​During the "Innovative approaches to accelerating climate finance flows into the Caribbean" session at the 28th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President of Operations at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), emphasized the need for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to reinforce their collaboration in finding collective solutions that assist countries in achieving their climate finance objectives.
 
He highlighted the urgency for heightened cooperation at all levels, citing the Finance in Common Summit as a crucial platform for the CDB to foster innovation among MDBs, facilitate knowledge exchange, and engage in co-financing endeavors to achieve greater impact.

The panel conversation centered on tangible opportunities for embracing and executing inventive strategies aimed at boosting the influx of climate finance within the Caribbean region. It highlighted strategic methods to activate highly concessional climate finance from multilateral climate funds, innovative approaches to amplify climate finance streams from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and outlined strategies for enticing private sector investment through blended finance mechanisms. 

​Thomas Letang, General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), acknowledged the transformation in the intensity of activism from previous eras, attributing these changes not solely to developments within Dominica but also to global shifts. He expanded on this by highlighting the significant influence of economic conditions, noting their sway on every country, largely shaped by specific organizations. Letang emphasized that government decisions directly impact the benefits citizens receive, emphasizing the intricate connection between governmental policies and the welfare of the populace. 

​Letang elaborated that unlike the past when parents were self-sufficient; the current scenario has shifted towards a reliance on politicians to meet people's needs. He highlighted how this dependency has infiltrated various aspects of public services, indicating a fundamental change in societal dynamics. 

​Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU)General Secretary, Thomas Letang. 

​During the inaugural Bense, Anse de Mai and Anse Sol Da Community Award Ceremony, hosted by 'Youth with a Vision' on Saturday, area MP Lakeyia Joseph, a co-founder of the organization, stated that the ceremony wasn't solely about celebrating exceptional accomplishments, but marked the 5-year milestone of the organization. Joseph added that the event stood as a testament to the unwavering dedication & passion of all individuals who contributed to the journey of making a meaningful impact within the community. She stressed the importance of recognizing the achievements of the event and the collective effort that has driven positive change over its five-year existence.

​Lakeyia Joseph, Co-Founder of 'Youth with a Vision. 

​According to Glenroy Soso Cuffy, a member of the United Workers Party (UWP), the absence of consistent job creation for the average Dominican over time resulted in financial instability during the Christmas season. Cuffy pointed out the trend of dependency on government support, where some citizens receive hams and turkeys, highlighting a lack of self-sufficiency. He contrasted this situation with other countries like Antigua and St. Kitts, suggesting that individuals relocating there would experience wage increases during the festive period, a benefit which was not forthcoming in Dominica.

​Cuffy highlighted the prevalence of foreign workers engaged in ongoing development projects in the country, raising concerns about the underutilization of Dominican citizens' skills and abilities. He questioned why opportunities for employment were not extended to locals, emphasizing the potential these opportunities held in fostering economic empowerment and stability for Dominicans.

​UWP Member, Glenroy Soso Cuffy

​Financial advisor Ronald Lander highlighted the potential of leveraging the Dream 11 T10 cricket competitions to promote Dominica. He highlighted the opportunity to showcase the island's beauty by featuring teams named after local sites. Mr Lander believes that such visibility can attract visitors, leading to increased economic activity for Dominica.

​Financial advisor Ronald Lander. 

​'Youth with a Vision' co-founder Aymah George detailed the establishment of the organization in 2018 with the primary objective of driving community transformation by engaging diverse targeted groups. George highlighted the organization's funding mechanism, emphasizing that its operations relied on the proceeds from fundraising activities and contributions from a network of sponsors and donors. This financial support served as the backbone for implementing initiatives tailored to different community groups, ensuring impactful and multifaceted approaches to effect positive change.
 

Aymah George, co-founder of 'Youth with a Vision. 

Allister Glean from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) expressed the organization's commitment to facilitating connections between exporters and buyers, addressing the common complaint from regional exporters about limited market access. The initiative, sponsored by IICA, FAO, and various partners, including the Caribbean Private Sector Organization and Caricom Secretariat, aims to enhance economies & support communities by creating opportunities for exporters to access markets. Glean emphasized the potential for exporters to tap into markets in North America, Europe and other regions, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities.

​Glean emphasized the broader impact of accessing market opportunities, foreseeing increased domestic production as a result. He expressed the hope that producers would not only divert supply from local markets to international ones but instead use the opportunity to boost overall production.

​Allister Glean, from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

​Executive Director of the National Development Foundation of Dominica, Cletus Joseph, highlighted the significance of the recently concluded 7th Annual Creole in the Streets event. He emphasized that beyond the festivities, the event serves as a platform for securing future progressive clientele relations. Joseph underscored that the event involves genuine engagement, extending beyond advertising and sales, to foster meaningful connections in the market.

​Joseph, reflecting on the past six years of Creole in the Streets, shared that there is a strong desire from participants to have the event more frequently. Joseph reported high participant approval, with a 95% rating indicating satisfaction with the overall feedback.

​Cletus Joseph, Executive Director of the NDFD. 

​Jenny Honore-St. Valle, Director of CHANCES, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers for their Christmas donation of local produce. She extended a prayer for an even more bountiful harvest in 2024 to farmers. Honore-St. Valle thanked the contributors and expressed anticipation for future collaborations in the coming year.

​Jenny Honore-St. Valle, Director of CHANCES. 

Financial Economist & UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine, expressed his ideal cabinet size for Dominica, aiming for no more than 10 ministers. He acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the party's management committee and party supporters for their dedication to keeping issues alive and relevant. Dr Fontaine stated that he is not by any means suggesting that he works harder than others, and he acknowledged the significant contributions of those who are working on the ground.

Dr. Fontaine emphasized the importance of collective effort and collaboration within the UWP.  He also stressed the need for supporters to actively engage with their communities and play key roles in ensuring that Dominicans feel confident in supporting the UWP's candidates in upcoming general elections.

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