​The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has officially launched the 2025 Tourism Service Excellence Awards, a national recognition program celebrating the individuals and organizations driving excellence in the island's tourism sector. Nominations are now open and must be submitted by Friday, May 15, 2025.
 
This initiative highlights Dominica's ongoing efforts to elevate the quality and sustainability of its tourism industry, focusing on professionalism, innovation, environmental responsibility, community impact, and exceptional visitor experiences.
 
The awards span seven key categories: Tourism Service Excellence – For outstanding customer service and professionalism - Innovation in Tourism – For creative contributions to tourism development. - Sustainable Tourism Champion – For strong environmental practices. - Community & Cultural Impact – For preserving culture and empowering local communities. - Outstanding Tourism Experience – For delivering memorable guest experiences- Tourism Lifetime Achievement – Honoring long-standing commitment and leadership.- People’s Choice Tourism Champion – A public-voted award recognizing respected tourism professionals.
 
Nominees may include certified tour guides, eco-lodges, cultural event planners, accommodation providers, and community tourism leaders who have shaped Dominica’s tourism experience. Nomination forms and full award details are available online at discoverdominica.com. Submissions can be made electronically or dropped off in person at the DDA office on Great Marlborough Street, Roseau.

​Pastor Dr. Randy Rodney has called for greater regional awareness and accountability in the wake of the controversial death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge in Guyana. Speaking out on the matter, Dr. Rodney drew parallels between Younge’s case and recent child disappearances in Dominica, emphasizing the urgent need for Caribbean societies to learn from these tragic incidents.
 
Authorities in Guyana have ruled Younge’s death a drowning, but the official explanation has been met with widespread public skepticism. Protesters, expressing frustration with what they perceive as a flawed investigation, have taken to the streets in protest, leading to civil unrest.
 
Dr. Rodney criticized the handling of the case and encouraged leaders and citizens across the region to confront the systemic failures that may be contributing to the vulnerability of children. He urged collective vigilance and reform, warning that inaction could lead to further tragedies.

​Pastor Dr. Randy Rodney.

​Cultural Ambassador Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles is urging Dominicans to break free from modern-day chains — youth violence and violence against women. Speaking passionately, he said although the country is no longer bound by slavery, it still faces serious social issues that must end. Charles reminded the public that young people are the dreams of their ancestors and should be seen as the new warriors with knowledge, respect, and unity. He called for immediate action, saying Dominica owes it to those who suffered in the past to break the cycle of violence now.

Cultural Ambassador, Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles.

​The resignation of Senator Delbert Paris as deputy political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) has drawn widespread public attention. During a call to Q95’s popular radio program “The Hot Seat”, one listener praised the move, saying it reflects the kind of accountability all party members should follow. The caller suggested that any member who makes a serious mistake should step down as a matter of principle.

​The caller has criticized the senator, accusing him of committing "political suicide" by failing to represent the interests of the people during parliamentary. The caller believes the senator let down citizens who were hoping for a fair and transparent electoral bill.

​Caller to the ‘Hot Seat Programme
 
Meanwhile, a resident of Wesley says Delbert Paris made the right decision by stepping down as deputy political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP). The resident stressed the importance of respecting the contributions of leaders Lennox Linton and Edison James. He added that the UWP should not be seen as just a "Marigot party," but as a national team that reach out to all Dominicans for support.

​A resident of Wesley.

​The United Workers Party (UWP) expresses grave concern over the construction safety practices at Dominica’s International Airport by China Railway 5 CR5), following the recent collapse of a building in Bangkok constructed by China Railway 10 (CR10) — a sister company under the same parent, China Railway Group Limited.
 
This tragic incident abroad raises urgent questions about the standards, supervision, and accountability practices of all subsidiaries of China Railway, including CR5, currently entrusted with one of the most critical infrastructure projects in Dominica’s history.The UWP reminds the government that transparency, safety, and value for money are not optional; they are fundamental rights. 
 
Considering these alarming developments within the state-owned China Railway Group, the UWP calls on the Government to immediately:
 
1.    Disclose all the terms and conditions of the contract with CR5, including performance bonds and insurance protections.
2.    Publish independent engineering and safety audit reports to reassure the Dominican public that international best practices are being enforced.
3.    Commit to an immediate, independent, third-party review of the International Airport construction to verify its safety and structural integrity.
4.    Confirm that no personnel from CR10 or other tainted projects have been transferred to the Dominica project.
5.    Establish a public monitoring mechanism to oversee all stages of airport construction.
 
The United Workers Party further warns the Government that failure to act decisively and transparently will be seen as gross negligence, risking not only public funds but also the safety and future of the people of Dominica. We will not sit quietly while the administration gambles with the lives of our citizens and the integrity of our national projects. 
 
If necessary, the UWP is prepared to pursue all available legal, political, and international avenues to protect the interests of Dominica. The international airport is not a gift from China. The main contractor, CR5 - a state-owned Chinese company - is being paid billions of dollars from the sale of Dominican passports. We deserve an airport built on a foundation of excellence — not on substandard construction practices, compromised safety procedures, shortcuts, negligence, and political expediency.

​Photo: The BESS System is located in Fond Cole between DOMLEC's two generating facilities
 
Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) has announced it is entering the final stages of commissioning its new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Fond Colé Power Plant. Critical testing of the system is now underway, marking a significant move toward a stronger and more reliable electricity network for Dominica.
 
The BESS, which boasts a combined capacity of 6MW/6MWh, is expected to transform how DOMLEC manages the electricity grid. It will offer spinning reserve capabilities, bolster system stability, and enhance overall grid efficiency — especially as Dominica pushes forward with its renewable energy initiatives, including the launch of a geothermal plant.

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has voiced strong concerns about the presence of illegal firearms in Dominica, emphasizing that his government is taking the issue very seriously. Highlighting the threat posed by illegal weapons, he pointed out that they are a major factor behind homicides both locally and worldwide.
 
The Prime Minister stressed that while efforts are underway in collaboration with the United States to tackle the sources of illegal firearms, it is equally critical for Dominica to focus on controlling and managing these weapons within its borders. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the handling and possession of illegal firearms as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety.

​Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

​On April 27, 2025, cyclists gathered for the grueling Race to Ma Boyd’s Bar, on to Colihaut, back to Ma Boyd’s, and twice around Canefield Airport. In the Elite division, Giteson Marius claimed first place with a commanding time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 59 seconds, followed by Essiel Green in second and Cobensky Fils-Aime securing third. Among the Juniors, Ross Semper topped the category at 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 9 seconds, ahead of Elroy Carlton. The Women’s category saw an impressive solo performance by Rachel Semper, who finished in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 25 seconds.
 
The Masters category featured a close contest, with Chester Letang winning in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 8 seconds, narrowly beating Desmond Prosper and Ronald Charles. Meanwhile, the Mountain category delivered a thrilling finish, as Kerwens Julson edged out Peterson Marius by just four seconds, clocking in at 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 30 seconds. Lenus Williams rounded out the top three mountain bikers. The day’s events highlighted a blend of endurance, speed, and fierce competition across all divisions.

​Member of the United Workers Party, Glenroy Cuffy, says his review of government budgets over the years shows a shift in funding among ministries. He pointed out that the tourism sector’s budget was cut by about 50%, which he believes is one reason for the decline in tourism activities and development. Cuffy warned that if the cuts continue, the situation could get worse.

​Cuffy has claimed that the Office of the Prime Minister has taken over control of many other sectors, creating serious problems for the national budget. He says this has reduced the amount of disposable income available, making it harder to manage the country's finances.

​Glenroy Cuffy, member of the United Workers Party.

​Q95 has been reliably informed that a shooting incident which took the life of a young man on Sunday. Authorities from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) are investigating a deadly shooting and an attempted murder following an incident that took place around 6:30 PM on Sunday at Washington Block in Roseau.

According to official reports, two young men were shot in the upper body and transported to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) for medical attention. One of the victims, identified as Kimmon Emmanuel did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 9:06 PM.

Eyewitnesses claim the attack is drug related, and the shooter may still be at large, investigations into the homicide is ongoing. Q95 news correspondent, Ezra Winston based in Guadeloupe, explained that the death of the two men in Dominica and those which occurred in Guadeloupe are as a result of Motorcycle theft and drug related matters.

​Q95 news correspondent, Ezra Winston.