by Professor C. Justin Robinson
Around the Caribbean
Death Announcement of 74 year old Michael Rodriguez Panthier Sr, better known as Dreego or Drill of Lagoon, Portsmouth
We announce the death of 74 year old Michael Rodriguez Panthier Sr, better known as Dreego or Drill of Lagoon, Portsmouth. He was the founding member of Panthier’s Services Shipping Agency in Portsmouth. He died on March 27th at the DCFH.
IMF Projects 4.25% Growth for Dominica’s Economy in 2025; Reports 3.5% GDP Growth in 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 4.25 percent growth for Dominica in 2025, noting that the country’s GDP expanded by 3.5 percent in 2024.
Food Safety Standards Crucial to Regional Trade, Public Health and Food Security
Bridgetown, Barbados — Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, Dr. Sharonmae Smith Walker, has highlighted the importance of food safety standards to the Region’s food security, public health, and trade competitiveness. Speaking at a recent Food Safety Standards Webinar, co-hosted with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS).
Climate Justice Movement Launches Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Dominica
Roseau, Dominica – April 1, 2025 – The Climate Justice Movement (CJM) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Climate Justice Essay Competition, aimed at inspiring and engaging the youth of Dominica in the fight for climate justice. This competition is open to all secondary school students across the island, providing them with an opportunity to voice their thoughts, concerns, and solutions regarding the urgent issue of climate change.
Dread Rastafari and Ethiopia: A Landmark Historical Account of the Rastafari Movement in Dominica
Renowned historian and writer Ras Albert Williams has officially released Dread Rastafari and Ethiopia: The Definitive Historical Report on the Rastafari Movement in the Commonwealth of Dominica, a compelling and meticulously researched book that chronicles the history, struggles, and cultural significance of the Rastafari movement in Dominica.
Mainstreaming Human Mobility and Human Security in Caribbean Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction Policies: Progress and Way Forward
Saint Kitts and Nevis, March 26, 2025– Recognizing the region’s vulnerability to multiple hazards and climate-induced displacement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, convened a two-day Regional Workshop titled Mainstreaming Human Mobility and Human Security in Caribbean Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction Policies: Progress and Way Forward. This event marked the culmination of activities by IOM under the 15-month Human Security Joint Programme which was aimed at “Promoting a human security approach to disaster displacement, environmental migration and disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean Region”.
Death Announcement of Erica Maria Stephanie Williams, wife of the late Paris H. Williams
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and family matriarch, Erica Maria Stephanie Williams, wife of the late Paris H. Williams. She was called home to peaceful rest on Thursday March 20, 2025, at the age of 91, at her daughter’s home in Antigua.
PRIME MINISTER HON. PHILIP J. PIERRE ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE REGIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM (RSS)
Castries, Saint Lucia – The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Government Task Force Working to Evaluate Potential Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Saint Lucian Exports
While the Government of Saint Lucia has yet to receive an official communiqué through the usual diplomatic and formal channels regarding changes to the United States’ trade regime, we are nonetheless aware that on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, referred to as “Liberation Day” by the U.S. President, the U.S. government announced significant reforms to its trade policies. These include the introduction of “Reciprocal Tariffs” on all countries worldwide, impacting the importation of goods.