In a significant move to bolster regional security, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Santo Domingo. The high-level meeting aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and expand joint initiatives to address the escalating narcotics crisis in the region. This visit highlights the United States’ recognition of the Dominican Republic’s advancements in combating illegal drug activities and the robust coordination mechanisms established between the two nations. Hegseth was warmly received at the National Palace by key Dominican officials, including the Ministers of the Presidency and Defense, as well as the Director of State Protocol. The discussions, held in the White Room, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing security partnership between the two countries. Following the meeting, both leaders are anticipated to announce new agreements and outline actionable steps to further strengthen their collaborative security strategy.
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U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrives in the Dominican Republic
In a landmark diplomatic event, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth touched down at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo this Wednesday afternoon. This visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. Secretary of War has officially traveled to the Dominican Republic, signaling a significant moment in bilateral relations. Upon arrival, Hegseth was greeted with formal honors in the Ambassadors’ Hall by representatives of the Dominican Executive Branch, as reported by Listín Diario.
While his official agenda commenced at 2:30 p.m. with a high-profile meeting with Dominican President Luis Abinader in the Green Room of the National Palace, Hegseth engaged in preliminary discussions with U.S. Embassy officials aboard his aircraft prior to the formal engagements.
President Abinader had earlier emphasized the importance of this visit, noting its potential to enhance collaborative efforts between the two nations, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking. Over recent years, the U.S. and the Dominican Republic have significantly ramped up their coordination in this critical area, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
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Bolsonaro begint aan 27 jaar celstraf voor couppoging
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has commenced his 27-year prison sentence this weekend following his conviction by the Supreme Court. The charges stem from his alleged leadership in a coup attempt after his electoral defeat in 2022, undermining the democratic rule of law, and directing an armed criminal organization. Bolsonaro, aged 70, was transferred to the federal police headquarters in Brasília on Saturday after attempting to remove his electronic ankle monitor. The court interpreted this as a potential escape attempt, though Bolsonaro claimed he was experiencing hallucinations. Initially, Bolsonaro was allowed to await his appeal under house arrest, but after his appeal was rejected last week, all legal avenues were exhausted. His lawyers’ request for house arrest due to poor health was also denied. The Supreme Court decided to place Bolsonaro in a special cell within the police headquarters for security reasons. The 12-square-meter cell includes a private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and a bed, with no contact permitted with other detainees. Several former top officials, including two generals, a former Minister of Justice, and Bolsonaro’s intended vice president, have also been detained. A former security chief and congressman remains at large, reportedly in the United States. Despite his conviction, Bolsonaro retains popularity among a segment of the Brazilian population. His ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, labeled the prosecution a ‘witch hunt.’ During the trial, the U.S. increased import tariffs on Brazil to 50%, though these were largely reversed after diplomatic discussions between Brazilian President Lula and Trump at the ASEAN summit. The sentencing of Bolsonaro is historic, marking the first time a former Brazilian president has received a long-term prison sentence for attempting a coup. Analysts predict the case will have lasting implications for Brazil’s political landscape.
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Grandfather guilty of disposing of granddaughter’s body
An 80-year-old man from Bush Hall, Winfield Nurse, has been found guilty of unlawfully disposing of the body of his 12-year-old granddaughter, Rasheeda Bascombe, in a case spanning over a decade. The verdict was delivered unanimously by a nine-member jury at the No. 4A Supreme Court on Tuesday, following a brief deliberation of just over an hour and a half. Nurse’s conviction marks the culmination of a tragic and long-standing mystery that has haunted the family since Bascombe’s disappearance between 2002 and 2013. According to court proceedings, Nurse admitted to police that Bascombe had contacted him three months after she went missing, demanding $1,000. In a written statement, Nurse recounted meeting her in Jackson, where an altercation ensued. He claimed Bascombe pulled out a knife, leading to a scuffle during which both fell to the ground, resulting in her being fatally stabbed. Nurse further stated that he returned two days later and disposed of her body by rolling it over a cliff to avoid detection. Bascombe’s mother, Hermena Straker, who has since passed away, testified in 2013 that Nurse confessed to her at Glebe Police Station, detailing the fatal encounter. Nurse chose not to defend himself during the trial, and no witnesses were called on his behalf. His attorney, Lennox Miller, requested a pre-sentence report, and Justice Donna Babb-Agard adjourned sentencing until January 29, 2026. The case was prosecuted by Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis and State Counsel Tito Holder.
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House Speaker to come from outside Parliament in constitutional change
In a groundbreaking move, Barbados is poised to revolutionize its parliamentary system with sweeping constitutional and legislative changes. For the first time in generations, the Speaker of the House of Assembly will be elected from outside the chamber, and senators holding ministerial roles will gain the right to participate directly in House debates. These reforms, spearheaded by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, signify a transformative shift in parliamentary representation and ministerial accountability in the Caribbean nation.
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Adhin: 50 jaar onafhankelijkheid vraagt om eerbied én zelfonderzoek
During an extraordinary meeting of the National Assembly (DNA) on November 25, Speaker Ashwin Adhin emphasized the need for national reflection and the reinforcement of Suriname’s state foundations. Addressing government officials, parliament members, international guests, and the public in the Congress Hall, Adhin highlighted the importance of evaluating the nation’s progress since its independence 50 years ago. He expressed gratitude to delegations from neighboring countries, partner states, and the broader international community, noting the presence of representatives from the Netherlands, India, China, Indonesia, and the Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom as a testament to Suriname’s historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Adhin identified four critical structural challenges facing Suriname: financial stability, autonomous long-term planning, organizational strength of the state and society, and political culture. He warned that without addressing these issues, the next 50 years could mirror the past. Adhin called for a renewed commitment to sovereignty, responsibility, and leadership, asserting that true independence is not just a date but an attitude. He urged citizens, leaders, and institutions to embrace discipline, better organization, system strengthening, and integrity to fulfill the promise of 1975.
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ONDA offers free work registration for authors at Mercadexpo UNIBE
The National Copyright Office (ONDA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to support creators participating in Mercadexpo 2025. Through Resolution 011-2025, signed by Director José Rubén Gonell Cosme, ONDA will provide free registration for artistic, literary, and scientific works during the event. This move aims to foster intellectual property protection within a prominent academic and business forum.
The fee waiver applies to works submitted in person from November 26 to 28 at the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), the venue for the marketing and business fair. ONDA has committed to streamlining internal procedures to ensure the resolution’s effective implementation and will extensively promote the initiative across its communication platforms.
Mercadexpo, renowned as one of the Dominican Republic’s premier marketing congresses, will center its 2025 edition on the theme “Emotion.” The event will explore how emotional connections shape purchasing decisions, brand loyalty, and memorable consumer experiences. Over three days, attendees will engage in conferences, workshops, networking sessions, and certification programs led by international experts.
ONDA’s decision to offer free registration underscores the significance of safeguarding creativity in a dynamic environment that unites students, professionals, and businesses. This initiative not only empowers creators to protect their intellectual property but also provides them with a platform to explore cutting-edge marketing trends and the pivotal role of emotions in today’s competitive marketplace.
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Changes to House Speaker election proposed by minority opinion
The Barbados government introduced three significant constitutional amendments to Parliament on Tuesday, sparking debate and raising questions about the process of constitutional reform. The proposals include widening the permissible size variation of constituencies, electing the Speaker of the House from outside the House of Assembly, and granting ministers expanded speaking rights in both legislative chambers. These amendments, however, were not endorsed by the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC), according to its Chair, retired jurist Christopher Blackman, who expressed confusion over the current status of the commission’s report on constitutional changes, completed in 2024.
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Massale viering van 50 jaar Srefidensi op Onafhankelijkheidsplein
Suriname marked its 50th anniversary of independence, known as Srefidensi, with a series of vibrant celebrations centered around Independence Square. The event was a testament to national pride and unity, despite a minor incident during the festivities. A parachutist descending with a massive Surinamese flag captivated the audience, who erupted in cheers upon his safe landing. Earlier in the day, another parachutist carrying the SLM flag had a mishap, landing incorrectly. The crowd, visibly concerned, breathed a sigh of relief and applauded warmly as he was taken to an ambulance, signaling the resilience and spirit of the occasion. The parade and military display were highlights of the day, with President Jennifer Simons, also the Commander-in-Chief, receiving enthusiastic greetings as she inspected the troops. Notably, the presence of numerous women in leadership roles within the armed forces drew appreciative cheers and applause from the audience. The event also featured the introduction of new police uniforms and a parachute show, which, despite a rough landing by one participant, concluded successfully, leaving the crowd in high spirits. In her address at the presidential palace, President Simons emphasized the importance of unity, dignity, and mutual respect in building a prosperous future for Suriname. She called on the nation to work together over the next fifty years to create a thriving country for future generations.
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CCJ Academy for Law hosts 8th Biennial Conference in Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law is set to host its 8th Biennial Conference from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Marking the CCJ’s 20th anniversary, the event, themed ‘The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence,’ will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including judicial officers, legal practitioners, academics, policymakers, and regional partners, to reflect on the Court’s two-decade legacy and its future trajectory. The conference will feature an Opening Ceremony with addresses by Senator John Jeremie, SC, Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, and Deputy Chair of the CCJ Academy for Law, Justice Chantal Ononaiwu. Representatives from CARICOM, the European Union, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank will also contribute. The three-day program will delve into critical legal topics such as constitutional law, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and the role of technology in law. Notable sessions include discussions on the CCJ’s Original Jurisdiction and its impact on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron and Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, will also deliver key presentations. The event underscores the Academy’s mission to advance legal education and foster a resilient regional justice sector, supported by partners including LexisNexis, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the European Union.