​Kalinago Chief Anette Thomas Sanford has raised concerns that the newly constructed bus stops along the Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden Road do not reflect traditional Kalinago architecture. She is urging authorities to ensure that the final three bus stops, from Gaulette River to Sineku, are built in a style that showcases Kalinago heritage. Chief Sanford believes this will not only preserve cultural identity but also enhance tourism and promote the community’s rich traditions.

​Chief Sanford has raised concerns over the government’s use of a $100,000 investment in the boat industry. She questioned how the funds were spent, noting that she has seen no significant improvements for fishermen or the fishing sector in the Kalinago Territory.

Kalinago Chief, Anette Thomas-Sanford.

​At a government town hall meeting in Salybia on January 29, 2025, citizens called on Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to address the wages of National Employment Programme (NEP) workers. Attendees emphasized the need for either a salary increase or, at minimum, a Christmas bonus, highlighting concerns over financial challenges faced by those in the program.

​The Prime Minister confirmed that the government will take into account the possibility of providing a Christmas bonus. Additionally, he announced that the Kalinago Development Fund, managed through the AID Bank, will be accessible to workers falling under the National Employment Program (NEP).

​Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

​Debate Event Organiser and Officer in Charge of the President’s Office at the Dominica State College, Trudy Christian, gives a recap of round 1 of the island’s biggest annual debating competition - The 2025 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition which occurred on January 28th, 2025, and highlights the debate capabilities and cognitive abilities of some of the most talented students on island.
Round 1 concluded with the following debates:

• The opening debate will examine whether skills-based learning is now more relevant than formal academic training for Dominica’s economy. ITSS and SMSS will support the motion, while PSS and CBSS will oppose it.
• On January 29, discussions will focus on whether adolescents at the age of consent should require parental approval for reproductive and sexual health services. SMA and PCSS will argue in favor, while DGS and GSS will oppose.
• The final debate on January 30 will assess whether the body positivity movement has desensitized adolescents to obesity-related health risks. CHS will support the motion, while WHS will oppose it.

​Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition Organiser Trudy Christian.

​Principal of the Isulakati School, Mrs. Agnette Lucien-Francis, reveals that her school will engage with a representative from National Geographic to teach the students about the importance of conserving the environment for one year.
 
Mrs. Lucien-Francis says she and her staff are looking forward to this temporary partnership, as they seek to expose their students to various aspects of society.

​Principal of the Isulakati School, Mrs. Agnette Lucien-Francis.

​Dominica officially welcomed Her Excellency Theodora Magdalena Mircea, Ambassador of Romania on Wednesday, during her first official visit to the country. The ceremony, which included the handover of credentials, was attended by Dominica’s President, HE Sylvanie Burton. In her remarks, President Burton praised Romania for broadening its bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Dominica. She emphasized the country’s eagerness to collaborate with Romania on several fronts, particularly in areas such as tourism and renewable energy.

​President of Dominica, H.E Sylvanie Burton
 
Her Excellency Theodora Magdalena Mircea, reaffirmed Romania's commitment to advocating for climate change justice for small island developing states. She emphasized that Romania will continue to be a strong voice multilaterally and bilaterally on this critical issue.

​Her Excellency Theodora Magdalena Mircea, the Ambassador of Romania to Dominica.

​Fine Foods Inc. continues its commitment to delivering high-quality products while giving back to the community through impactful initiatives. As part of this commitment, the company kicked off its first campaign of 2025, “Perfect Start for Tiny Hearts,” aimed at supporting newborns and their families in Dominica.
 
On January 17, 2025, Fine Foods Inc. partnered with the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, with the support of Mrs. Dania Emmanuel, to bring this initiative to life. The hospital, a cornerstone of Dominica’s healthcare system, plays a crucial role in providing care to the nation’s residents.
 
To mark the arrival of the new year’s newborns, Fine Foods Inc., through its trusted brand Paddlers, recognized each baby born during the first week of January. The company donated baby diapers and wipes to nine newborns, offering essential care products to families at the start of their journey. Paddlers, known for its reliable range of baby and adult care products, including wipes, shampoos, and diapers, is committed to providing families with dependable and comfortable solutions for their everyday baby care needs.
 
Through the “Perfect Start for Tiny Hearts” campaign, Paddlers aims to offer crucial support to newborns and their families, helping them start life with the essentials they need. This initiative highlights Fine Foods Inc.'s gratitude toward both the families and healthcare professionals who contribute to shaping Dominica's future. By providing these baby care products, the company hopes to offer comfort to parents and introduce them to a trusted brand for their childcare needs.

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed concern over the growing prevalence of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) in Dominica, urging citizens to be more aware of the issue and make changes to their eating habits. Speaking at a town hall meeting in the Kalinago Territory, Skerrit highlighted the alarming trend of more young people succumbing to these diseases, pointing to the rising consumption of sugar as a contributing factor.

​Prime Minister Skerrit also urged citizens to pay close attention to the issue, noting that young people are the demographic most affected by Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs). He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for youth development, particularly through education, to help address this growing concern.

​Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

​Photo: Glenworth Frank
 
Attorney at Law, Ronald Charles reveals the judgment by the court in the matter of Aljai Liverpool who was charged with murdering Glenworth Frank between September 15 & 18, 2020. Charles explained that the case went in favor of the accused because Liverpool’s ‘right to an attorney’ was breached by the police during their investigation. Liverpool was represented by Attorneys Ronald Charles & Wayne Norde.
 
Court documents reveal that the accused, Aljai Liverpool, was questioned by the investigating Officer on this case, who, during the investigation asked Liverpool if he was able to hire a lawyer - Liverpool responded to the Investigating Officer, informing him that he could not hire a lawyer on his own as he has no money, however, he told the officer that if he needs one, he will have his mother obtain a lawyer for him.
 
Ronald Charles emphasized that this interaction recorded between the accused and the Investigating Officer solidified the fact that Aljai Liverpool’s rights were breached, as he says the Officer failed to facilitate Liverpool in obtaining a lawyer to represent him.

​Attorney Charles, who spoke to Q95 News on Thursday, emphasized that a person arrested for a serious charge must be allowed to obtain the services of an Attorney of Law, he says this must also be facilitated by the investigating Officers.

​Attorney at Law, Ronald Charles.

​The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, under the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and the Digital Economy, will be offering a series of digital courses. The Beginners Digital Literacy Course will commence on February 17, 2025, followed by the Advanced Digital Literacy Course on February 18, 2025, both taking place at the Mahaut Innovation Hub located at Mahaut Primary School.
 
Additionally, the Advanced Digital Literacy Course will also begin on February 18, 2025, at the Layou Innovation Hub (Layou Resource Centre) and the Capuchin Innovation Hub (Capuchin Resource Centre).The Ministry has opened registration for all courses and encourages interested individuals to sign up. For more details, contact 266-3840, visit the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project Office (former First Domestic Building), or register online at www.cardtp.gov.dm.

​On January 30, 2025, students and teachers from Sineku Primary School took to the streets of St. Cyr for an anti-drug march aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug use. The march, which began at 11:00 a.m., saw participants chanting "Say No to Drugs" as they walked through the community. The initiative sought to promote a drug-free lifestyle and encourage positive choices among young people.

Students and staff of the Sineku Primary School.