​Justice Dr. Irving Andre highlights a troubling reality facing Dominica today: a disconnect from the real sufferings of its people and a deliberate effort to erase humble origins. He suggests that the disdain often associated with ill-gotten wealth is evident in the country's current situation. Andre emphasizes that the challenges run deeper than what is discussed in the House of Assembly, and there is a significant task ahead to address the underlying issues and foster positive change.

Justice Dr. Irving Andre.

​Former UWP candidate for the Salybia Constituency, Annette Sanford, has advocated for additional consultations with residents of the Kalinago Territory regarding the country's legislation and electoral reform legislation. This is because many individuals indicated their lack of comprehension during the electoral reform legislation held last evening.

​Former UWP candidate for the Salybia Constituency, Annette Sanford.

​The 19th Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) and 2nd Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF) held their annual meetings from August 22nd to 24th to deliberate on critical issues surrounding the governance of the global digital landscape.
 
The theme of the event was "Evolving Caribbean Internet Governance Priorities for Sustainable Development." The hybrid event witnessed the participation of esteemed leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the world to discuss strategies for ensuring an open, free, secure, and inclusive internet.
 
Since its inception in 2005, the CIGF has consistently demonstrated its significance in navigating the intricate challenges of internet governance through its multi-stakeholder approach.Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, who serves as the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology, took part in the 19th CIGF and emphasized the significance of this event in his keynote speech.
 
He underscored the crucial role that the CIGF plays in advocating for a more equitable environment for small island developing states (SIDS). Furthermore, he commented that maintaining an open, free, secure, and inclusive internet is a pressing global priority. For small island developing states, this is a matter of utmost importance as it concerns their very survival. 

Dementia activist Rianna Patterson, 25, will pursue a master’s degree in Dementia: Causes, Treatments, and Research at University College London (UCL) this September in London, England. Ms. Patterson founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation at the age of 18 in memory of her grandfather, who passed away when she was 16 years old. Rianna completed an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in psychology. Ms. Patterson was also the recipient of the Queen’s Young Leader Award. Rianna launched a crowdfunding campaign (#SendRiri2UCL) on March 3, 2023, on GoFundMe.
 
She submitted and contacted a number of potential donors directly, as well as launched several initiatives to raise the funding necessary to pursue her course, including public speaking engagements and client work, including filmmaking and editorial services. Rianna also attained multiple scholarships towards her degree from funding bodies and from the psychiatry department at UCL. Rianna successfully raised £20,677 through crowdfunding.
 
Ms. Patterson hopes that this master’s degree will provide a solid foundation to continue the work of the Dominica Dementia Foundation and secure a position as a senior researcher in dementia. Rianna expressed her deep gratitude to God for guiding her through a challenging season that strengthened her faith in ways she could not fully express. She felt overwhelmed with emotion as she reflected on her journey, which presented many obstacles. However, by relying on God’s grace, Rianna succeeded in securing bookings to deliver keynote speeches, selling her film for £25, and promoting her crowdfunding campaign using a robust marketing strategy. She acknowledged that God’s wisdom and provisions played a critical role in her success.
Rianna also expressed her appreciation for her mentors and all those who contributed to and shared her campaign, praying that God would remember them. "I want to address those who are striving to make their dreams a reality. It’s important to keep God at the center of your pursuits and trust that He will take care of the rest. I hope that my story will inspire our generation to seek God’s guidance and never lose hope, stated Ms. Patterson. 

Former UWP candidate for the Salybia Constituency, Mrs Annette Sanford, endorses the idea that all political parties should have equal access to state media. She highlights the difficulties opposition parties encounter in obtaining access to state media and asserts that granting equal access will promote justice and fairness. Sanford expressed her views during the electoral reform consultations held in the Kalinago territory last night.

Sanford asserts that in order to guarantee an equitable and impartial electoral procedure in the nation, a Voter Identification Card is indispensable, in contrast to a mere National Identification Card.

Former UWP candidate for the Salybia Constituency, Annette Sanford.

Former Prime Minister Edison James raises concerns about the inequitable treatment in the parliamentary proceedings. He points out the disparity in time allocation for opposition members versus government members during presentations. He cites instances where the speaker has shown favoritism, such as granting extra time to the Minister of Health while denying a request for extended time from an opposition member to respond. James also highlights previous situations where the speaker-initiated motions against opposition figures while being lenient towards government members.

James further expresses concern about what he sees as the manipulation and over-reaching by the speaker, leading to an erosion of democratic principles within the parliament. He believes that if these trends persist, it could lead to the continuous weakening of democratic institutions, beginning with the parliament itself.

​Former Prime Minister Edison James.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dominica Water and Sewage Company Ltd (DOWASCO) Louis Patrick Hill has suggested that a provision should be included in the constitution as part of the process of electoral reform, to make the Kalinago Chief a sitting member of the government. Hill believes that including the Kalinago Chief as part of the sitting parliament, regardless of who comes into power, will promote equity.

​The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dominica Water and Sewage Company Ltd (DOWASCO), Louis Patrick Hill.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has suggested that consideration be given to the critical aspects of the electoral reform and advance those. He also says for other things requiring constitutional amendment there should be another round of consultations. He has asked that the process not be stifled.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

The late Alix Boyd-Knights, Speaker Emeritus will be accorded a state funeral. She was the longest serving house speaker, holding that position from 2000-2020.Prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he held her in highest regard personally and professionally.

Prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Education Minister Octavia Alfred extends condolences to the family of the late Mr Valentine Telemacque, who passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning. At the time of his passing, Telemacque was Vice Principal of the North-East Comprehensive school, Director of M-Lajan and Chairperson of the MCCU's Credit committee.

​Education Minister Octavia Alfred.