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Dominica VOTED today

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#Dominica, December 6, 2022 – Approximately 81,000 citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica were registered to vote for a new government today in the country’s general election.   A total of 45 candidates were on the ballots across the 21 constituencies.

The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) had a six-seat lead in the National Assembly as they were unopposed in six constituencies. The DLP, Team Unity Dominica and several independent candidates competed in the elections.

However, the country’s main opposition parties, the United Workers Party and Dominica Freedom Party, boycotted the elections. Neither of the parties had a candidate contesting in the elections. Polls closed at 5 pm. The country is now waiting to see who will be announced as its leader.

(CARICOM) sent Election Observation Mission to oversee Dominica’s election

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has sent the CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to monitor Dominica’s General Elections on Tuesday, December 6.

The nine-member Mission is headed by the Chief Election Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Elections and Boundaries Commission, Ms. Fern Narcis-Scope.

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission proposes to meet with leaders of political parties, the electoral officials and other stakeholders of Dominica and will monitor the voting process, including the opening of the poll, the casting of votes, the closing of the poll and the counting of the ballots.

The Team arrived in Dominica between December 2-3 and will depart on December 8.

Leader of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, last month announced a snap election two years before the constitutional deadline.

The snap poll has received backlash from opposition parties who have announced that they will boycott the elections.

The opposition parties have also been calling on supporters to protest the polls and the international community to not recognise the government that emerges after this Tuesday’s election.

OAS Election Observers also welcomed in Dominica ahead of national poll

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, welcomed the representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) election observer mission for a courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Former Prime Minister of Bahamas Perry Christie, the chief of the Electoral Mission of OAS in Dominica, met with OAS specialists to discuss the current status of the electoral organization, technology & justice, political finance & women’s participation in the electoral process.

Furthermore, Perry Christie heard the perspectives of the members of the Electoral Reform Coalition on the electoral process in Dominica.

He met with others to listen to their concerns about the upcoming snap general elections.  The Chief of the Electoral Mission of the OAS in Dominica met with the Political Leader of Team Unity Dominica, Carlos Charles, to hear his impressions regarding the General Elections.

Caribbean News

UK issues warning to tourists following shark attack

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

In response to the Shark attack in Tobago on April 26, the UK Foreign Office issued a warning for British tourists stating that Tobago authorities temporarily closed the Buccoo Reef Marine Park and urged those who visit the beach, those who fish and others, to be careful when visiting certain coastal areas. These are “Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay, and all areas in between.”

 

 

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JAMAICAN STUDENTS GAIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN CUBA

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KINGSTON, April 25 (JIS):

Fifteen young Jamaicans have gained scholarships to pursue tertiary training in medicine, nursing and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.

Speaking at the awards ceremony for the students, held at the Embassy of Cuba in St. Andrew on April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said the scholarship component of the partnership is one of the many successes for Jamaicans.

“Through this valuable programme, the Government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of well-needed and appreciated undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, primarily in Medicine and Health Sciences,” Mr. Terrelonge said.

He highlighted that the long-standing, meaningful and mutually beneficial bond of friendship and cooperation has been shared between Jamaica and Cuba for more than 50 years and has provided invaluable support to Jamaica, with several agreements in the areas of Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Education.

The Minister of State said that Jamaica is grateful for the unwavering support towards Jamaica’s development, adding that “not only are we close geographical partners but our relationship is based on, among other things, mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections”.

Mr. Terrelonge told the students that they have succeeded in securing their places in the various programmes and have proven themselves to be the “crème de la crème, having successfully undergone a rigorous selection process”.

“I commend you for your drive, hard work and dedication towards your educational development,” he said.

“As you prepare to depart Jamaica for diverse and vibrant Cuba, I encourage you all to continue to work diligently in your respective fields of study, to remain faithful to the goals you have set for yourselves, and to fly, even higher, the Jamaican flag in Cuba. It is my hope that you will not only meet but exceed your and your families’ expectations,” the State Minister added.

He also encouraged the students to view the scholarship not only as an opportunity to advance academically but to also “immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the Cuban people” and to form new connections, build networks, explore new adventures, improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and to stay connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana.

Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered by Cuba.

The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in conjunction with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other entities. Every year, the Cuban Government invites applications from persons wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

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GROUND BROKEN FOR HIGH SCHOOL AT CHRISTEL HOUSE

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KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):

Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.

“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.

She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.

Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.

She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.

“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.

“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.

Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.

“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.

The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.

Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.

In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

 

 

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