​Bernie Ryan, Chairman of the St. Joseph Constituency Association for the United Workers Party (UWP), has issued a scathing critique of the current political climate in Dominica, asserting that a pervasive fear of state-sponsored victimization has effectively silenced the citizenry.
 
Speaking on the program Workers Voice, Ryan argued that while Dominica is technically a democratic nation, the reality on the ground is one of suppression where individuals are terrified to speak their truth for fear of professional or personal repercussions.
 
He emphasized that true loyalty to one's country or family requires the courage to point out when leadership is heading down a "dangerous road" before it is too late, rather than offering silent compliance.
 
Ryan further clarified that this culture of silence is not due to a lack of awareness, but rather a calculated survival mechanism against an administration that he claims punishes dissent. He noted that many Dominicans know exactly what is happening in their country but remain mute to protect their livelihoods.
 
Despite these pressures, Ryan vowed that he personally would not be intimidated by the threat of retaliation, stating that he is already "accustomed to being victimized" and refuses to betray his principles.

Bernie Ryan, the Chairman of the St. Joseph Constituency Association for the United Workers Party

​The Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC) is expanding its leadership capacity by hosting an intensive weekend training camp from February 27 to March 1, 2026, at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) facility in Jimmit.
 
This strategic initiative involves over 20 Potential Cadet Officers (PCOs) who will join existing commissioned and non-commissioned officers to transition from theoretical knowledge to hands-on command experience.
 
Since last November, these candidates have been engaged in virtual academic studies, and this three-day practical immersion serves as the final bridge to active leadership, while also providing a necessary refresher for seasoned officers in the field.
 
As a paramilitary youth organization primarily administered through secondary schools, the DCC remains dedicated to its mission of instilling discipline and civic responsibility among Dominica’s youth.
 
The current recruitment drive aims to bolster the number of participants across the entire island, ensuring that the corps remains a cornerstone of national youth development.
 
By conducting this training under the guidance of senior officers at the Jimmit facility, the organization is reinforcing its institutional strength and ensuring that the next generation of commanders is fully equipped to mentor and lead the nation's young cadets.

​The coaching staff of the Dominica National Under-16 Netball Team has reached a critical phase in their selection process, narrowing the training squad as they prepare for the upcoming Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Tournament.
 
After a period of rigorous assessment, the initial pool of 40 aspiring young athletes has been systematically reduced to a core group of 15 players. This elite group will continue an intensive training regimen in the coming weeks, from which the final 12-member squad will be selected to represent the Nature Isle on the international stage.
 
The upcoming tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Trinidad and Tobago, is a prestigious fixture on the Caribbean sporting calendar that tests the skill and endurance of the region’s best youth netballers.
 
The Dominica Football Association and local sports enthusiasts are closely monitoring the team's progress, hoping for a dominant performance against their regional rivals.
 
As the final selection deadline approaches, the remaining 15 players are expected to demonstrate the peak discipline and teamwork necessary to secure one of the coveted dozen spots on the traveling roster.

​One of the coaches with the National Under 16 Netball Team, Curnia James

​Sybil Welsh, Senior Project Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, recently highlighted the impact of the Growth and Resilience Dialogue as it celebrates its tenth year.
 
Welsh described the forum as a critical platform for developing actionable strategies and blueprints aimed at driving economic growth and competitiveness across the region.
 
She noted that over the past nine dialogues, numerous public and private sector leaders have successfully leveraged these insights to chart their own paths forward, citing a specific example from the Development Bank of Saint Kitts and Nevis, where the 2024 focus on "creative disruption" has been adopted as a core institutional strategy.
 
Beyond policy discussions, Welsh emphasized that the ECCB and its partners are moving beyond talk to implement tangible transformations in technology and renewable energy.
 
She specifically pointed to youth-focused initiatives, such as the two-year-old generative AI and Python coding summer camp, which encourages students to apply their learning to solve real-world problems within the region.
 
By prioritizing solution-oriented activities and new economic paradigms, Welsh reaffirmed the ECCB’s commitment to ensuring long-term prosperity and preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

​Senior Projects Specialist - Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

​Dominica’s agricultural sector is poised for a significant boost as the 6.4-million-dollar national abattoir in Layou Valley nears completion. Minister for Agriculture Roland Royer announced that the facility is expected to be commissioned between late March and early April.
 
This major investment represents a critical step in modernizing the island's livestock infrastructure and streamlining meat production processes.
 
Minister Royer highlighted that the opening of the national abattoir will unlock new economic opportunities for numerous farmers across the country. He explained that by providing a centralized and regulated facility, the government aims to enhance the quality of local meat products and improve market access for livestock producers.
 
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen food security and empower the farming community through modernized agricultural services.

​Roland Royer, Minister for Agriculture

​The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence has announced that a special church service will be held to observe Commonwealth Day 2026.
 
Scheduled for Monday, March 9, the ceremony will take place at the Our Lady of Fair Haven, Roseau Cathedral, starting at 10:00 a.m.
 
This year’s celebrations are centered on the theme of working together to unlock opportunities for a more prosperous Commonwealth, highlighting the importance of collective progress among member nations.
 
A key highlight of the event will be the delivery of the official Commonwealth Day message from His Majesty King Charles III, which will be presented by Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
 
The service is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including members of the Cabinet, parliamentarians, and other high-level officials. The Ministry has extended an open invitation to the media to cover the proceedings, which serve as a customary tribute to the shared values and cooperation within the Commonwealth family.

​Public Relations Officer of the United Workers Party (UWP), Glenroy Cuffy has called for a formal apology from the government following reports that the lighting project at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium has been significantly scaled back.
 
Speaking on the radio program Workers Voice, Cuffy highlighted a major discrepancy in the project's execution, noting that the original plan for six lighting poles has reportedly been reduced to just four.
 
He argued that this reduction represents a failure to deliver on promised infrastructure improvements, especially given the substantial financial investment already committed to the initiative.
 
Cuffy further criticized the project's ballooning budget, which he claims has skyrocketed from an initial estimate of $2 million several years ago to a staggering $13.6 million last year. He expressed disbelief that the government would approve such a high expenditure for six poles only to reportedly downsize the scope of work mid-execution.

​Glenroy Cuffy, Public Relations Officer of the United Workers Party

​At the opening of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett described 2025 as one of the most challenging periods in the history of regional integration. She detailed a series of converging crises, including extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and intense economic pressures that tested the strength of the Caribbean community.
 
Dr. Barnett specifically highlighted the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic category five system that impacted several nations including Haiti, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
 
Despite these hardships, the Secretary-General commended the decisive leadership of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, during his tenure as CARICOM Chair through the end of 2025.
 
She noted that the region demonstrated characteristic resilience through the immediate response of institutions like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Caribbean Public Health Agency.
 
Dr. Barnett concluded that the collective resolve shown in the aftermath of the hurricane proved the immense value of mutual support and reaffirmed CARICOM's commitment to safeguarding livelihoods and addressing humanitarian needs across the member states.

​Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General

In an address marking the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew celebrated the political maturity and enduring strength of the Caribbean community.
 
Reflecting on his recent travels across the region, Dr. Drew noted that despite occasional differences in politics and geopolitical outlooks, the collective leadership of the 15 member states serves as a profound source of regional pride.
 
He emphasized that the presence of every leader from the full membership in Saint Kitts and Nevis stands as a powerful rebuttal to critics who suggest the integration movement has lost its way, especially during challenging times.
 
Dr. Drew underscored that the 50th meeting represents far more than just institutional continuity; it is a testament to a shared conviction toward building a stronger Caribbean civilization.
 
He acknowledged that while the region faces significant hurdles—including climate shocks, criminal networks, and technological disruptions—the survival of the community depends on its ability to deliver urgent and relevant results for its people.

​Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis

​The Parliament of Dominica officially passed the Medical Profession Bill 2026 this week, marking a historic shift in the regulation of the island’s healthcare sector.
 
This legislative milestone replaces the outdated medical board with the Dominica Medical Council, a modern and independent authority designed to meet the complex realities of 21st-century medicine.
 
The Council is tasked with maintaining high standards of qualification and mandatory continuing education while providing a clear and fair mechanism for addressing professional misconduct.
 
By implementing a structured governance model that includes a registrar, an auditor, and specialized committees, the government aims to foster a culture of accountability that attracts top-tier talent while ensuring the safety of every patient.
 
Health Minister Laville emphasized that the move is as much about professional protection as it is about public oversight. The new framework introduces vital legal safeguards for medical practitioners, ensuring they operate within a supportive yet strictly governed environment. He concluded that the Council’s institutional strength will ultimately benefit the entire healthcare ecosystem.