As Dominica celebrates Creole Month and 45 years of independence, a new wellness-inspired addition is set to bring fresh flavor and awareness to the festivities — “Creole Snack Day.”
The initiative, designed to promote healthy eating among children and families, is the result of a joint collaboration between Green Life Wellness, Ora Arani Healing Space, and Creole Heartbeat.
According to a statement from the organizing group, the event was conceived in response to growing concerns about the island’s declining health and the negative effects of poor dietary habits.
“As we kindle our hearts and minds to embrace and celebrate our forty-five years of independence, we note with growing concern, a frightening deterioration in the overall health of the nation,” the group noted. “Nutrition studies continue to show that this massive health breakdown is rooted in diet and lifestyle.”
The organizers emphasized that one of the most pressing concerns is the snack consumption habits of young people, pointing out that many imported commercial snacks are high in salt, sugar, fats, and toxic additives that can contribute to serious health issues. These include obesity, ADHD, respiratory disorders, hormone imbalances, and dental problems.
In contrast, the group is encouraging the use of locally made snacks and natural foods, which are rich in nutrients and free from harmful chemicals. They believe that by highlighting the nutritional and cultural value of local foods, families can take meaningful steps toward a healthier Dominica.
Creole Snack Day will take place on Friday, October 10th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., offering a fun and educational experience for students and parents alike.
Activities will include motivational talks, healthy snack distribution, a trivia competition, jingle recitations, and the launch of a take-home healthy recipe booklet.
The wellness team is urging parents to play a key role in the movement by becoming more mindful of what their children eat.
They expressed hope that this effort will spark a lasting change in attitudes toward diet and health — one that aligns with Dominica’s vision of resilience and vitality.
“Let us all pause for the cause,” the group concluded, “and make this Creole Month not just a celebration of culture, but a celebration of health and life.”
Minister for Housing and Lands, Hon. Melissa Poponne Skerrit, says the Government of Dominica has gone above and beyond to ensure proper housing for citizens.
“Housing is one of the prime necessities of life,” the Minister stated, adding, “and we are fully committed to helping families achieve home ownership.”
She described housing as one of the clearest expressions of government’s covenant with its people:
“When a family can get a key in their hand and turn it in the front door of a brand-new home, the state has done more than provide shelter, it has unlocked security, dignity, and intergenerational wealth.”
According to Minister Skerrit, government remains fully dedicated to facilitating home ownership, particularly for families in disaster-prone areas. She noted that plans are in place to resettle communities at high risk of natural disasters, including Campbell, Petite Soufrière, San Sauveur, and Good Hope. Relocation sites at Castle Bruce and Warner already have the necessary infrastructure to support construction, with funds secured to begin building.
The Minister explained that engineer surveys and site plans are complete, vulnerable families have been prioritized, and five local contractors are preparing to bid for construction. Work is expected to start in September 2025, alongside upgrades to water storage in Castle Bruce under DOWASCO’s water strategy and future housing developments in Warner.
She highlighted that these projects represent a major investment in the Dominican people, bringing jobs and increased economic activity.
“On every housing site, we enforce one key principle: we want local contractors, tradesmen, and laborers from the community. That way, money circulates within the community.”
Minister Skerrit added that the social impact of construction is just as important as the buildings themselves:
“It’s always a wonderful sight to see local women setting up food stalls, selling lunches and drinks to workers, and then watching those same workers reinvest their earnings in neighborhood businesses, snackettes, shops, and bars. This isn’t just construction; it’s community revitalization in action. When you support local, you build local. And when you build local, you build a legacy.”
She encouraged residents in the affected communities to prepare for change, assuring them that their villages will soon see a surge of jobs, pride, and economic activity.
Two tropical waves are being closely watched in the Tropical Atlantic. The nearest system has a medium chance of developing over the next seven days and could reach the Lesser Antilles, including Dominica, by late tomorrow into Friday. This wave is likely to bring unsettled weather with heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Residents, especially those living in flood-prone communities or areas vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks, are urged to remain vigilant and stay tuned to official updates as these systems approach.
Dominicans can expect a drier atmosphere today as a high-pressure system takes hold. However, a plume of Saharan dust is also moving into the area. People with asthma and other breathing problems are advised to take extra care, as the dust could cause discomfort and health complications.
Temperatures are forecast to be hot and uncomfortable, raising the risk of heat stress. Health officials remind residents to stay cool by drinking plenty of water, avoid long periods in direct sunlight, and take regular breaks if working outdoors.
At sea, conditions will be slight to moderate. Fisherfolk and seafarers should note that waves are expected to peak near 3 feet along Dominica’s west coast and up to 5 feet along the east coast.
The Grand Bay constituency and communities across southern Dominica are set to benefit from the construction of two major facilities: a new Magistrate’s Court and a modern Fire Station. Earlier today, government officials toured the site to assess the progress being made on the projects, which are expected to significantly strengthen the island’s justice system and emergency response capacity.
Minister for National Security, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, described the developments as part of the Government’s broader national plan to improve essential infrastructure. He noted that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure such facilities meet decent and humane standards, and emphasized that the new court will create a more conducive environment for greater efficiency in the justice system. He also highlighted ongoing investments in the Fire Service, pointing to nearly $2 million committed to the purchase of a custom-built fire truck. In addition, three more trucks — including one equipped with foam discharge capabilities — have been procured and are expected to be deployed by year’s end to serve St. Joseph, Portsmouth, and Roseau.
The Magistrate’s Court is scheduled for completion in October 2025, while the Fire Station is expected to be ready by December 2025. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs, Ms. Jo-Anne Commodore, stressed that the new court reflects the core principles of Dominica’s National Resilience Development Strategy and the Climate-Resilient Nation Plan, particularly the emphasis on humane treatment for all, including those incarcerated or detained.
Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Wayne Letang, expressed his appreciation for the project, explaining that the need for improved fire coverage in the area became clear after disasters such as Tropical Storm Erika. He described the new station as the second-largest on the island and a “dream come true,” equipped with modern facilities such as a gym, training grounds, and accommodations for female officers.
Project Director of Montreal Management Consultants Est. (MMCE), Mr. Cal Murad, assured that the structures are designed to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. He explained that reinforced concrete, specialized roofing, and high-grade windows and doors were used in line with the highest safety codes, ensuring resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Local contractor, Mr. Ronald Letang, confirmed that the project has created employment opportunities for at least fifteen residents from Grand Bay and nearby communities. He expressed gratitude to the Government for trusting a local company with the project and affirmed that his team is working diligently to meet the construction deadlines.
These facilities represent far more than new buildings. They embody resilience, justice, and public safety for the people of southern Dominica, while also boosting local employment and supporting the island’s broader national development goals.
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