Chairman of the Dominica Freedom Party Johnson Boston dismisses Clarence Christian’s comments on major national projects like the international airport. He also accused the authorities of using publicly funded projects as political tools to spread misinformation and create division among Dominicans. Boston has called for a shift towards genuine, constructive politics, warning that the time has come for leaders to take their roles seriously. He criticized those who use politics to spread lies and create division, urging instead for political efforts to focus on uplifting people and driving societal growth. Boston emphasized that his commitment lies in honest politics, unlike others whom he says are driven by harmful, divisive agendas. Chairman of the Dominica Freedom Party, Johnson Boston
0 Comments
Photo: Dominica - FAO - Simon Walsh
Dominica is stepping into the global spotlight with sea moss, a Caribbean superfood gaining popularity for its health benefits. The island is now ramping up efforts to farm the nutrient-packed seaweed, aiming to tap into booming international demand. Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dominica is adopting new farming techniques to boost production and sustainability. The initiative is part of a wider Caribbean push to grow the sea moss industry and cut food imports by 25% by 2030. As sea moss continues to thrive in regional hotspots like Saint Lucia and Jamaica, Dominica hopes to ride the wave—turning coastal farming into a new engine for economic growth. Prime ministers and senior officials from five Eastern Caribbean states are meeting in St John’s, Antigua this week to chart the future of their Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIPs).
Dubbed the Caribbean Investment Summit 2025, the event brings together Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis—countries that rely heavily on CIP revenue as a key non-tax income source. The summit comes amid mounting pressure from the EU and US to tighten or scrap such programs, prompting regional coordination led by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine is expected to deliver a regulatory update, followed by consultations on new legislative proposals.Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne will address the forum, highlighting efforts to ensure transparency and professionalism in the country’s CIP operations. The summit will also include a prime ministers’ roundtable where leaders will share national experiences and strategies to safeguard the programs from external threats It was a tough outing for Team Dominica’s Jaden Joseph in the Boys’ Under-17 Long Jump at the 52nd CARIFTA Games, as the young athlete failed to make the top eight.
Joseph managed a leap of 6.04 meters, but the distance fell short of the mark needed to advance. Speaking after the event, the 16-year-old expressed his frustration and disappointment with his performance. “I feel disappointed with myself,” Joseph admitted. “I know I can do better, but something was just not right—I don’t know what happened.” He pointed to technical issues as a possible factor in his underwhelming result. “I think it was more my jumping—I wasn’t getting enough height, and my run-up was not proper,” he said. Although he believed he was well-prepared, Joseph said nerves may have played a role. “I was prepared, but probably a little nervousness had me on edge,” he added. Despite the setback, the first-time CARIFTA competitor remains focused on the future. “This gave me some experience. I know I have to push more, work harder, train harder, and be fully committed to this and do what I’ve been doing,” he said, determined to return stronger in future competitions. Dominica concluded its campaign at the 2025 CARIFTA Games on a challenging note, with Godisha Joseph placing seventh in the Girls’ Under-20 Discus Throw. Representing the Nature Isle in a fiercely competitive field, Joseph recorded a solid effort of 35.36 metres.“It was a tough competition, but I gave it my best,” Joseph said after the event. “I’m proud to represent Dominica and I know this experience will help me improve.”
The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) expressed its appreciation to all athletes, coaches, and supporters who contributed to the island’s performance at this year’s Games. Attention now turns to training and development as the team looks ahead to future regional and international meets.Highlights from Dominica’s 2025 CARIFTA Performanceinclude.Gold Glory: Addison James delivered a standout moment for Team Dominica, securing the island’s only gold medal with a dominant 67.48-metre throw in the Boys’ Under-20 Javelin. Record Relay Run: The 4x400m mixed relay squad made national history, setting a new record time of 3:52.01 and finishing seventh overall. Sprints: Kerelle Etienne put in a strong showing in the Girls’ Under-20 100m semi-finals, clocking 11.76 seconds to place third in her heat, just missing the cut for the final.In Jumps: Jeriah Lewis soared to a personal best of 7.06 metres in the Boys’ Under-20 Long Jump, earning him a commendable fifth-place finish. Meanwhile, in the Boys’ Under-17 Long Jump, Jaden Joseph leapt 6.04 metres in his CARIFTA debut.With a gold medal, a national record, and several personal bests, Dominica’s athletes leave the CARIFTA stage with invaluable experience and renewed determination for the seasons ahead. Economist and United Workers Party (UWP) leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the overly aggressive response of the DLP-led government. He criticized the administration, along with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, for allegedly deploying the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force against peaceful protesters on March 19, 2025. The demonstration, held in Roseau, was organized in opposition to the Dominica Labour Party’s proposed Electoral Reform Bills. Protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the bills, citing the absence of key elements such as equal media access for all political parties, campaign finance oversight, and a thorough voter re-registration process. Economist and UWP Leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
The University of the West Indies Global Campus (UWI Global Campus), in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, officially launched the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Call during a webinar on April 16, 2025. The scholarship program forms part of the World Bank-funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), which is designed to expand access to digital services, strengthen digital skills, and support technology-driven jobs and businesses throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Global Campus, described the initiative as a critical step toward preparing the people of the OECS for success in an increasingly digital global economy. He emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with advanced digital competencies in areas of growing demand. Representing the OECS Commission, Mr. Germain Anthony, Technical Specialist for Education, encouraged eligible individuals to seize the opportunity. He warned that in today’s economic climate, where grant funding for education is becoming scarce, such opportunities are not to be overlooked. The scholarship call is open to citizens and residents of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Selected applicants will gain access to certified training and professional development in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Web Development. Carlton Languedoc, pharmacist and Public Relations Officer of Jolly’s Pharmacy Ltd., has announced the staging of a Men’s Symposium scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus. Languedoc noted that the event will focus primarily on issues affecting men, with presentations and discussions aimed at promoting both mental and physical well-being. He emphasized the importance of the symposium in raising awareness and providing valuable health information that can contribute to a healthier male population. Languedoc also pointed out that while men have historically held strong leadership roles, they often face challenges when it comes to expressing their emotions. He suggested that this emotional restraint can have a significant impact on their overall well-being, underscoring the need for open dialogue and supportive spaces like the symposium to address these issues. Carlton Languedoc, Pharmacist & PRO of Jolly’s Pharmacy Ltd.
Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Rome. His death came the morning after Easter Sunday, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, when billions of Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite ongoing health concerns, the Pope's death came as a shock to many, as he had been seen several times in public during Holy Week, including a notable appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. In a tribute, President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton expressed profound sorrow at the Pope’s passing, noting that he embodied the true spirit of Christian discipleship. She reflected that he was deeply respected and had touched the lives of millions around the world through his ministry, which was defined by love, humility, and compassion. She emphasized his lifelong commitment to peace, social justice, and advocacy for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. She recalled one of the Pope’s final appeals to humanity, in which he urged people to find “the courage to change direction,” and to follow a path that fosters healing and protection instead of destruction. She, along with her husband, Gilbert Burton, extended heartfelt condolences to Pope Francis’s only surviving sibling, Maria Elena Regina Bergoglio, as well as to the global Catholic community and clergy, especially those in Dominica.“Long live the legacy of the Holy Father,” she said, “and may his soul rest in eternal peace.” Former Dominica Prime Minister Edison James criticized the government's international airport project, claiming it could have been built 20 years ago at a quarter of the current cost. He urged officials to release a report allegedly stating the site was unsuitable, although they claim no such report exists. James called the government's actions irresponsible & suggested some may view it as criminal mismanagement. James has raised concerns about a proposed company facility near the site of the upcoming international airport. He said no environmental study has been conducted and warned that the project could impact everyone living nearby. James emphasized that, by law, local residents must be involved in any environmental assessment process. Former Prime Minister of Dominica, Edison James.
|
Q95 NewsCurrent and past news stories. Archives
April 2025
Categories |