The 2025 Symposium and Dialogue on Transforming Education officially opened on Tuesday morning, September 30, with welcoming remarks delivered by Abdulkadir Musse, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean. The Symposium is convening key stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the region's education sector.
 
Musse's opening address set the stage for crucial discussions, underscoring UNICEF's commitment to ensuring high-quality education and equitable access for every child in the Eastern Caribbean. The dialogue is expected to focus on innovative strategies and collaborative actions necessary to modernize educational systems and prepare students for the future's economic and social challenges.

​UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, Abdulkadir Musse.

​Credit: Dominica News Online
 
Fannillia Lawrence-Caines, representing the communities of LaPlaine and Warner, emerged as the victor at the ADNExUS Bel Matador Contest on Saturday, September 27, capturing the prestigious Bel Matador 2025 title. The organization reported that Lawrence-Caines’s victory was comprehensive, as she also secured top honors for Best Talent and Best in Wob categories.
 
Her outstanding performance across multiple disciplines showcased her versatility and stage presence, leaving a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience, and bringing pride to her hometown communities.
 
Anna Brewster, who represented Petite Savanne and Bellevue Choppin, was named the runner-up, while Veda Challenger from St. Paul finished in the top three. Challenger notably won the Best Introductory Speech award, emphasizing the competition’s focus on well-rounded talent.
 
In the junior category, Zana Dupuis-Lecky from Portsmouth was crowned Ti Matador 2025, underscoring the event’s dedication to celebrating talent across different age groups.
 
The event which showcases Dominican cultural excellence in the northeastern United States, was further energized by captivating performances from "Know our Culture" & Colihaut Boyz International Lapo Kabwitt band & concluded with a celebratory dance party.

Over the weekend, the Dominica Hospitals Authority convened a symposium for medical practitioners under the theme “Understanding Trauma and its Impact: The Domino Effect.” The event aimed to strengthen the response and management of traumatic incidents and accidents while assessing their ripple effects on families and communities.
 
The featured facilitator was Dr. D’Andrea Joseph, a Dominican-born Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon currently practicing in the United States. She was supported by a distinguished team of local and international medical professionals, including Dr. Irving Pascal, Dr. Abiola Omodan, Dr. Patrick Broderick, Dr. Sofia Kozyreva, Dr. Ruby Blanc, Dr. Bianca Roberts, Dr. Becky Jno Baptiste, Dr. Spencer St. Luce, Dr. Lisha Jean-Jacques, Dr. Ilshat Khairullin, Dr. Julian De Armas, Nurse Bernadette John-Peter, Dr. Geoffrey Lafond, Dr. Rhonda McIntyre, Dr. Jurado Iglesias, Dr. Verna Alfred, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts, and Dr. Nadia Wallace. 
 
Presentations covered a wide range of subjects, including basic principles of rehabilitation after traumatic injuries, major orthopedic trauma, pediatric trauma, eye trauma, and the emotional components of trauma. Dr. Joseph highlighted key emphasis on both the physical and emotional impacts of traumatic events such as accidents, crime & natural disasters.

​Featured facilitator & Dominican-born Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon currently practicing in the United States, Dr. D’Andrea Joseph.

​The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), with support from UNESCO, has released a groundbreaking publication titled “Disasters and Crises in the Caribbean Region: A Review of Experiences in Seven Islands.” The report examines disaster experiences in the context of communication and information across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
 
It stresses the Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and health crises, underscoring the crucial role of timely, culturally sensitive communication in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The research affirms that resilience of local media is as essential as physical infrastructure in saving lives, countering misinformation, coordinating aid & supporting recovery in Small Island Developing States.
 
Key findings highlight that the severity of disasters is often shaped as much by communication gaps as by the events themselves. Despite limited resources & difficult conditions, local journalists play a life-saving role in delivering emergency updates, holding authorities accountable &amplifying community voices.
 
The report calls for greater investment in resilient news infrastructure, trauma-informed disaster reporting training, and stronger collaboration among media, government, and humanitarian agencies. Recommendations include upgrading newsroom equipment, establishing redundant communication channels, streamlining Freedom of Information processes, and enacting legal frameworks to support crisis communication.
 
MIC President Kiran Maharaj described the publication as a “call to action” for governments and partners, while UNESCO’s Dr. Paul Hector emphasized the need for reforms and community engagement to build a safer, more resilient Caribbean.

​At a Special General Meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Executive Committee of the Dominica Calypso Association, with the exception of Curtis Johan “Joey” Lloyd (Explosion), voluntarily stepped down to ensure full compliance with the Constitution and to clear the way for new elections.
 
In a collective statement delivered by President Davidson Victor, the eight outgoing members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and noted that their decision was made out of humility and respect for the Association’s membership.
 
In keeping with constitutional guidelines, Lloyd, whose tenure remains valid, was endorsed as Caretaker Executive Member. His sole responsibility during this interim period is to organize and oversee fresh elections, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025. The move has been described as a renewal moment for the Association, underscoring its commitment to accountability, transparency, and service to Dominica’s calypso community.
 
Speaking to Q95 News on Monday, Curtis Johan, said the eight members who stepped down, did not do so out of recent controversy, and he expects the upcoming elections to go smoothly.

​Dominica Calypso Association’s Caretaker Executive Member, Curtis Johan.

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared that he has no intention of apologizing for providing homes to citizens, as he addressed 21 beneficiaries in Scotts Head on Monday afternoon. He assured the new homeowners that they would soon receive their House Titles, officially recognizing them as legal property owners.
 
Expressing joy for the recipients, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the national Housing Program, pledging continued support for Dominicans in need of proper housing.

​Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

​The Pathfinder Club, the global youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, marking a legacy of nurturing the spiritual, social, physical, and leadership growth of young people.
 
The milestone was recognized on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as clubs worldwide observed World Pathfinder Day under the theme “Pathfinders on Purpose,” which served as a reminder of the organization’s mission and values. In churches and communities globally, Pathfinders and Adventurers gathered to reflect on their achievements, celebrate, and re-commit to a path of purposeful service and growth.
 
In Dominica, the 75th anniversary was marked by vibrant community outreach led by the island’s 13 active Pathfinder clubs. Members gathered in three main locations where they visited neighborhoods, delivered gift baskets, and conducted various service activities.
 
National Youth Director, Ps. Sean Shepherd, invited all children between the ages of 10 and 16 to join a club, noting that Pathfinding is about wholesome development, fun, friendship, and preparing to serve God and community.

​Sean Shepherd, National Youth Director, Pathfinder Club of Dominica.

​The 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture officially commenced on Monday, September 29, with a formal welcome extended by Miguel Flemming, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St. Kitts.
 
Flemming officially greeted the attending delegation, marking the start of the region's premier event focused on advancing food security and agricultural development. The ceremony set the tone for a week of crucial discussions and collaboration among regional stakeholders.
 
The Permanent Secretary's welcoming remarks underscored the significance of regional unity as delegates gathered to tackle shared challenges in farming, fisheries management, and marine resource development.
 
The annual week of agriculture is considered a critical forum for advancing sustainable policies and strategies intended to strengthen the Caribbean's capacity for food production & overall economic resilience.

​Miguel Flemming, Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, St. Kitts.

​Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Mathew described Dominica’s 2025 Opening Parade, held on September 27, as a success. Speaking to Q95 News on Monday, Mathew expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and active participation from Dominicans and visitors.
 
He noted that the enthusiastic response was an encouraging start to the season and said he looks forward to a vibrant and successful independence celebration in 2025.

​Chief Cultural Officer, Earlson Mathew.

​The RayAsta Foundation officially opened its third Caregiver Training Course – Level 1 - on Monday, welcoming 18 new students who will begin their training in the field of care giving. Over the next 12 weeks, participants will take part in practical training, interactive workshops, and guided learning sessions aimed at equipping them with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to provide quality care in homes, communities, and professional settings.
 
CEO Cecilia St. Hilaire described the program as a key step toward building a stronger network of trained caregivers across Dominica, expressing excitement about the new cohort’s potential to make a meaningful difference.
 
The initiative, which has already proven impactful in supporting families & patients while strengthening Dominica’s healthcare system, continues to receive backing from the Ministry of Welfare and Social Services as an important investment in social development & care of vulnerable groups

​CEO of The RayAsta Foundation, Cecilia St. Hilaire.