Dominica has taken a significant step forward in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a two-day national training workshop hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through the Bureau of Gender Affairs.

The workshop aimed to build capacity and raise awareness among stakeholders from various sectors about the GBV referral pathway and to support the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act (2023).

Held in collaboration with the UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean under the Build Back Equal Project, and funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, the training brought together key actors from justice, health, social services, and civil society.

The sessions focused on survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, data-driven decision-making, and coordinated multi-agency strategies to ensure effective implementation of the Act.

A core objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and other stakeholders by enhancing data collection practices and developing a clear, actionable roadmap. This roadmap is designed to align with ongoing GBV programs and initiatives already in place across the country.

Lester Guye, Director of Gender Affairs, emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach:

“We are finalizing implementation strategies based on the consultant’s recommendations on the Domestic Violence Protection Act. We are meeting with stakeholders to ensure that everything is in place so we can implement the Act’s objectives safely and effectively. The Government of Dominica is fully committed to operationalizing the Act. This workshop is a crucial step in making sure it becomes more than just legislation—it becomes a living tool that protects and empowers survivors. It's about translating law into practice.

This training is also essential for building trust and improving how our systems respond to those who need help the most.”

Guye extended gratitude to the partner agencies that have supported Dominica’s efforts.

Loveness Nyakujarah, Coordinator for the Build Back Equal Project, noted:

“Through support from Global Affairs Canada, we are proud to assist Dominica in strengthening its GBV response mechanisms and advancing the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act. This training is part of a broader regional effort to build stronger, more inclusive systems that can respond effectively to gender-based violence.

Change happens when government, civil society, and communities come together. This workshop brings those actors into one space to ensure that survivors receive the coordinated and compassionate care they deserve.”

Nyakujarah also highlighted that providing essential and efficient GBV services contributes directly to women’s economic security by removing barriers to their full participation in public and private life.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Susana Martinez Restrepo, a leading expert in GBV policy. Dr. Restrepo provided technical guidance for developing a national action plan to implement the Act.

She explained:

“This training helps us understand how survivors of domestic and gender-based violence can be re-victimized—during interviews, when accessing shelters, in hospitals during rape examinations, or through interactions with the judicial system. Repeating their story multiple times or undergoing repeated examinations due to lack of available specialists—these are forms of re-victimization.

Our goal is to promote survivor empowerment. Even small choices—like what they want to wear, whether they want to call a family member, have a glass of water, or go to a shelter—can be empowering. Respecting those decisions and creating an environment that prioritizes safety makes a tremendous difference.”

This national initiative is the result of months of technical support and stakeholder consultation. It is part of a broader effort to close capacity gaps, improve referral mechanisms, and create a safer, more responsive system for GBV survivors in Dominica.

Chief Youth Development Officer, Meritta Hyacinth, says young people are not just tomorrow’s leaders  they are the change makers of today.

Speaking at the launch of International Youth Week 2025 in Dominica, Ms. Hyacinth said these change makers are already driving community action and shaping the shared future of the nation.

She noted that the week’s activities are designed to highlight youth achievements, amplify their voices, and encourage the entire nation to rally behind them.

International Youth Week comes on the heels of a month-long Summer Day Camp programme, which reached more than 700 children and was supported by over 100 youth volunteers and 100 NEP education mentors. “This is living proof,” Ms. Hyacinth said, “that when we invest in our young people, we strengthen the very foundation of our nation.”

Activities officially began on August 9–10 with a National Day of Prayer for the Youth, where churches and religious bodies across the island united to uplift young people. On August 11, an online campaign spotlighted youth entrepreneurs.

The celebrations continue with a Talent Night on August 13 at the Marigot Youth Centre, featuring the public launch of a literacy game designed and developed by students from the recent coding camp.

On August 14, a Digital Summer Camp and Coding Graduation will recognize participants who developed their tech and creative skills. The following day, August 15, a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony will take place at the Kalinago Barana Aute, honoring 120 young volunteers for their service.

Ms. Hyacinth is encouraging the public to follow the Youth Development Division’s WhatsApp channel, Facebook, and Instagram pages, as well as the Youth Vibes platform, for daily updates, motivational content, and highlights of the week’s activities.

She is also urging young people to look out for upcoming opportunities from the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) and the Skills Training Programme, which prepare them for leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The Chief Youth Development Officer called on valued partners, including the Girl Guides, Cadet Corps, Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme, JCI, Rotary, and others, to join the Youth Division in making the celebration impactful and far-reaching.

“By working together,” she said, “we can ensure that youth voices are heard, their talents are nurtured, and their contributions are recognized across Dominica.”

International Youth Week is dedicated to celebrating the vision, creativity, leadership, and strength of young people. This year’s theme is “Global Youth Actions for SDGs and Beyond.”

Stakeholders in Dominica’s refrigeration and air conditioning industry have met for a symposium on the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The amendment calls for the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of chemicals that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

The symposium was hosted by the Ministry of Environment through the National Ozone Unit.

Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to regulate the production and use of chemicals that harm the Earth’s ozone layer. Minister for Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Hon. Cozier Frederick, described the amendment as “crucial” to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable practices in the sector.

The event also reviewed Dominica’s compliance with the Protocol and the legality of its practices. HFCs, widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, are among the substances targeted for phasedown.

Minister Frederick noted that Dominica is legally obligated to act and is committed to doing its part through the development of green energy. He stressed that ports and customs officers remain vigilant to keep banned ozone-depleting substances out of the country.

“This is serious business,” the Minister said, adding that while Dominica’s emissions are small on the global scale, the Nature Island must play its part.

The symposium also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to interact with legal consultants to address industry concerns. An overview of the Kigali Amendment and its obligations was presented by Legal Consultant Carlita Benjamin, while Attorney Anika Bellot highlighted the wider implications of the amendment, including its relevance to sectors such as health and tourism.

National Ozone Officer, Mrs. Sophia Anselm Larocque, was also expected to lead a discussion on Dominica’s national response to the Montreal Protocol.

Minister for Education and Human Resource Planning, Hon. Octavia Alfred, has expressed optimism as Dominica embarks on consultations for education reform.

Speaking at the opening session, Minister Alfred said the initiative is “a deliberate effort to improve the education system.” She clarified that the process is not about fixing something broken but about reviewing, revisiting, and, in some cases, restructuring the system to ensure it meets the country’s evolving needs.

“It’s about changing the content of education so that it responds to the needs of the country,” the Minister stated.

She highlighted significant gains over the past two decades, noting remarkable progress in access to education at all levels.

“From 34% access to early childhood education to 70%; from primary attendance at 58% to 94%; from 17% of students attending secondary school to universal secondary education,” she reported.

Minister Alfred also pointed to growth in tertiary education.

“We have moved from 7% of students accessing college education to universal college education. Our state college, now 23 years old, has grown into a premier tertiary institution. But after 23 years, we must review and enhance what we have so we remain relevant to the needs of the time.”

She added that Dominica has advanced from only a few individuals achieving tertiary qualifications to hundreds earning degrees, supported by government initiatives.

“We have grown to a literacy rate of 94%. Even as we seek improvement, we must never forget how far we’ve come.”

The Minister acknowledged that while education has expanded rapidly, some traditional values have been lost along the way.

“The world has changed, and in some cases, we have become sophisticated in our development processes. But along the way, we have lost some of the simple things that made us a peculiar people. In some cases, we have allowed other cultures to influence us wrongly.”

Minister Alfred stressed the importance of striking a balance between preserving national identity and preparing students for a global stage.

“We must respond to our challenges while remaining who we are, even as we become global citizens. I speak of things like ICT, digital technology, and AI.”

She warned that cultural penetration has, at times, weakened creativity and adaptability.

“We see people who cannot adjust to certain changes. Necessity is no longer the mother of invention because we lack creativity and coping skills. Hence, we hear growing concern about mental health.”

She said this record of progress forms the springboard for the reforms now underway.

The education reform consultations will continue with the goal of ensuring that Dominica’s education system both meets national needs and equips citizens to thrive globally.