Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated Ashma McDougall after she won the Roseau North by-election with 1,473 votes on September 7.
Dominica: Dominica has officially launched its 48th Independence Day calendar, running from September 19 through November 4, with this year's theme being “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future.” The calendar will include various activities and events, including a first ever walkthrough parade during the Opening Ceremony next week.
The events for this year's Independence Day celebrations were revealed by the Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, Gretta Roberts, during a live Press Conference on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The 2026 calendar will run for several weeks, featuring different activities which focus on celebrating the Nature Island's culture and history. Celebrations will officially kick off on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, with the National Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
This year's Opening Ceremony, for the first time, will feature a walkthrough parade at the Botanic Gardens. The parade has been given the name "Voyage Kilty" and will take place on September 26.
Celebrations will continue in October where Creole Fridays (October 2, 9, 16 and 23), Heritage Day (October 18), the National Madam Wob Dwiyet Pageant and the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant (October 20 and 21), and the World Creole Music Festival (October 23 to 25) are scheduled to take place.
Moreover, the National Youth Rally will take place on October 29, the Zouk Créole (Jounen Kwéyòl), and the National Dress Parade on October 30 and the Cultural Extravaganza and Eat Fish Day on October 31.
Meanwhile, the month of November have three events, the first being the National Cultural Gala (November 1) and the second being the National Day Observance Ceremony (November 3).
The culmination of the Independence Day calendar will be on November 4, which will be the National Day of Community Service.
During her address at the live conference, Minister Gretta Roberts underscored the significance of the Dominica's Independence, sharing that it is a time where the country honours the sacrifices made by the previous generations that have shaped the country to what it is today.
"Independence is a special time for us as Dominicans and our celebrations remain strong and those important events are on the national calendar. It is a season when we celebrate our culture, we honour generations who have worked and sacrificed to shape our nation and of course it's a time when we reflect as Dominicans on our collective responsibility for Dominica's continued development."
She noted that this year's theme reflects the nation’s journey, encourages people to preserve its legacy, and calls on everyone to work together towards a stronger future for generations to come
Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit took to Facebook to inform the citizens of the planned calendar where he has also encouraged the citizens to take part in the celebrations.
"As we celebrate 48 years of Independence, we honour the journey that shaped us, the legacy we carry and the future we are building together. Join us on Saturday, September 26 from 4:00 p.m., beginning at the Elmshall/UWI gate of the Botanic Gardens. Come and experience the journey!" shared the Prime Minister.