Dominica Roundup: illicit drugs, hurricane, national debt
Busiest hurricane season
On Thursday, May 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its forecast for the upcoming hurricane season, and the outlook is concerning. The organisation predicts an “above average” season, with 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. According to Dominica News Online, this forecast significantly exceeds the average season, which typically has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. NOAA Administrator Dr Rick Spinrad highlighted that this forecast is the highest ever issued by NOAA for its May outlook.
Over $30 million worth of drugs destroyed by police
On Friday, May 21, over $30 million worth of drugs were incinerated at the Special Service Unit compound at Morne Bruce. Police Inspector Fixton Henderson reported that on May 24, 2024, the Drug Squad of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) burned 9,988 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at $14,982,000 and 606.64 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at $16,075,960. He explained that the drugs had been seized during various police operations and some were held as exhibits in court cases that have now concluded. Dominica News Online adds that Henderson emphasised the CDPF's commitment to transparency and its ongoing efforts to enforce the Drugs Prevention of Misuse Act of Dominica, aiming to mitigate the impact of illegal drugs on Dominican society.
Rising national debt
Concerns over Dominica's national debt persist, despite optimistic economic growth forecasts. The country's aim to become the world's first climate-resilient nation by 2030 has created a funding gap of $1.5 billion. With a heavy reliance on the Citizenship By Investment Programme for development funding, concerns over the sustainability of the economy have been raised. As reported by Dominica News Online, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised that Dominica ranks as the third most indebted island in the Caribbean. The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) has suggested sovereign debt restructuring to address the significant debt distress. The CPDC also highlighted the impact of rising debts on vulnerable sectors such as education, health, and farming.
Livestock artificial insemination Initiative
The Livestock Development Unit (LDU) within the Division of Agriculture has initiated a proactive engagement with farmers interested in artificial insemination for their small ruminants. In 2023, a group of 34 farmers collectively decided to import 150 straws of Boer and Nubian goat semen from the United States. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the genetic quality of local herds and boost overall productivity in the region, reports Dominica News Online. Since its inception, the LDU has been providing technical assistance to farmers, offering guidance on the intricacies of artificial insemination, and creating favourable conditions for successful conception and pregnancy. As of April 2024, the initial batch of eighteen farmers has begun the insemination process, which is expected to be completed within the next seven weeks. Additional sessions will be scheduled based on farmers’ requests.
Catholic church mourns cardinal
His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix passed away at 3 pm today in Castries, St. Lucia, leaving the Catholic Church in deep mourning. He was 91. Born on February 15, 1933, in Roseau, Dominica, Kelvin Edward Felix, OBE, SLMH, DAH, served as the Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, St. Lucia. According to Dominica News Online, Cardinal Felix's path to the priesthood began with his ordination on April 8, 1956. In 1962, he left the West Indies to attend St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, where he earned a Diploma in Adult Education. He later obtained a master’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in 1967 and completed post-graduate studies in Sociology at the University of Bradford in England in 1970.
