Canada in 2018 to pursue higher education in visual arts. He encouraged aspiring artists and creative professionals to remain committed to their craft, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence, learning from every experience, and trusting God throughout the journey.

Panel discussion to explore how wellness tourism creates opportunities for communities, businesses and residents across Dominica -The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will host a panel discussion titled "Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone"; on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa. The event forms part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme, which is being observed under the theme "Wellness by Nature." The discussion will examine how wellness tourism can create opportunities for communities, businesses and residents while supporting Dominica's position within a growing global travel segment focused on health, well-being and meaningful experiences. The panel will bring together wellness practitioners, tourism professionals and industry leaders to explore how experiences rooted in Dominica's natural environment, traditional knowledge, wellness practices and locally produced products can contribute to entrepreneurship, community development and visitor experiences. The panel will feature:  Dr. Paula Lockhart, holistic wellness advocate and co-author of Natural Plant- Based Remedies  Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism at the Discover Dominica Authority  Ellen Joseph, holistic practitioner and wellness consultant at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa  Antonina Okinina, wellness practitioner at InterContinental Cabrits Resort & Spa  Renauld Deschamps, naturopath, herbalist and President of the Dominica Herbal Business Association The panel discussion will be moderated by Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist at the Discover Dominica Authority. "When people think about wellness tourism, they often think about spas and retreats. In Dominica, wellness is also found in our rivers, hot springs, local foods, traditional practices and the ways people connect with nature," said Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority. "This discussion will highlight how those experiences can create opportunities for communities and entrepreneurs while contributing to the well-being of both residents and visitors." Tourism stakeholders, wellness practitioners, entrepreneurs, students, community organizations and members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Participants will also have an opportunity to engage directly with panelists during an interactive question-and-answer segment. The 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme seeks to increase public understanding of tourism's contribution to national development while encouraging greater participation in initiatives that support the sector. This year's focus on wellness highlights the role of Dominica's natural assets, wellness experiences and local expertise in creating benefits for residents, communities and visitors alike.

Empowering Youth and Women in Agriculture through inclusive participation and capacity building – A group of young women and men took center stage on Friday, 5 June 2026, as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, held a Youth and Gender Inclusion Working Session at the Ministry of Agriculture Office in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The initiative forms part of FAO’s ongoing efforts to advance youth and gender-responsive approaches that create greater opportunities for young women and men to participate, lead and thrive across agrifood value chains. Participants shared first-hand accounts of the challenges they face in accessing resources and opportunities, while the discussions were guided to extensively deliberate solutions and highlighting opportunities that are within reach. The session brought together twenty-three stakeholders from across the agrifood sector, with a strong focus on young women and men engaged in farming, agribusiness and agricultural trade. Representatives from the Gender Affairs Division, civil society organizations and technical officers from the Ministry also participated in the discussions. FAO Caribbean Gender Focal Point and Value Chain Technical Lead, Mr. Juan Cheaz, emphasized the critical role of youth and women in transforming agriculture, stating, "Young people are key drivers of innovation, and transformation in agrifood systems. However, young women and men often face additional barriers to training, employment, and leadership opportunities. "By placing youth and gender as important subjects in our discussions, we can create more inclusive pathways for decent work, and a stronger future for agriculture in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines", he said. The importance of empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders was also underscored by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Colville King, who noted that only approximately 10 percent of registered farmers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are youth. "The future of agriculture depends on attracting young people and ensuring that they have a voice in shaping its development. We need the next generation of farmers, innovators, processors, marketers and entrepreneurs if agriculture is to remain sustainable and safeguard national food security", he stated. Throughout the session, young women and men highlighted the barriers that continue to limit their participation and success in agriculture, including restricted access to financing, land, markets, transportation, training opportunities and decision-making spaces. Among the voices shared was that of young farmer Ms. Dianza Selby, who spoke candidlyabout the challenges of securing reliable markets for agricultural produce. "One time I lost over 600 pounds of cucumbers because I could not find a market for them. I supplied supermarkets, schools, charities and community members, but I still experienced significant losses, which was discouraging"; she said. Her experience resonated with other young participants, who shared innovative ways they had adapted to similar challenges through value-added production, including making pickles, hot sauces and other processed products, as well as utilizing public storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. These discussions highlighted the growing potential for youth-led entrepreneurship, agro-processing, branding and value addition within the sector. Participants also discussed transportation and export challenges that disproportionately affect younger farmers and traders, who often have fewer resources and lower adaptive capacity than more established stakeholders. Mr. Glenroy Thomas, a young agricultural trader, highlighted the importance of consistency in meeting regional market demand and stressed the value of including young people in decision-making processes. "If decisions are made about young people, then young people should be part of those conversations from the beginning"; he said. A recurring theme throughout the session was the need to strengthen support systems for young people and women entering and growing within the agricultural sector. Participants called for increased mentorship opportunities, technical assistance, improved access to resources and greater involvement in policy discussions that shape the future of agriculture. FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of young women and men inform the design and implementation of programmes and initiatives.

PAHO/WHO, FAO, CCLAC, IICA, and OIRSA are promoting evidence-based solutions by strengthening surveillance systems against these types of illnesses, which affect 44 million people in the Americas Santiago, Chile – June 8, 2026. Foodborne illnesses (FBIs) affect 44 million people each year as a result of consuming food or beverages contaminated with pathogens, chemicals, and toxins. This situation has negative health, social, and economic impacts: 78,000 deaths annually in the Americas alone and losses of nearly $310 billion in global productivity in 2021. Finding solutions to reduce the burden of foodborne illnesses requires harnessing the potential of data, technological innovation, risk assessment, and regional cooperation to build safer, more resilient, and more sustainable food systems. This was the main conclusion of the regional webinar “From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere,” held in observance of World Food Safety Day (June 7). The dialogue was organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (CCLAC), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA). During the opening ceremony, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Rene Orellana Halkyer, highlighted the importance of promoting the proper implementation of the Codex Alimentarius—a compendium of internationally accepted food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice—as the primary international reference for protecting public health, consumer confidence, and promoting fair practices in the food trade. “This translates into stronger food control systems, ensuring early detection of outbreaks along with effective response and communication through robust mechanisms for intersectoral collaboration. The continuous improvement of these systems strengthens consumer confidence and creates greater market access opportunities for producers and exporters in the region,” emphasized Orellana Halkyer, recalling FAO’s role in strengthening the regulatory frameworks of 19 countries in the region and training more than 2,800 professionals on Codex texts. He also featured the technical assistance that FAO has provided to strengthen the agri-food sector’s strategic response and consolidate its participation in the governance of National Action Plans against antimicrobial resistance in 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The participating international experts shared experiences and innovative solutions to address the burden of foodborne diseases, emphasizing that food safety is a shared responsibility involving all stakeholders in the food chain—from farmers, producers, industry, transporters, authorities, academia, and chefs to consumers. Yuki Minato, Technical Officer at the WHO, presented progress in the collection and analysis of global data on the burden of foodborne diseases, highlighting the importance of having reliable information to guide effective interventions and prioritize resources. Marjorie Guerrero Jiménez shared the experience of Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) with the Inspection and Control System for Establishments Producing Food of Animal Origin for Human Consumption (SICE), a tool that strengthens surveillance and compliance with food safety requirements in food production. Meanwhile, OIRSA’s Regional Director of Food Safety, Raúl Peralta Girón, presented the Interactive Simulator for Quantitative Assessment of Microbiological Risks, a regional initiative developed by OIRSA that transforms scientific data into practical decision-making tools, facilitating the understanding and management of microbiological risks associated with food. Agnes Agunos, FAO Specialist in Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Monitoring, made the final remarks highlighting the importance of epidemiological analysis and inter-agency cooperation in strengthening surveillance systems within the framework of managing foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR). About World Food Safety Day Every June 7, the United Nations observes World Food Safety Day to raise awareness about the importance of preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks. The day promotes coordinated actions to protect people’s health, strengthen food security, and contribute to sustainable development. 2026 Theme: “From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere”.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launches its flagship Democracy and Development Report in Santo Domingo to broaden regional conversations for democratic renewal. — Latin America and the Caribbean remains the most democratic developing region in the world. Yet the future of democracy increasingly depends on the State capacity to deliver inclusive human development, build resilience, and guarantee security amid growing uncertainty. These are among the findings of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2026 Regional Human Development Report, Democracies Under Pressure: Reimagining the Futures of Democracy and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, presented today in Santo Domingo alongside President Luis Abinader and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Michelle Muschett. In this first presentation of the Report in the Caribbean, UNDP Regional Director emphasized that “the future of LAC depends on our collective ability to transform the pressure on our democracies into progress without sacrificing human agency and freedoms. This launch in the Dominican Republic advances a broader regional conversation—one that recognizes both the Caribbean’s remarkable democratic resilience and the complex pressures testing them. The gap between belief in democracy and unmet expectations calls for renewing the nexus between democracy, development and the State. UNDP will continue supporting governments and societies across the region to reimagine and build their own future”. The Report examines both the strengths and weaknesses of democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the factors that are reshaping and, in many cases, straining their functioning, such as organized crime, political polarization, misinformation, and climate crisis. Its central message is a call to action: to protect democracies against the risk of erosion, while renewing them to respond to evolving citizens demands and expectations. The document incorporates Caribbean perspectives throughout and includes a dedicated chapter examining its distinctive democratic and development dynamics, while respecting the heterogeneity across the region. While Latin America has become one of the most polarized regions in the world, the Caribbean stands out for its notable social cohesion and democratic stability in the face of political division. However, growing security challenges, greater vulnerability to external shocks, and tighter fiscal constraints, putting state capacity and democratic resilience to test. Homicide rate reaches 27.9 per 100,000 inhabitants in the Caribbean – above the regional average--with 59 percent of cases linked to organized crime. At the same time, extreme climate events have doubled, rising from 5.2 per year (1960-1990) to 10.7 per year (2000-2023). Public debt exceeds 100% of GDP in some Caribbean countries, undermining state capacity and eroding trust in democratic institutions. While 57% of people in the Caribbean continue to prefer democracy as the best form of government, only around 32% are satisfied with how democracy works in practice, revealing a widening gap between democratic support and institutional performance. The Dominican Republic occupies a unique position as a structural and geopolitical bridge between Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting many of the challenges identified in the report, but with particular strengths. It shares with Latin America an early experience of state-building and presidential systems of government, while, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), it faces many of the structural vulnerabilities characteristic of the Caribbean, including high exposure to climate shocks and constraints associated with limited territorial scale. In this context, the country has made important advances in electoral democracy and political freedoms, standing out as a case of democratic deepening in times of increasing pressures on democracy. The country has also achieved significant progress in reducing poverty and inequality over the past two decades, although challenges remain in areas such as women’s political participation and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of society. At the same time, digital transformation and artificial intelligence are identified as additional forces reshaping development pathways across the region. While these technologies introduce new risks -- 76 percent of the population perceives that social media contains a significant or moderate amount of disinformation --, they also offer significant opportunities to expand access to services, improve productivity, strengthen civic participation, and promote inclusion, particularly for women and young people. Ultimately, the report concludes that building more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies will require strengthening the connection between democratic governance, state capacity, and development outcomes, translating democratic achievements into tangible improvements in people’s lives. Democratic strengths in the Caribbean provide a strong foundation for addressing the complex challenges ahead, but its future will depend on the ability of its institutions to integrate economic resilience, climate change adaptation, and human security in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Initiative supports destination competitiveness, community participation and sustainable tourism development – The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) today officially launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program during a press conference at the Discover Dominica Authority's Press Room, placing a spotlight on wellness tourism as a strategic area for destination growth and competitiveness. Observed under the theme "Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism," the program aims to strengthen Dominica's competitiveness within the rapidly growing wellness travel market while encouraging greater public participation in tourism development. The initiative is being implemented under the public engagement theme "Be Well in Nature" and will continue through July with activities designed to educate, engage and inspire. As destinations across the Caribbean seek to differentiate themselves within an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace, Dominica is leveraging the experiences, natural resources and community assets that already exist across the island to strengthen its position within the expanding global wellness tourism sector. Delivering the feature address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Claudius Lestrade, said wellness tourism presents a significant opportunity for Dominica because it aligns naturally with the island's strengths and the evolving preferences of travellers worldwide. "Across the world, visitors are becoming more intentional about the destinations they choose, with greater emphasis being placed on the value of the overall experience," he said. "This shift presents a clear opportunity for Dominica to position itself as the leading wellness destination in the region." Lestrade noted that wellness tourism, valued at approximately US$814 billion globally in 2022, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry and supports a sustainable approach to tourism development by creating value from natural resources, local knowledge and community-based experiences. He explained that Dominica already possesses many of the attributes sought by wellness travellers, including geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agricultural traditions and authentic cultural experiences. "Wellness tourism is not a trend that we have to manufacture because many of the elements that define the sector already exist across the island," Lestrade stated. "Our volcanic landscape and geothermal resources provide a clear advantage, particularly in communities such as Wotten Waven, where hot springs are already part of the community's wellness identity." He emphasized that the continued development of wellness tourism will require collaboration among communities, tourism businesses, government agencies and citizens to ensure high-quality visitor experiences while protecting the resources that make Dominica distinctive. The focus on wellness tourism comes as the destination continues to record strong tourism performance. In 2025, total visitor arrivals increased by 15%, rising from 432,989 in 2024 to 496,635. Stayover arrivals increased by 19%, moving from 83,976 to 99,846 visitors, while cruise arrivals grew by 14% to 382,923 passengers. Representing the Discover Dominica Authority, Product Promotions Manager Odile Jno Baptiste outlined the activities planned under the program and said the initiative was developed to engage students, wellness practitioners, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs and members of the public while highlighting the connections between tourism, healthy living, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and community development. She noted that wellness tourism creates opportunities beyond the tourism sector by supporting local entrepreneurs, wellness practitioners, farmers, community groups and small businesses while encouraging healthier lifestyles and environmental stewardship. From herbal practitioners and wellness retreats to agricultural experiences and community tourism enterprises, wellness tourism creates opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders across Dominica while encouraging sustainable use of the natural resources that distinguish the destination in the international marketplace. The launch also marked the first public address by Wendy Lake since assuming the role of Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority on June 1. "When people think about wellness, they often think about spas, treatments or retreats. While these are important, wellness is ultimately about how people feel. It is about finding space to recharge, reconnect and improve overall well-being," Lake said. She noted that Dominica already offers many of the experiences sought by wellness travellers, from hot springs and rivers to nature-based adventures and local cuisine and emphasized that the success of wellness tourism depends as much on people as it does on place. "Every hotel employee, tour guide, taxi operator, restaurant owner, attraction manager and community member contributes to the visitor experience," Lake said. "The way we welcome our guests, the service we provide and the pride we take in our destination all influence how visitors remember Dominica and what they share with others when they return home." Lake added that Dominica is uniquely positioned to showcase wellness not simply as a tourism experience but as a way of life. Major activities planned under the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program include: • June 10 – Launch of the Be Well in Nature Poetry Competition for secondary school students ages 14 to 16. • June 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Public panel discussion, "Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone," at Jungle Bay Resort and Spa. • July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Wellness Fair at the UWI Global Campus featuring health screenings, wellness consultations, educational presentations and interactive wellness experiences. • July 19 – Nature's Bar: Wellness by Nature Mocktail Challenge, highlighting local ingredients and creativity within Dominica's hospitality sector. • July 28 – Tourism Service Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to elevate standards across the tourism industry. Additional activities will include Hike Fest events, Global Wellness Day celebrations, environmental initiatives, wellness retreats and community-based activities designed to encourage participation across the island. Through the 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme, the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority aim to strengthen public appreciation for tourism while advancing Dominica's position within the growing wellness tourism market. By highlighting experiences rooted in wellness, nature and community, the programme supports broader efforts to strengthen Dominica's reputation as a destination where visitors can reconnect, recharge and experience the qualities that distinguish the Nature Island of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrated leading storytellers, broadcasters and digital creators from the U.S. and Caribbean during the annual Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, a signature event of Caribbean Week in New York. Sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the luncheon honored outstanding journalism and content creation that showcase the Caribbean's people, culture, environment and evolving tourism landscape. “Great storytelling has the power to transform perceptions and create deeper connections between people and destinations,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s secretary-general and CEO. “The individuals recognized through the Caribbean Media Awards are helping to tell a more complete story of our region — one that goes beyond beaches and resorts to showcase our people and heritage. Through thoughtful, impactful journalism, they are elevating Caribbean voices and bringing greater visibility to the stories that matter most.” Awards were presented across three categories: Storytelling Excellence, Digital and Innovation, and Voices of the Caribbean. CTO commended this year’s entries for their depth, originality and commitment to authentic storytelling beyond traditional destination promotion. Among the winners, Dana Givens earned Best Consumer Story for “Jamaica's Greenest Parish Is Its Best-Kept Secret” in National Geographic while Christina Jelski of Travel Weekly received Best Trade Article for her interview with former Bahamas Director General of Tourism Joy Jibrilu. Ryan Bachoo of Guardian Media in Trinidad & Tobago won Best Podcast/Radio for his examination of sargassum’s impact on Caribbean tourism, and the Jamaica Tourist Board captured the Social Media Campaign award for its “Reggae Marathon 2025” campaign. In the Voices of the Caribbean category, Meschida Philip’s documentary “Echoes of Waltham” received top honors in Video Production, while Esther Jones of the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network won Best News Reporting for her exploration of the balance between cruise tourism and marine protection in Barbados. The Personal Immersive Story award went to Ralph Thomassaint Joseph of Documented NY for “Dancing Through Fear: A Haitian Performer Faces Deportation in New York,” praised for its compelling portrayal of the Caribbean diaspora experience. Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald was named Diaspora Journalist of the Year for her reporting on Haiti, while Luis Joel Méndez González of the Center for Investigative Journalism received Emerging Journalist of the Year honors for the investigative “Esencia” series. The luncheon also marked the official launch of CTO TV, a new digital platform designed to expand the organization’s reach through video storytelling, leadership interviews, policy discussions and destination content. The platform will leverage an existing library of more than 700 videos while creating new opportunities to spotlight Caribbean tourism, innovation and regional collaboration. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Caribbean Media Awards are pictured with representatives of CTO and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, sponsors of the annual Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, held during Caribbean Week in New York.