Tourism Minister Denise Charles says Dominica boasts an unparalleled natural beauty, and the dedication to sustaining tourism signifies the pledge to preserving the ecosystem .She says investing in people, the planet and prosperity, supporting tourism's green transition, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship mirror's Dominica's vision.
Her comments come as Dominica observes World Tourism-day.

She claims that in the quest to elevate the tourism sector, the government is making investments into pivotal capital projects, site enhancements and skills augmentation.

​Tourism Minister Denise Charles.

Host of Q95’s "The Global View on Q" show MrSheridan Gregoire provided some insights on several pertinent current issues in Dominica. He noted the continuous increase in the cost of living and the minimal salary adjustments for public sector workers, while also expressing concern about the stagnant economy.
 
Mr Gregoire further examined Dominica's endeavors to establish new electoral and campaign finance laws and regulations, stressing the need to enhance the completion process to eliminate political divisions and create a fair electoral environment. He emphasized this as being crucial for safeguarding Dominica’s democracy and ensuring that all citizens and residents can freely exercise their voting rights.

Mr Gregoire further stressed on the imperatiove for new electoral and campaign financing laws and regulations to be approved by Parliament. Meantime, he says the ongoing process of choosing a new president, requires prudent consideration, as the executive arm of government must discuss and vote on these critical matters in the present Parliament.

Host of Q95’s "The Global View on Q" show, Mr Sheridan Gregoire.

President of the United Workers Party, Mr Lennox Linton, raised objections to the notion of Dominican residents overseas participating in elections of parliamentary representatives in Dominica. He contended that this idea lacked logic and could not provide any benefits to them. Linton expressed apprehension that it is OK for some overseas residents to essentially be enticed to accept bribes to influence election results in Dominica.

​Mr. Linton urged everyone to carefully examine the practice of virtual constituencies that are established in France and other countries to facilitate the participation of mobile residents. He highlighted Prime Minister Skerrit's remarks on the logic behind allowing non-resident Dominicans to vote from overseas and pointed out the need for modernization. Linton endorsed Justice Dr. Irving Andre's proposal for virtual constituencies, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the views and interests of Dominicans living abroad into the country's governance rather than attempting to represent them from overseas.

​Lennox Linton, President of the UWP 

​Dr. Darius Lecointe examined Sections and Subsections of Dominica’s Constitution, which deals with the Speaker of the House certifying the election of a nominee for President of Dominica, following a joint nomination process. He says that in instances where the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition collaborate on a nomination, certain key provisions do not come into play.

​Dr. Lecointe elaborated on the procedure: If, after the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister have jointly nominated a candidate, an issue arises concerning disqualification under subsection 22 before the actual election, concerned individuals can take action to halt the Speaker from announcing the nomination. This is a matter of great significance.

Additionally, he emphasized the vital role of the Attorney General, who is supposed to act for and on behalf of the people, and not as an advocate for the Prime Minister. He highlighted the Constitution's profound regard for the process of electing a president.

​Dr. Darius Lecointe 

Tourism Minister Denise Charles says her ministry's overall goal is to increase cruise visitors to Dominica to 1 million by 2030.She says what cruise visitors' spend per person is an important indicator of the economic impact of cruise tourism on the country.

Charles says cruise lines are in the business to make profits, so a decision to come to a destination is driven by demand, distance and profitability.
She says it is very important that Dominica sells out on organized tours.

​Tourism Minister Denise Charles.

Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says apart from her presidential nominee Mrs Annette Sanford's impressive academic credentials, she has served for many years as a community leader and mentor in the Kalinago Territory. She is currently the Director of the Salybia Mission Project in collaboration with the Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados. Sanford is up against Permanent Secretary Ms Sylvanie Burton, also of the Kalinago Territory.

Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor.

The DDA has made an announcement stating that Silver Airways has included two more flights to Dominica on Tuesday and Wednesday. Starting from October 23, 2023, until August 15, 2024, the airline will operate six flights per week from Puerto Rico to Dominica, covering Mondays to Saturdays. This will perfectly coincide with the World Creole Music Festival!
 
Moreover, your guests have the option to book code share flights from the US mainland to Puerto Rico and then continue their journey to Dominica with their preferred airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta.
 
This additional access to the destination will result in an increase in capacity and frequency to the island, making it more convenient for your guests. We encourage you to share this timely news through your various platforms to promote higher occupancy rates for your property. The DDA is constantly collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance the number of visitors staying over in the destination

Mr Lennon Matthew drew attention to the substantial financial disparity between the geothermal plant project's expenditure and the estimated cost of establishing solar voltaic farms. He illustrated this difference by highlighting that the funds allocated to the geothermal plant could have supported the creation of 121 solar farms, each capable of generating 3 to f5 megawatts of solar energy.

Mr Matthew stressed that the geothermal project's actual costs have surpassed the initial estimate of $51 million. He underscored that for the same $51.5 million, they could have constructed 121 solar farms at a cost of $425,000 each, providing a combined energy capacity of 363 megawatts. Matthew criticized the government's long-term planning, highlighting that the funds invested in geothermal could have been utilized over the next 10–15 years to create an excess of solar farms capable of powering more than the needs of the entire Country.

Lennon Matthew.

Justice Dr. Irving André critiqued the DLP regime supportersviews expressed during the electoral reform consultations, noting that some presenters vehemently rejected the idea of voter ID cards. Dr. André questioned this stance, emphasizing the importance of voter ID cards in preserving election integrity. He argued that while some countries in the Eastern Caribbean employ voter ID cards for this purpose, a national ID card does not inherently prove eligibility to vote.

​Justice Dr. Irving Andre 

​President of the Harlem Football Club, Don Leogal has given the assurance that the Harlem Football league will be reintroduced before the end of the year 2023. He stated that they are presently in discussions and will further engage with a select number of potential partners to facilitate the revival of the football league in the Newtown community.

Don Leogal, President of the Harlem Football Club.