​Dominica’s Electoral Reform Coalition has congratulated St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ New Democratic Party on what it described as a historic victory in the 2025 general election, saying the result reflects a strong affirmation of democratic values.
 
The group praised newly elected Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and noted that the party’s win of 11 seats, ending 25 years in opposition, marks a major political shift for the country and the wider region. It also commended Vincentians for what it called a peaceful and fair electoral process that demonstrated the strength of civic participation.
 
The coalition expressed hope that Dr. Friday’s administration will prioritize transparency, electoral integrity, and social and economic development. It added that a stable, democratic St. Vincent and the Grenadines strengthens governance throughout the Caribbean.
 
The group also urged Dominicans to show similar civic engagement when they next have the chance to vote, arguing that such participation is essential to shaping the country’s future.

​Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre has reported that 3,587 interns were participating in Dominica’s National Employment Program (NEP) as of October 2025, describing the initiative as a major driver of youth training, job placement, and economic support.
 
Addressing Parliament this week, he said government investment in the NEP—including an additional $15 million beyond the current fiscal year’s budget—reflects a continued commitment to reducing unemployment and strengthening communities through stipends that circulate directly into the local economy.
 
Dr. McIntyre noted that 291 interns completed the program between June 2024 and July 2025, with many securing permanent employment based on the experience gained.
 
He said this progression demonstrates that the NEP has become an important launching platform for young professionals, helping them build practical skills, confidence, and networks.
 
The minister added that the program remains a key pillar of national development and support for Dominica’s workforce.

​Government Senator Austelle Lockhart defended the $108.5 million in supplementary estimates debated in Parliament on Tuesday, claiming the additional funding were intended to support key national priorities. He indicated that the measures included financing for the rollout of electoral reform and provisions for a salary increase for police officers, stressing that these were essential commitments requiring timely budgetary support.

​Austelle Lockhart, Government Senator.

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Mr Godwin Friday’s NDP received a resounding landslide victory of 14 seats to 1 at the poles yesterday Thursday November 27, defeating Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who has been Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines for 24 years.
 
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, longtime prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has conceded defeat as voters delivered a clear message: the nation wants a fresh direction. 
 
After 24 consecutive years in power, Gonsalves and his ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) have lost to the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), ending one of the longest unbroken political runs in the region. 
 
Vincentians have removed a dynasty from power in a shocking political move that has resulted in the fall of Ralph Gonzales from office after 24 years.
 
A government that once appeared unshakeable was swept aside. A dynasty that seemed engineered to last another decade collapsed overnight. And an electorate long underestimated proved that political fatigue, economic frustration, and democratic conviction can converge into a tidal wave powerful enough to end 24 years of uninterrupted rule.
 
Critics of the ULP cited mounting dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, rising youth unemployment, and sluggish post-disaster recovery. Meanwhile, the NDP led by Godwin Friday ran on a platform promising renewed investment in the economy, job creation, better healthcare, and new opportunities for young Vincentians.

​Senator Lorraine Henderson-Reid has urged the government to undertake a complete restructuring of the National Employment Program as Parliament debated more than $108 million in supplementary estimates on Tuesday. She argued that the NEP needs a closer review to address gaps in its structure and purpose.
 
The senator said many participants have already completed their training phases and should now be offered clearer avenues for career progression and stable employment. She emphasized that strengthening these pathways would improve the program’s long-term impact and better support citizens seeking meaningful work.

​Senator Lorraine Henderson-Reid.

​Parliament has approved a motion to remove Value Added Tax from 26 commonly used items; a move officials say is designed to ease financial pressure on households.
 
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, who introduced the amendment, explained that the measure forms part of the government’s broader effort to make essential goods more affordable for consumers.
 
Dr. McIntyre also indicated that the updated legislation will eliminate import duties on all 26 items, ensuring the tax relief is felt throughout the supply chain. He noted that the government expects the changes to help stabilize costs and provide meaningful support to families across the country.

​Dr. Irving McIntyre, Finance Minister.

​The Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Dominica have agreed to develop a joint Action Plan following high-level meetings that reviewed project progress and future development priorities.
 
Officials from both sides examined work in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, climate resilience, and energy, using these discussions to guide a multi-year framework aimed at strengthening Dominica’s sustainable development efforts.
 
CDB Vice-President Isaac Solomon said the plan reflects a shared commitment to more effective project delivery, while Finance Minister Irving McIntyre noted that the Bank’s support continues to advance national goals.
 
The mission also included site visits to major projects, reinforcing both parties’ pledge to ensure investments bring lasting benefits to communities.

​The new Thibaud Primary School, currently under construction, will be named after former Parliamentary Representative Vernice Bellony. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the disclosure in Parliament on Tuesday during debate on supplementary estimates totaling $108.5 million, stating that the decision recognizes Bellony’s service to the community.
 
Bellony previously worked as a teacher and also served as a Senator, gaining recognition as a cultural figure. The government says the naming marks a tribute to her contributions as construction on the school continues.

​Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

Dominican Coach Ronnie Gustave offered a frank assessment of the national team’s performance in the recent UEFA tournament, stating that the players were lacking in basic control, turning, and speed of play.
 
Gustave acknowledged he has since observed some improvements in the girls’ movements and ball handling. He credited the inclusion of foreign players with bringing a welcome dynamic to the team, noting that their level of play appears to inspire the local athletes to perform better.
 
The coach revealed that he is now concentrating heavily on the team's system and their speed of play, which he felt was "too slow on the pitch," often resulting in imprecise passing. Gustave also identified a physical weakness, noting that players were frequently "knocked off the ball".
 
To address this, he has implemented a new fitness program to help the girls "develop to be stronger, to be fitter". He cautioned that immediate results should not be expected, as his ultimate focus is on "building a team," and transformation will require patience.

​Dominican National Soccer Team Coach, Ronnie Gustave.

​A five-member team from Dominica represented the Kiwanis Nature Island Club at the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District Division 27A Creole Caribbean Amazonia Council Meeting in Martinique from November 21–23.
 
The gathering which was the first district council meeting of the Kiwanian year, brought together clubs from Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique, and French Guiana for training, discussions on bylaws, and reports on membership and finances.
 
Dominica’s delegation—its largest to date—included President Mary Winston, Vice President Nicole Karam, Secretary Daniah Labadie, Treasurer Lisa Francis, and Public Relations Officer Laila Langford.
 
Club leaders said the sessions renewed motivation among members and strengthened the club’s commitment to expanding its impact.
 
They noted that the training offered fresh leadership skills, reinforced the importance of solidarity, and inspired participants to bring new ideas and energy back to the Dominica chapter as it works to grow its presence regionally and support children and families.

​Lisa Francis, Treasurer of Dominica Kiwanis Nature Island Club.