Three (3) Citizenship by Investment Program Agents have come on board in providing sponsorship to the 2016 Miss Dominica Carnival Queen Contestants. Range Developments, Byatt and Havid Law Group have provided support to Britney Pharaoh, Mernelle Christmas and Judy Toussaint respectively.
Tourism Minister Robert Tonge told the official sashing for the contestants on Thursday morning, that the sponsorship confirms the companies’ commitment to the development of Dominica’s culture.

Tourism Minister Robert Tonge
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Meantime, Abigail Shillingford is being sponsored by the Kalinago Barana Aute, Nawana Shillingford is Ms Dominica National Petroleum Company, and Tassia Flossaic is Ms Dominica National Petroleum Company and Universal Martial Arts Academy.

The Discover Dominica Authority has launched a website that focuses on promoting a national festival tourism.
The website www.dominicafestivals.com which was officially launched on Wednesday this week will feature promotional information for the island’s festivals and events. Chief Executive officer of the DDA is Colin Piper.

​Chief Executive officer of the DDA Colin Piper

Morocco’s Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Mohammed Benjilany, today paid a visit to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
 
In a brief exchange with the Ambassador, PM Skerrit said his visit is a continuous sign of the cordial relationship which exists between the two countries.
 
Mr Skerrit says while diplomatic relations between the two countries was established just six years ago, a strong bond of friendship and cooperation has been developed between the two nations.

Dr. Slinger Francisco better known as The Mighty Sparrow dropped by Q95 studios earlier today for a brief interview where he serenaded the airwaves with a few of his hits such as Jean and Dinah, Congo Man and the ever popular Salt Fish.
 
It has been over twenty years since The Sparrow has graced a calypso stage in Dominica but he is to be inducted into the Dominica Kaiso Hall of Fame and later this week after his induction he will put on a concert.
 
Sparrow stated that Dominica has grown from when he spent time in Dominica last and he joked that he would walk his way back to the airport so he could spend more time sightseeing and enjoying Dominica’s Kubuli Beer.

Reigning ‘King Karessah’ Gregory Riviere gets back his shoe; fans say don’t use it; make a song about it. His shoe disappeared mysteriously during his performance at the calypso semi-final competition, where he was a guest performer last weekend.
 
Someone found his shoe and turned it in to the office of Q95fm Radio, but Karessah is torn between the mixed sentiments of his fans. Some say don’t touch it; some say burn it; others say cut it and throw it into the sea. One went as far as to write what looks like the makings of a composition of a song which went like this:
 
This shoe belongs in the Calypso Hall of fame. Karessah should advise Q, to send de shoe to de Calypso house. On de night of the semifinals, while patrons feeling good, and calypsonians in de groove, nobody can find Karessah shoe. Lord tell me where de shoe pass, and how it end up on Q. Was it in de trade house, or on de autopilot plane. Everybody want to know, and fraid to call people name. Wish de shoe could talk, and say where it walk, but alas, whoever had de shoe last, took out it tounge.
 
Meanwhile, Karessah said “Somebody called me and told me the shoe was found under the stage, and it was brought to Q95, but I have not yet been in touch with Q95. I hope to go there today”. Fans of the calypsonian however are having their say. Some suggest Obeah or ‘Coco makak’ might be at play. Karessah himself said. “At the end of the day, the ‘Karessah’ will make a decision as to what he does with the shoe that went mysteriously missing, on the night of the semi-finals.” He described the missing shoe incident as “funny” and “unfortunate”.

Since many insurance companies refuse clients over the age of 65, DPSU General Secretary Thomas Letang, states that after careful negotiations, some insurance companies have agreed to extend medical coverage to retirees to their lifetime.

One of the originators and concept creators of the Bouyon Music Genre, Derrick 'Rah' Peters, says while Bouyon has evolved over the years, he believes there is still much more work to be done, to boost the genre and effectively market it internationally.
 
Peters, a member of the Original Bouyon Pioneers, made particular mention of the Triple Kay Band. He says while the band has played a significant role in the development of the Bouyon genre he believes lyrically, there is much to be desired. 

​Bouyon music became popular in 1988. It was originated by the WCK Band while experimenting with a fusion of ‘Jing Ping’ and Cadence-lypso.

Consultations are ongoing for a National Physical Development Plan for proper land use here. A wide cross section of persons including agriculture officials, bankers, insurers, architects, and engineers have been invited to share their views and give recommendations for the sustainable development of land in Dominica.
 
Senior Project Coordinator, Annie Edwards, told the start of consultations this week, TS Erika highlighted the dangers associated with planning without a strong policy environment. 

Just a little over one week before Carnival street jump up 2016 and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has commissioned a new website in an effort to promote festival tourism here. The website www.dominicafestivals.com became accessible to the public on Thursday.
 
DDA CEO, Colin Piper, says this website will feature promotional information for upcoming festivities and related events. He says this website will also serve as an avenue for visitors and locals to know what activities are available here during the festive season and to become a festival vacation planning tool.   

One cruise visitor reportedly died, following a traffic accident in Trafalgar earlier today. According to information received, the visitor on the MSC Orchestra was on a tour to the Trafalgar Falls when the bus toppled over from the main road.
 
Several other passengers were injured in the accident including the bus driver. Q95News has also learnt that at least 5 passengers are hospitalized, but the extent of their injuries is still unknown. Q95News will follow that story and bring you updates as they become available.