DBS Radio | News Presentation Live

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Corruption [music] spreading rampant in our country.

[00:00:05]Oh [music] lord, lawlessness on the rise. Unemployment making our lives in this country.

[00:00:15]There's a lack [music] of expert markets so some farmers can't earn their keep.

[00:00:20]Investors taking their businesses overseas. They can't take the frustration. Too much red tape in our island. [music] They say they should be given more incentives.

[00:00:31]But my people, to end our struggles, [music] we have to make it our duty to choose Time check is 6:00 in the studios of your nation station DBS Radio. It's time to bring you the evening news right here on DBS.

[00:00:50]Fair and balanced, unbiased and clear, concise and accurate. This is the DBS [music] Evening News. Here now is your presenter with the headlines.

[00:01:08]In the headlines, a leading official of the Food and Agriculture Organization says the level of food imports to the Caribbean is cause for concern. In news from the region, Bahamas opposition leader claims large cabinet >> [music] >> meant to silence PLP backbenchers.

[00:01:28]And internationally, CDC announces 30-day travel restrictions in response to Ebola outbreak. Good evening. I am Laila Langford. Details of the news when I return.

[00:01:42]DBS Radio on the go. www.dbsradio.net.

[00:01:44][music] Click the play button at the top and you're good to go with the nation station, DBS Radio.

[00:01:57]DBS Welcome back. A leading official of the Food and Agriculture Organization says the level of food imports to the Caribbean is cause for concern. Dr. Renata Clarke, sub-regional coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization says the Caribbean needs to build a food security. Dr. Clarke was here to develop a roadmap for the agricultural sector for the next 5 years.

[00:02:31]We've always known, us normal people and the politicians, we've always known we're importing too much food, but I think that during COVID it really struck us what that meant. It's not only, as we thought before, "Hey, we're spending a lot of foreign exchange on this, foreign exchange that we could use for something productive." But on top of that, it suddenly occurred to us, "It is possible that a boat or a plane may not arrive with food." What do we do in that case?

[00:03:00]So, that has taken it up a notch in terms of government commitment to producing more food and assuring food security. So, yes, it's incredibly important our vulnerability to external shocks we have seen time and time again. We're once again in a very challenging context internationally. And this underlines the importance of us looking out for building a food security that's that's constructed based on regional cooperation within the Caribbean. The food might not be produced on our island, but it is close by. Having said that, having food close by means that every island needs to be contributing to this production effort. So, is food security an issue? Yes, there are lots of statistics that say food food insecurity is higher in the Caribbean. I'm really bad with numbers, so I can't spout you a percentage, but it is in an uncomfortably high level.

[00:04:05]And so, it is something that needs to be considered not only in terms of production, and this is what our focus has been. How can we produce more to make sure we have food available? But, the other side of the coin is, how do we make sure that that food is affordable?

[00:04:23]Dr. Renata Clarke, subregional director of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

[00:04:31]JCI Dominica has received a regional recognition for its impactful community development initiatives and excellence in leadership. These awards were presented during the JCI Conference of the Americas 2026, which took place in Antigua from May 15th to May 16th. JCI Dominica is proud to announce that at the JCI Conference of the Americas 2026, our organization received major regional recognition for the impactful work being done here at home. JCI Dominica proudly captured the awards for most outstanding local project with our Future Fest Initiative, as well as best local development program.

[00:05:20]We were also honored with a nomination for best inter-organization collaboration project for our Lupus Awareness Initiative.

[00:05:31]We also extend congratulations to National Vice President Shanna Harris Joseph on successfully graduating from the prestigious Americas Leadership Academy 2026, where she was selected as one of only 36 leaders from across the Americas region.

[00:05:48]Additionally, congratulations are extended to Senator Cassandra Ryan, Senator Marita Hyacinth, President Shanika Bulgan, Executive Vice President Brendaline Bazil, and past National Vice President Mikael De Boin on completing the certified national trainer program.

[00:06:10]These achievements reflect the hard work, passion, and commitment of all members, partners, and supporters. JCI Dominica remains committed to empowering young people and creating positive change throughout all communities.

[00:06:26]President of JCI Dominica, Shanika Bulgan.

[00:06:31]The financial performance of the National Cooperative Credit Union, NCCU, will be reviewed during its 16th Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for June 3rd at the Goodwill Parish Hall. A new Board of Directors will also be elected at the meeting. Public Relations and Communications Specialist at NCCU, Edona Jean-Baptiste, also announced that this year's meeting will be held in a hybrid format.

[00:07:02]>> NCCU is preparing to host its Annual General Meeting, 16th that is, on Wednesday June 3rd at the Goodwill Parish Hall from 5:30 p.m. And you know, last year we marked history, that being our first hybrid AGM, where members who could not attend the physical venue got an opportunity to participate and cast their votes online. And this year again, we will be doing the same for you because we are progressing, not regressing. We are announcing that registration is open for virtual participation. The link can be accessed on our website www.nccu.dominica.com.

[00:07:54]So, members can expect to review the credit union's audited financial statements, assess our financial performance, approve dividends, you know, hear what your credit union has been doing over the past financial year.

[00:08:10]And also participate in the much anticipated activity during an AGM that is to cast your vote for the people that you would like to see on the board, the supervisory and compliance committee, and the credit committee. Public relations and communications specialist at NCCU, Edona Jno. Baptiste.

[00:08:36]Acting Minister for Education, Fennela Wenham-Shepherd, has underscored the importance of libraries in society.

[00:08:44]Dominica is observing Library Week under the theme Empowering Communities through knowledge, culture, and innovation.

[00:08:53]Libraries are more than spaces for books.

[00:08:56]They are gateways to information, centers for learning, and hubs for creativity and innovation.

[00:09:05]Across our island, our public libraries, the National Documentation Centre, and the National Archives provide access to knowledge, support education at all levels, and preserve our rich cultural heritage.

[00:09:23]This week, go to your community's public library.

[00:09:28]Go into the spaces where books and computers are laid out and begin to select them for reading. And search with the help of your librarian for excellent information likely to improve the quality of your document, your writing, and your project.

[00:09:48]You can even share your findings using your phone.

[00:09:52]This library use the existing technology to make yourself and your friends intelligent innovators and cultural creatives.

[00:10:04]In today's digital age, the importance of libraries has only grown.

[00:10:10]We want to mix the digital age with the use of books for reading.

[00:10:15]Acting a minister for education, Fenella Wenham Shepherd. She says the government is committed to improving library services in Dominica.

[00:10:26]Our government is committed to ensure that both our library and archival services remain accessible, modern, and responsive to the needs of our people, especially our youth. It should please you to know that we are also advancing efforts to digitize archival records, ensuring that our history is preserved and made more widely accessible for present and the future generations.

[00:10:59]During this week, a range of activities will take place across the country designed to promote reading, strengthen research skills, and encourage lifelong learning.

[00:11:13]I encourage students, parents, educators, and community members to participate fully and make the most of the opportunities available.

[00:11:25]Acting minister for education, Fenella Wenham Shepherd.

[00:11:30]In other news, a facility at Portsmouth, which was formed to address the needs of children with disabilities, has reopened its doors. President of Parents Advocating for the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in South Irish says the reopening of the facility at Chance this morning is a great day for children with disabilities in the north. It had been closed for about 2 and 1/2 years because of financial constraints.

[00:12:02]However, I must report that in August of 2025, we got an injection of funds from the government of Dominica, but there was quite a lot of repairs to be done to the center. A foundation from France, a lady called Melanie, was in Portsmouth and saw the center and decided to use her good uh resources from Peace and Love, a foundation in France, and got 15,000 euros.

[00:12:29]Actually, the money was sent to this lady, and she managed the repairs at the Portsmouth Respite Center.

[00:12:36]And so, we were hoping to have um opened sometime in March, but again, we had some additional works to do. But today, the 18th of May, 2026, I can tell you uh we reopened the center. We have seven children. We expect some 20 children to come in. But of course, today we had some hiccups in terms of the transportation. So, we are working out the logistics. But there are seven children at the center now, and I'm pleased to tell you that um we are going on, and hopefully uh after the budget, we should get an increased subvention.

[00:13:11]Today is extremely uh joyous, a very happy day, as the children, some of them had been there before, they are back at the center. It looks pretty well, pretty organized. We have our same manager there, Miss Miss Williams. She's continuing to do a very good job. We have some new members of staff on hand.

[00:13:30]We are going on and I can only hope we get that Philip and that sort of subvention, that support to continue the facility in Portsmouth. Of course, Hazel of Irish, the president of PASSIS, Parents Advocating for the Inclusion of Children with Disability, reporting for DBS radio.

[00:13:49]In more news, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced that loss to farmers in eastern communities as a result of the April 26th trough system was in the region of $2 million.

[00:14:02]The Ministry estimated that 276 farmers were affected. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ryan Anselm, says government is implementing an agriculture livelihood restoration program in response to the damage caused by the trough system.

[00:14:23]It's important to note that immediately after the trough system our team of extension officers led by the honorable minister including the Ministry of Agriculture drone team conducted an assessment of the affected areas.

[00:14:45]The PDNA concluded the post disaster needs assessment captures the needs of the farmers from various communities that were impacted. Our assessment indicates that of the 754 registered farmers 276 farmers were directly impacted.

[00:15:12]Some were impacted moderately, severely, and some low.

[00:15:18]This include crop farmers, livestock farmers, aquaculture, farm infrastructure, tools, equipment, and machinery, greenhouse, and animal pens, feeder roads, and access to farms.

[00:15:34]It is estimated that total damage and loss is 2 million dollars, and that is excluding feeder roads and farm access.

[00:15:49]Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ryan Ansem. That's the national focus. Regional and international developments up next.

[00:15:57]>> DBS Radio on the go. www.dbsradio.net.

[00:16:03]Click the play button at the top, and you're good to go with the nation station, DBS Radio.

[00:16:12]DBS News. In news from the region, the Bahamas opposition leader, Michael Pintard, took aim at the Davis administration, arguing that the government's expanded cabinet is an attempt to silence Progressive Liberal Party PLP backbenchers.

[00:16:32]His comments followed a Prime Minister Philip Davis' announcement of a 29-member cabinet, which includes the Prime Minister himself despite not holding a ministerial portfolio. The PLP currently controls 33 seats in Parliament, while the opposition holds eight.

[00:16:54]One of the reasons we have to be vigilant in making sure we hold this government accountable is the government clearly has silenced the backbench of its own party. Uh it is it is not an appropriate [music] situation where the majority of the elected members are cabinet members, because what you want is healthy, robust discussion on issues, and room for disagreement and backbenchers are expected to hold the cabinet >> [music] >> accountable to a large extent.

[00:17:26]But we we knew in advance that this is not an administration that's interested in dissent.

[00:17:31]We've seen that in multiple ways and so we're we're not surprised.

[00:17:36]It would be good for you to ask what is the price to Bahamas opposition leader Michael Pintard.

[00:17:43]And internationally, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention is suspending entry into the US for 30 days for travelers who have visited areas where there is an ongoing outbreak of the Ebola virus, the agency announced today. That restriction does not apply to US citizens, US nationals, or lawful permanent residents returning from Ebola outbreak areas. In a statement posted to its website, the agency said it would impose entry restrictions on passengers who do not hold a US passport if they have been to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days.

[00:18:33]That's news the DBS evening sports report. Up next with Alian Christopher.

[00:18:39]Covering the nation and beyond. DBS sports report.

[00:18:48]>> [music] [music] >> Rudolph Thomas Enterprise in Portsmouth, your suppliers of building materials and hardware products. Over 20 years experience in in business. Rudolph Thomas has lumber and plywood at Portland and tile cement, steel rods, galvanized and fence pipe, and Rudolph Thomas can meet all your wire needs.

[00:19:20]Galvanized roofing sheets, doors, windows, toilet sets, face basins, and bidets, PVC piping, fittings, and lattice. Check out Rudolph Thomas for ceramic and vinyl floor and wall tiles, nails, nuts and bolts, paint and painting supplies, and check out their line of electrical and hand tools. And Rudolph Thomas is your one-stop shop for hard-to-find items like fiberglass mat and fiberglass resin and welding rods.

[00:19:45]Go now to Rudolph Thomas on 1240 Bay Street in Portsmith.

[00:19:56]Welcome to this evening's sport report.

[00:19:58]I'm Allyon Christopher. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have taken first innings points over the Guyana Happy Eagles, who fell just 15 runs short of Trinidad's 260.

[00:20:08]The Happy Eagles were bowled out for 245 at stumps on day two. Keemo Paul made 51, Jonathan Vanlang 46, Tagenarine Chandrapaul and Gudakesh Motie made 33 each. Jaden Seales bagged four for 55, Terrance Hinds three for 46, Anderson Phillip two for 90, and Joshua James one for 36. Earlier in the day, Jaden Seales smashed his highest list A score. He was left unbeaten with 70, having helped rescue his side who were reeling at 84 for six and 162 for nine at one point in their first innings. Speaking after the end of day two, Jonathan Vanlang, who hit five fours in his 64-ball 46, believes the game is still in the favor of Happy Eagles.

[00:20:54]Yeah, it was it was a bit it was a bit challenging, but I guess in cricket as you go under and there was there were many challenges you have to get used to.

[00:21:01]Um Jaden's an exceptional bowler. So, batting him on a wicket that was playing a few tricks here and there, ball swinging and nipping, it was definitely something that I'll remember for the rest of my career.

[00:21:10]Anything impress you today in your knock?

[00:21:13]I guess the ability to miss a few balls.

[00:21:16]Uh Imlac told me that, you know, it's best to miss the ball than to hit it and go to slip. So, yeah, definitely some missing a few balls is something that I caught my attention today. What was Keemo Paul telling you in that partnership as the more senior and experienced player? Yeah, um so, the plan before it was was to once he going out, I should just go all out because you know the wicket had a few tricks in it. So, you don't want to get one with your name on it and and you back in the hut thinking what you could have done.

[00:21:42]So, whatever you want to do, whatever shot you was able to play, just go hard.

[00:21:46]Didn't get the first innings, but you've done so well to fight. It's only 15 runs that lead.

[00:21:51]Where do you see the game poised at the moment?

[00:21:54]I think it's it's been in our favor.

[00:21:55]Knowing that their fast bowlers are bowled at least 17-18 overs each. Yeah, it's definitely 2 days is a lot of time in a in a cricket match. So, our our fast bowlers got to go and I think the the mood in the camp is is definitely positive right now. So, the game is in surely in our favor.

[00:22:11]Guyana Amazon Warriors batsman Jonathan Van Lange, the scores in the match so far. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 260 all out. Guyana Amazon Warriors 245 all out. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force leads by 15 runs. Play will resume on day three from 9:30 a.m.

[00:22:32]Alik Athanaze will continue his Caribbean Premier League journey with the St. Kitts Patriots after the franchise retained the left-hander for the 2026 CPL season. The Patriots confirmed that they exercised their rights to match option on Athanaze.

[00:22:48]Athanaze will be among a strong core of regional players selected for the upcoming tournament by the Patriots, which is scheduled to run from August 7th to September 20th, 2026. The Patriots also retained West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers, and rising Kittitian player, Mikyle Louis, while re-signing veteran opener, Andre Fletcher, through the right to match process. In a major boost to their batting lineup, the Patriots drafted CPL all-time leading run scorer, Johnson Charles. Former West Indies captain, Jason Holder, has also been drafted back into the Patriots setup, while Kevin Wickham and Obed McCoy are set to join the franchise for the first time in 2026. CPL 2026 will be played in a record equaling eight nations this year with fixtures in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

[00:23:46]In basketball, the St. Mary's Academy and the Dominica Grammar School both recorded dominant victories in the Sports Division Secondary Schools Under 15 Boys Basketball competition today at the Massacre Indoor Facility. St. Mary's Academy cruised to a commanding 74-27 victory over Portsmouth Secondary School. Leading the charge for the SMA team was Carter James with 15 points, while Lemar Sabroach added 14 points in the convincing win. For the Portsmouth Secondary School, Anthony Jones led the scoring with 11 points and Judy Ferral contributed six points. The other game scheduled for the Massacre Indoor Facility did not play as the Pierre Charles Secondary School failed to show up for their match against the North East Comprehensive School. Meanwhile, in another Under 15 Boys match-up played at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Castle Bruce Secondary School suffered a heavy 77-34 defeat to the Dominica Grammar School.

[00:24:43]Shake One Darroux scored 11 points for Castle Bruce Secondary School, while Zaine St. Louis chipped in with 10 points. Dominica Grammar School was led by Donny Williams and Jail Seraphin, who both finished with 16 points each. The Gray Macpherson also made an important contribution of 11 points. So, the Dominica Grammar School winning 77 to 34 over the Castle Bruce Secondary School, and SMA winning 74 to 27 over Portsmouth Secondary School.

[00:25:11]Head coach of the Dominica under 23 3 x 3 basketball team, Yianni Registe says there were plenty of positives for Dominica despite the team finishing fifth at the Anosis under 23 3 x 3 basketball tournament in the British Virgin Islands. Dominica secured fifth place on Sunday after defeating St. Lucia 16 to 14 in their final match of the competition. The Dominican team opened their campaign in the tournament on Saturday with a 21 to 11 loss to St. Kitts and Nevis before narrowly going down 14-12 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking after the competition, Registe said the team gained valuable experience from its first appearance at the regional tournament. Moving back to some cricket, Vincent Lewis, one of the coaches at the Dominica Cricket Academy, says the recent multi-format tour against Barbados A at Benjamin's Park offered important development lessons for the Dominica under 23 players despite a series heavy defeat.

[00:26:11]Barbados A dominated the tour winning the three-day match by 188 runs before completing a clean sweep of the T20 series with victories by 42 runs and 68 runs respectively. Vincent Lewis acknowledged that the results were not what the Dominican camp had hoped for, but stressed the exposure against a semi-professional outfit was the key takeaway.

[00:26:35]The The results were were were not um probably not what we were looking for, but of course um there's a lot of of of positives to take from the tour.

[00:26:45]Of course, we had the the the young guys rubbing shoulders with with with of course, guys like Alik and Kevin Stefano who we know are level ahead of the guys. And of course, the the Barbados team itself is practically a semi-professional team. You I mean, majority of the guys are getting paid to play cricket. So, of course, the result um are not what we what we wanted, but we have to still be positive positive in terms of you know, we had we had the the free day the free day match going going into the into the third day. And previously, the the last the last um couple years, we would have been bundled out probably in 2 days or or a day and a half. But we see this time around the guys actually stood up and fight and and and had the game going into the into into the last day. So, I think there's always positives take from from these sort of tours, especially the fact that the Barbados team, like I was telling you, is is practically professional guys. I mean, not making not making any excuses for guys. I also thought that our guys, you know, probably could have played some some better cricket, some more positive cricket. But we have to be honest and and say that yes, the Barbados team of course is is is way ahead of our boys.

[00:28:17]That is Vincent Lewis, one of the coaches at the Dominica Cricket Academy.

[00:28:22]Johnson Vidal starred with the ball, but Sign Man Kalinago Blasters secured first innings points after their opening round clash against KFC Summit ended in a draw at the Geneva playing field over the weekend in the 2026 NCCU Dominica Cricket Association's two-day Premier League. Public Relations Officer of the Dominica Cricket Association, Kimara Iton, provided details on the weekend's action. At the Botanic Gardens, the Grand Bay Cooperative Credit Union calls secured a win by default over Nagico Northern Stars Sports Club. Meanwhile, at the Geneva Playing Field, the Simon Calinago Blasters faced off against KFC Summit in an entertaining contest.

[00:29:04]Blasters posted 206 all out in 44.3 overs. Shovon Dorsett led the charge with 67 supported by Dion Rolle 53, Joel Duran 40, and A Cenie Fontaine 20.

[00:29:17]Jahson Vidal starred with the ball for Summit claiming 6 for 53, while Elton Mark supported 3 for 50. In response, Summit were bowled out of 4 119 in 37.2 overs. Shakim Thomas made 27 not out, Jahson Vidal added 23, and Stephen Pascal contributed 22. Gilon Tyson led the Blasters attack with 4 for 31, while Shovon Dorsett took 2 for 2, and Joel Duran took 2 for 11. Holding a first innings lead of 87, Blasters declared their second innings on 171 for 5.

[00:29:57]Darren Toussaint struck an aggressive 85, while Akan Edwards added 35. Jahson Vidal again impressed with a 2 for 48, while Ethan Doctrove, Elton Mark, and Stephen Pascal each picked up a wicket.

[00:30:13]Set 259 runs for victory, Summit closed on 137 for 4 as the match ended in a draw with Blasters securing first innings points. Stephen Pascal top scored with 64, and Shakim Thomas added 21. Gilon Benjamin picked up 2 for 27, while Joel Duran and Darren Toussaint took a wicket each.

[00:30:37]And that is Kimara Itel, public relations officer for the Dominica Cricket Association. Well, that is [snorts] where we'll end this evening's sport report. I've been the presenter Alian Christopher on behalf of the entire news and sports department and our links person Joseph Fadoul saying good evening.

[00:30:53]Rudolph Thomas Enterprise in Portsmouth, your suppliers of building materials and hardware products. Over 20 years experience in the business. Rudolph Thomas has lumber and plywood, a Portland and tile cement, steel rods, galvanized and fence pipe, and Rudolph Thomas can meet all your buyer needs.

[00:31:11]Galvanized roofing sheets, doors, windows, toilet sets, face basins, and bidets, PVC piping, fittings, and lattice. Check out Rudolph Thomas for ceramic and vinyl floor and wall tiles, nails, nuts and bolts, paint and painting supplies, and check out their line of electrical and hand tools. And Rudolph Thomas is your one-stop shop for hard-to-find items like fiberglass mat and fiberglass resin and welding rods.

[00:31:36]Go now to Rudolph Thomas on 1240 Bay Street in Portsmouth.

[00:31:44]>> [music] >> DBS Radio gives you top-quality service over any other for live streaming of funerals. Call us today at 448-3282.

[00:32:07]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Good evening and welcome to this evening's edition of the DBS Radio Community Bulletin Board. It is the 18th day of May 2026. We'll begin with this evening's edition of the DBS Radio Death Announcements.

[00:32:53]We announce the death of Curvin John, better known as Katia, age 66 of St. Joseph. He was the husband of Valda Hector. He was the father of daughters Curvia, Curvlin, Curvina, Curvisa, Curvraya, and Jean John.

[00:33:14]And sons Cornell, George, Curval, Curvon, and Curvlan John. He will also be remembered by his grandchildren Calice George and Shane John.

[00:33:27]His sisters Josephine Vado John, Kenneth Coffee, Gweneth, and Desiree John. His brothers Scott Dale, Vincent, and Timothy John.

[00:33:39]His nieces Cassia, Curaya, Sujeta, Kishma, Kathleen, Novena, Lisa, Tracy, Annelle, Melissa, Sarah, and Luann. His nephews Curvin, Ursa, John, Prince, Julian, Joey, Kentish, Keenan, Ian, Shad, Kyle, Devon, Yohan, Yudi, Tyler, Kevin, Jordan, Clint, Dwayne, Allan, Johnny, and Kitwan.

[00:34:16]Cousins Lasborn, Ivenia, Papala, Vern, Dudley, Allan, and Marcia.

[00:34:27]Close friends, the honorable Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, other honorable members of the government to include Dr. Vince Henderson and Darwin Lloyd.

[00:34:38]Born other close friends Born Davina, Clevo, Juliana, Kelva Darroux, Vena Royer, Hazely, Cornelius, Darius, Heno, Toots, and many other names other family and friends as well names too numerous to mention.

[00:34:59]>> [music] >> The body of the late Kerwin John better known as Cartier of St. Joseph will be viewed from 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the 20th of May at the Roseau Seventh-day Adventist Church. The funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. and will be followed by interment at the Roseau Public Cemetery. [music] The management and staff of your nation station DBS Radio extends deepest condolences to all bereaved.

[00:35:33]And now, your community bulletin board.

[00:35:38]>> [music]