Dominican-born author and US-based Attorney, Gabriel Christian has issued a stern warning to the current Dominica Labour Party (DLP) administration, urging it to avoid the path of greed and corruption. He cautioned that such behavior could ignite social unrest similar to the events of May 29, 1979 - A time when widespread civil action led to the removal of the Patrick John-led DLP government. Christian noted that thousands of Dominicans were influenced by the Dominica Freedom Party during that time to rise against alleged claims of government misconduct. In addition, Christian challenged recent assertions by DLP officials claiming that their party was responsible for initiating Dominica’s move toward independence. He firmly rejected this narrative, implying that such revisionist claims distort historical facts and misrepresent the true drivers behind the nation’s path to sovereignty. Author and Dominican-Born US Based Attorney Gabriel Christian.
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The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has raised concerns over a recent government announcement regarding the appointment of non-established officers to permanent positions. While the union welcomes this development, it emphasizes that the move stemmed from a formal proposal submitted by the DPSU as part of salary negotiations for the 2021–2024 triennium.
The union contends that the government's failure to acknowledge the union’s role in initiating the proposal gives the false impression that the decision was made independently.The DPSU has long advocated for the regularization of non-established workers, arguing that many of these roles should have been permanent years ago. Although the government ultimately approved more positions than initially requested by the union, the lack of recognition of the union’s influence in this process is seen as an attempt to diminish its contribution. Additionally, the union notes that it was mutually understood that public statements about ongoing negotiations would be limited to general updates—making this announcement seem premature and selective. The union urges its members to remain united & confident in the DPSU’s leadership as negotiations continue. It reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all non-established public officers receive permanent status, describing the current system as outdated, discriminatory& rooted in colonial-era practices. A general membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, to further address these matters. A recent survey conducted by the firm Build Change has revealed that Dominica has seen a 14 percent reduction in the number of vulnerable homes since Hurricane Maria. The findings suggest progress in strengthening the country’s housing stock, following the devastation caused by the 2017 storm. However, Pierre Paya of Build Change cautioned that despite this improvement, Dominica still faces significant challenges in fully upgrading its housing infrastructure. He stressed that more efforts are needed to ensure that all homes meet resilience standards, highlighting the importance of continued investment and policy support to safeguard communities from future disasters. Pierre Paya of Build Change.
Jerry Lloyd Music International is confident that tonight's event, Sing Rejoice, Praise, Testify, is fully prepared to offer Dominicans a powerful evening of worship, fellowship, and divine inspiration. With every detail carefully planned, the show promises high-caliber performances featuring Jerry Lloyd alongside Julian Riviere, N' Harmonics, Lili Octave, and other gifted artists. The event, which will unfold at Bill Daniel's Park, will showcase uplifting messages through a variety of musical styles. The public is warmly encouraged to attend and be part of what promises to be a memorable and spiritually enriching experience. Speaking to the media on Friday, Gospel Artist, Jerry Lloyd, calls on Dominicans to come out in their numbers and have a good time in Christ. The event costs $40 dollars for grounds and $100 for VIP, it begins from 8PM tonight on May 30th 2025, at the Bill Daniel's Memorial Park in Goodwill. Gospel Artist, Jerry Lloyd.
Photo: Recent project done near the entrance of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium A new initiative aimed at improving housing conditions in Roseau has been launched under the name “Paint the Town Project.” The project is designed to give homes in the city a much-needed facelift, contributing to both aesthetics and community pride. Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Melissa Poponne Skerrit, explained that the project will start on a small scale, with plans for gradual expansion over time. She emphasized that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to urban renewal and neighborhood upliftment, setting the stage for future development efforts in the capital. Melissa Poponne Skerrit, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency.
Political Activist Zead Lloyd has strongly criticized several Commonwealth leaders, including Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, accusing them of misusing their positions for personal gain. Lloyd claims that over the past 47 years, these leaders have systematically used the population's poverty as a tool of control, suppressing public awareness and engagement. He argues that they have taken advantage of legislative gaps left by colonial powers before Dominica’s independence in 1978, using those loopholes to enrich themselves through state resources. Zead Lloyd expresses disappointment in many of the Commonwealth Leaders, who despite experiencing firsthand the pains and struggle of poverty - manipulate the system and seek wealth via the exploitation of the rights of the citizens - after receiving an education and the opportunity to serve the country politically. Political Activist, Zead Lloyd.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has offered an explanation for the ongoing delay in releasing Dominica’s National Census results. Speaking at a recent press briefing, he pointed to complications in data collection and the strategy for presenting the census findings to the public as the primary causes for the hold-up. The Central Statistics Office has emphasized the vital importance of a national census, noting that it provides critical information needed for government planning, policymaking, and equitable distribution of resources. Accurate census data sheds light on population demographics and trends, helping to shape effective social services, economic strategies, and governance initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
Dominica’s Trailblazing Circus Arts Group, WaituCirque, is set to host its inaugural Circus Festival on Saturday, May 31st, at Caapi Cottage Retreats in Cochrane. Titled “Nou sé Histoire”—Creole for “We Are History”—the festival promises a vibrant celebration of Dominican culture through circus performance, storytelling& creative expression. Sponsored and hosted by Caapi Cottage, the event will run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the grand circus show beginning at 5:00 PM.
Festival goers can expect an immersive lineup of performances and hands-on activities. Highlights include aerial arts, acrobatics, juggling, illusions, and improvisational theatre by the “Mission Improbable” troupe. There will also be interactive workshops, live painting with the Waitukubuli Artist Association, natural henna tattoos, face painting, and Q&A sessions with performers. A variety of local food vendors will be on-site to complete the experience, creating a family-friendly atmosphere of fun, artistry, and community connection. Guests are encouraged to park in Cochrane Village and walk to the venue, with clear signage provided. Alternatively, shuttle buses will run from the Old Mill Cultural Centre starting at 9:30 AM, with several departure times throughout the day. Ticket packages include EC$35 for adults (half day + show), EC$50 for a full day, EC$35 for children aged 6–12 (with guardian), and EC$100 for families. Children under 5 enter free. Tickets can be purchased online at WaituCirque’s store or in person at Ora Arani on Cork Street, Roseau. Minister for Tourism Denise Charles Pemberton claimed that Dominica’s recent green destination certification will open doors to larger international markets and attract new investment opportunities. She made these comments during the inaugural Nature Talks panel discussion on sustainability, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority at Jungle Bay on Wednesday. Charles Pemberton noted that the certification not only boosts Dominica’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination but also strengthens the country’s position to benefit from global sustainable tourism trends. Denise Charles Pemberton, Minister for Tourism.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has suggested that dialogue with Haiti’s gangs could be key to resolving the nation’s deepening crisis. Speaking at a Monday press briefing, he stressed that the escalating violence—highlighted by a UN report showing 2,500 killed or injured in the first quarter of 2024—demands urgent and creative solutions. He argued that ignoring or sanctioning the gangs would not change their behavior, emphasizing that engagement might be necessary to restore order. He clarified that his stance is a personal one, not an official CARICOM position, but maintained that peace in Haiti hinges on inclusive dialogue. Skerrit said if gang leaders refuse to cooperate after talks, stronger measures should follow, adding that without peace, Haiti has no viable path forward. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
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