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Former Dominica UN Ambassador Crispin Gregoire shared his concerns about the series of fires in the historic section of the city of Roseau, referencing the need for the preservation of this history. He expressed ambiguity about whether the first set of fires were accidental or deliberate in nature. Concerning the arrest of two persons who may have been involved, he expressed doubt as to whether these individuals worked on their own recognizance or on the behalf of others. Gregoire queried the fire service’s aptitude and resourcefulness in grappling with these and other fires. He expressed hope that these fires would precipitate the government providing much needed equipment and training to the fire service in the future. Former UN Ambassador, Crispin Gregoire.
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The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have officially launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, placing emphasis on global wellness positioning alongside a comprehensive national site-rehabilitation strategy. Minister for Tourism, Denise Charles-Pemberton said while major infrastructure developments provide a structural foundation for the sector, the Dominican tourism product is ultimately shaped by environmental stewardship, national pride, and the authentic hospitality of citizens. The minister further encouraged continued efforts to build a sustainable, people-focused tourism industry rooted in the island’s natural beauty and cultural spirit. The minister further stated that tourism serves as a people-centred economic driver that generates direct opportunities for taxi operators, tour guides, farmers, vendors, and young entrepreneurs. Tourism Minister, Denise Charles-Pemberton
Leader of the United Progressive Party Joshua Francis described meeting with numerous citizens in their communities who recounted the ways in which they are currently struggling financially, with finding housing, issues with their employment or lack thereof, paying school fees and providing for their families. Francis lamented these circumstances which many persons in Dominica are encountering, mentioning that outcomes can be better and should be better; stating the general consensus he received from the people he visited was that Dominica needs a monumental change in governance. He spoke of promises made and broken by the incumbent Labour Party administration which has left citizens solemn and dejected and no longer inclined to vote in their favor. Leader of the United Progressive Party, Joshua Francis.
Dominica’s response to & welcome of the SARSEA Project lauded by Sargassum Value Chain Manager5/29/2026 Photo: Sargassum in the North East of Dominica. Credit: Miguel Labadie Loiza Razduel, Sargassum Value Chain Manager for the Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Action, SARSEA, Project, highlighted the positive response and welcome of the project by Dominica, especially through Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Jullan Defoe. Razduel's comments came during an interview with Q95 News while in Dominica this week for a series of key events dedicated to environmental challenges and regional cooperation. The SARSEA Project seeks to limit the impact of Sargassum on populations, ecosystem and the economy, and is funded by the Agence Française de Développement, AFD. Dominica is one of four OECS member countries benefiting under this project. The other OECS countries are Saint Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Loiza Razduel, Sargassum Value Chain Manager for the SARSEA Project.
Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the RayAsta Foundation, Cecilia St. Hilaire has said the medical system in Dominica should today be in a better place in terms of diagnosing stroke victims during the critical three-hour window once they present themselves to the hospital. The RayAsta Foundation was founded in memory of Dominican medical student Raymond Astaphan, who died in 2015. His goal was to ultimately specialise in Neurology, which led to the creation of the foundation, focusing on stroke care, rehabilitation services, and health awareness in the community. May is recognised as Stroke Awareness Month and St Hilaire, who was the guest on Jollys Pharmacy’s Health Vibes on Q95 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, said strokes are now being seen often in more young people. CEO of the RayAsta Foundation, Cecilia St Hilaire.
The 2026 Dominica Football Association (DFA) Division-1 League is set to officially begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, introducing a revised two-tier structure aimed at strengthening football development and competition across the island.
The Association said the format will see clubs divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 based on their performance in the previous season. Teams earning a minimum of ten points have been placed in Tier 1, while those finishing below that threshold, along with newly registered clubs, will compete in Tier 2. Tier 1 will feature All Saints FC, Calibishie FC, East Central FC, Exodus FC, FondCole’ United FC, North Side FC, RC Doctors FC, St. Joseph/Layou FC, South City FC, Tarish United SC, and Warner SC. Tier 2 will include BAA Sharks FC, Colihaut FC, Kalinago Warriors FC, Kensborough United SC, LA Starz FC, Marigot United FC, Nature Scape FC, Police SC, Valley United FC, and Wayne George Academy. According to the DFA, both tiers will be played in a single round-robin format, with Tier 1 teams playing ten matches and Tier 2 teams playing nine. At the end of the round, the team finishing with the highest points in each tier will be crowned champion of that division. The Association also highlighted that the Division One League continues to serve as a key development pathway for players and clubs, offering competitive opportunities to showcase talent and gain experience within the national football structure. Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) has acknowledged the frustration caused by recent unplanned outages during the commissioning of the Laudat geothermal plant, but emphasized that the project is already delivering measurable benefits. The company noted that in April 2026, renewable energy penetration reached 51 percent, with geothermal contributing 26 percent and hydro 25 percent of total electricity generation. This shift reduced reliance on diesel from 75 percent to 49 percent, helping shield customers from surging global fuel prices. Ayeola George, DOMLEC’s PRO explained that the injection of geothermal power lowered the fuel surcharge from $0.4953/kWh in May to $0.4627/kWh, compared to a potential $0.6506/kWh without geothermal input. She stressed that even at commercial rates, geothermal energy remains more cost-effective than diesel, offering long-term value through price stability and reduced exposure to volatile fuel markets. George described geothermal as an indigenous resource and a source of national pride, aligning with Dominica’s goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. While acknowledging the challenges of the transition phase, DOMLEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable electricity system for all citizens. Ayeola George, Public Relations Officer at DOMLEC
Justice Dr. Irving Andre questioned the supposed coincidence of the recent fires in the city of Roseau, and wonders whether wealthy foreigners may seek to gain an advantage on these burnt buildings. Dr. Andre said he was told by a reliable source that the fires were not extinguished in a competent manner, and he therefore asked why the fire officers were rewarded for their efforts. He also questioned why police were allegedly involving themselves in matters concerning the execution of the work of fire officials; and directing them as to their duties, citing a conversation which was overheard. He labelled those statements as criminal in intent, causing further chaos and destruction of property. Justice Dr. Irving Andre.
Minister for the Environment Cozier Frederick emphasized the need for greater innovation in resilient building practices across the region, while stressing that innovation should not remain confined to laboratories or boardrooms. He stated that meaningful solutions must emerge within communities, including from indigenous and marginalized groups whose knowledge systems have existed and functioned for generations without external support. Frederick further noted that environmental challenges transcend borders and continue to impact all people regardless of location. Frederick further stated that leaders must become less fearful of young people taking action, emphasizing that youth should be supported and empowered to take the lead in advancing biodiversity sustainability initiatives. Minister for the Environment, Cozier Frederick.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services piloted the DECHA forms, a consolidated multi-stakeholder data collection tool to collect information on households and affected individuals post shock, following the recent trough system. This was revealed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr Kyra Paul during a handing over ceremony of desktop computers, laptops and tablets to the Ministry of Health and village councils by the United Nations World Food Programme, WFP, this week. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr Kyra Paul Dr Paul added that the Social Welfare Information Management System, SWIMS, was also recently developed by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Dr Kyra Paul.
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