Dominica Central News

28/03/2026

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20/02/2026

22/01/2026

Five Dominican Nationals Earn Degrees at Western Illinois University

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - -Five Dominicans graduated with degrees from Western Illinois University in the December 2025 Commencement Exercises. One earned a master’s degree and four earned bachelor’s degrees. They were among more than 15 Caribbean students who earned degrees at all levels.

Marissa Norris of Loubiere earned a Master of Science in computer science. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in Texas. She also served the university as a graduate assistant in Global Studies where she managed local affairs for Caribbean students.

Berni Servil of Loubiere earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with cm laude honors.

Michelle M Daniel of Roseau earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with cm laude honors. She was also inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Keithan Vidal of Salisbury earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics.

Chelsea Dailey of Roseau earned a Bachelor of Business degree in Human Resource Management.

"Students who hail from the Caribbean islands represent some of Western Illinois University's high academic achievers," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "WIU is a home away from home for students around the globe who add to the university's mission, culture, and impact around the world."

Left to right-- Chelsea Dailey, Marissa Norris, Keithan Vidal, Berni Servil (Missing Michelle Daniel)

For more information on Scholarship and Study Opportunities at WIU’s Contact Lead Institute (265-5751)

22/01/2026

Part 1 – U.S. Visa Restrictions: What Dominican Students Need to Know”

Over the past few weeks, many Dominican students and parents have been understandably anxious about reports of new U.S. travel and visa restrictions. For families planning higher education, uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

What’s important to understand is that these restrictions are not about Dominican students doing something wrong. They are policy decisions related to how visas are issued, not about academic performance, behaviour, or immigration violations.

If you are already studying in the United States you are not being asked to leave, and existing valid visas have not been cancelled. The main concern is for new applicants who were planning to apply for a U.S. visa for the first time.

Dominica’s inclusion is linked to broader U.S. policy concerns around vetting systems and citizenship-by-investment programmes, not the long-standing success of Dominican students abroad. In fact, Dominican students have a strong track record of studying legally and successfully in the U.S.

The Government of Dominica has confirmed it is engaging directly with U.S. authorities through diplomatic channels, and history shows that measures like these are often reviewed or adjusted over time.

The key message for families is this: stay informed, avoid panic, and seek reliable guidance. This situation is evolving, and education planning should be thoughtful—not rushed.

10/01/2026

Valentine Day preorder at Frost & Fold Cafe

10/01/2026

Finding Frost & Fold Cafe, Roseau, Dominica

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04/06/2025

Dominicans on Dean's List at Western Illinois University

Twelve Dominican students earned a place on the Dean’s List at Western Illinois University last semester. This is the largest delegation of any foreign nation represented on the honor roll. The undergraduate students, part of a growing cohort at the university, all earned GPA’s above 3.6. Several of the students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester.

Recognized Students are:
• Sherece Benga Fregiste (Senior—May graduate)
• Jamali Joseph (Senior)
• Jeanelle R E Kerr (Senior)
• Rivaldo T M Panthier (Senior)
• Michelle Muriel Romina Daniel (Senior)
• Berni Hamael Servil (Senior)
• Naomi C P Scotland (Senior)
• Keithan Danton Vidal (Senior)
• Chelsea Giselle Dailey (Senior)
• Dinelle Kiane B Dailey (Senior—May graduate)
• Akysha Claudette Laronde (Senior)
• Joshua Douglas (Junior)

Interim Provost, Dr. Mark Mossman noted that faculty were generally impressed with the performance of Dominican and Caribbean students at WIU.

“The Caribbean region students have developed a stellar reputation for excellence at WIU,” said Dr. Mossman. “We are delighted to have them on our campus.”

Western Illinois University, a 125-year-old state institution, will join several other US and Canadian universities to meet prospective Dominican students at DSC and the National Stadium on June 11th. Interested persons may contact Lead Institute (276-8548) for additional information.

21/05/2025

Thirteen Dominicans Graduate Western Illinois University