​Calypsonian Nacheal Walsh (De Nacheal) has revealed that her 2026 contest entry, "Commissioner M Lissa," was born directly from the social firestorm surrounding the "Red Bench" incident in Roseau's ‘Zone Rouge’.
 
Speaking on Creole Heartbeat, Walsh explained that the police’s controversial removal of the bench served as the perfect catalyst for her lyrical social commentary.
 
She noted that since the "red bench" became a national talking point, people have flooded her with updates on various urban issues, further fueling the song’s relevance.

​Reflecting on her journey through the 2026 season, Walsh admitted that her time on the big stage has been a steep learning curve. After analyzing her previous performances, she has identified specific areas in her stagecraft and vocal delivery that she plans to refine for future appearances. 

​Calypsonian Nacheal Walsh

​Dominica Calypso Association Public Relation Officer, Peter Letang is inviting the public to The Realm tonight, Friday, January 30, 2026, for the "band run" rehearsal starting at 6:00 PM.
 
This session offers fans a behind-the-scenes look as the 20 semi-finalists fine-tune their performances with the band. The event serves as the official warm-up for what is expected to be happening on Saturday night. The Semi-Finals will take place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Saturday, January 31, at 8:30 PM.
 
Of the 20 performers taking the stage only nine will survive the night to challenge the reigning 2025 Monarch, Joy Stoute, in the February 14 Grand Finals. Tickets range from $50 for early birds to $130 for Party VIP access, available at major outlets including the Calypso House.

Dominica Calypso Association Public Relation Officer, Peter Letang 

The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the FAO and the Environmental Health Unit, successfully hosted a Food Safety and Hygiene Training Workshop on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
 
Twelve participants from the vegetable, honey, and dasheen industries gathered at the Prevost Cinemall to learn how to meet national health standards and improve their market readiness.
 
This session focused on practical sanitation techniques and regulatory requirements to help small-scale farmers and processors thrive in the modern agricultural economy.
 
Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the GCAF Project, the initiative specifically promotes the inclusion of women and youth in climate-smart farming across Dominica.
 
Lead facilitators, including Mrs. Calma Louis and FAO specialists, emphasized that gender-responsive approaches are essential for sustainable growth.
 
By equipping these value-chain actors with high-level hygiene skills, the partnership aims to secure Dominica’s food future while enhancing the international competitiveness of its fresh produce.

​The Government of Dominica is moving forward with a series of environmental and cultural initiatives designed to preserve the island's natural landscape and provide greater support to the indigenous community.
 
Environment Minister Cozier Frederick reported that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect the nation's "nature isle" status. The Minister emphasized that these programs are intended to create a sustainable balance between modern development and the preservation of Dominica's unique cultural heritage.
 
As a centerpiece of this agenda, Minister Frederick announced the government's intention to establish a dedicated Environmental Department.
 
He explained that this new agency will be responsible for strengthening the implementation of national policies and providing more rigorous oversight for land development projects across the country.
 
By centralizing these functions, the government aims to address environmental concerns more effectively and ensure that nationwide development aligns with long-term ecological goals.

​Cozier Frederick, Minister for the Environment

​At a high-level panel in Georgetown, Guyana, CARICOM Ambassador Wayne McCook advocated for intensified regional integration as the Caribbean’s primary defense against a fracturing global trade system.
 
He noted that the region is still recovering from a tumultuous 2025, marked by the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa and a dramatic shift toward restrictive international trade policies that disrupted established supply chains.
 
Despite these challenges, Ambassador McCook highlighted that CARICOM exports reached nearly $35 billion in 2024, demonstrating a resilient "oneness" that he believes is essential for navigating the current era of economic nationalism and weakened global rules.
 
To secure the region's economic future in 2026, the Assistant Secretary-General outlined a multi-pronged strategy centered on self-reliance and diversified partnerships.
 
He emphasized the importance of the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy and the "25x25+5" food security agenda, which aims to drastically reduce the region’s multi-billion-dollar food import bill.
 
By advancing the free movement of people and strengthening intra-regional commerce, Ambassador McCook argued that CARICOM can transform from a collection of vulnerable states into a more integrated and strategically positioned community capable of thriving amidst global uncertainty.

​Speaking on the programme ‘Talk on the Block’ yesterday Thursday afternoon, United Workers Party Leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine fired back at Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit following his recent interview where he criticized the opposition’s stance on the high cost of living in Dominica.
 
Fontaine dismissed the attacks as a distraction from the crushing financial burden currently facing Dominican families.  He accused the Prime Minister of being out of touch with the reality of poverty while the government focuses on political "bashing" rather than economic relief.

 Responding to claims that the opposition is trying to block the International Airport, Dr Fontaine called the Prime Minister’s narrative deceptive and noted that the project is decades overdue.
 
He maintained that while an international airport is necessary, the current administration has failed to deliver it in a timely or transparent manner, leaving the nation's connectivity trailing behind its neighbors.

​United Workers Party Leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.

Credit: Dominica News Online
 
The Dominica Community Tourism Association (DCTA) celebrated the intellectual and environmental contributions of three students from La Salette Agricultural and Industrial University (LAIU) yesterday Thursday, January 29, 2026.
 
The award ceremony took place at the LAIU Clubhouse, marking a successful effort to engage the island's youth in safeguarding Dominica's 365 rivers.
 
Beyond the accolades, the Association is using the event to sound an alarm regarding the increasing pollution and littering threatening the "Nature Isle's" water resources.
 
The DCTA emphasized that Dominica’s rivers are the lifeblood of local social, economic and environmental systems, yet they currently lack sufficient legislative and communal protection.
 
By aligning this local initiative with global movements like World Rivers Day, the DCTA aims to create a culture of preservation that secures the future of community-based tourism for generations to come.

​The Community-Oriented Policing Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) met with the Newtown Primary School PTA on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to address rising concerns over school safety.
 
Corporal Dion Moses delivered a firm message to parents, emphasizing that their behavior on campus sets the tone for student discipline. He noted that the current climate of school violence and bullying requires parents to move beyond the sidelines and take a "more active role" in monitoring their children’s social lives and behavior.
 
Reiterating the force’s commitment under the leadership of Commissioner Lincoln Corbette, the CDPF signaled that they will maintain a consistent presence in schools throughout the 2026 academic year.
 
The unit plans to expand its "school-community partnership" initiative to other primary schools in the southern district to curb ill-discipline before it escalates into criminal activity.
 
The meeting concluded with a call for unified action, stressing that stronger communities can only be built through respectful cooperation between the home and the classroom.

Photo Credit: National Bank of Dominica
 
Coordinator of the Dominica Youth Business Trust, Senator Philip Rolle, has informed the nation’s youth that the recently established Small Business Unit at the National Bank of Dominica is creating significant new avenues for success.
 
Senator Rolle noted that the launch of this dedicated unit provides local entrepreneurs with a vital platform to both develop and expand their commercial enterprises. He emphasized that this initiative represents a major turning point for those looking to scale their operations within the local economy.
 
The NBD Small Business Unit was officially introduced to the public last week, marking a strategic shift in how the financial institution supports smaller ventures. Senator Rolle highlighted that the specialized services offered through this unit are designed to address the specific needs of the burgeoning business community.
 
By providing accessible resources and financial support, the bank and the Youth Business Trust aim to foster a more robust environment for innovation and long-term economic stability among Dominica's younger generation.

​Senator Philip Rolle, Coordinator of the Dominica Youth Business Trust.

​The reigning Miss Dominica, Tanisha Balson, has expressed a high level of optimism as she prepares to compete in the Miss OECS pageant this Friday evening.
 
Hosted at the Windsor Park Stadium, the event will see Ms. Balson join a field of five contestants all vying for the prestigious regional title.
 
The local queen noted that participating in the Miss OECS pageant serves as a valuable platform for personal growth and a significant opportunity to further refine her skills on the international stage.
 
As the competition draws near, it has been confirmed that Ms. Balson will appear as the fourth contestant in the official lineup for the evening. Her participation is highly anticipated by local supporters, who look forward to seeing her represent the nature isle against her regional peers.
 
By focusing on self-improvement and national pride, the reigning Miss Dominica aims to deliver a standout performance in hopes of securing the crown for her home country.

​Tanisha Balson, the Reigning Miss Dominica.