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The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (DOWASCO) has provided clarification in response to statements attributed to the company in a publication on DNO dated February 6, 2024, subsequent to a meeting held in the Kalinago Territory on January 31, 2024. During the meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, representatives from DOWASCO, including General Manager Mr. Bernard Ettinoffe, along with Parliamentary representative for the Salybia constituency and Minister responsible for Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick, and Kalinago Chief Lorenzo Sanford, addressed residents of the Kalinago Territory. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing water provision in the territory, particularly concerning the main distribution pipeline along the main road. Challenges such as damage caused by heavy equipment and interruptions in service, particularly related to the international airport project and the Crapaud Hall Feeder Road, were addressed. In terms of financial matters, it was emphasized that customers in the Territory owe $1.9 million to DOWASCO. Mr. Ettinoffe encouraged residents to settle their accounts and assured them of DOWASCO's commitment to facilitating debt collections with the assistance of company personnel. Subsequent meetings are planned for individual hamlets to further discuss these issues and ensure effective follow-up.

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, has revealed the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as 'One Resilient Common Future.' Scheduled for Monday, March 11th, Commonwealth Day will commence with a variety of events and activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. The celebrations of Commonwealth Day span across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific, and Europe. Reflecting on the significance of this year's theme, Secretary-General Scotland commented that each year, countries observe Commonwealth Day to acknowledge, celebrate, and strengthen their 56 member states, all of whom are dedicated to the Commonwealth Charter. She added that this year's theme emphasizes the collective strength that empowers countries to confront and overcome current challenges, emerging with resilience, paving the way for a future where wealth is not only widespread but genuinely equitable. Secretary-General Scotland also conveyed well wishes on behalf of the Commonwealth to His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, for a swift recovery.

The Chairman of the Dominica Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank (AID Bank), Martin Charles, has disclosed that the bank recorded a profit of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Charles emphasized the significance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, while also expressing the bank's continuous commitment to investing in various sectors of the country's economy. Charles acknowledged the challenges that the AID Bank still encounters with its non-performing portfolio. He indicated that in the upcoming financial year, the bank will undertake efforts to reduce the level of delinquency among customers.

Edison James, the former Prime Minister, who is currently on $50,000 bail, was detained in connection with an alleged incitement case involving former opposition leader Lennox Linton and current United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine. In an interview with a local radio station , James shared his experience, noting that he spent approximately 20 minutes in holding before being released. The alleged incitement case has been transferred to the High Court for trial.

After fifteen years as CEO/Director of Tourism, Mr. Colin Piper will step down from his role at the Discover Dominica Authority, effective May 5th, 2024. Reflecting on his time as CEO/Director of Tourism, Mr. Piper remarked, "I am grateful for the support extended to me by the Board of Directors, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Government of Dominica throughout my 15-year tenure. The collaborative efforts and shared commitment to the success of our destination have resulted in numerous accomplishments, and I am confident that the Authority is well poised to achieve even greater milestones in the future." Mr. Piper has been pivotal in navigating the tourism sector through significant challenges, including natural disasters and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As Mr. Piper transitions out of his role, the Ministry of Tourism, The Discover Dominica Authority, and the Dominica Festivals Committee jointly extend their heartfelt appreciation for his years of dedicated service and significant contributions. They additionally convey their best wishes for his future pursuits. Further announcements regarding the transition of leadership within the Discover Dominica Authority will follow in due course.

Dominica is poised to receive the benefits of Global Environment Facility (GEF) approved projects led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), totaling $2.9 billion. With $294 million in direct financing and $2.6 billion in co-financing, these initiatives aim to revolutionize agrifood systems, combat hunger, and protect the environment. The projects will impact 4.2 million individuals globally, with a focus on land restoration, improvement of practices on millions of hectares, management of protected areas, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, and elimination of hazardous agrochemicals. FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo has praised the projects for their potential to advance Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing collaborative efforts with GEF for global food security. Dominica joins 45 other countries in partnership with FAO to access GEF finance, covering areas such as food systems, oceans, and ecosystem restoration. Flagship initiatives, including the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), direct $252 million in financing and $2.2 billion in co-financing to 32 countries, with Dominica set to benefit from projects promoting sustainable agrifood systems. Moreover, the Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program focuses on reducing ocean pollution in nine ecosystems, including the Caribbean. Dominica's participation will contribute to marine resource management and ecosystem restoration. These FAO-led projects represent a substantial investment in Dominica's agriculture and environment sectors, aligning with national development priorities and global sustainability objectives.

Prominent cultural figure Leroy 'Wadix' Charles has called for a thorough assessment following Carnival, extending the evaluation beyond community-level activities to encompass a national review involving all stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of such an assessment covering various dimensions, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental aspects of Carnival. Charles also emphasized considering any challenges or areas for improvement identified during the festivities. Charles stressed the necessity for Dominicans to reclaim ownership and protect the island's indigenous traditions. He encouraged businesses and the media to participate in this effort, underscoring the importance of restoring Carnival to its roots.

Leroy 'Wadix' Charles, a well-known cultural figure, has expressed apprehensions about the improper use of songs during Carnival events, particularly when children are in attendance. His comments come in response to observations made during the 2024 Carnival festivities, where inappropriate songs were reportedly played in sections designated for children. Charles stressed the significance of entertainers being mindful of their audience and carefully choosing suitable content, particularly in settings tailored for younger participants. Additionally, Charles highlighted the ongoing dedication of the carnival and the 'Thunder Birds' group to celebrate and propagate Dominica's culture and traditions through the lively expression of calypso music.

The most recent Sargassum Sub-Regional Outlook Bulletin, covering the period from February 1 to May 1, 2024, predicts mild to moderate sargassum conditions across the Eastern Caribbean in the next three months. Compiled by the Sargassum Team at The Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The University of the West Indies in Barbados, the bulletin notes that sargassum distribution in the Central Atlantic is currently 40% lower than the same period last year. Although there has been a reduction in dense surface accumulations since the previous month, cloud cover may impede the detection of sargassum in the equatorial region off South America. Regarding the overall outlook, a mild to moderate influx of sargassum into the Eastern Caribbean is expected over the next three months. Projections for the Northern islands suggest considerably lower influxes compared to the same period last year, with low but steady accumulations anticipated in March and April. Mild influxes are forecasted for the Middle islands, with some peaking expected from late March into April. Meanwhile, the Southern islands are predicted to experience generally higher influxes than last year, albeit at a low level. Influxes are expected to decrease towards the end of February before resuming from mid-March onward.

Trevor Shillingford, Dominica's Sports Coordinator, expressed great satisfaction with the outstanding performance and commitment demonstrated by Stephan Pascal, the Captain of the West Indies U19 team, during the recent tournament in South Africa. Shillingford highlighted that Pascal's leadership, along with the collective efforts of the team, not only brought pride to the Caribbean but also to Dominica. He extended heartfelt congratulations to Pascal for his noteworthy achievement, emphasizing the significance of Dominica's role in producing a leader who has made history by leading a West Indies team. Shillingford advised Pascal not to perceive his role as the captain of the West Indies U19 Team as a final destination but rather as a stepping stone to even greater opportunities. He encouraged Pascal to remain diligent and dedicated, stressing the importance of hard work combined with his existing skills and capabilities, along with support, to achieve the level of success he aspires to reach.