​The World Bank has approved two grants totaling US$35 million, to improve access to electricity for more than two million Haitians, and to scale-up investments in renewable energy in underserved rural and urban areas.

“Haiti has significant untapped sources of renewable energy”, said Anabela Abreu, World Bank’s Country Director for Haiti. “The country is taking an important step in creating the enabling environment for private investors and in boosting access to electricity. The World Bank Group will continue to support the country in providing sustainable renewable energy to increase access for families, businesses and community services in underserved areas, diversify its energy mix, and reduce electricity cost”.

​Spain's chief prosecutor has called for charges including rebellion - which carries a maximum 30-year jail term - to be brought against Catalan leaders.

José Manuel Maza said they should also face sedition charges, following the region's declaration of independence.

It comes as Spain acts to take direct control of Catalonia, replacing senior officials.

Meanwhile, former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is reported to be in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

​PS in the Ministry of Social Services Helen Royer says the National Day Parade is still on the cards for Dominica.

The National Day Parade takes place November on 3rd of each year.
 
She says the country's independence is too important to go unnoticed.
 
However, she acknowledges that the program of events has been reduced, as a result of Hurricane Maria.

​PS in the Ministry of Social Services Helen Royer
 
Meantime, Minister for Social Services Catherine Daniel has commended Prime Minister Skerrit for his support of preparations for November's celebrations.

​Minister for Social Services, Catherine Daniel

​Founder of Nature Fun Ranch in Barbados Corey Lane says he hopes to encourage Dominica's youth to play an active role in rebuilding Dominica.
 
He said he is committed to shedding light on the devastation that occurred in Dominica as a result of Hurricane Maria.

Founder of Nature Fun Ranch in Barbados Corey Lane

​Director of Forestry Minchinton Burton says the Division may have to make some changes re the gates and entering the gardens when restoration works begin there.
 
He says this will assist in bringing about a new change at the scenic Botanic Gardens going forward.

​Several activities are held at the gardens each year, among them Creole in the Park, Corpus Christie, Cricket, and Sports Day for the physically challenged.
 
These activities may not take place at the gardens for the next few years.
 
Meantime, Director of Forestry Minchinton Burton is urging the general public, particularly hunters and farmers to avoid hunting as much as possible, so as to allow the various species of wildlife to gradually fall back into place, since most were killed by Hurricane Maria.
 
Dominican hunters usually use opportunities during the Independence season for hunting wildlife; but according to Burton, 2017 is an unusual year because of what has happened.

​Mr Burton says had Hurricane Maria not struck the island, the hunting would have been open to Dominicans and visitors alike.

​Director of Forestry Minchinton Burton

Leader of the Opposition St Kitts & Nevis Labour Party, Dr Denzil Douglas, has strongly refuted claims that he is a citizen of Dominica and has denounced allegations questioning his loyalty to St Kitts and Nevis.
 
His denial came in a brief release to the media last week, when he decried the accusations as tactics to undermine him and his party, and indicated that there was no reservation as to his loyalty to St Kitts / Nevis.
 
Douglas’ response came a day after Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, leveled allegations of Dominican citizenship against the opposition leader at a press conference. Harris called on former prime minister Douglas to provide the “full and unvarnished truth” of his standing with the Government of Dominica.

​Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former Trump campaign official Rick Gates surrendered Monday to Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
 
Gates is a longtime business associate of Manafort, having worked together since the mid-2000s, and served as his deputy on the campaign.
Manafort arrived at the FBI's Washington field office Monday morning.
 
He and Gates were indicted under seal on Friday, the source said. The two are being processed separately, according to a law enforcement official. They will later be transported to federal district court in Washington later Monday morning.
 
The indictments are expected to be unsealed later Monday. The extent of the charges was not immediately known.

​President of the Dominica State College Dr Donald Peters has indicated that 8 classrooms are fully operational at the institution.
 
He said these rooms are expected to house the administrative staff and students. He confirmed that 92 courses will be offered Mondays to Fridays between 8:35am and 3:45pm.

President of the Dominica State College Dr Donald Peters
 
The Dominica State College is expected to reopen its doors on 6th November 2017

​Ag Deputy Chief of Police Davidson Valerie announced that eleven (11) police stations on island have been severely damaged. He noted that the lack of proper accommodations has proved to be challenging for the officers.
 
He added that police officers have also suffered personally, in that many of them have lost their homes, or their homes were severely damaged during the hurricane.

​Ag Deputy Chief of Police Davidson Valerie

​100 solar light kits have been donated to Dominica by French non-governmental organization - Electricien Sans Frontieres.
 
It is a registered charity that works with the poorest communities to provide their living conditions through meaningful activities, and to help them access electricity and water.
 
Correspondent for the company Didier Le Duff says while on island, his team distributes, connects and installs generators in remote areas.

​Correspondent of Electricien Sans Frontieres Didier Le Duff