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Young athletics star, Akiesha Luke, has been named Valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class of the Goodwill Secondary School on June 29, 2026. The graduation was held under the theme ‘One does not have to be great to start but one does have to start to be great’.In her valedictory address, Luke said a new chapter begins for them with graduation. She added that despite the challenges they faced having to be housed at various locations and at odd times, they persevered. Akiesha Luke, Valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class of the Goodwill Secondary School. Luke was also named Student of the Year and Sports Woman of the Year for the class of 2026.
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More than 60 cataract surgeries have been completed in Dominica as the Rotary Club of Portsmouth partnered with Medical Ministry International (MMI) for a second consecutive year to deliver specialized eye care while strengthening local healthcare capacity.
The two-week mission focused not only on restoring sight to patients but also on building sustainable ophthalmology services through training and mentorship for local medical professionals. During the first week of the mission, three local surgeons worked alongside the MMI surgical team, led by Dr. Ralph Crew, receiving hands-on training in cataract surgery techniques. Local nurses also received practical training to support surgical procedures, helping to enhance the country's ability to provide quality eye care services in the future. Justice Dr. Irving Andre has questioned the persistence of significant deficiencies and structural failures within Dominica’s electoral system, in sharp contrast with functioning democracies in the region. He pointed specifically to the pause inreconfirmation and registration, and raised questions over the government's refusal to implement recommendations from Justice Sir Dennis Byron. According to Andre, these recommendations were intended to expand the electoral commission to secure its independence, leaving the justification for these glaring omissions highly questionable. He asserted that the administration's actions since 2008 signal a clear lack of intention to facilitate free and fair elections, referencing an email from senior counsel within Dominica to support his claims. Andre further challenged the credibility of the Electoral Commission, questioning how it could reflect best practices when two of its senior members are actively peddling passports for a living. He noted that the discussion surrounding fair elections becomes somewhat artificial under a prime minister who has openly advocated for a one-party state under the guise of national unity. Characterizing the current situation as a complete absence of commitment to democratic principles, Andre concluded that existing policies have effectively left the prospect of free and fair elections in Dominica completely strangled. Justice Dr. Irving Andre.
Stephan Laville was named the Dominica Community High School’s Student of the Year during the 2026 graduation ceremony. Laville was among fourteen students who bid farewell to the Dominica Community High School during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 26, 2026, which was held under the theme ‘Each Choice Determines Your Future; Own Each Moment and Plan with Purpose’.Laville said the graduation theme serves to remind them to take ownership of their actions and take meaningful steps towards their goals as they leave high school behind. Dominica Community High School’s Student of the Year for 2026, Stephan Laville Senator Oscar George, who represented the Minister of Education, told the graduating class they have the potential to strengthen Dominica through innovation, science, entrepreneurship and leadership. Senator Oscar George Meanwhile, former student and keynote speaker, Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew encouraged the graduating class to remember that life goes on beyond academics and that high school has prepared them for the real world that they are now entering. Former Dominica Community High School Student, Chief Cultural Officer, Earlson Matthew.
United Progressive Party candidate, Davidson Timothy announced that the UPP is looking to present a new method focused on inclusion, stating that the party aims to ask more and tell less. He emphasized that under this approach, everyone matters, and all opinions, involvement, and individuals are welcomed. Timothy highlighted specific local challenges, noting there are several men struggling with mental health issues on the roadside. Rather than labeling them as mad, he stated that the party will actively work with these individuals to bring out their best by providing proper facilities, comfort, and a true sense of belonging to show that someone cares. According to Timothy, the UPP offers a wholesome package that values every individual through a collaborative effort, rather than simply acting to secure votes. He explained that spending time with the public is intended to better position the party to demonstrate that the people's voices and opinions genuinely matter. Timothy claims a UPP government would utilize state resources, ways, & means to take care of the public, with ministries equipped to cover every issue impacting the population. He concluded that the party will ensure the needs of the citizens are met, promising that where they cannot directly meet a need, they will work with the public to find a solution. Davidson Timothy, United Progressive Party candidate for the Roseau Valley Constituency.
The United Progressive Party, UPP, will officially present its candidate for the Roseau South Constituency on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during a special press conference at the Loubiere Resource Centre. The UPP said their candidate is someone whose vision, leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service reflect the values and aspirations of the people of Dominica. Public Relations Officer of UPP is Loftus Durand. Durand added that the UPP’s vision for Roseau South will be presented to the public during this press conference. United Progressive Party Public Relations Officer, Loftus Durand.
Political scientist Alex Bruno has raised significant concerns regarding the quality of individuals from the Third Island refugees expected to be sent to Dominica, noting that the Secretary of State had openly boasted about sending the country the worst of the worst. Bruno highlighted that Dominica never agreed to receive such individuals and warned that doing so would present severe challenges, as the nation lacks the necessary resources and capability to manage them. Furthermore, he suggested that the implementation of visa restrictions was utilized as a tactical leverage point to secure America's objectives from Dominica, expressing regret that Dominican citizens must now endure the indignity of visa denials that prevent them from visiting sick spouses, seeing their children, or engaging in regular travel. Bruno also connected these challenges to broader geopolitical issues, pointing out that numerous instances of questionable characters holding Dominican passports have prompted the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to take action. While expressing hope that the situation might improve, Bruno emphasized that cleansing the passport program is a complex task and suggested that a regime change may ultimately be a necessary precursor to resolving these systemic issues. Consequently, he cast serious doubt on the future viability of the nation's current programs moving forward. Political Scientist, Alex Bruno.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has published its 2025–2026 Annual Report, detailing an estimated 2.5 percent economic growth for the region in 2025, driven by strong tourism and infrastructure investments.
Despite global uncertainty, the ECCB maintained financial stability, a stable exchange rate, and saw foreign reserves rise to $6 billion, yielding a bank profit of $121.6 million. Key milestones included expanding financial inclusion with the new ECCU First Step Savings Account and advancing reforms for non-bank financial institutions. Looking ahead, the report outlines the ECCB 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, titled "The Big Push," which sets an ambitious goal to double the size of the ECCU economy over the next decade through economic diversification & regional collaboration. The plan targets seven strategic areas—including energy security, digital transformation, and food security—and highlights initiatives like a new regional renewable energy facility. As the ECCU approaches the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar's dollar peg on July 7, 2026, ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine expressed strong optimism that collective action and innovation will drive shared prosperity across the member nations. The Marigot Dominica Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 61-year-old man following an apparent drowning incident at Concord. According to reports, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, police responded to a call after a male individual was discovered unresponsive in a river located behind his residence in Concord. He was transported to the Marigot Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor the same evening.Acting Assistant Superintendent (Ag. ASP) Fixton Henderson said inquiries into the matter are ongoing. Acting Assistant Superintendent (Ag. ASP) Fixton Henderson.
Thirteen new members were inducted into the Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica on Saturday, June 27, 2026, during an induction and installation ceremony at UWI Global Campus Auditorium.The new members are Daniah Labadie, Sherika Winston, Shernel St Rose, Laila Langford, Mitchel Jean Jacques, Erickson Romain, Kernilia Adams, Nea Liverpool, Lisa Francis, Alicia Griffith, Tamara Etienne, Twanny Govindin, and Melisha Blanchard.
Lieutenant Governor Jean Michel Pajaniady, Incoming Lieutenant Governor for 2026-2027 Thierry Jean-Bart, and Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Didier Saint-Louis from Martinique were present in Dominica to officiate the induction of new members &installation of the executive. The 2025/2026 Executive members installed on Saturday are: Mary Winston, President; Nicole Karama, Vice President; Daniah Labadie, Secretary; and Lisa Francis, Treasurer.During her address President Winston said since assuming this role in September 2025, she has witnessed firsthand the dedication, generosity, and commitment that defines the Kiwanis family. She added that these initiatives are only possible because of the generosity and dedication of members and supporters and appealed to members to keep their dues current and to assist in recruitment efforts so that the club may continue expanding its impact.Among the service initiatives completed so far during the Kiwanis year are a Christmas party for the students of Goodwill Primary School, food hampers distributed to individuals and families in need, a donation to Operation Youth Quake, and support provided to a needy family in Stock Farm. |
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