​Businessman Anderson Jolly has weighed in on Dominica's healthcare system, highlighting what he perceives as a crucial gap. He opined that the system appears incomplete, with a disproportionate emphasis on infrastructure development rather than on addressing the necessary skillsets and the individual needs of healthcare professionals. Mr Jolly underscored the importance of establishing robust, universally applicable health standards as a solution to the issues facing Dominica.

​Jolly observed that while Dominica has made strides in technology, there has been insufficient investment in healthcare professionals. He contends that nurses, in particular, are not adequately compensated for their work, which he deems to be unfair to their profession.

​Businessman Anderson Jolly

​As the academic year 2023-2024 progresses, the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) acknowledges the mounting pressure students face as they gear up for the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
 
In response to this challenge, the NYCD proudly unveils the Virtual Exam Readiness Series themed "Beyond the Books: Crafting a Blueprint for Exam Triumph." This initiative aims to arm students with the necessary tools and assistance to excel in their exams. The two-day virtual series, scheduled via ZOOM on Tuesday, April 30th, and Thursday, May 2nd, starting at 5:30 pm each day, intends to provide comprehensive support.
 
The Exam Readiness Series not only aims to promote educational youth activities and programs in Dominica but also addresses the crucial issue of exam anxiety and stress. Through the Zoom platform, the series will offer study strategies and mental health support to bolster students' preparedness for these significant assessments.
 
President of the National Youth Council, Phael Lander, emphasizes, that The launch of the Exam Readiness Series underscores the NYCD's commitment to supporting the holistic development of young people in Dominica. The NYCD urges all students preparing for the CSEC and CAPE examinations this year to actively participate in the Virtual Exam Readiness Series.

​Social Scientist Simeon Joseph has praised Rebuild Dominica Inc for its initiative to sponsor two Dominican students to attend secondary school in the United States at Piney Woods Boarding School. He lauds the scholarship not only for offering students the chance to excel academically overseas but also for providing them with the opportunity to represent their country as youth ambassadors. Joseph emphasizes that applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of Dominica.

​Joseph also emphasized the rich history of Piney Woods School, noting it as the oldest boarding school in the United States. He highlighted its diverse curriculum, enabling students to excel in various subject areas and become well-rounded individuals.

Social Scientist, Simeon Joseph

​The Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience (EALCRP) Project also known as the World Bank Project, is attempting to reach out to Farmers who have not received the ‘beneficiary Package’.
 
Petra Shillingford explains that the reason who did not get their package was due to low stock and unavailability, however Shillingford assures all farmers that the Ministry of Agriculture have restocked the necessary equipment and chemicals for disbursement through the ‘Beneficiary Package Initiative’.

​Communications Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Petra Grell-Shillingford

​This Clinic aims to train referees using practical and theoretical training.   The referees will be submitted to physical evaluation, practical classes, and theoretical classes. This will take place over 2 days and consist of adapting the referees to FIBA's refereeing culture, as well as knowing how to develop them with a support team.
 
The Goals:
 
•         Empower Referees
•         FIBA lecture and practical training (mechanic, signal, e.g.)
•         Feedback with post-game and videos
 
The Clinic will be at the Dominica Olympic Committee Office in Bath Estate opposite the Patrick John Football House from 9am to 5pm on both days. We invite persons who are interested in refereeing to attend this clinic. Dominican, Nick Nicholas who now resides in St.  Lucia will conduct the Clinic, and is a Level 1 FIBA Instructor. The Referee Clinic is sponsored by the Dominica Olympic Committee.

​Environmental Health Officer in the Ministry of Health, Calma Louis, is calling on Vendors and Bartenders to get recertified if their permits have expired, before the staging of the DDA’s Jazz & Creole Music Festival set for May 05th 2024.
 
Louis, while speaking at DDA’s Press Briefing on Wednesday, explained that food handler sessions are available at the following venues, DPSU Headquarters in Roseau, Salisbury Health Center, and at the Layou Resource Center.

​Culture Enthusiast Sobers Esprit expressed immense pride in the second edition of "Dominica: The Best Kept Secret," particularly for those eager to share the island's narrative. He described Dominica as an unparalleled magical gem and emphasized the privilege of residing on the "Nature Isle," abundant with untouched natural resources that hold significant value for the global community.

​Cultural Icon Sobers Esprit

A ground-breaking study, soon to be published in The Lancet, has revealed a significant milestone in global immunization efforts: an estimated 154 million lives saved over the past half-century. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the study underscores the profound impact of vaccination on global health, particularly on infant mortality rates.
 
The study highlights immunization as the most impactful health intervention in ensuring infant survival and long-term health. Of the lives saved, a staggering 101 million were infants, showcasing the pivotal role of vaccination in preventing childhood mortality. Notably, the measles vaccine emerged as the most influential, responsible for 60 percent of lives saved through immunization efforts.
 
Over the past five decades, vaccination against 14 diseases has contributed to a 40% reduction in global infant mortality rates, with the African Region experiencing over 50 percent fewer deaths. This success underscores the critical importance of vaccination programs in safe
 
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, lauded vaccines as a monumental achievement in 1public health, crediting them with eradicating smallpox and bringing humanity closer to eliminating polio. With ongoing research, investment, and collaboration, Dr. Tedros believes millions more lives can be saved in the next 50 years

​Mona St. Louis, President of the Dominica Association in Barbados, has offered congratulations to Cecil Clark on the release of his second book, "Dominica’s Best Kept Secret 2nd Edition." She praised the book as a valuable tool that amplifies Dominica's voice to the global community, highlighting its unique wonders. St. Louis emphasized the importance of literature in shaping global understanding and perception of Dominica.

​Louis also mentioned that while certain events are designed around educational content, there is a growing recognition of the power of art to stimulate public discussion on relevant issues and topics.

Mona St. Louis, President of the Dominica Association in Barbados

​Environmental Health Officer from the Environment Health Department in the Ministry of Health, Calma Louis, is urging Vendors and Bartenders, to ensure their license and certificates are visible for inspection at Jazz & Creole Festival 2024.

​Louis reveals that a team of Environmental Health Officers will be at DDA’s Jazz & Creole Festival to monitor the preparation, storage, sale of food to prevent, and will also monitor the solid and liquid waste activities, to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Environmental Health Officer from the Environment Health Department in the Ministry of Health, Calma Louis