​Justice Dr. Irving Andre raised the alarm about the "slow, lingering death" being caused by drug trafficking in the Eastern Caribbean, asserting that it constitutes a form of "war" that is destroying communities. Dr. Andre questioned why regional leaders do not show the same level of concern for this internal crisis as they do for the external conflict between Venezuela and the U.S.
 
He emphasized that the untiring use of the "white substance" has devastating cumulative effects on small island economies and on the lives of many, including the social fabric, health implications, and cost of healthcare.
 
Dr. Andre accused leaders of hiding behind a "veil of so-called friendship" and of taking a stand based on self-interest and expediency, not on principle or morality. He concluded that the poor are the ones suffering the brunt of this war.

​Justice Dr. Irving Andre

​Credit: Dominica News Online
 
The Cultural Division has announced the winners of the 2025 Independence Literary Competition, an annual showcase of Dominican creativity that celebrates the island’s storytelling traditions in English, Kwéyòl, and Kokoy. The competition, a highlight of Dominica’s Independence season, continues to affirm the country’s vibrant literary culture and its commitment to preserving native languages through art.
 
In this year’s results, Blanch Athanaze Winston topped the English Poetry category with Mother, followed by Leandra Lander’s Heaven Call Centre and Pass We Passing by Netisha S. Durand. Yahima Cuffy-Bazil captured first place in Short Story with Names Too Numerous to Mention, while Vince Arnold Savarin and Ian Jackson followed with Summertime and Bamboo House.
 
Cuffy-Bazil also won the Kokoy Poetry division for Behind Gad Back, and Iris André claimed the Kwéyòl Poetry title for Mwen Sé Donmnik. The Cultural Division commended all participants for advancing Dominica’s literary and linguistic heritage.

​President of the Dominica Freedom Party, Johnson Boston commends the government for recognizing 19 individuals with national awards as part of Dominica’s 47th Independence Day celebrations on November 3, 2025.
 
Speaking to Q95 News, Boston emphasized that the tradition of acknowledging citizens for their contributions to national development should be upheld and continued, regardless of political affiliations or personal views.

​President of the Dominica Freedom Party, Johnson Boston

​As part of Dominica’s 47th Anniversary of Independence celebrations, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) will host its annual Market Day with a Difference on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the Roseau Market under the theme “47 Years of Progress and Purpose.”
 
The event will open with a ceremony at 8:00 a.m., expected to be attended by President Their Excellencies Mrs. Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, and other government officials.
 
Farmers, vendors, and fisherfolk will be honored for their invaluable contributions through awards recognizing excellence in categories such as best dressed vendor, best decorated stall, best traditional food vendor, and most outstanding farmer or fisher.
 
The day’s festivities will feature colorful displays of agricultural produce, fresh local foods, and cultural performances showcasing Dominica’s vibrant heritage. Entertainment will include performances by bouyon artists Quan and Trixx, traditional drumming by Veteran 7, dance by the Patriotic Dancers, and cadence-lypso music by Lobster.
 
A mini-expo of locally produced goods will also take place. DEXIA and the Roseau Market Authority are encouraging participants to wear creole attire and decorate their stalls as part of the celebration, inviting residents, visitors, and returning Dominicans to enjoy a lively and culturally rich market experience.

​Credit: GIS Dominica
 
Dominica has formally received the first ambassador from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Excellency Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani presented his credentials to President Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton during an official ceremony on Wednesday.
 
While the two nations established diplomatic ties in 2009, this is the first occasion an ambassador has been assigned to Dominica. President Burton welcomed the appointment, describing it as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation. She also commended the kingdom’s partnership in national development, highlighting its contribution to the Roseau Enhancement Project.

​President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton
 
Moreover, His Excellency Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani, affirmed that the meeting further strengthened relations between the two nations.
 
Ambassador Alsaihani emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Dominica and expressed appreciation for the continued support shown by the country’s leaders toward Saudi Arabia in international matters.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth Of Dominica, His Excellency Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the United Workers Party, raised significant concerns regarding the mysterious forgiveness of a nearly $200 million Petrocaribe debt, stating that the circumstances surrounding the write-off were "very strange".
 
He claimed that some of the money was allegedly distributed, suggesting that the "debt" itself was artificial, having been put on the books even though the money was being collected. Dr. Fontaine implied that the entire affair raises serious concerns about corruption and drug issues in the region.
 
The UWP Leader also addressed the hostile actions and posturing of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, including his desire to invade a neighboring country & the way he has dealt with his political opposition.
 
Dr. Fontaine noted that while St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves attempted to pacify matters, other Caribbean countries did not come out forcefully enough against Maduro’s aggressive claims against Guyana.
 
He concluded by stating that the region is now dealing with a "larger bully on the scene," referring to the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela, which he noted would likely be a "no contest" if war were to occur. His ultimate hope remains that a full conflict can still be prevented.

Leader of the United Workers Party, Dr. Thomson Fontaine

The Caribbean Development Bank, in partnership with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Agence Française de Développement, has announced the upcoming Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference 2025.
 
The conference aims to catalyze collaboration and action across four core pillars: tackling climate risks, promoting equity and gender inclusion, advancing innovation-led economic development, and fostering governance and institutional coherence.
 
The conference will gather regional leaders, development partners, and infrastructure practitioners in Bridgetown, Barbados, at the Hilton Barbados Resort. The Opening Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (AST), will spotlight the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure investments in the Caribbean.
 
The Closing Ceremony, set for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. (AST), will focus on highlighting action points for building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean future.

​In recognition of Joune Kweyol, observed annually on the last Friday of October, Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has renewed his call for citizens to celebrate the richness of Dominican culture. He emphasized the importance of using the occasion to reflect on and honor the nation’s cultural heritage, which continues to play a vital role in shaping Dominica’s identity.
 
Matthew encouraged both locals and visitors to actively participate in the day’s festivities, embracing traditional practices, cuisine, and music that define Dominican life. Speaking to Q95 News on Friday, he urged everyone to go beyond surface-level celebrations and truly immerse themselves in the customs and experiences that showcase the spirit of Dominica’s culture.

​Chief Cultural Officer, Earlson Matthew

​The Government and people of Dominica have extended heartfelt solidarity to the Government and people of Jamaica in the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. In an official statement, Dominica expressed support for Jamaica’s recovery and relief efforts, noting the nation’s deep sorrow over the loss, displacement, and hardship being experienced by Jamaicans. 
 
Acknowledging Dominica’s own history with natural disasters, the statement emphasized the country’s empathy and understanding of the pain and uncertainty that follow such catastrophic events. It also conveyed confidence that the courage, faith, and resilience of the Jamaican people will see them through this challenging time.
 
The Government of Dominica further confirmed that it has reached out to Dominican students residing in Jamaica to ensure their safety and well-being. Dominica reaffirmed that its thoughts, prayers, and unwavering solidarity remain with Jamaica as the nation begins the long process of rebuilding and recovery. 

Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), expressed grave concern over the escalating violence between the United States and Venezuela, stating his hope that the situation comes to a resolution "sooner rather than later", and that cooler heads will prevail. 


Dr. Fontaine warned that if the crisis is not dealt with swiftly, it will inevitably have numerous adverse effects on the entire Caribbean region in terms of both tourism and trade. He concluded by expressing his hope that Caribbean leaders prioritize doing what is best for their individual countries and citizens amidst the crisis, ensuring that their main focus will not be on taking sides.

​Leader of the United Workers Party, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.