Kaitlyne Haylock, a Belizean journalist, has achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award. The accolade was awarded to her and her former team at WMTV 15 in Madison, Wisconsin, for their exceptional coverage of a tragic school shooting that occurred on December 16, 2024. The incident, which shook the Madison community, was meticulously reported by Haylock and her colleagues, earning them the Emmy for Best Morning Show and Evening News. At the time of the shooting, Haylock was pursuing her master’s degree while working as a morning show producer, gaining both academic and professional experience. In an interview, Haylock reflected on her journey, attributing her passion for journalism to her early exposure to the field through her mother, who was a prominent journalist and news anchor in Belize. Haylock’s dedication to informing the public during the crisis, coupled with her ability to manage a high-pressure newsroom environment, highlights her commitment to the profession. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists worldwide, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling.
作者： admin
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Dominican Consulate in Boston hosts first gathering with Dominican students
Boston, Massachusetts – The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Boston, under the leadership of Consul General Antonio Almonte, recently hosted its inaugural gathering with Dominican students enrolled in universities across the New England region. The event aimed to foster stronger connections between young Dominicans studying abroad and their consular representation, emphasizing cultural pride and academic excellence. Dozens of students from renowned institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Northeastern University, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, and UMass Boston attended the meeting. The gathering provided a platform for networking, sharing academic and professional experiences, and celebrating Dominican heritage through music and traditional cuisine. Vice President Raquel Peña participated virtually, commending the students for their outstanding representation of the Dominican Republic and encouraging them to pursue their studies with dedication while maintaining strong ties to their cultural roots. The Consulate reiterated its commitment to supporting Dominican youth in New England through initiatives that promote academic advancement, cultural identity, and leadership development, thereby enhancing the community’s contributions to the nation’s progress.
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America’s largest warship has arrived in the Caribbean
The US Navy has confirmed the deployment of a formidable naval strike force, led by the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, to the Caribbean. This move, ordered by President Donald Trump last month, comes amidst escalating tensions with Venezuela and ongoing military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the region. Since its initiation, the US has conducted at least 19 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of orchestrating a fabricated crisis aimed at destabilizing his socialist government. The strike force, which entered the operational area of US Southern Command on November 11, includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and various support vessels. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the deployment aims to enhance the US’s ability to detect and disrupt illicit activities, particularly narcotics trafficking, in the region. This deployment significantly amplifies the US military presence in Latin America, which already includes thousands of troops, a nuclear-powered submarine, and military aircraft based in Puerto Rico. The recent strikes have heightened tensions with Colombia and Venezuela, raising concerns among human rights observers about potential violations. Despite these tensions, President Trump has dismissed suggestions of plans to overthrow the Venezuelan government or initiate a conflict, emphasizing the necessity of the strikes to combat drug trafficking.
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Technology : 71 IT Analysts Graduate
On November 9, 2025, Port-au-Prince witnessed a landmark event as 71 IT analysts graduated from an intensive six-month training program. This initiative, spearheaded by Akademi in collaboration with Quisqueya University, was financially supported by Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH). The program, known as Akademi’s Capstone Haiti 2025 Expo, underscores Haiti’s growing potential in the technology sector. The cohort began with 100 students, of which 71 successfully completed the rigorous curriculum. Participants were guided by industry experts and guest speakers, focusing on advanced technical skills in data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and cybersecurity. The Capstone phase required students to develop original projects, source datasets, and create software and machine learning solutions, culminating in professional-level presentations. Designed to align with international best practices while addressing local needs, the program aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary to drive Haiti’s digital transformation. This initiative highlights the country’s commitment to fostering talent in emerging fields critical to its digital economy.
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Elections : Important meeting of stakeholders involved in the electoral process
On November 11, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened a pivotal high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Haiti, bringing together national and international stakeholders to accelerate the electoral process. The gathering aimed to enhance consultation, foster coordination, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to credible, inclusive, and sovereign elections. Attendees included Cabinet members, representatives from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and international partners. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Haiti, confirmed the UN’s technical and logistical support, emphasizing efforts to restore democratic institutions. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé stressed the importance of transparent collaboration between national and international entities to ensure free and fair elections. Discussions covered security, logistical, and technical aspects, while laying the groundwork for the Sectoral and Donors’ Roundtables, crucial for mobilizing resources. The Haitian government has already contributed $70 million to election financing since 2021, with an additional 3 billion gourdes allocated in the 2025-2026 budget. A capacity-building program for political parties has also been launched, with over 225 parties registered. The CEP is finalizing the electoral decree and calendar, expected by late November. Fils-Aimé praised the collaborative spirit but underscored that the process’s success hinges on the Haitian people’s mobilization.
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Dominican power system restored after nationwide blackout
The Dominican Republic has successfully restored its national power grid following a widespread blackout that disrupted electricity supply across the country. Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos confirmed that by 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, all power generation plants were operational, and the national transmission system was functioning at full capacity, meeting 96% of the country’s electricity demand. In an official statement, Santos assured that the electrical network had stabilized and was operating normally. A Failure Committee has been convened to investigate the technical causes of the outage, which reportedly originated at a substation in San Pedro de Macorís. The committee is set to meet at 10:00 a.m. to delve into the incident. During the crisis, key figures in the electricity sector, including ETED Administrator Martín Robles, CUED President Celso Marranzini, CNE Executive Director Edward Veras, Electricity Superintendent Andrés Astacio, and Vice Minister of Energy Alfonso Rodríguez, coordinated efforts from ETED’s Operations Center. Minister Santos also highlighted the active involvement of President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña, who maintained constant communication with the control center to oversee the recovery process. Santos reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring energy security and the reliability of the national power system, praising the collaborative efforts of all institutions involved in restoring and maintaining stability.
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Suspect Arrested in House Breaking Incident at Fort Road
In a swift response to a reported burglary, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully arrested a 21-year-old suspect from Bathlodge. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at a residence on Fort Road. The homeowner alerted authorities that a knapsack filled with school supplies and other personal belongings had been stolen. Officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) promptly initiated an investigation, which led to the recovery of the stolen items near a local business establishment. The suspect was subsequently detained at the St. John’s Police Station, and the investigation is still underway. The police have reiterated their call for residents to remain vigilant, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activities by contacting 911 or the CID at 462-3913.
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PAHO – alert: America’s verliezen status mazelenvrije regio
The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has announced that the Americas region has lost its status as free from endemic measles transmission. This decision follows the findings of PAHO’s Regional Commission for Monitoring and Re-verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination, which convened in Mexico City from November 4 to 7, 2025, to assess the epidemiological situation in the region. The commission confirmed that endemic measles transmission has re-emerged in Canada, where the virus has been circulating for at least twelve months. This marks a significant setback for the Americas, which was the first region globally to eliminate measles twice. All other countries in the region retain their elimination status for now. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that while this loss is a setback, it is reversible. He stressed that as long as measles persists globally, the region remains at risk of reintroduction and spread among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. With political will, regional cooperation, and sustained vaccination efforts, transmission can be interrupted, and the shared success of elimination restored. As of November 7, 2025, 12,593 confirmed measles cases have been reported across ten countries, with 95% of cases concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This represents a thirtyfold increase compared to 2024. Tragically, 28 deaths have been recorded, with 23 in Mexico, 3 in the U.S., and 2 in Canada. Active outbreaks are ongoing in Canada, Mexico, the U.S., Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Belize, primarily driven by imported cases. Most infections occur in under-vaccinated communities, with 89% of cases involving unvaccinated or vaccination-status-unknown individuals. Children under one year old are the most affected, followed by those aged one to four. The Canadian outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick and spread nationwide, with over 5,000 confirmed cases. While new cases are declining, transmission persists in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Measles, one of the most contagious viruses, can infect up to 18 people per case and lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death. Outbreaks also strain healthcare systems. Vaccination remains the most effective tool against measles, having prevented an estimated six million deaths in the Americas over the past 25 years and 15 million globally in the last 50 years. However, the regional coverage rate for the second dose of the MMR vaccine was only 79% in 2024, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. PAHO continues to support countries in strengthening surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, outbreak response, and vaccination campaigns. Experts have been deployed to Mexico, Argentina, and Bolivia, while the organization closely monitors Belize, Brazil, and Paraguay. Dr. Barbosa urged countries to redouble their efforts, emphasizing that every prevented outbreak and stopped infection saves lives. The commission recommended intensifying vaccination campaigns, enhancing electronic immunization registries, sustainably funding laboratory capacity, and conducting PCR tests for suspected cases with negative IgM results. The Americas have previously regained measles-free status after temporary losses in Venezuela (2018) and Brazil (2019) through coordinated regional action. To regain the status, a country must demonstrate no endemic transmission for at least twelve consecutive months, supported by vaccination, surveillance, and outbreak response data. Canada is now implementing an action plan within PAHO’s regional framework to increase vaccination rates, strengthen monitoring systems, and respond swiftly to new outbreaks. Dr. Barbosa concluded, ‘Collaboration, solidarity, and science are stronger than any virus. When we work together, we protect the health and lives of all people in the Americas.’
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Father and daughter die in airplane crash in Florida, heading to deliver aid to Jamaica
A devastating aviation incident in Florida has claimed the lives of a father and daughter who were on a mission to deliver aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The victims, identified as Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter Serena, tragically lost their lives when their Beechcraft King Air aircraft crashed into a lake in Coral Springs, a residential area north of Miami. The crash occurred shortly after the plane took off from Fort Lauderdale, with security footage capturing the harrowing moment of impact, showing the aircraft disintegrating upon contact with the water. Alexander Wurm was renowned for founding Ignite the Fire, a Christian ministry with a strong evangelical presence across the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands. The organization had previously been involved in delivering aid to Jamaica, and this flight was part of their ongoing humanitarian efforts. Emergency services, including police and fire rescue teams, swiftly responded to the scene on Monday. Divers were deployed in a desperate search for survivors, but officials later confirmed that the operation had transitioned from rescue to recovery. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. It is noted that Wurm’s most recent aid mission to Jamaica was successfully completed on November 4.
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When Protecting Nature Becomes the Adventure
Belize, a country renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant reefs, has long relied on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy. However, beneath the surface of its tourist attractions lies a critical force driving its success: conservation. The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD), supported by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, is demonstrating that protecting the environment can also be an exhilarating adventure. This initiative is transforming the northern coastal village of Sarteneja, traditionally known for its fishing heritage, into a hub for eco-tourism. Through Corozal Bay EcoAdventures, local fishers, artisans, and families are discovering new ways to earn a living while safeguarding the marine ecosystems that sustain them. Diveana Samos, Business Manager of SACD, emphasizes that their mission is to promote conservation actions that benefit both biodiversity and the local community. The Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 178,000 acres, is home to manatees, dolphins, and Belize’s only bull shark nursery. SACD’s RioReef Expedition blends science and tourism, channeling proceeds into local conservation and community projects. Visitors experience firsthand how traditional fishing practices and modern conservation principles converge for sustainability. The initiative also supports water quality monitoring, bird surveys, and aerial manatee surveys, ensuring the protection of one of Belize’s highest manatee populations. The eco-tour highlights the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, from the mangroves that filter impurities to the seagrass beds that clean the waters. Historical sites like the Cerros Mayan Temple add a cultural dimension, linking environmental preservation with heritage. The journey concludes at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, where visitors can snorkel the reef or explore Mayan ruins. SACD’s model proves that adventure and preservation can coexist, leaving a lasting message that nature, culture, and community are all part of one living story.