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Amidst the growing number of development crises facing the world, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. “The Sustainable Development Goals are at risk of slipping out of reach. Our mission is clear: to accelerate progress at scale and speed. I welcome Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joining Prime Minister Mia Mottley to strengthen advocacy and drive the urgent action needed to deliver the SDGs,” said UN Secretary-General Guterres. With less than five years to go, the world has a critical opportunity to advance progress and deliver on the promise of the SDGs. “The 2030 Agenda is the roadmap that enables us to tackle the major challenges of our time and contribute to shared global development. As Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, I am committed to continuing to work to ensure that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda translates into opportunities, well-being, and prosperity for all people, leaving no one behind, while caring for our planet for present and future generations. We need to accelerate action and appeal to our collective responsibility to move forward. The Decade of Action is not lost—it is in our hands, and we must act,” said Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain. Prime Minister Sánchez is a dynamic leader on critical issues, including financing for development, education, equality and climate action. Under his leadership, the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development was successfully held in Seville, Spain in 2025, resulting in a global action plan, the Sevilla Commitment. The SDG Advocates are influential leaders who support the Secretary-General in raising global ambition and action to keep the promise of the SDGs. The Secretary-General has thanked previous Co-Chair, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados will continue her role as Co-Chair alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. She was appointed in 2022.

Week-long culinary celebration to feature Restaurant Week, Friendly One Pot Challenge and Food Passport The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) invite residents and visitors to attend the official launch of Gouté Domnik this evening, marking the start of Dominica's inaugural culinary celebration. The launch will take place today, Wednesday, July 15, at 5:00 p.m. at In De Yard on Cork Street, Roseau. The event is open to the public and will feature food, entertainment and a mix-and-mingle experience while offering attendees a first look at the activities planned for Gouté Domnik 2026. Presented by the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, Gouté Domnik will be held from July 19 to 26 under the theme, "Where Flavour Meets Nature." Recent travel research found that 77% of travellers plan trips around a destination's food and restaurant offerings, while Hilton's 2025 Trends Report notes that nearly one in five travellers will travel specifically to discover new culinary experiences. These figures underscore the growing importance of culinary tourism and the opportunity for destinations like Dominica to showcase its unique flavours, local ingredients and culinary talent. Gouté Domnik will feature two signature experiences: Restaurant Week and the Friendly One Pot Challenge. Restaurant Week, which runs from July 19 to 26, will feature specially curated menus and culinary experiences at participating establishments across the island. Participating restaurants include Calabash Restaurant at Jungle Bay Dominica, Leather Back Restaurant at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, Pride de la Dominique, The Pallet, Palisades Restaurant at Fort Young Hotel, Bwa Denn at Secret Bay, Steakhouse Restaurant, Soursop Bar & Grill, Manoe's Cornerstone Restaurant, Le Petit Paradis, Banana Tree, Nets of Reef, Harbour Bites, Chez Wen, Petit Bistro, The Vibe, Belle Hall and Hi Rise. To further encourage culinary exploration, the Discover Dominica Authority has introduced the Gouté Domnik Food Guide. The guide features participating restaurants and allows patrons to track their culinary journey throughout Restaurant Week. Diners will receive one official stamp for each participating restaurant they visit during the promotion period. At the conclusion of Restaurant Week, the participant with the highest number of valid restaurant stamps will receive a special prize sponsored by the Discover Dominica Authority. The Friendly One Pot Challenge will take place on Sunday, July 19, in Layou, bringing together teams to showcase their creativity and culinary skill using local ingredients in a spirited competition. Marva Williams, CEO and Director of Tourism, encouraged the public to attend the launch and support the island's newest tourism initiative. "Food has become an important part of how travellersexperience a destination. Gouté Domnik gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people, flavours and stories behind Dominican cuisine while creating new opportunities for our restaurants, chefs and local businesses," said Williams."We invite everyone to join us as we launch this exciting new initiative and celebrate the rich culinary experiences that make Dominica unique." Participants should download their food guide athttps://discoverdominica.com/goute-domnik-taste-of-dominica/. For more information, follow Discover Dominica and Dominica Festivals on Facebook and Instagram.

Patients receiving care through Dominica's public health system can expect faster laboratory services and improved continuity of care following the successful migration of the National Medical Laboratory's Laboratory Information System (LIS) to a new high-capacity server. The server migration and software version update, completed on June 25, 2026, represents a major investment in the digital infrastructure that supports laboratory testing, disease surveillance and clinical decision-making across the country's healthcare system. Laboratory Superintendent Eric Carbon said the upgrade replaces an ageing server that had reached its operational limits, providing the National Laboratory with the capacity needed to meet growing demands. "The successful server migration involved moving the entire client database from an older server, which had reached its functional capacity, to a new modern server with the required specifications to efficiently host our Laboratory Information System. The increased server capacity will eliminate unplanned downtime, improve the turnaround time for test results and reduce service interruptions." The enhanced system is expected to produce immediate benefits for patients, particularly those requiring urgent medical attention. The upgrade is expected to significantly enhance the speed and reliability of laboratory reporting, equipping healthcare professionals with the information they need to make timely treatment decisions and more responsive patient management across the health system. "These improvements will, for example, reduce the time it takes for clients accessing care at the Accident and Emergency Department to obtain test results. This translates into quicker decision-making and interventions by medical staff, better patient care outcomes and greater client satisfaction." He emphasized that timely laboratory reporting is a critical component of quality healthcare. "In clinical practice, accurate and timely reporting is often the difference between targeted intervention, reduced hospital stays and improved patient recovery. Delayed diagnosis and intervention can result in increased hospitalization and prolonged recovery. In medicine, time is of the essence, and improvements in our information management infrastructure contribute to more efficient and responsive systems that ultimately improve the quality of patient care." Beyond supporting individual patient care, the National Laboratory's fully electronic Laboratory Information System serves as a critical public health resource. It generates and manages the data used to diagnose diseases, monitor communicable diseases and other public health threats, support antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and strengthen national health programmes, including maternal and child health services and the monitoring of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The new server also reinforces the digital infrastructure that supports the Laboratory's automated testing systems, ensuring they can operate efficiently while meeting the growing demands of modern laboratory services. "Our Laboratory Information System interfaces with a number of automated diagnostic instruments used in everyday laboratory operations. It therefore requires a server that is secure, flexible, adaptive and responsive to the data management demands of both the National Medical Laboratory and its clients." Carbon noted that the investment reflects the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services' ongoing commitment to modernizing healthcare. "The installation of this higher-capacity server is in line with the Ministry's prioritization of developing improved information technology infrastructure within the health system to support more advanced, efficient and client- centred services." The successful migration ensures the National Medical Laboratory is better equipped to support the increasing demands of laboratory medicine, providing a stronger digital foundation for the delivery of diagnostic services across Dominica's healthcare system.

The organizers of Dominica Poker Run 2026 have officially launched this year’s event, unveiling an exciting expansion that transforms the popular marine activity into a two-day weekend experience designed to boost tourism, recreation and economic activity across the island. Scheduled for Sunday, July 26, the weekend will now begin with an inaugural Sport Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 25, giving local and visiting boaters another opportunity to enjoy Dominica’s waters before participating in the highly anticipated Poker Run. Speaking at the official media launch, organizer Andrew “Cobra” O’Brien said the addition of the fishing tournament is intended to encourage participants to spend more time exploring Dominica. “When people come to Dominica, they can say, ‘We not only come in Dominica for one day of Poker Run, we come in for the whole weekend where we can accommodate.’ They can spend money in the hotels, spend money in the Airbnbs, in the shopping centers, in the restaurants, go around, enjoy and feel Dominica because they will come for a full weekend,’” O’Brien said. He added that the fishing tournament was developed specifically to complement the Poker Run experience. “We’re going to have a sport fishing tournament on Saturday. And we have a lot of perks in it for our participants in the Poker Run because it is a brainchild of the Poker Run.” The Poker Run itself is not a race but a recreational boating adventure that combines scenic cruising with friendly competition. Boats travel together along Dominica’s west coast, stopping at designated locations to collect playing cards. At each stop, participants privately reveal their card to event officials, who record each draw. Once all stops have been completed, the team with the strongest poker hand is declared the winner. Marketing Lead Jael Joseph described the event as a unique social experience on the sea. “It’s a lime. Look at it as a lime. We’re going to be liming along the sea trail and every stop you’re going to pull a card. When you pull a card, you have to make sure nobody sees your card except the organizer. You show them your card, they tally it. And at the end, the team with the highest number in terms of the tally of cards, that’s who wins.” Organizers also received strong backing from law enforcement, with the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force confirming that safety and security will remain a top priority throughout the event. Head of the Northern Division, Mr. Delvin John Lewis, reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to supporting the event. “We have supported Almond Deck and Poker Run over the years and this year will be no different. I can assure you the Coast Guard will assist you in coming up the sea trail from the village in Layou all the way to Toucari. Additionally, we will have people traveling the Western Corridor, the E.O. Leblanc Highway, all the way to Toucari.” Corporate partners also praised the event for showcasing more than just entertainment. Speaking on behalf of Morancie & Sons, Clifford Morancie highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “It takes people away from the basic understanding of, ‘It puts all the aspects of Dominica under the spotlight. And as part of that, we are just thankful for it. We’re really grateful and these are the type of events we want to partner with more and we want to help push to a whole nother level.” The tourism benefits were echoed by Ogelly Moses of the Discover Dominica Authority, who emphasized the economic opportunities generated by marine events. “Each year we witness an increase in visitor arrivals across Dominica and the wider Caribbean. This movement of people translates directly into economic opportunities. Restaurants experience increased patronage. Bars enjoy higher sales. Accommodation providers welcome additional guests.” With the introduction of the Sport Fishing Tournament and continued collaboration between organizers, sponsors, tourism stakeholders and law enforcement, Dominica Poker Run 2026 promises an unforgettable weekend that celebrates adventure, camaraderie and the island’s vibrant marine tourism product. The two-day event is expected to attract local boaters, regional visitors and marine enthusiasts, further cementing Dominica’s reputation as a premier destination for recreational boating and marine experiences in the Caribbean.

The Heads of Government of the participating Eastern Caribbean States met in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, on the 10th of July, 2026, at the invitation and under the chairmanship of the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to consider recent developments concerning Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes and the implications of the European Union's revised visa suspension mechanism. Present at the meeting were Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; Hon. Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Also present was Hon. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Heads of Government reviewed the recent communication from the European Commission and exchanged views on the potential implications for the economic resilience, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity of their respective countries, as well as on the appropriate collective response of participating States. The Heads of Government reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between our countries and the European Union, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a common commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development. We welcome continued dialogue with our European partners and remain committed to engaging constructively in addressing matters of mutual concern. The participating States recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards of security, transparency, integrity, and good governance in the operation of Citizenship by Investment programmes. Over the past several years, our governments have undertaken significant reforms, including the strengthening of due diligence frameworks, enhanced information sharing, greater transparency measures, and the implementation of rigorous regional standards designed to ensure that our programmes remain among the most robust in the world. The establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority represents a major advancement in regional governance and oversight. Through this institution, participating States have demonstrated their collective commitment to harmonized regulation,enhanced compliance, and continuous improvement in accordance with evolving international best practices. The Heads of Government underscore that Citizenship by Investment programmes have become an important pillar of economic resilience and development financing for small island developing states. Revenues generated through these programmes have supported critical investments in climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, and fiscal stability. These programmes have enabled our countries to respond to extraordinary external shocks while reducing dependence on unsustainable borrowing and preserving macroeconomic stability. Against this backdrop, the Heads of Government note that future adjustments to existing arrangements must take full account of the economic realities and development vulnerabilities of small island developing states. Any transition affecting a significant source of national development financing must be accompanied by a comprehensive framework that safeguards economic stability, protects development gains already achieved, and supports the creation of sustainable alternative sources of financing. We therefore welcome the European Commission's commitment to continued engagement and technical dialogue. To advance this, the Heads of Government have agreed to pursue a coordinated programme of diplomatic engagement with the institutions of the European Union and the governments of Member States. In that regard the Heads of Government have agreed to undertake a high-level mission to Brussels at the earliest appropriate opportunity to engage directly with the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These engagements will seek to deepen mutual understanding of the unique vulnerabilities and development realities of small island developing states, to explore practical and mutually beneficial solutions to the issues identified by the European Union, and to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the European Union and the Eastern Caribbean. Recognizing the importance of preserving economic stability and development gains achieved through Citizenship by Investment programmes, the Heads of Government have agreed that discussions with the European Union should also encompass opportunities for enhanced development cooperation, strategic investment partnerships, climate resilience financing, economic diversification initiatives, and other appropriate support measures capable of strengthening long-term economic resilience and facilitating any future arrangements that may be agreed between the parties. The Heads of Government have also directed their Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers responsible for Citizenship by Investment Programmes, Ambassadors, and senior officials to coordinate closely in support of these efforts and to ensure the presentation of a unified regional position in all engagements with European counterparts. They further mandate the establishment of a coordinated diplomatic outreach programme to key European capitals in support of the objectives outlined herein. The Heads of Government believe that solutions can and should be developed through genuine partnership, reflecting both the legitimate policy objectives of the European Union and the 2legitimate development needs of small island developing states. Any future framework should be guided by the principles of proportionality, partnership, shared responsibility, and sustainable development. The Heads of Government reaffirm their readiness to engage constructively in this process and express their confidence that, through dialogue and cooperation, balanced and durable solutions can be achieved.

Dominica opened its campaign at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers with an 81–64 defeat to the Turks and Caicos Islands, despite a strong third-quarter response and an outstanding 29-point performance from Ethan Boland. The Bouyon Ballers will now turn their attention to an important encounter against host nation Guyana on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., as the national team looks to rebound and secure its first victory of the tournament. Against Turks and Caicos, Dominica found itself chasing the game after its opponents established an early advantage. Turks and Caicos won the opening quarter 21–16 and repeated the same scoreline in the second period to take a 42–32 lead into halftime. Dominica, however, responded strongly after the break. The Bouyon Ballers produced their best basketball of the game in the third quarter, outscoring Turks and Caicos 19–15. The improved performance reduced the deficit to six points heading into the final period and gave Dominica an opportunity to complete the comeback. Turks and Caicos regained control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Dominica 24–13 to pull away and secure the 81–64 victory. Boland was the standout offensive performer for Dominica, finishing with a game-high 29 points. His scoring provided the main offensive spark for the Bouyon Ballers and helped keep the team within striking distance during its attempts to fight back into the contest. The game statistics showed that the two teams were relatively close in several areas, but perimeter shooting proved challenging for Dominica. The Bouyon Ballers shot 36 percent from the field, compared with 39 percent for Turks and Caicos. Inside the three-point line, the teams were closely matched, with Dominica shooting 46.3 percent on two-point attempts compared with 46.9 percent for their opponents. Dominica, however, struggled from three-point range, converting 12.5 percent of its attempts. The team was more effective at the free-throw line, shooting 71.4 percent. While the opening result was not the start Dominica wanted, the third-quarter performance demonstrated the team's ability to respond under pressure. After entering halftime down by 10 points, the Bouyon Ballers increased their intensity and fought their way back into contention. The challenge moving forward will be to sustain that level of performance for longer periods, improve offensive efficiency and generate greater scoring balance across the roster. Dominica now faces a quick turnaround as preparations begin for Friday night’s clash with Guyana. Playing against the tournament hosts will present another major test for the Bouyon Ballers. Guyana will have the advantage of playing in front of its home supporters, but Dominica enters the contest determined to respond positively and secure its first victory of the competition. The players and coaching staff will use the period between games to focus on recovery, tactical adjustments and preparation for what is expected to be a demanding contest. Friday’s game will provide Dominica with an opportunity to build on the positive periods from its opening performance. The third-quarter fightback against Turks and Caicos showed that the Bouyon Ballers can compete when playing with greater defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. The task against Guyana will be to produce that level of performance consistently across all four quarters. The FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers represent an important chapter in Dominica basketball, providing the national programme with an opportunity to compete against regional opposition and gain valuable experience within the AmeriCup qualification pathway. With the opening game now behind them, the Bouyon Ballers remain focused on the task ahead. NEXT GAME Guyana vs Dominica Friday, July 10, 2026 8:00 p.m. Georgetown, Guyana Dominica will be looking to rebound, secure its first win of the tournament and get its AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers campaign back on track.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) renewed their partnership to strengthen regional cooperation in disaster management and public health resilience across the Caribbean, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 6 th, 2026. This MOU will strengthen the already established relationship, enhance cooperation between the two CARICOM institutions, and provide better coordinated action to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and public health emergencies across the Caribbean. For many years, CARPHA and CDEMA have worked together to support the CARICOM Region in responding to hurricanes, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. Through CDEMA's Regional Response Mechanism (RRM), CARPHA has provided technical public health expertise during regional emergencies, supporting Member States with disease surveillance, laboratory services, health assessments, risk communication, environmental health interventions, and emergency response planning. Recent examples of this collaboration include the regional responses to Hurricane Melissa in 2025 and Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Following the devastating impacts of these events across several Caribbean countries, CARPHA supported the health response as part of the CDEMA-led RRM by deploying technical experts to participate in rapid needs assessments, evaluate shelters and health facilities, strengthen disease surveillance, and provide guidance to national health authorities. Commenting on the significance of the agreement, CDEMA Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley, said: "The Caribbean's risk landscape is changing rapidly. Climate change, increasingly intense weather events, public health emergencies, and other emerging threats demand that we move beyond traditional approaches and strengthen collaboration across sectors. This MOU between CDEMA and CARPHA reflects our shared recognition that resilience can only be achieved through integrated action and strong regional partnerships." CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, emphasised the importance of integrating public health and disaster management, noting: "Health and disaster management are inseparable. This MOU brings together CARPHA's public health expertise and CDEMA's disaster coordination leadership to strengthen regional preparedness, build more resilient health systems, and better protect the people of the Caribbean from increasingly complex threats." Sharing remarks at the signing ceremony, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General Alison Drayton said: “The collaboration between CARPHA and CDEMA therefore represents a practical expression of the Community's commitment to building resilience through cooperation. By combining CARPHA's technical leadership in health security with CDEMA's expertise in disaster mitigation and emergency management, we are strengthening the regional architecture that protects Caribbean people before, during, and after crises.” This MOU reinforces collaboration between CARPHA and CDEMA in disaster preparedness and emergency response across the Caribbean. Under the agreement, the two agencies will strengthen coordination during regional emergencies, combining CDEMA's leadership in disaster management with CARPHA's technical expertise in public health. The partnership also promotes the protection of affected populations, the integration of health into regional disaster planning and response, the application of shared standards and best practices, and joint capacity-building initiatives through training, simulation exercises, technical exchanges, and knowledge sharing to enhance the Region's resilience. The partnership will also strengthen joint planning, capacity building, resource mobilisation, and operational coordination, enabling the Caribbean to better anticipate and respond to emerging threats while enhancing regional health security and disaster resilience. As the Caribbean continues to face increasingly complex and interconnected risks, the strengthened CARPHA–CDEMA partnership will improve coordination during emergencies, protect vulnerable populations, reinforce resilient health systems, and further integrate public health into disaster risk management. The MOU marks another important step towards a safer, healthier, and more resilient Caribbean.

A delegation from New Zealand's Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative, led by Programme Manager, Lee Nelson and Project Consultant, Dr. Julian Hill, has completed a successful five-day mission to Dominica, advancing the country's efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. The mission, which took place from June 22 – 26, 2026, formed part of the project "Advancing Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices in Dominica to Increase Production and Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions." The project, implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, is funded by the Government of New Zealand through its Climate Smart Agriculture Initiative (NZCSA-LAC), as part of its contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), and administered through the Ag Emissions Centre. A high-level meeting was held with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Ryan Anselm, and Her Excellency Linda Te Puni, New Zealand's Ambassador to the OECS, to update them on project findings, deliverables, and next steps. The Permanent Secretary endorsed the report's recommendations and confirmed the Government's commitment to integrating climate-smart agriculture into national policy frameworks, including the Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan and the National Resilience Development Strategy. Three national workshops were delivered during the mission, reaching a wide cross-section of stakeholders. A Train-the-Trainer session on Land Use and Watershed Management was held on 23rd June, focusing on erosion control, riparian buffer protection, slope stabilization, agroforestry integration, and spatial zoning for forest-safe livestock expansion. Participants included representatives from Physical Planning, the Extension Regional Team Leaders and Dominica State College. A Farmer Meeting on 24th June brought together farmers from all agricultural regions to discuss practical climate-smart practices including mulching, contour planting, soil cover management, fertilizer timing, and animal health improvements. A second Train-the-Trainer session on Agricultural Production Systems was held on 25th June, covering split fertilizer timing, manure composting, improved forage systems, protected cropping, irrigation monitoring, and farm-level record-keeping for MRV. The delegation also visited the Dominica-China Agricultural Science Complex at the North Agriculture Station in Portsmouth. The facility features a tissue culture laboratory with capacity to house up to 500,000 disease-free seedlings, a seed storage and seed bank facility, a smart greenhouse for hardening plants, seedling propagation areas, hydroponic systems, and research plots. The complex serves as Dominica's largest seedling base, technology exchange hub, and demonstration park, training local farmers in seedling propagation and greenhouse cultivation. A radio show appearance featuring Lee Nelson, Dr. Julian Hill, and the Ministry's focal point to the project, Dr Al-Mario Casimir, highlighted project findings and shed light on the week's activities to the Dominican public, further strengthening awareness of climate-smart agriculture opportunities. The mission marks the successful completion of the project's technical phase. The next phase will focus on delivering in-country train-the-trainer sessions to equip extension officers and farmer representatives with the practical skills to implement climate-smart practices across Dominica’s agricultural regions.

Kalisha Aaron installed as President as the club celebrates a successful year, recognizes outstanding service, and unveils its vision for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. The Rotary Club of Portsmouth officially ushered in a new chapter of leadership during its Investiture Service held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, marking the transition from outgoing President Marianne Wijnands to incoming President Kalisha Aaron for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. The ceremony brought together Rotarians, family members, friends, and community partners to celebrate the club's achievements over the past year and reaffirm its commitment to service and community impact. Outgoing President Marianne Wijnands reflected on a successful Rotary year, highlighting several impactful initiatives undertaken by the club, including the visit of Medical Ministry International to Dominica, the ongoing installation of playgrounds at primary schools, the budding partnership with the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, and projects undertaken by the EarlyAct Club of Savanne Paille Primary School, among many other noteworthy accomplishments. The event featured an inspiring and thought-provoking address by guest speaker Ms. Caesarina M. Paul, who challenged members to focus on creating meaningful and sustainable change. Using the analogy of the Chinese Bamboo tree, Ms. Paul encouraged members to patiently build strong foundations within their communities and concluded with a powerful charge: "Don't just have a good year. Build something this club's next generation will be grateful you started." In her inaugural address, President Aaron also emphasized the importance of membership growth and retention, encouraging every Rotarian to become actively involved in committee work and to foster a culture of belonging, fellowship, and service. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding service within the club. Special recognition was presented to Sari Rolle, Anne Winn, and Sammy Wyke for their years of dedicated service and significant contributions to the Rotary Club of Portsmouth. Outgoing President Marianne Wijnands was also honored for her exemplary leadership and commitment throughout the 2025–2026 Rotary year, during which the club achieved Platinum Status in recognition of its outstanding accomplishments. The Rotary Club of Portsmouth remains committed to the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, and looks forward to another year of impactful projects and initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities throughout Dominica. As the club embarks on this new Rotary year, President Aaron challenged members to embrace the theme Create Lasting Impact by serving with passion, growing together, and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 2026–2027 Executive Committee The Rotary Club of Portsmouth Executive Committee for the 2026–2027 Rotary year are as follows: ● President: Kalisha Aaron ● Vice President & President-Elect: Kyle Edwards ● Immediate Past President: Marianne Wijnands ● Secretary: Husa Seaman ● Treasurer: Trish Edwards ● Club Membership Chair: Craig Sands ● Club Foundation Chair: Matilda Carty ● Club Public Image Chair: Kalisha Aaron Together, the Executive Committee will lead the club in advancing its mission of Service Above Self while working collaboratively to Create Lasting Impact throughout the communities it serves. About the Rotary Club of Portsmouth The Rotary Club of Portsmouth is a service organization dedicated to addressing community needs through projects focused on education, health, environmental sustainability, youth development, and humanitarian service. The club is part of Rotary International District 7030 and is committed to creating positive and lasting change through service and fellowship.

The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers (SFSS) is inviting the public to experience its highly anticipated 32nd Annual Musical Production, Roots & Resonance, taking place July 10–12, 2026. Now celebrating 32 years of musical excellence, cultural preservation, and youth development, Roots & Resonance promises three unforgettable evenings of inspiring choral music, vibrant Caribbean rhythms, and captivating storytelling. Audiences will be treated to a rich musical journey that reflects the choir's longstanding commitment to excellence while celebrating the heritage and traditions that continue to shape Caribbean identity. Under the leadership of President Shanica Bogeart and Musical Director Dr. Marie Pascale Affana, the production will showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of the choir's members. Over the past three decades, the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers has become one of Dominica's premier choral ensembles, touching countless lives throughmusic and making meaningful contributions to the island's cultural and humanitarian landscape. Reflecting on this milestone, President Shanica Bogeart shared: "Sisserou has helped me tremendously, not only as a singer but as a person. It gives young people confidence, discipline, and the courage to stand before an audience. As we celebrate 32 years, we honour the rich legacy of harmony, passion, and dedication that this choir has shared with our community and beyond." Musical Director Dr. Marie Pascale Affana says this year's production offers something for everyone. The programme opens with a powerful section of praise and thanksgiving, giving glory to God for sustaining the choir throughout its 32-year journey. Audiences will then be immersed in a vibrant Caribbean segment celebrating the region's musical diversity, followed by a colourful Folk section featuring selections from Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, and Dominica. Through music, storytelling, and culture, Roots & Resonance will take patrons on an unforgettable journey that honours the spirit, traditions, and resilience of the Caribbean people. Event Schedule Friday, July 10, 2026 – 8:00 p.m. | St. Gerard's Hall, Roseau Saturday, July 11, 2026 – 8:00 p.m. | St. Gerard's Hall, Roseau Sunday, July 12, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. | Portsmouth Catholic Church Hall Tickets are currently available for purchase at Bullseye Pharmacy, Valentine's Shoe Store, and from current Sixth Form Sisserou Singers members. The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers warmly invites the public to come and celebrate another remarkable chapter in the choir's history. Whether you are a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, Roots & Resonance promises an evening of exceptional music, rich culture, and unforgettable performances.

Official launch to reveal artist lineup and begin public campaign for Dominica's premier music festival The Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), will officially launch the 26th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) on Saturday, July 11, unveiling this year's artist lineup, ticket information and other festival updates ahead of the festival, which will be held from October 23 to 25, 2026, at Windsor Park Sports Stadium. The launch will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Ocean Oasis Hotel and will be streamed live on the Dominica Festivals Facebook page and participating media houses. The launch follows the most successful edition of the World Creole Music Festival to date. The 25th edition attracted more than 42,000 patrons over three nights and welcomed 10,540 visitors to Dominica in the nine days leading up to the festival, representing the strongest pre-festival visitor performance on record. The festival also generated an estimated EC$15 million in direct visitor spending, benefiting hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, taxi operators, tour guides, vendors, event service providers and other tourism-related businesses across the island. Saturday's artists reveal marks the first major announcement for this year's festival and signals the start of the festival's public campaign leading to October. Hon. Denise Charles Pemberton, Minister for Tourism, said the success of the 25th edition reinforced Government's commitment to investing in tourism events that deliver lasting economic benefits. "The success of last year's World Creole Music Festival reaffirmed the value of investing in events that strengthen Dominica's tourism industry. The festival continues to create opportunities for Dominican businesses, increase visitor spending and showcase our destination to regional and international audiences. Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand our tourism product, drive economic activity and create lasting benefits for our people. I invite everyone to join us online on Saturday as we officially launch the 26th edition of the World Creole Music Festival," said Hon. Denise Charles Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism, Discover Dominica Authority, said the launch marks the beginning of the festival's public campaign and provides the first official opportunity to present this year's festival to audiences at home and abroad. "The launch sets the stage for this year's World Creole Music Festival and begins our engagement with patrons, partners and visitors in our key markets. It is an opportunity to reveal the artist lineup, share important festival information and encourage early planning for October. We look forward to welcoming audiences to another memorable edition of the festival," said Williams. The public can watch the launch live on the Dominica Festivals Facebook page and participating media houses from 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

The Dominica Basketball Association is proud to officially announce the Senior Men’s National Basketball Team delegation that will represent Dominica at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers. This tournament represents a historic milestone for Dominica basketball, marking the first time that Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Team will participate in a FIBA tournament. Dominica previously participated at the junior level in a FIBA competition in 2016. A decade later, the country now takes another important step in its basketball journey, with the Senior Men’s National Team entering FIBA competition for the first time. This moment represents more than participation in a tournament. It is an opportunity to strengthen the national basketball programme, provide international exposure for Dominican players and coaches, and establish a stronger pathway for future generations of national team athletes. Dominica’s participation in this historic tournament has been made possible through the support of the Dominica Olympic Committee. The Dominica Basketball Association expresses its sincere appreciation to the Committee for its contribution towards making the team’s participation possible. THE DOMINICA DELEGATION Staff Donnie Robinson – Head Coach Abdulaziz Sanderson – Assistant Coach Yannick Regis – Assistant Coach Curlyn Luke – Team Manager Carl Munro – Team Doctor Players The Senior Men’s National Team will be captained by Kijuan Thomas of the Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons. The 12-member playing squad, listed in alphabetical order by first name, is: Andell Olivacce – Happi 767 Sports Club Dominators Ethan Boland – Marigot Sunrise Jacob Barry – Happi 767 Sports Club Dominators Jaiden Scotland – BAA Sharks Karim Daniel – Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons Kijuan Thomas (Captain) – Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons Maxwell Birmingham – D Treads Blazers Nathan Sebastien – Police Sports Club Ramal Carbon – Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons Shamar Felicite – Happi 767 Sports Club Dominators Yawani Regis – Dr. Darroux PSC Falcons Zack Bastien – D Treads Blazers DOMINICA’S MATCH SCHEDULE Tournament Day Time Match Day 2 5:30 PM Turks and Caicos Islands vs Dominica Day 3 8:00 PM Dominica vs Guyana Day 4 5:30 PM Antigua and Barbuda vs Dominica Day 5 5:30 PM Dominica vs Bermuda For the players and staff selected, this is an opportunity to become part of an important chapter in the history of Dominica basketball. They will carry the hopes of the basketball community and represent the country on a new stage of international competition. The Dominica Basketball Association congratulates all players and staff selected for national duty and acknowledges the commitment, sacrifice and preparation that have brought the team to this moment. The Association calls on Dominicans at home and throughout the diaspora to support the team throughout the tournament. From junior FIBA participation in 2016 to the Senior Men’s National Team’s historic FIBA debut in 2026, a new chapter in Dominica basketball is being written. Team Dominica is ready to represent the Nature Island with pride, discipline and determination. END Issued by the Dominica Basketball Association