History was made this weekend as Shannon Keegan, a renowned marathon swimmer from the USA, became the first person to swim the entire length of Dominica along the Waitukubuli Sea Trail. Completing the staggering 58km journey in a time of 25 hours and 40 minutes, Keegan's swim has set a new benchmark in the world of marathon swimming.
 
Keegan began her ambitious endeavor at Scott's Head at 12:52 AM on November 26, 2023, and reached Capuchin at 2:40 AM on November 27, 2023, proving her exceptional strength and perseverance. This feat was accomplished with the support of a dedicated team including two kayakers, a boat captain, two observers, and a team coordinator. CEO of Discover Dominica, Colin Piper, has extended his congratulations to Shannon.

CEO of Discover Dominica, Colin Piper.
 
Keegan is part of SwimMastery’s global network of coaches & undertook this daring swim not just to push her own limits, but to highlight Dominica as a premier eco-destination for adventure tourism and open-water swimming.

The Dominica National Senior Women's Team has arrived in Suriname for two crucial matches, seeking to qualify for Concacaf's 2024 Women's Gold Cup. The Nature Isle ladies are gearing up for their fifth and sixth matches in League B [Group A] of the Road to W Gold Cup. Head Coach Ronnie Gustave says the team has improved since their opening home match against Suriname in September.
 
Dominica forms part of the next 12 best-ranked teams in League B, which is divided into three groups (A,B & C). Dominica is in Group A, along with Guyana, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda.
 
Dominica is ranked fourth on the points table, with four points. Antigua & Barbuda also has four points. However, with a greater goal difference over Dominica, Antigua is third on the points table. Guyana is at the top with 9 points and Suriname is in second position with 6 points. Gustav spoke to Reporter-Edona Jno Baptiste.

​Dominica National Senior Women's Team Head Coach Ronnie Gustave.

CEO of Fort Young Hotel/GEMS Gregor Nassief says they aim for three things in terms of "re-imagination" as the hotel now brings forth 60 new rooms. Those three things he says were economic viability, preservation of the historic fabric of the fort, and enhanced guest experience. Since Hurricane Maria until now, Nassief says they've invested close to EC$50M.

CEO of Fort Young Hotel/GEMS Gregor Nassief.

​Chairman of the FYH Andre’ Michael says this hotel and old Fort from which it emanates are to serve as a beacon of welcome and hope.

Chairman of the FYH Andre Michael.

The National Bank of Dominica has been honored with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union's (ECCU) "Bank of the Year Award" for Customer Service for the second consecutive year. Executive Marketing Manager Suzanne Piper expressed gratitude to their loyal customers, acknowledging their support during a transformative period for the bank. She emphasized the significance of customer feedback in enhancing services, assuring customers of the bank's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Piper conveyed the bank's determination to set new benchmarks and reshape the banking experience, urging continued support from customers in this endeavor.

Suzanne Piper, Executive Marketing Manager at NBD. 

Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth Sports and Community Development, Senator Oscar George emphasizes the importance of young people in local entrepreneurial ecosystems. He is of the view that promoting youth entrepreneurship not only enhances individual earnings but also contributes to social development by creating employment opportunities and improving living standards. Senator George also acknowledged that young entrepreneurs bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table.

Senator Oscar George.

Dr. Irving André addressed the issue of lawlessness, attributing it to the lack of emphasis on compliance with the law. He highlighted a concerning perception that ties prosecutions for wrong doing, or lack thereof, to one's support for certain political or other entities. This belief, he explained, leads to a proliferation of criminal activities as there is no strong incentive for people to adhere to the law. Dr André argued that without a focus on law enforcement and equal treatment under the law, there is a clear lack of motivation for individuals to follow legal standards.

Dr. André pointed out that when individuals who have been targeted or victimized due to political affiliation see that no consequences follow their actions, it undermines any expectation of compliance with the law. He added that the lack of accountability in such instances erodes confidence in the legal system and diminishes the incentive for individuals to adhere to the law when there is a perceived connection between criminality and political affiliations.

​Dr. Irving André. 

President of the Dominica Cancer Society,Yvonne Alexander reported that the DCS conducted a seven-week training program in the northern and southern regions of Dominica. The training involved two groups of participants associated with the society's support entities in these regions. The courses were successfully completed, and individuals earned certificates of participation.

The Dominica Cancer Society says it plans to expand its support services by incorporating trained individuals into its hospital support team, in order to enhance its ability to provide valuable assistance.

​Dominica Cancer Society president, Yvonne Alexander.

The RayAsta Foundation announced its Enchanted Christmas Fantasy Ball and Auction, set to take place on December 16, 2023, at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau.  Attendees will have the chance to bid on a range of items, from vacations to unique experiences.
 
CEO of the RayAsta Foundation, Cecilia St. Hilaire expressed excitement about hosting the event and assured that the foundation has prepared an amazing evening filled with fun and surprises.She said the Foundation is dedicated to assisting stroke victims in Dominica, and all proceeds from the event will go towards supporting stroke victims in Dominica.

​Cecilia St. Hilaire, CEO of the RayAsta Foundation

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit claims he has engaged in discussions with the United States to independently assess Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program as part of a six-point initiative. He claims the DLP government is actively implementing amendments to the program, conducting interviews, and reviewing legislation to strengthen and enhance the existing framework. Mr Skerrit noted notes how the proposed legislative amendments, geared towards further robustness, are slated for presentation to Parliament next month.

He claimed that the DLP government is actively engaging with various stakeholders to address concerns and improve the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. He added that following a meeting in October in Miami, his DLP government is committed to ongoing discussions and collaboration with international partners to enhance and strengthen the CBI program based on their recommendations and concerns.

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. 

​President of the United Workers Party, Lennox Linton, criticized the government's allocation for senior citizens, emphasizing the party's previous call for assistance to seniors to be no less than $500 a month. Linton pointed out the stark contrast between the generous allowances provided to government officials & the meager $300 given to the elderly.
 
Linton criticized the government's priorities, highlighting Cabinet Ministers salary increases and the neglect of vulnerable seniors and public officers. He accused them of prioritizing their personal interests over the interests of those who are really in need of financial help.

​President of the United Workers Party, Lennox Linton