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During a recent broadcast of Global View on Q, pharmacist Anderson Jolly offered a scathing assessment of the financial landscape, asserting that Dominica’s banking system lacks the strength and structure necessary to support robust lending. Jolly criticized the top-down approach of the administration, specifically targeting the Prime Minister’s management of public funds and the lack of clarity regarding repayment timelines. He noted that this unpredictable environment has created significant anxiety among the local business community, who fear that a lack of monetary fluidity is stifling private enterprise. Beyond the banking sector, Jolly highlighted a growing disconnect between government subsidies and the actual needs of health-conscious citizens. He argued that while the government recently provided discounts on processed items like canned sardines and mackerel, these do not benefit the majority of people who prioritize fresh, healthy nutrition. Pharmacist and Businessman, Anderson Jolly.
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The Dominica National Lottery has distributed more than $5.4 million to players since the introduction of the Blast mystery progressive game. Aaronia James, Brand Manager for the organization, shared these figures during a recent presentation ceremony in Pottersville. The substantial payout total highlights the ongoing success of the gaming product and its impact on the local gaming community across the island. During the event held at Prestige Folks, two local winners were officially presented with their significant winnings. Lebron Lazare of Scotts Head collected a prize of $114,389, while Kimberly Joseph of Goodwill received $127,260 from the lottery officials. Ms. James noted that the lottery continues to provide substantial financial rewards to the public through its various progressive gaming options. Brand Manager, Dominica National Lottery, Aaronia James.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett recently joined the Ninth Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held from April 13 to 16 in Santiago, Chile.
During a panel discussion focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS), Dr. Barnett highlighted the diverse ways CARICOM Member States are utilizing regionally designed best practices. These efforts include technical cooperation, the establishment of regional training hubs, and collective action regarding climate resilience and disaster response networks, all aimed at fostering economic integration and institutional strengthening within the region. Dr. Barnett asserted that creating the right enabling environment is essential for effective South-South cooperation. She emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on priority areas to ensure a workable program that addresses the most pressing challenges facing the region. Furthermore, the Secretary-General noted that resource mobilization must involve securing international funding that specifically acknowledges and addresses the priorities of Small Island Developing States through targeted initiatives Marigot Parliamentary Representative Anthony Charles has declared his support for the continuation of mining operations at Deux Branches, framing the project as a vital component of Dominica’s national development. In a formal statement addressing the ongoing protest, Charles asserted that sourcing aggregate from the site is essential for completing the new international airport, a project he believes will revitalize the economy and create significant employment opportunities. He defended the initiative by pointing to the constituency’s previous success with mining at Crapaud Hall, noting that progress is possible when it is built on a foundation of landowner consent and fair compensation. While acknowledging the contentious nature of the project, Charles emphasized that rigorous environmental safeguards and mitigation measures are already in place at the Deux Branches site. He maintained that his priority remains balancing the need for raw materials with a deep respect for land rights and ecological stewardship. Marigot Parliamentary Representative Anthony Charles.
Host of Q95’s Global View on Q show, Sheridan Gregoire is encouraging the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's (ECCB) to provide greater oversight of the regional financial sector. Gregoire highlighted a recent warning allegedly coming from the ECCB that an entity known as SKN Online Media Bank is operating without a license in St. Kitts and Nevis, prompting him to question if similar unauthorized activities are occurring in Dominica. He further scrutinized the government's relationship with the Social Security and the transparency of its financial reporting. Gregoire questioned the ethics of the administration allegedly borrowing from social security funds and says it is curious as to whether they are repaying those debts with bonds or other paper. Host of Q95’s Global View on Q show, Mr. Sheridan Gregoire.
Mayor-elect Lucy Belle Matthew has officially promised to transform the capital into a cleaner and brighter city following her elevation to the leadership of the Roseau City Council. Matthew secured her position by winning 418 votes and was subsequently elected unopposed when the newly formed council convened on Monday, April 13, 2026. This leadership transition follows her decisive victory at the polls in Ward IV during the municipal elections held in March 2026. Matthew, a long-serving and dedicated member of the council, replaces the outgoing mayor, Sandra Ermine-Royer, who led the city from 2020 to 2023. Her extensive experience within the municipal government is expected to provide the stability needed to execute her ambitious "Cleaner and Brighter" agenda. Mayor-elect, Lucy Belle Matthew.
On a recent broadcast of "The Global View on Q," Dominican political scientist, Dr. Dion George raised serious concerns regarding the handling of national resources and the ongoing legal disputes involving Anthony Haiden and the government of Dominica. Dr. George pointed out the inherent danger in placing public funds within foreign companies instead of the national treasury, especially when such matters reach a stage of arbitration. He suggested that these financial arrangements create a level of risk that could have long-term implications for the country’s economic stability. Drawing parallels to the "Citizens United" case in the United States, Dr. George discussed the potential for significant financial contributions to manipulate elections and national policy. He cautioned that when large sums of money are funneled into political campaigns by entities with private agendas, it allows outside forces to control local governance. Dr. George emphasized that to protect national sovereignty, it is essential that all financial and political processes are conducted strictly in accordance with the law and the constitution. Dominican Political Scientist, Dr. Dion George.
Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has announced a notable reduction in the number of individuals held on remand at the Dominica State Prison.
During a tour of a newly constructed remand center, the Minister reported that the remand population has dropped to 83 individuals, a substantial decrease from the 143 inmates previously recorded. Blackmoore noted that the current total of 191 incarcerated persons is significantly lower than figures seen during the 1990s, reflecting the administration's broader objective to minimize the number of Dominicans behind bars to an insignificant level. The Minister emphasized that the path forward involves a strong focus on rehabilitation, particularly for those incarcerated for non-violent offenses. He explained that current programs are designed to transform inmates into better individuals who can contribute positively to society upon their release. Regarding the new facility, Superintendent of Prisons Jeffrey Edmond detailed that the center includes 11 cells, each equipped with three bunks and private washroom facilities. While operational challenges have delayed the full use of the building, officials confirmed it will be commissioned in the near future, ensuring that basic human rights & proper amenities are afforded to those awaiting trial. During the Q95 radio program "The Global View On Q" on Tuesday night, Justice Dr. Irving Andre expressed sharp criticism of the management of Dominica's national wealth and the treatment of taxpayers. He noted that while citizens are being asked to endure financial hardships and tighten their belts, foreign entities appear to be benefiting immensely from wealth generated by Dominican taxpayers. Dr. Andre characterized this situation as a vulgar enrichment of outsiders at the expense of the sovereign wealth of the nation. He specifically highlighted a legal dispute involving the company MMCE, which had previously been granted an exclusive contract to sell certain Dominican passports. He alleged that another entity, referred to as the Tram company, was subsequently seeking similar rights despite the existing exclusivity agreement. Comparing the situation to past diplomatic betrayals, Dr. Andre argued that these inconsistent contractual arrangements have led to a loss of national assets and resulted in unnecessary arbitration and wasted public resources. Justice Dr. Irving Andre.
Richard Anderson Joseph of Fond Cole entered a plea of not guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm during his arraignment at the High Court on Tuesday.
Joseph appeared before Her Ladyship Hon Justice Sejilla Mc Dowall. According to the indictment, Joseph is accused of wounding James Barry at Fond Cole on March 23, 2018. Joseph, who did not have legal representation at the time, was represented by Attorney Peter Alleyne of the Legal Aid Clinic for the purpose of his arraignment.Justice Mc Dowall continued Joseph’s bail which was set at $30,000 with one surety Joycelyn Cuffy of Fond Cole. In addition to the original bail conditions set, where he is to report to the Roseau Police Station every Wednesday between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Justice Mc Dowall added that Joseph is to reside at Fond Cole, he is to not change his residence without informing the High Court & is also not to leave the jurisdiction without the authorisation of the High Court. |
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