​The Government of Dominica is saddened by the passing of distinguished Dominican, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, the former Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Dr. Carissa F. Etienne was a globally recognized public health champion and advocate who brought great pride and honour to Dominica. She was elected as Director of the Pan American Health Organization in September of 2012 and was re-elected for a second five-year term in September of 2017. She ended her 10-year tenure as Director of PAHO on January 31, 2023. She was Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2008 –2013; Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization from 2003 – 2008; and Director of Primary Health Care Services, Ministry of Health, Dominica 1989 –2001.

​Under her guidance as Director of Primary Healthcare, Dominica achieved universal coverage for all primary care programs, with immunization coverage rates of 95 percent; 90 percent coverage for prenatal care and deliveries by trained birth attendants; access to continuous care for chronic non-communicable disease; country-wide community empowerment and participation; and health education integrated into community care

she had previously served as Chief Medical Officer, Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS Programme, National Epidemiologist, and Medical Director at the then Princess Margaret Hospital. On behalf of the people of Dominica, the Government of Dominica extends sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, an illustrious, well-loved daughter of our country. At this difficult moment, we share your grief and pray the Lord grant you comfort and fortitude in this period of mourning. May we always remember and celebrate her outstanding contributions and dedication to the management of Dominica’s public health sector, and her leadership and strategic guidance of health systems in the Americas. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

​Dominica welcomes MS Vista and MSC Explora I, marking significant events in the 2023/2024 cruise season. MS Vista made its inaugural call at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth, accommodating 1,200 passengers. The vessel offers dining and guest experiences, allowing passengers to explore Roseau's attractions.

​MSC Explora I, made its inaugural call to Malta on November 28, 2023, with a passenger capacity of 1473. The vessel will make four calls during the season, offering various tours.

​Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist at Discover Dominica Authority.

​CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, Colin Piper, expressed his delight at welcoming both ships. Discover Dominica Authority is promoting the island as a desirable cruise destination and aiming to increase the number of calls for the 2023/2024 cruise season. He says with the arrival of MS Vista and MSC Explora I, Dominica is poised for an exciting and successful cruise season. These vessels luxurious amenities and unique experiences provide unforgettable experiences for their passengers.

​CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, Colin Piper. 

​The Dominica Cricket Association is excited to announce its 4th edition of the Dream11 Nature Isle T10 Tournament, taking place from December 9th to 23rd, 2023. Six teams, including reigning champion The Valley Hikers, will compete for the championship title, with the event expected to be an unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts and sports tourists.

Dream11 Nature Isle T10 Tournament, sponsored by Indian company Dream11, offers a unique "taste of nature" experience with teams named after Dominica sites, enhancing the event's global status. 

​Discover Dominica Authority sponsors Dream11 Nature Isle T10 Tournament, offering affordable tickets for preliminaries and playoffs, promoting Dominica through innovative promotion methods. The Dream 11 Nature Isle T10 Tournament, a sports tourism platform, will showcase Dominica's vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty, streamed globally and on the local DCA channel.

​Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public Relations Specialist at Discover Dominica Authority.

​Health Minister Cassanni Laville said today we recognize World Aids Day.
We reflect on the many lives lost from the dreaded disease, we also celebrate the tremendous achievements made in the management and control of HIV & Aids in Dominica, and the continued commitment of the government to the health and well-being of the population.

​On this World Aids Day 2023, Dominica celebrates under the theme "Let Communities Lead." And Laville contends that it is a call to each person to play their part in this fight.

​Health Minister Cassanni Laville. 

Health Educator at the National HIV/Aids Unit, Pheona Glenville says Dominica's first HIV/Aids Case was in 1987, and from then until the end of 2022 the reported figure was 543. This year, 12 new cases have been recorded. This year’s theme for World Aids Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

​Meantime, Glenville says these statistics only represent the ones which have been tested. She was speaking on state owned radio.

​Health Educator at the National HIV/Aids Unit, Pheona Glenville

Director of the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, Raymond Lawrence expresses the view that there is a crucial need for the Arawak House of Culture in Roseau. He says the absence of this primary theater venue has impacted rehearsals and performances. Lawrence highlighted the significance of Arawak, & how its non-functionality has affected the operations of his Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company among others.

​Lawrence stated the urgent need for a proper dance studio and performance space for dance and art to thrive. He appealed to the government to address the situation, stressing the importance of restoring the Arawak House of Culture not only for the Waitukubuli, but for the broader arts and culture community in Dominica. Lawrence emphasized the positive impact that such a dedicated space would have on elevating dance practices in the country.

Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company Director Raymond Lawrence.

The Recycle OECS debate, scheduled for January 17, 2024, will feature a face-off between the Academix School of Learning and the Dominica State College. The topic of discussion is "should citizens pay for waste management services via a utility company?" The debate marks the commencement of the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation's (DSWMC) activities for 2024. Rhoda St. John, the Public Relations Officer of DSWMC, highlights the importance of waste management for public health and emphasizes that the proposed fee is not a tax but a contribution to assist in waste management. The debate aims to engage the younger generation in discussions about waste management fees on utility bills.

Rhoda St. John, the Public Relations Officer of DSWMC.

Consumer advocate Ann-Marie Christopher advocates for a critical assessment of positive steps to fulfill the role of consumer advocates in Dominica. Having gained experience from the Consumers Association in Saint Lucia, Christopher aims to enhance associations within the regulatory framework, fostering an attractive business environment, elevating consumer awareness, and promoting protection by improving quality and standards for all.

Consumer advocate Ann-Marie Christopher.

Health Minister Cassanni Laville says over the past 10 years there has been a drastic reduction by 60.5% in infant mortality. He says what this is, is a transition from 31.1 deaths per every 1,000 live births, and that has decreased to 12.3.

Health Minister Cassanni Laville.

Health Educator at the National HIV/Aids Unit, Pheona Glenville says Dominica's first HIV/Aids Case was in 1987, and from then until the end of 2022 the reported figure was 543. This year, 12 new cases have been recorded. This year’s theme for World Aids Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

Meantime, Glenville says these statistics only represent the ones which have been tested. She was speaking on state owned radio.

Health Educator at the National HIV/Aids Unit, Pheona Glenville.