A heated debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding a rent-to-own housing unit acquired by Soleil Gonsalves, the daughter of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves. The new UNC government alleges that she received preferential treatment under the former PNM administration, while the Gonsalves family maintains that the property was secured through the open market. However, a closer examination of the rent-to-own system reveals why such claims are untenable. Rent-to-own is not a standard commercial real estate transaction. It is a government-supported initiative designed to assist low- to middle-income individuals who are unable to qualify for traditional mortgages due to insufficient income, lack of down payments, or unstable employment. These schemes are inherently selective, offering reduced monthly payments and state subsidies to help beneficiaries gradually build equity. In this case, the unit in question reportedly costs TT$2,750 per month, a stark contrast to its market rental value of TT$10,000. This 70% reduction underscores the program’s nature as a subsidy, not a market-rate purchase. The assertion that the unit was available on an open market is further undermined by the fact that over 214,000 Trinidadians are on the HDC waiting list for affordable housing, some for decades. If the unit were genuinely accessible to anyone, it is implausible that it would bypass thousands of long-suffering citizens. This raises critical questions about transparency and fairness in the allocation process. The controversy highlights the need for public clarity on the purpose of rent-to-own schemes: to provide a lifeline for those excluded from traditional homeownership pathways. The truth of this case suggests that the unit was not obtained through an open, first-come-first-served process, but rather through a system that appears to favor select individuals.
作者： admin
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Innovation across sectors at science fair
The annual National Science Fair, organized by the Ministry of Education, showcased a range of groundbreaking innovations and sustainable practices this year. Among the standout exhibits was a cutting-edge computer application designed to assist disaster management officials in monitoring relief supplies in real time. This tool enables shelter and warehouse managers, along with senior NEMO officials, to efficiently track and distribute aid, ensuring it reaches the intended recipients without delay. Another notable innovation was a wearable sweat patch that allows users to monitor body fluid loss, offering potential benefits for health and fitness enthusiasts. The fair also featured creative projects such as the extraction of floral scents for perfume production, sustainable farming techniques from the Grenadines, and natural water purification methods. In the realm of robotics, a group of students unveiled a motorized vacuum-cleaning device equipped with proximity sensors, demonstrating their technical prowess. Additionally, exhibits on satellite communications and the use of traditional herbs for hypertension control highlighted the intersection of technology and health. The event, themed ‘Bridging Science and Society,’ spanned three days and included a prize-giving ceremony at the Methodist Town Hall in Kingstown. Juanita King, the fair’s coordinator, expressed her satisfaction with the diverse and high-quality exhibits, particularly praising the participation from secondary schools on mainland St. Vincent and the Southern Grenadines. This year’s fair saw contributions from 17 primary schools and 12 secondary schools, including all the Grenadine islands, underscoring the event’s widespread appeal and educational impact.
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Gonsalves asks US to grant Vincies visa-free entry
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally requested the United States to grant visa-free entry to Vincentian passport holders. In a three-page letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 22, Gonsalves highlighted the unique circumstances of his nation in the evolving global migration and geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only English-speaking Caribbean country without diplomatic ties to China or a citizenship-by-investment program, maintaining relations with Taiwan instead. Gonsalves argued that Vincentians already enjoy visa-free access to numerous countries, including the UK, EU Schengen states, and the UAE, and have consistently upheld the integrity of their travel privileges. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that granting this request would benefit both nations amid shifting global dynamics. While the US State Department has referred the matter to the Department of Homeland Security, a scheduled meeting in September was postponed due to an emergency. Gonsalves assured that discussions are ongoing, though a resolution is unlikely before the upcoming general election on November 27. He also criticized the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) for policies that could complicate travel to the US, Canada, and Europe. This initiative underscores Gonsalves’ efforts to strengthen international ties and improve opportunities for Vincentians abroad.
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Police and military agents are the main perpetrators of femicides in the Dominican Republic
A recent study titled ‘Femicide in the Dominican Republic during 2024: An X-ray of Femicide Violence 2016-2024’ has uncovered alarming trends in gender-based violence. The report reveals that active or inactive members of military institutions and armed forces, including the National Police and the Army of the Dominican Republic, are the primary perpetrators of femicide in the country. In 2024 alone, 73 women were violently killed by 74 men, with the majority of these crimes committed by police officers and military personnel against their partners or ex-partners. Shockingly, 67% of these cases involved the use of service firearms, and 83% of the perpetrators chose to take their own lives with the same weapon after committing the crime. The victims, predominantly aged between 25 and 31, left behind an average of one to four children, resulting in 77 children orphaned in 2024. Over the past nine years, femicides have orphaned 1,072 children, with 524 being children of female victims, 418 of perpetrators, and 130 shared by both. Tragically, 21 children were killed during violent conflicts between their parents. The study highlights the devastating physical and emotional consequences of femicide, particularly on children and adolescents, and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address this crisis.
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Nearly three million Dominicans live outside the Dominican Republic. Where are they?
The Dominican diaspora has grown significantly, with nearly three million Dominicans now residing outside their homeland. According to the 2024 Sociodemographic Registry Report of Dominicans Abroad, published by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index), the total number of Dominicans living abroad has reached 2,874,124. This marks an increase of 27,408 individuals compared to the previous year, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 1%. The registry, updated until December 2024, spans 119 regions, including 95 sovereign states and 24 dependent territories, with new additions such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Women constitute the majority of the diaspora, accounting for 53.5% (1,480,252), while men represent 46.5% (1,284,882). The youth demographic, aged 25 or younger, makes up 37.2% of the total, whereas those aged 55 and older account for 19.1%. Geographically, the Americas host the largest share of the diaspora, with 89.9% (2,580,924) of Dominicans residing there, followed by Europe with 10% (288,515). The United States remains the top destination, home to 2,398,009 Dominicans, followed by Spain (201,162), Italy (29,791), Chile (22,836), Canada (22,125), the Netherlands (17,979), and Venezuela (11,399). Other countries with notable Dominican populations include Mexico (10,539), Panama (8,785), France (8,699), the United Kingdom (8,149), Argentina (7,817), and Germany (6,580). Within the United States, New York has the highest concentration of Dominicans (848,560), followed by New Jersey (380,143) and Florida (312,604). In Spain, Madrid (68,448) and Barcelona (40,353) are the primary hubs for the Dominican community.
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Disaster! Strong winds in Mao knock down houses and trees
On Saturday afternoon, a powerful gust of wind swept through the municipality of Mao in Valverde province, Dominican Republic, causing significant damage to homes and uprooting numerous trees. Meteorological analyst Jean Suriel attributed the phenomenon to a trough that had been affecting various regions of the country since early morning, bringing with it rain, lightning, and intense wind gusts. Suriel noted that the wind was so forceful that it tore roofs off several houses and even led to the formation of a funnel cloud, resembling a tornado, during the event. Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a green alert for the provinces of Samaná, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Monseñor Nouel, warning of potential flooding in rivers, streams, and ravines, as well as flash floods. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) predicts a mostly sunny morning for Sunday, with scattered clouds and no significant rainfall. However, conditions are expected to worsen in the afternoon, with increased cloud cover, downpours, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts forecasted for several provinces, including La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Espaillat, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Barahona, Independencia, Elías Piña, Pedernales, San Cristóbal, and the northern part of Greater Santo Domingo. These adverse weather conditions may persist into the early evening.
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Four provinces remain on alert The weather will take a turn this Sunday: stable morning and turbulent afternoon
Sunday’s weather forecast indicates a shift from calm morning conditions to severe afternoon storms across various regions of the country. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) reported a decrease in rainfall during the early morning hours, with partly cloudy skies prevailing initially. However, as the day progresses, significant changes are anticipated. By evening, cloud development is expected to bring heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to several areas, including La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Espaillat, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Barahona, Independencia, Elías Piña, Pedernales, San Cristóbal, and the northern part of Greater Santo Domingo. These adverse weather conditions are projected to persist into the early night hours. Indomet attributes this weather pattern to the influence of a surface trough and the remnants of a frontal system lingering near the country. In response, Indomet and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) have issued a weather alert, warning of potential urban flooding in Samaná, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Monseñor Nouel. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures.
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Geen uitweg meer: vermogen publieke personen voortaan onder toezicht
Starting November 17, public officials, including politicians, ministers, and members of parliament, will no longer be exempt from declaring their assets and income. This mandate comes as Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath issued a directive to implement the 2023 State Decree, which required only a final date for the availability of the declaration form on the Anti-Corruption Commission’s website. The process of asset declaration can now commence immediately, with a three-month window for compliance. The government has spent nearly two years since 2023 preparing the form for publication. The finalized form marks the starting point for recording the income and assets of public officials. The 2023 State Decree already outlined the rules for completing the form, which underwent revisions after the initial draft was deemed too intrusive for politicians. With acceptable adjustments, the form now allows for the declaration of assets and income. The decree also specifies how updates can be made after the initial registration. Notably, the Anti-Corruption Commission has been renamed the Corruption Prevention Commission (CPC), reflecting its updated mandate and powers. The CPC will not be responsible for protecting whistleblowers who report on public officials’ assets to the Attorney General. A new verification process for declared assets has been introduced, along with an independent investigation for significant increases in wealth. Additionally, a publication requirement has been established. The 2023 State Decree stipulates that asset declarations must be made before a notary, who will keep the completed form sealed. The form can only be transferred to the Attorney General, and after the official’s term ends, the declaration remains with the notary for one year. This measure is part of the 2017 Anti-Corruption Law, which is based on the Inter-American Convention against Corruption by the Organization of American States (OAS).
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Aandacht voor de gezondheid van de man tijdens Movember**
Men’s health is often overshadowed by societal expectations of strength and resilience, but the reality is stark: men are equally susceptible to illness and often delay seeking medical help. Globally and in Suriname, male health remains an under-discussed issue. To address this, November is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental well-being, through the international campaign known as Movember or No Shave November.
Movember, a global movement originating in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003, encourages men to grow moustaches throughout November to highlight health issues disproportionately affecting men. The campaign focuses on increasing awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, suicide prevention, and fundraising for research and improved healthcare for men.
Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men globally and in Suriname, is a central theme of Movember. The prostate, a small organ below the bladder, plays a vital role in reproduction by producing seminal fluid. In Suriname, approximately 80 new cases are diagnosed annually, primarily in men over 65, though younger men are also at risk, especially those with a family history of the disease.
Early detection is critical, as prostate cancer often presents no symptoms initially. Screening methods include a rectal exam and a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test. If abnormalities are detected, further investigations such as MRI scans and biopsies are conducted. Treatment options vary based on the cancer’s stage, ranging from radiation and hormone therapy to chemotherapy.
While advanced surgical procedures like robot-assisted prostate removal are unavailable in Suriname, the country offers comprehensive care, including specialized urologists, modern diagnostic tools, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Men over 50 are advised to discuss screening with their doctors, and those with a family history should consider testing from age 45.
Movember serves as a vital reminder to prioritize men’s health, break taboos, and encourage timely medical intervention. By fostering awareness and proactive healthcare, we can improve the health and quality of life for men in Suriname and beyond.
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Croix-des-Bouquets : The Haitian National Police (PNH) deals a decisive blow against the «400 Mawozo» gang
In a landmark operation on November 14, 2025, the Haitian National Police (PNH), in collaboration with the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), launched a meticulously planned assault against the infamous ‘400 Mawozo’ gang. This criminal organization had entrenched itself along National Road 3 (RN3), fortifying key sections and disrupting public safety. The coordinated strike, driven by precise intelligence, resulted in the seizure of a vast arsenal of weapons and ammunition, significantly weakening the gang’s operational capabilities. Among the confiscated items was an armored bulldozer, a tool the gang used to erect barricades and destroy state infrastructure. Notably, the PNH recovered a .50 caliber American Barrett rifle, a high-precision sniper weapon capable of penetrating steel plates from considerable distances. This weapon had been a centerpiece of the gang’s propaganda. The operation neutralized critical gang resources, marking a turning point in the fight against organized crime in Haiti. Several gang members were killed or wounded, while security forces emerged unscathed. This decisive action underscores the PNH’s growing capacity to dismantle criminal networks and restore order in gang-controlled areas.