Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

• Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
• Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
• Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

• Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
• Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
• Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
• Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

Kingston, Jamaica, May 17, 2025 – Cabinet has approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The new benefit will serve as a guaranteed safety net for all employees who contribute to the NIS, except for self-employed persons.

Additionally, work is under way to establish the requisite legal and institutional frameworks to implement this important national support system.

“One of the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the urgent need for a system that supports workers who lose their jobs, helping them to remain financially stable while seeking re-employment,” Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13).

Meanwhile, the Government has taken a decisive step to strengthen the nation’s social security framework by implementing the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO), a US$20-million initiative supported by the World Bank.

Mr. Charles Jr. noted that SPIRO, which was launched last year, represents a transformative shift in social governance, with three strategic pillars – the creation of a unified Social Protection Information System (SPIS), supporting the introduction of unemployment insurance, and modernising of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

“The project is already generating impact through comprehensive assessments led by expert consultants, aimed at overhauling labour market services,” he stated.

The Minister further indicated that there will be upgrades to the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) and LMIS, which will enhance the digital infrastructure for employment services.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Release: JIS

NEW YORK – The Nature Island of Dominica and the U.S. Virgin Islands – Naturally in Rhythm – have been confirmed as title Platinum Sponsors of Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY 2025), the flagship event of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in North America. Taking place from June 1-6, 2025, at The Westin New York at Times Square, CWNY continues to build momentum with strong support from a growing number of CTO member countries and tourism partners.

This year’s impressive lineup of sponsors also includes:

• Gold Sponsors: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bermuda
• Silver Sponsors: St. Kitts, Sandals Resorts International
• Bronze Sponsor: Anguilla, Barbados

The expanding sponsorship base reflects a united regional commitment to amplify the Caribbean’s global presence and underscores the strategic importance of CWNY as a platform for tourism development, investment, and cultural diplomacy.

“Caribbean Week in New York is more than a celebration — it’s a strategic convergence of our region’s top minds and markets,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. “We’re encouraged by the growing support from our members and partners, which shows the value they see in this marquee event.”

Under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” the 2025 edition will spotlight the dynamism and diversity of the region through a series of high-impact events, including:

• Sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Hospitality Innovation
• The launch of the CTO Reimagine Plan
• Media Marketplace and Caribbean Media Awards
• Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner and Awards
• Forums on airline and cruise connectivity
• Sessions on the Orange Economy and creative industries
• A next-generation showcase for Caribbean youth
• An Allied Member session on emerging markets
• The relaunch of CTO’s Hospitality Assured Program
• The Caribbean Cultural Showcase, a consumer event celebrating the region’s music, art and flavors

Caribbean Week in New York remains the premier regional tourism event in the U.S., drawing government officials, travel professionals, media, diaspora leaders, and Caribbean enthusiasts together to shape the future of the industry.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.caribbeanweek.com.