By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News | Thursday Edition
Dominica Under the Microscope for Electoral Reform
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is expressing concern over Dominica’s ongoing electoral reform process, while reaffirming confidence in the country’s ability to uphold democratic principles in line with the Organization of American States (OAS) Democratic Charter.
The commission has monitored Dominica’s reform efforts since 2018, noting civil society’s concern over the independence of electoral bodies, lack of campaign finance regulations, and the controversial removal of the 5-year absence rule in voter registration.
The Electoral Reform Commission proposed new legislation in 2023 to improve transparency. In May 2024, Dominica’s government introduced three major bills—the Registration of Electors Bill, the House of Assembly Elections Bill, and the Electoral Commission Bill—aimed at overhauling the voting system.
Airport Shooting Shocks Trinidad
Over in Trinidad, a man was shot and killed near Piarco International Airport early Thursday morning, shortly after landing. A second passenger was wounded during the brazen attack, which occurred in a vehicle parked near the arrivals area.
Police say the gunmen opened fire and fled the scene. The shocking incident comes just days after the end of a state of emergency that was imposed in December 2024 following a deadly weekend that saw six murders in Port of Spain. Investigations are ongoing.
AI Deepfake Video Targets St. Vincent PM
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is denouncing fake news and AI-generated content aimed at discrediting him ahead of expected elections in November 2025.
A viral video shows a Gonsalves lookalike allegedly promoting a fake government grant program. The Prime Minister clarified that it was AI-generated disinformation, and pointed out the voice lacked his distinctive “twang.”
He also suggested that the disinformation campaign may involve foreign entities, including China, and backers of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). The video appears to be part of a larger strategy to unseat the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Gonsalves reiterated his government’s rejection of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which he believes is linked to the spread of political propaganda.
