​United Progressive Party Leader, Joshua Francis, speaking on the programme ‘Talk on the Block’ talks about forming a collaborative strategic alliance to replace the current government with a new administration.
 
He said this move highlights a shift toward a unified, multi-party front aimed at consolidating political power and civil influence to challenge the long-standing leadership of the Dominica Labour Party.
 
He further argued that political stubbornness and a refusal to cooperate hinder progress, necessitating a unified effort to capture the support of Labour partisans, independents, and neutral citizens. 

​Mr. Francis stated that the movement emphasizes that only through smart, collaborative work can the opposition present a viable alternative and convince voters that the time for governmental change has arrived.

​United Progressive Party Leader, Joshua Francis.

​Tracy Polius, Chief Director of Policy at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank recently detailed a comprehensive sensitization initiative surrounding the Banking Amendment Bill 2024.
 
She explained that the primary objective of the outreach was to ensure consumers are fully aware of their rights and the new obligations placed upon financial institutions under the updated act.
 
To ensure a well-rounded perspective, the ECCB consulted with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Ministries of Finance, Attorneys General, youth councils, and associations representing persons with disabilities.
 
Ms. Polius highlighted that a major focus of these discussions involved the formal codes of conduct and the rigorous new procedures for handling consumer grievances.
 
She outlined a clear three-tier redress system, beginning with the commercial bank, followed by the ECCB, and escalating to a dispute resolution Commission, if necessary, with the High Court serving as the final option.
 
The initiative aims to empower citizens by providing them with the necessary tools to navigate potential banking issues and ensure fair treatment within the regional financial system.

​Chief Director of Policy - Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Tracy Polius.

​CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Aquanje' Robin and Siobhan Phipps-Harding have issued a powerful call to action as the region prepares for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis. The ambassadors highlighted that the region is currently at a critical crossroads, facing intensifying challenges such as growing geopolitical tensions, economic threats, and the severe impacts of climate change.
 
They emphasized that collective strength remains the Caribbean’s greatest asset and urged leaders to recognize that young people are not just future leaders, but active innovators and sustainable partners ready to address today's pressing issues.
 
The ambassadors expressed their optimism that the upcoming summit will move beyond discussions and result in measurable policy impacts that directly invest in the skills of the youth.
 
They noted that the rapid pace of global change requires the region to adapt quickly and that Caribbean youth are essential to building the resilience spoken of by regional leaders.
 
By advocating for systems that protect and empower the younger generation, the ambassadors hope to see a unified approach that ensures the long-term security and prosperity of the entire Caribbean community.

​Aquanje’ Robinson and Siobhan Phipps-Harding - CARICOM Youth Ambassadors.

​Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) President Gregory "Karessah" Riviere has confirmed a significant boost to the monarch's grand prize for the 2026 season.
 
After maintaining a $20,000 payout since 2009, the association has increased the winner’s purse to $25,000 for this year’s competition. Speaking on to state-owned radio, Riviere hinted that the prize money could climb even higher in the future.
 
The move marks the first major financial adjustment for the title in 17 years, reflecting the DCA’s commitment to modernizing the art form and rewarding the reigning monarch's efforts.
 
The 2026 competition is currently in full swing, with finalists preparing to challenge the 2025 Monarch, Joy Stoute, at the Grand Finals on February 14. 

​Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) President, Gregory "Karessah" Riviere.

​Registered Nurse and Founder of the Dominica Garden Club, Ms. Halima Ama Thomas, speaking on the programme ‘Roots Connection’ on Q talks about the substantial impact of direct cash transfers & barrel shipments on households because these informal financial flows contribute millions to national economies and provide essential support for families. 
 
She says that reports indicate that direct transfers alone account for over $100 million EC, while the estimated $4,000 EC annual value of goods sent in barrels significantly bolsters a family's ability to meet domestic demands.
 
Ms. Thomas says that this data highlights the critical role that both formal and informal support systems play in sustaining the region’s economic stability and individual well-being. 

​Ms. Thomas Remittances and major cultural events continue to serve as the bedrock of Dominica's financial stability, particularly during global crises.

​Registered Nurse and Founder of the Dominica Garden Club, Ms. Halima Ama Thomas.

​The United Workers Party is set to hold a "National Unity Rally" this Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the village of Grand Fond, aimed at consolidating support and outlining the party’s future agenda.
 
UWP Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine explained that the event is designed to bring members and supporters together to focus on the party's upcoming goals and encourage full participation in the ongoing voter confirmation process.
 
He noted that while the timing of the next general election remains uncertain, it is vital for the party to remain politically active and prepared for whenever the polls are called. Dr. Fontaine expressed his hope that the gathering would inspire attendees from every constituency to work diligently toward the party’s objectives.
 
The UWP leader concluded that the party intends to keep the event positive and focused on what they can offer the country if given the mandate to govern when the rally kicks off at 2:00 PM.

​The Inland Revenue Division has officially introduced a new digital platform designed to simplify the tax filing process for the general public. According to Annette George Bonnie, the Assistant Comptroller at the Inland Revenue Division, the new Personal Income Tax e-filing portal offers a more convenient way for individuals to manage their fiscal responsibilities.
 
This modern interface allows taxpayers to submit their annual returns entirely online, moving away from traditional paper-based methods to enhance overall efficiency.
 
Beyond the submission process, the portal provides a suite of tools that allow users to actively monitor their financial standing with the division. Ms. Bonnie explained that one of the key features of the platform is the ability for taxpayers to track the real-time status of their tax refunds.
 
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Inland Revenue to leverage technology to improve service delivery and provide citizens with greater transparency and accessibility regarding their personal tax accounts.

Assistant Comptroller - Inland Revenue Division, Annette George Bonnie

​On a recent ‘Talk on the Block’ programme on Q95, Leader of the United Progressive Party, Joshua Francis has condemned the Electoral Commission’s three-month suspension of voter registration to demand compliance with the Electors Act and pushed for comprehensive electoral reform.
 
He argued that the Commission’s excuse regarding "software construction" is a symptom of poor planning and a lack of respect for the law. 
 
Mr. Francis further stated that this public outcry highlights a deep-seated frustration with the government's perceived mishandling of the registration process and calls for an immediate end to the "casual approach" toward essential democratic reforms.
 
He said although the government initially resisted these changes, they must now ensure the process is fully completed and transparent to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

​Leader of the United Progressive Party, Joshua Francis

​Dominica is set to transform into a premier destination for faith-based tourism with the debut of the "Glory in Paradise" National Gospel Festival on February 28, 2026. Coordinator Gloria Joseph confirms the event will feature a world-class lineup at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium starting at 5:00 PM.
 
The inaugural festival serves as a government-led initiative to diversify the island's event calendar and foster community unity through worship and music.
 
The festival's roster includes international superstars Sinach and Ada Ehi from Nigeria, alongside American artist Travis Greene. Regional favorites like Carlene Davis, Positive, and Blessed Messenger will join a robust local cast featuring J-Cro, DJ Alfie, and the Loubiere Catholic Youth Choir.
 
By hosting this diverse array of talent, the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) aims to attract both the regional diaspora and international visitors seeking a meaningful, nature-bound spiritual retreat.

​Coordinator of the Gospel Festival, Gloria Joseph

​Premium Home and Residential Care Services (PHARCS) is transforming the standard of elder care in Dominica with its newly launched Professional Care Training Programme. This hybrid course merges international best practices with local Caribbean needs, focusing heavily on dementia and Alzheimer’s care. 
 
CEO/Founder Marie-Therese Junkeree says that participants gain technical expertise alongside vital communication skills to deliver dignified, person-centered support for the island's most vulnerable seniors.
 
She says that the program features a hybrid learning model and includes a 14-day internship in Martinique for top applicants to gain experience in senior care. Upon successful completion of all modules and a final exam, graduates will receive a professional certificate, marking a significant advancement in local healthcare education.

​Ms. Junkeree further states that this program distinguishes itself by using official UK NHS materials to meet international Level 2 standards. By focusing on person-centered care and professional ethics, the initiative aims to bolster the quality of healthcare services and professional development within the community.

​CEO/Founder of PHARCS, Marie-Therese Junkeree