​CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, acknowledges the recent discovery of significant oil reserves in the region, highlighting the potential for economic transformation. However, she stressed the importance of managing this transformation effectively to ensure inclusive & sustainable growth & development. Dr. Barnett underscored the critical role of renewable energy in the region's strategies.

​Dr. Barnett highlights numerous opportunities for developing renewable energy in CARICOM states. She noted the inevitability of energy transformation & contends that transition rates will vary across the region.

​CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett. 

​Health educator Fiona Glenville, a at the national HIV unit, emphasizes that HIV is no longer a death sentence due to available medications that effectively treat and maintain low viral loads. Achieving undetectable levels reduces the risk of transmission. Glenville emphasizes how crucial it is to recognize and assist those who are HIV positive in order to reduce the likelihood that the virus will spread throughout communities. 

​Fiona Glenville, a health educator at the national HIV unit.

Edward Francis Gregoire from Dominica’s HIV unit raises concerns about the lack of emphasis on health issues like HIV/AIDS in certain jurisdictions. While acknowledging that everyone is aware of HIV and how it is contracted, he suggests that the limited attention may be due to arrogance or ignorance of the facts. Mr. Gregoire emphasized that HIV should not be considered taboo, urging increased awareness and consciousness in the community.

​Gregoire pointed out that there have been ample publications, topics, and conversations about HIV and AIDS across various media platforms. Despite this, he expressed uncertainty about people's attitudes, speculating as to whether they don't care, avoid discussing it, or simply choose not to engage in conversations. Nevertheless, he noted that the issue is present in people's minds, and that it might be a matter of unwillingness or discomfort in discussing it openly.

​Edward Francis Gregoire from the HIV unit. 

​Environment Minister Cozier Frederick, Chair of the Ministerial Council of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), spearheaded a historic agreement with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) at the COP28 in Dubai on December 5, 2023. The signing ceremony marked the formalization of a General Technical Cooperation agreement between PISLM and IICA, a pivotal moment for sustainable land management in the Caribbean region. The event was attended by Mr. Lloyd Day, Deputy Director General of IICA; the Honorable Penelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Calvin James, Executive Director of PISLM; and the distinguished Minister of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment & Constituency Empowerment, Cozier Frederick. 

​Calvin James, the Executive Director of PISLM, welcomed the collaboration between IICA and PISLM, which is designed to strengthen cooperation and technical support for member states with a primary focus on soil health. He highlighted the organization's commitment to assisting Caribbean countries in meeting their UNCCD and Barbados Programme of Action mandates. Mr. Lloyd Day, Deputy Director General of IICA, acknowledged the critical importance of addressing soil degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

​He emphasized the urgency of sustainable practices to meet future needs and applauded the success of previous initiatives, particularly in the Caribbean region. Minister Cozier Frederick, in his role as Chair of the Ministerial Council, outlined the challenges faced by small island states and stressed the importance of an integrated management strategy. 

​He highlighted the role of PISLM in addressing land degradation and contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly poverty alleviation and food security. Minister Frederick thanked IICA for its ongoing support, citing past collaborations in Dominica that focused on sustainable land management and resilience following Hurricane Maria. He unveiled an ambitious project, the Caribbean Land Degradation Neutrality Transformational Project, spanning 14 Caribbean countries, with a focus on enhancing Dominica’s GDP through agriculture.  

​Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Minister Frederick acknowledged the local expertise within the Caribbean region and stressed the need to use this capacity for regional development. He conveyed gratitude to PISLM's Executive Director, Calvin James, for his hard work and welcomed the collaboration with IICA in implementing transformative projects. The signing ceremony successfully concluded, with all ministers, partners, and participants pledging their commitment to a sustainable future and a fruitful relationship between PISLM and IICA, advancing the goals of sustainable land management across the Caribbean region. 

President of the Dominica Bar Association Noelize Knight-Didier says lately it seems there is a fear gripping society, preventing many from taking decisive action against unlawful acts/acts which are unfair. She was speaking during a panel discussion under the theme "Is there a role for everyone in promoting integrity in public office in Dominica."

President of the Dominica Bar Association Noelize Knight-Didier.
 
Attorney-at-Law & Member of the Integrity Commission, Cara Shillingford-Marsh is of the opinion that the Integrity in Public Office legislation is not working as it should. No complaints have been received since 2015.

Attorney-at-Law Cara Shillingford- Marsh.
 
Meanwhile, Pastor Mitchel Jean-Jacques said he has come to realize that some people don't like, and feel very uncomfortable with accountability questions.

Pastor Mitchel Jean-Jacques.  

Dr. Lisa Jolly expresses concern about the rising incidence of diabetes, including among youth. She emphasized the need for control to prevent future complications, noting that the situation has not improved over the past decade. Despite this, she highlights positive strides to address type 2 diabetes through necessary lifestyle changes for potential reversal or effective treatment.

Dr. Jolly noted the strengthening of efforts against diabetes, citing greater awareness of proper diets and increased engagement in physical activity. She noted a growing enthusiasm for group physical activities, highlighting a positive trend in fostering a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Lisa Jolly

Awards were handed out during a symposium to mark the close of early childhood education month, where over 300 individuals attended.
Education Minister Octavia Alfred lists the awardees.

Education Minister, Octavia Alfred ​

​Fiona Glenville, a health educator at the national HIV unit, emphasizes the importance of HIV testing. She acknowledges that the identified cases represent only a fraction, as many remain untested. Glenville underscores the need to recognize HIV as an ongoing public health issue, cautioning against complacency and urging continued attention to prevent escalation and maintain control.

Health educator at the National HIV unit, Fiona Glenville

Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South constituency, Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite has appealed to the corporate community, sponsors, business persons and individuals alike to come onboard to assist the young persons of the Newtown Bwa Bwa Academy to develop themselves. She was speaking during the handing over ceremony of a storage facility for the Newtown Stilt Walkers. That storage facility is housed at the Newtown Innovation Hub.

Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South constituency, Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite 

​UWP Team Dominica Leader and Financial Economist Dr. Thomson Fontaine, is concerned about Dominica's vulnerable circumstances, and specifically pointed out the difficulties facing Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program. He noted that the (CBI) program which is a significant source of government revenue, is under increasing pressure, with other nations in the Caribbean example St. Kitts experiencing adverse effects due to visa restrictions on Dominica. Fontaine anticipates repercussions on government services, including the payment of workers and the potential deterioration of crucial sectors like health and education, as the CBI program faces challenges.

Dr. Fontaine highlighted the recent withdrawal of Dominica from hosting four test cricket matches due to the inability to allocate the required funds to for facilitate the preparation of the facilities at the sports Stadium. He suggests this incident reflects broader issues within the country, emphasizing the challenges arising from misappropriation of resources and a lack of accountability. Dr. Fontaine further contends that the leadership provided by Prime Minister Skerrit, whom he perceives as fatigued and lacking the required wisdom and guidance, is contributing to the overall difficulties faced by the country.

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Financial Economist and Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Team Dominica.