​Manager of the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), Florian Mitchel, has appealed to citizens to adopt responsible waste management practices as part of efforts to address the island’s waste challenges.
 
Speaking to state-owned radio, Mitchell noted that both the DSWMC and the government have been working closely to strengthen waste collection services across the country.
 
According to Mitchell, measures are being taken to ensure that an adequate number of waste collection vehicles are available, with two additional trucks expected to arrive on the island by January 1, 2026. He explained that the expanded fleet is intended to improve collection efficiency and reduce service disruptions.

​Manager of the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), Florian Mitchel.

​Bouyon musician Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred has joined the EMO News social Call for Peace campaign, an initiative launched in response to the recent increase in gun-related homicides on the island.
 
Alfred indicated that he has consistently used his platform as a singer and songwriter to promote messages of peace and discourage violence. He emphasized that music can play a powerful role in shaping attitudes, particularly among young people, and said he believes artistes have a responsibility to speak out during times of national concern.

​Bouyon musician Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred.

Businessman and pharmacist Anderson Jolly has observed a significant shift in consumer behavior, noting that many Dominicans are moving away from non-essential purchases. He explained that shoppers are now primarily focusing their spending on food and basic necessities rather than luxury items.
 
According to Jolly, the period when people had extra cash for "toy" items or impressive purchases has passed, as most individuals no longer have the financial flexibility to buy things they do not strictly need.
 
The businessman highlighted that the current economic climate is forcing citizens to make difficult choices regarding their monthly expenses. He shared instances of individuals who have decided to forego refilling their cell phones or purchasing new appliances during the holiday season, opting instead to allocate those funds toward groceries.
 
By prioritizing immediate household needs over discretionary spending, consumers are demonstrating an increasingly cautious and practical approach to managing their limited financial resources.

​Pharmacist and Businessman, Anderson Jolly.

​Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette is promising that the public will see significantly more activity from the specialized firearms units in the coming year. He confirmed that while the task force and firearm unit were established in late 2025, their full operational impact will be felt throughout 2026. 
 
Mr. Corbette emphasized that these dedicated teams are central to the department’s strategy to remove illegal guns from the streets. By increasing patrols and targeted operations, the force aims to dismantle criminal networks and reduce gun-related violence across the island. 

​Ag Dominica Police Chief, Lincoln Corbette.

​Leader of the United Progressive Party Joshua Francis says hehas observed a significant downturn in Dominica's informal economy, particularly noting the visible decrease in the number of vendors operating on the sidewalks this Christmas season.
 
He pointed out that there is a noticeable lack of human traffic both on the streets and within financial institutions like banks, which typically see high activity during this time of year.
 
According to Francis, this reduction in street-level commerce is a concerning indicator of the island's current economic climate, as the usual holiday bustle appears to have faded.
 
Francis further explained that in many countries, a struggling formal economy often leads to a surge in informal activities, such as roadside vending, as people seek alternative ways to generate income.
 
However, he remarked that Dominica is currently experiencing a decline even within this informal sector, which usually serves as a resilient fallback for the population.
 
By breaking down the situation through various indicators—from banking traffic to the dwindling presence of sidewalk traders—he concluded that the traditional holiday economic boom is noticeably absent this year.

​Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party.

​The Kiwanis Nature Island Club of Dominica brought holiday cheer to 32 students during its annual Children’s Christmas Party held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Goodwill Primary School Auditorium.
 
The event saw the auditorium transformed into a festive winter-themed setting, complete with games, music, refreshments and special activities designed to celebrate the season and uplift the young participants. A key moment of the celebration was the appearance of Santa Claus, who distributed age-appropriate gifts to each child, drawing excitement and smiles from the students in attendance.
 
President of the Kiwanis Nature Island Club, Mary Winston, said the initiative reflects the core mission of the organization, which focuses on serving and supporting the children of Dominica. She noted that witnessing the happiness of the children continues to motivate the club’s members to sustain the tradition each year.
 
Winston also expressed appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers and the Goodwill Primary School for their support in making the event possible. The Kiwanis Nature Island Club has consistently undertaken community-based initiatives aimed at fostering hope, opportunity and positive development for children and families across the island.

​National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd President Kevin Jamessays participants involved in the Anse Kouanari Tourism Association Inc. project have benefited from practical, hands-on training through its beekeeping component, aimed at increasing awareness, building capacity and expanding interest in the sector.
 
James emphasized that agriculture presents both significant opportunities and responsibilities, noting that those engaged in the sector have a duty to preserve and pass on knowledge to future generations.

​James further noted that in reviewing the outcomes of the project, it was essential to acknowledge the importance of bees, emphasizing their critical role in pollination and overall food production.

​Kevin James, president of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd.

Chairman of the United Workers’ Party (UWP) St. Joseph Constituency Association Bernie Ryan has expressed confidence in his party’s ability to lead Dominica should the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program collapse. 


Ryan pointed to the economic and financial stability the country maintained under past UWP governance, even without revenue from the CBI program, as evidence of the party’s capability to manage the nation’s affairs. 


He also highlighted the qualifications of the UWP’s leader, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, noting that his background as an economist and his experience in stabilizing the economies of larger countries make him well-suited to guide Dominica through potential economic challenges.

Director of Agriculture, Keian Stephenson, has underscored the significant impact that collaboration and partnerships have on advancing development across the island. 


Stephenson emphasized that cooperative efforts between government agencies, local communities, and private stakeholders are essential for promoting sustainable growth, improving agricultural productivity, and strengthening the island’s overall economic resilience. 


He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Anse Kouanari Tourism Association Inc. (AKTA) Enhancing Biodiversity and Food Security and Improving Ecosystem Health in the Castle Bruce District through Apiculture project on Monday.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) enters 2026 with an unshakeable commitment to transforming the “Nature Isle” despite current national and international hardships. 


The party is demanding urgent action to protect the environment, strengthen the economy for small businesses and end the senseless violence shattering local families. 


To achieve this progress, the UPP is calling for a complete overhaul of the healthcare and education systems to ensure every citizen has access to world-class services and modern technology. 


The party also insists on restoring international travel freedoms to the U.S. and U.K and Europe while empowering the Kalinago people through land rights and self-determination.