The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) has closed registration for the 2026 Emergency Response Public Speaking Competition, confirming seven schools that will take part in the event. The announcement, issued by the ODM, marks the end of the registration phase and the start of preparation for the young speakers.
The ODM expressed its appreciation to all schools and students who responded to the call to participate. In a statement, the office extended best wishes to each participant as they prepare for the competition, adding that it looks forward to what it described as an exciting event.
The seven participating schools were named in the announcement. While the ODM did not release further details on the competition format or schedule, the confirmation of the school list signals that planning is moving ahead for the 2026 edition.
The Emergency Response Public Speaking Competition is an initiative of the Office of Disaster Management, the agency responsible for disaster preparedness, response and coordination in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The competition forms part of the ODM's wider efforts to engage young people in matters of emergency readiness and public safety.
Public speaking competitions of this kind give students an opportunity to research and present on topics related to disaster management, including hurricane preparedness, community resilience and the role of citizens in emergency situations. For a small island state exposed to tropical systems and other natural hazards, building a culture of preparedness from an early age is a central part of national disaster planning.
The ODM's announcement did not specify the date or venue of the competition, nor the speaking topics that participants will address. Those details are expected to be released as the event approaches.
Schools across Dominica have regularly taken part in ODM-led awareness activities, including drills, educational campaigns and observances tied to the Atlantic hurricane season. The public speaking competition adds a competitive and academic dimension to that outreach, encouraging students to articulate disaster preparedness messages in their own words.
The ODM thanked the participating schools and students once more, and said it looks forward to an exciting competition. No further information was provided at the time of the announcement.
Dominica 1 will carry updates on the competition, including the schedule and results, as they are released by the Office of Disaster Management.
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