Police have confirmed that two men are in custody following the murder of 18-year-old Kernelle Benjamin of Portsmouth. The body of Benjamin was discovered in the early hours of last night, May 30th in a shallow grave close to a house located some way from the Portsmouth hospital.
 
The girl went missing just about a week ago, and several searches are said to have been conducted since. The mother of the deceased, Melissa George, is said to have reported her missing on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, and stated that she was last seen in the Chance area on that day.
 
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the killing; however, they did not confirm whether they were pursuing others in the incident. Benjamin's family and friends are understandably devastated by the news and have called for justice to be served. The community has also expressed their shock and sadness at the loss of such a young life.
 
The tragic death of Kernelle Benjamin serves as a reminder of the need for increased efforts to prevent violence in communities, and highlights the importance of supporting those affected by such senseless acts. 

President of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, holds the opinion that the determination of who governs the affairs of the nation is a fundamental right that rests with the citizens. He emphasizes that the power to transfer governance authority resides solely with the people, who are vested with the ultimate discretion to delegate such power. According to him, individuals will claim their right to authority that was previously seized from them.

​President of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton.

Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation, public relations officer Rhoda St John announces that on June 3rd, the organization is hosting their "Clean a Mile" initiative. On this day, they encourage everyone to come together and take action towards a cleaner environment. This campaign is aimed at protecting the environment and putting an end to waste pollution. They are calling on all groups and organizations to join in this effort by choosing a mile to clean. 

Rhoda St. John, Public Relations Officer, Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation.

During the official launch of the 2023 dive fest activity earlier today, Simon Walsh, President of the Dominica Water sports Association (DWSA), delivered a speech in which he conveyed that this year's dive fest activity was not expected to transpire in its typical fashion. He noted that the association was not adequately prepared to host this event, yet the Ministry of Tourism, working in conjunction with relevant authorities, implored the organization to act as a supportive partner for this year's undertaking. The Dive Fest event has been slated to transpire from June 21st through July 1st in the year 2023.

Walsh emphasized that this year's DiveFest would be combined with Deep Dominica, which is hosting a Free diving Competition, which will assist in bringing additional international recognition for the activity.

​Simon Walsh, President of the Dominica Water sports Association (DWSA).

​The director of "Kristox Touch", Kristelle Fagan, noted that whereas other nations have advantages like Lamaze classes, babysitter interviews, and counseling, new parents in Dominica have limited access to social support systems and must rely on family, personal experience, and the internet. Thus, Fagan organized the first-ever Baby World symposium, which parents, guardians, family members and friends attended and gathered valuable information about, among other things, starting a family, the life stages of a baby, and coping mechanisms.

​Tickets for this year's event cost $100 and will be held at the Goodwill Parish Hall on June 10. The symposium/expo aims to cover issues like family dental hygiene, postpartum (focusing on mom and dad and family life coaching), developing emotional intelligence in young children, common pathogens, child safety, infant CPR, anti-choking techniques, and advice on effective contraceptive use. Professionals from a variety of fields, from general physicians to therapy, will explore these subjects. Businesses that are stakeholders will display their goods and services to promote increased contact in a welcoming environment. Baby World is an invaluable resource for any family trying to improve health and wellness with its useful tips and professional insights.

The director of "Kristox Touch", Kristelle Fagan.

President of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, posits that the current administration, which is believed by the Dominican populace to be responsible for safeguarding their interests, is not a government owned by citizens; rather, it is under the control of an individual overseas. According to him, the people of Dominica seek governmental action that would promote the welfare of all citizens, yet the state primarily executes directives that benefit select individuals, instead of the entire population.

​Linton noted that in Dominica, there exists a Strata Titles Act which has been in existence for a considerable amount of time. He added that certain individuals have been allocated homes on the basis of their disadvantaged status; however, despite being in possession of keys to these homes, the individuals in question do not hold legal titles to the properties in question.

​President of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton.

Member of the United Workers Party (UWP), Daniel Lugay, has issued a call for all interested parties to participate in the upcoming rally, scheduled for 3pm later today. Mr. Lugay highlights that convenient transport arrangements have been made in various areas to facilitate attendance at the event. Lugay delivered an overview of the topics he intends to address at the rally, which are grounded in the legacy of the late first Prime Minister of Dominica, Patrick Roland John.

​According to Lugay, if one considers what is going on right now, the late Patrick Roland John never spent $64,000 a month to live in his own house, per month through rent compared to the current situation.

​Member of the United Workers Party (UWP), Daniel Lugay

On Monday June 5, International Program Directors from seven universities in the USA, Canada, and The Caribbean, including Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, State University of New York-Brockport, Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, University of Guelph-Ontario Canada, and Saint George’s University School of Medicine, will be available for individual consultation and to offer opportunities for Dominicans to study at all levels.
 
Officials from the Agricultural Industrial & Development Bank, Dominica Social Security, National Bank of Dominica and the National Cooperative Credit Union will also be present to provide information on financing.The Dominica College Fair will be held in 2 phases.  Phase 1 will be at the DSC on Monday June 5, from 10 AM to 11:30AM. Phase 2 targets all other interested persons, will be at the Goodwill Parish Hall from 1:30pm to 5:30 pm.
 
This event is a collaboration among Lead Institute, Dominica State College, The Ministry of Education, and the various universities.   Dr. Randy Glean, Associate Vice President for Global Studies at Western Illinois University, is the lead coordinator and facilitator. 
 
Attendees at the Dominica College Fair at both DSC and the Goodwill Parish Hall will be provided information on admissions, scholarships, graduate funding, admissions processes, and education/student loans.  Additionally, all students and interested parties will have the opportunity to meet one on one, explore online study options, admissions prospects, and loan processes, directly with the facilitators.
 
All programs at all degree levels are available for study once offered by the institutions.The Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister are advising prospective students to avail themselves of this opportunity to help further its mission of one graduate per household.

The Hurricane Season prediction from NOAA states that we will have somewhat of an average hurricane season. Predictions are indicating that we have a 40% chance of it being normal, a 30% of it being above normal and a 30% chance of it being below normal. Ag Senior Met officer Itoma James shares pertinent information.

​Ag Senior Met officer Itoma James 

The Dominica Table Tennis Association says it is continuing its quest to improve and develop the sport with its upcoming Brian Mathew Classic Table Tennis Tournament.The Brian Mathew Classic Table Tennis Tournament is geared at keeping players on the board to improve their skills as we begin to prepare for the OECS Table Tennis Tournament later this year. The DTTA believes tournaments bring out the best in our players, to keep them practicing, training, working hard and getting them accustomed to competitive play.
 
The tournament will take place at the Wills Strathmore Stevens Primary School in Marigot on Saturday 3rd June 2023 from 10am.With support from the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) and the Sports Division and the Government of Dominica the Association intends to further develop the sport of Table Tennis on island through this tournament and many more to come.