​The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) hosted its Annual Disaster Management Roundtable on Monday aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing preparedness among Disaster Coordinators and Health and Safety Officers from member utilities across the Caribbean. The event, themed "Developing Adaptive Capacity: Building Resilient Utilities, Deepening Regional and Multi-Sectoral Cooperation in an increasingly Volatile, Multi-Hazard Environment," served as a platform for sharing insights and fortifying relationships.
 
The Roundtable, which embraced a hybrid format, convened at the CARILEC Secretariat Headquarters in Castries, with virtual participation from other locations. Presentations from utilities and partner agencies, including the Caribbean Water & Sewerage Association Inc., highlighted innovative disaster management strategies and the swift restoration of power post-catastrophe.
 
Given the escalating threat of hurricanes, earthquakes, cyber-security breaches, and other hazards in the Caribbean, devising robust disaster management protocols for electric utilities remains a critical endeavor for CARILEC. Discussions underscored the imperative of sustained regional cooperation and the adoption of multi-layered approaches across various levels—individual, community, organizational, national, and regional—to bolster resilience and adaptability.

​At a recent press briefing, national security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore claimed that Dominica’s immigration department is now processing ePassports without any delays. Blackmoore acknowledged the hurdles encountered during the shift from traditional passports to ePassports, which experienced initial processing delays. However, he touted the remarkable efficiency of the system, stating that applicants are now receiving their passports within a week of applying, compared to that of the region.

​Blackmoore emphasized that the government, as a responsible entity, took decisive action to rectify the passport processing challenges at the immigration department.

​Minister of National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore

​The Dominica Nurses Association (DNA) has officially extended condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Tracy Jno-Lewis and her baby. DNA President, Jawana Blaize-Adams said Nurse Jno Lewis was a member of the DNA, and she was highly respected by patients along the ‘length and breadth’ of the Health Sector in Dominica.

​Dominica Nurses Association, President, Jawana Blaize-Adams

​Chairman of the Government Housing Loans Board, Felix Thomas, announced that the Government Housing Loans Board will ensure that on lending services are available for Public Officers at reduced interest rates for housing purposes. In recent times the board also  established a revolving fund facility specifically geared toward private home owners.

​Thomas categorized this as an exciting development for private homeowners in Dominica, through the EDA Project. He spoke at the launch of the fourth component of the EDA project on April 19, 2024.

​Chairman of the Government Housing Loans Board, Felix Thomas

​The 97th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) was held on April 17 to 18, 2024, in Saint Lucia. Alternates, heads of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions (NTRCs), NTRC Commissioners and Observers attended virtually.
 
The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Philip Dalsou noted that the governance arrangement of ECTEL requires the Board of Directors to meet four times a year to be updated on the work of the regional telecommunications regulator. He went on to say, “The key items under discussion were the work plan, an update on the end of year financial reports of ECTEL and updates on some key projects.”
 
The Board of Directors ensures that the electronic communications sector remains properly regulated and that consumers and investors continue to benefit from an industry liberalized over two decades ago. According to ECTEL’s new Managing Director, Mr. David Cox, “The advent of ECTEL and regulations in the telecommunications market has led to significant drops in the prices of telecommunications services, it has led to incredible levels of investment.”
 
The EC Bill when enacted will allow the five (5) NTRCs which ECTEL advises, to better serve consumers and allow for more investments in the sector. It is the hope that the EC Bill will be enacted in the remaining ECTEL Contracting States within the next year or so. 
 
To date, two ECTEL Contracting States have passed the EC Bill: St. Kitts and Nevis on February 18, 2021, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which became the second state to do so on October 24, 2022. ECTEL’s five (5) Contracting States are the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Host of Q95’s Kingdom Connection Program, Randy Rodney persists in calling for action from authorities concerning electoral reform. He highlights that although the prime minister promised an announcement on electoral reform before the next budget debate, no such declaration has been made yet. Rodney criticizes the prime minister's statements, suggesting they diverge from the truth expected from leadership.

Pastor Rodney remarked that April has almost ended without any announcement made, suggesting that either the prime minister lacks intent to address the people's desires or firmly believes in presenting decisions without regard for public opinion.

​Pastor Randy Rodney, host of Q95’s Kingdom Connection show

​Pastor Randy Rodney, the host of Q95’s Kingdom Connection Program, has shared his perspective on Monday's High Court ruling striking down sections 14 & 16 of Dominica's Sexual Offences Act, which criminalizes homosexual activity. Pastor Rodney emphasized the importance of reflecting on this ruling from a religious standpoint, highlighting the need to consider scripture in understanding the implications of such legal decisions.
 
On Monday, the nation's High Court delivered a verbal judgment on a case initiated in 2022 by a homosexual individual seeking to challenge the constitutionality of two sections of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA) that criminalize consensual same-sex activities. The court ruled that these two provisions in gthe law were unconstitutional.

​Pastor Rodney further elaborated on the implications of the ruling from Dominica's standpoint, clarifying that it allows consenting same-sex adults to engage in private sexual activities without facing legal repercussions.

​Pastor Randy Rodney, host of the Kingdom Connection Program

Prominent Businessman and Pharmacist Anderson Jolly says Dominica’s economy needs to be more robust, and he labels the current economy as being stagnant, because of the mindset developed by some Dominicans, ‘that in spite of the negative situations facing them in the economy, they claim that the system is ok.’ This Phrase, Jolly laments, is the reason for the present stagnation of Dominica’s wider economy.

​Prominent Businessman & Pharmacist, Anderson Jolly

​Q95 news has confirmed the passing of Frankie ‘Symes’ Bellot, also Known as ‘Krazy T’ today April 23, 2024.According to an Official Statement from Family members, Mr. Bellot passed away early this morning. He was the Proprietor of Kairi FM Radio, and a Prominent Businessman in Dominica. Former General Manager at Kairi FM Radio, Alvin Thomas, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Frankie Bellot, while speaking on Q95 FM Radio’s Hot Seat Program this morning.

​Former General Manager at Kairi FM Radio, Alvin Thomas

​The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has reintroduced its Cultural and Creative Industries Fund (CIIF) to regional clients as an enhanced facility. Originally capitalized with USD 2.6 million in 2017, the fund received an additional USD 1.8 million in 2023 to support the creative economy across 19 Caribbean countries, all CDB members.
 
Following a reorganization informed by lessons from its pilot phase, the CIIF now offers flexible grant funds and technical support tailored to the needs of Caribbean creatives. The support aims to unlock potential in various sectors such as film, animation, gaming, fashion, festivals, music, and visual arts. The Bank will guide creatives from project conceptualization to implementation, enhancing effectiveness based on feedback from the pilot phase.
 
Mrs. Therese Turner Jones, Acting Vice President (Operations) at CDB, emphasized CIIF's role in bolstering the region's creative capacity. She highlighted CDB's commitment to strengthening the enabling environment, improving funding access, enhancing capacity, bridging research gaps, and promoting awareness and protection of intellectual property rights. Recognizing the vital link between economic resilience and the creative economy, she stressed its importance in preserving cultural heritage and fostering social inclusion.