​Dominica State College (DSC) launched its Student ID initiative on October 7, 2024, aiming to provide them with special benefits through partnerships with local businesses. Ellena Bowers, the Career Development Service-Learning Coordinator and the driving force behind the project, announced that 16 businesses in the area have joined the program. To access exclusive discounts, students must present their DSC-issued ID cards at participating establishments. The discounts are available exclusively to the cardholders, encouraging students to make the most of this new opportunity.

DSC Career Development Service-Learning Coordinator, Ellena Bowers. 

​Credit: Dominica News Online
 
The Authentic Caribbean Foundation (ACF) in collaboration with Generation Grenada Foundation, The Government of Grenada, and The Caribbean Development Bank, will hold the inaugural Caribbean Disability Conference, October 9 to 13, 2024, at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, St. George, Grenada. The conference, themed "Community Access, Empowerment, and Inclusion," will bring together diverse voices and explore pressing issues around disability and inclusion in the Caribbean.
 
 A global study commissioned by UNICEF which highlights the need for supportive program designs for youth with disabilities, will be central to the conference's discussions. ACF and its partners will critically engage with the study's findings to align the Caribbean with global efforts to address the needs of persons with disabilities. Topics such as advocacy and awareness, education, legislation, and barriers to inclusion will be explored throughout the conference.  Discussions are on the way among online groups that have already signed on, as a lead-up to the conference.
 
A World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2023, estimated that a staggering 16% of the global population, or approximately 1.3 billion people, live with disabilities, and are often faced with inadequate access to healthcare, rehabilitation, and specialized support services, with many dying early.
 
Executive Director of Circle Of Friends Dominica Inc (COF) & Advocate for Persons With Disabilities in Dominica, Ms. Beverly Leblanc, has been selected by Authentic Caribbean to represent Dominica. On October 12th, 2024, Leblanc will present on the impactful work she and her team have done for the benefit of Children With Disabilities in Dominica.

​The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, in collaboration with the Cultural Division, will hold the 11th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, featuring a panel discussion on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7 PM in the UWI Auditorium. Dr. Kimone Joseph, head of the Dominica site, announced that this year's focus will be on the languages of Dominica. Dr. Joseph mentioned that several speakers will present on various languages during the event.

​The public is invited to participate in a discussion focused on the upcoming independence celebrations, which promises to be of significant interest to all.

Dr.Kimone Joseph, Head of UWI Global Campus Dominica.

​United Workers Party (UWP) Deputy Leader and attorney Ronald Charles emphasized the importance of standing by UWP President Lennox Linton and UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine, as they work to bring "truth to power" and advocate for positive change.

​Charles criticized the leadership of Prime Minister Skerrit, arguing that his continued tenure stifles the potential of those capable of making a difference. He encouraged Dominicans to move beyond merely talking and take concrete steps in response to these ongoing issues.

UWP Deputy Leader and Attorney, Ronald Charles.

​The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Caribbean Office has introduced a Climate Justice Series as a segment of its ongoing "Conversations on Migration in the Caribbean." This series aims to provide a platform for young Caribbean leaders and activists to voice their perspectives on Human Mobility and Climate Justice, especially relevant in an era where changing climatic conditions disproportionately impact the region's Small Island Developing States.
 
The four-part series will be broadcast live online from October 7 to October 10, 2024, featuring youth activists from across the Caribbean. Three Dominican participants will join the discussions on Tuesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 10, at 11:00 AM Eastern Caribbean time. Among them are Ferdison Valmond, an Indigenous environmental activist, Nicole Morson, National Coordinator for the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), and St. Luke Leblanc, a Dominican environmentalist residing in Montserrat. The sessions will be hosted by award-winning storyteller Jael Joseph, aiming to amplify the voices of young leaders in the fight for climate justice. 

​Dominica is set to host the 10th meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Health at the Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa this week. Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, Cassani Laville, will take on the role of Chair during the meeting. Laville also mentioned that the 37th OECS Pool Procurement Policy Board meeting will take place concurrently. An official ceremony for the events is scheduled for this evening at 6:00 PM at the venue of both meetings.

​Laville also noted that during the policy board meeting, attendees will review the latest annual report on OECS Pool procurement services. He added that presentations from various committees are anticipated to complement the agenda.

Cassani Laville, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services.

​DOWASCO has joined forces with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Project to launch the Paix-Bouche Water Enhancement Project, aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of the Paix-Bouche Water System.
The initiative will increase water storage and extend the distribution network in Moore Park.
 
A new 60,000-gallon storage tank is currently under construction, which will quadruple the overall storage capacity for Paix-Bouche and surrounding communities. This enhancement will provide more emergency storage and reduce the frequency and duration of water service interruptions, while also facilitating housing development in the area.
 
As part of the project, the existing intake on the Grand Riviere will be upgraded to improve the water quality reaching the storage tanks, particularly during rainy seasons when silt levels rise. Additionally, the access road to the intake will receive concrete surfacing in certain sections, allowing for easier maintenance of both the intake and the nearby water treatment system.
 
DOWASCO plans to upgrade the existing pumps in Paix-Bouche to increase their capacity for transferring water to the new storage tank. New supply and distribution pipelines will also be installed in the upper part of the village to connect to this tank. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately EC$1.9 million.

​Photo credit: DBS
 
On Friday, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force was presented with three vehicles by the government, to improve the mobility of officers. National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore emphasized the importance of establishing protocols to prevent incidents involving police vehicles. He announced that the new vehicles will be allocated to the Grandbay, Portsmouth, and Vieille Case Police Stations.

National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore
 
Meanwhile, Acting Police Chief Davidson Valarie stated that the new vehicles will significantly improve the mobility of officers, noting that availability of vehicles has been a major challenge affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

​Acting Police Chief, Davidson Valarie.

​One year after its adoption in Bonn, the Global Framework on Chemicals has officially launched its first call for projects aimed at the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. The selected initiatives will focus on developing green solutions to prevent and mitigate harm from chemicals in some of the world's most disadvantaged regions.
 
“Pollution and waste pose a daily crisis for public health, hinder economic activities, and leave lasting damage on the environment,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UNEP Industry and Economy Division. “Today, this historic Framework is moving from concept to action, delivering tangible benefits for those affected by this crisis.”
 
This announcement was made during the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, held in September 2023 in Bonn, where delegates from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and youth adopted the Framework. A dedicated trust fund was established to support low- and middle-income countries, including small island developing states, in managing chemicals and waste in accordance with international standards.

​World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10thOctober, and this year it carries the theme ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.’ Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Nadia Wallace emphasized the importance of this focus, stating that the community mental health team and the Acute Psychiatric Unit will devote special attention to the day’s theme. Dr. Wallace noted that mental well-being in the workplace is crucial, as reducing stress can enhance job performance. She highlighted the global impact of depression and anxiety, both of which significantly lower productivity. The theme underscores the need to recognize mental health as a key aspect of occupational health and safety.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Nadia Wallace.