Host of Q95’s Global View on Q, Sheridan Gregoire, highlights the importance of restricting the right to vote in Dominica’s general elections to resident citizens of Dominica aged 18 and above. He clarifies that the concept of "ordinarily resident" as defined in the legislation does not encompass commonwealth citizens, reaffirming the existing policy. Gregoire emphasizes that this policy ensures that the citizens of Dominica have a say in shaping the future of their country, as they are the ones who are most directly affected by their government’s decisions.

Mr Gregoire advocates against overseas registration of voters and emphasizes the need for thorough confirmation of voters through reliable identification methods. He suggests that if confirmation is required, it should be executed promptly to avoid misunderstandings and potential issues. However, his strong stance is against the concept of registering voters at select locations abroad.

Host of Q95’s Global View on Q, Sheridan Gregoire.

Dr Carla Barnett, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has urged fisheries stakeholders to increase their investment in research and innovation to ensure that the countries in the region can derive the maximum benefits from their marine living resources.
 
During her opening remarks at the 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), held virtually on Monday 28th August, the Secretary General emphasized the importance of utilizing knowledge and technology in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to unlock value from currently underutilized marine living resources.
 
She emphasized the integral connection between the health of coastal and marine ecosystems and the well-being of Caribbean people. She stressed the need for a better understanding of the complexity of marine ecosystems and the enhancement of their economic and social contribution to our communities and countries that depend on them.
 
She urged fisheries stakeholders to collaborate in utilizing the best available scientific data and information to guide decisions on fisheries development and conservation.Dr Barnett also pointed out the various obstacles and setbacks that the Caribbean's fisheries sector still faces.  

Opposition senator Lorraine Henderson-Reid says a passport, drivers License &Social security card cannot serve the same purpose as a voter’s ID Card. She contends that the most critical purpose of the Voter’s ID Card is to prevent people voting multiple times.

Opposition senator Lorraine Henderson-Reid
 
Meantime Former Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture Gregory Riviere admits that something must be done with the voters list, saying it is in fact bloated.

​Former Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture Gregory Riviere
 
Former Prime Minister Edison James says Sir Dennis Byron in his electoral report, never mentioned that the state should fund political parties, so he doesnot understand how that non-issue keeps being propagated by DLP followers. Mr James however expressed concern over allegations that the DLP government may have used government bank overdraft facilities, LPOs and other government resources to fund their political campaigns.

Former Prime Minister Edison James.

​Highly respectedBuilding contractor Stewart Paris says the way some people conduct themselves at the electoral reform consultations seem to suggest that they appear to be prepared to squander the opportunity and put the country on the path to failure.
 
But notwithstanding, he says if they can bring themselves to regard and appreciate the opportunity and use it well, the future security, stability and prosperity of Dominica and the rule of law will be guaranteed for a long time.

Building contractor Stewart Paris.

Justice Dr. Irving Andre points condemns the prevailing situation in Dominica, characterized by evident misconduct and deceptive narratives. He highlighted the destructive impact of such actions on Dominica's political landscape. He posed the question as to whether the nation is willing to address and rectify these issues that are corroding its governance. He contends that the choices that present themselves are: to actively pursue positive change; or passively wait for it while acknowledging the existing major challenges.

​Justice Dr. Irving Andre 

Member of Parliament for the Marigot Constituency, Anthony Charles, has called for the implementation of a set date for general elections, noting that the constitution of Dominica appears to be lacking in that regard. Charles reminisces about the time when individuals were guided by principles, which is seemingly absent in today's politicians.

​The Member of Parliament for the Marigot Constituency, Anthony Charles

Social scientist Simeon Joseph has suggested a compromise regarding the advocated National Identification Card. He recommends that it be called the National Voter Identification Card, which would include a person's voter name, address, voter registration number, date of birth, and biometric data. Additionally, he proposes the introduction of non-voters ID cards for individuals under the age of 18, similar to what St. Lucia has implemented.

Joseph suggested that the government's website can facilitate the creation of a dedicated platform for Diasporans to register to vote. This would be similar to the current practice of utilizing the website to apply for various documents while outside of Dominica. However, the Voter ID card issued would also include a Tax number, for paying taxes.

​Social scientist, Simeon Joseph

Former NYCD president Jasiah Benoit has raised concerns about misleading notions regarding the inclusion of individuals in the voter list based solely on their purchase of passports via the CBI program. He asserts that such assumptions are incorrect and emphasizes the importance of honesty in our personal understanding and in the information we disseminate.

​Benoit added that words are interpreted as xenophobic and aid in the spread of negative stereotypes. He places a strong emphasis on the necessity of developing a more accepting and compassionate society where diversity is embraced rather than denigrated.

Jasiah Benoit, former president of the NYCD.

​Twenty-eight (28) young persons on August 25threceived certificates of completion from the Kalinago 120 Youth Disaster Managers Summer Camp program held in the Kalinago Territory. The participants were residents of Atkinson/Antrizzle Sineku, Mahaut River, Gaulette River, St Cyr, Salybia, Crayfish River, Bataka and Touna Concord.  
 
The program was held from August 21st – 25th, 2023 at the Salybia Primary School and was spearheaded by the Staff members of the Division of Kalinago Affairs under the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment. The program was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/BHA) represented by Mr. Cecil Shillingford – Disaster Risk Management Specialist.  
 
The “Kalinago 120 Youth Disaster Managers Summer Day Camp” aims to educate young people about disaster management from hazards to which they may be vulnerable and to train them in basic emergency skills. Donalson Frederick ,Kalinago Development Officer in Division of Kalinago Affairs gives more details.

​Donalson Frederick, Kalinago Development Officer

​Attorney-at-law Ronald Charles asks the question: what is wrong with the re-registration of the voters list? He believes it must be done and is fundamental to our democracy.

​Attorney-at -law Ronald Charles.