The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a significant reduction in air traffic across the United States, a move that could disrupt flight connections between major US airports and the Dominican Republic. Key hubs such as New York, Boston, Dallas, Miami, and Orlando, which handle the majority of flights to the Caribbean, are expected to be impacted. This decision stems from a shortage of air traffic controllers and the lingering effects of the recent partial federal government shutdown.
作者： admin
-
CBvS versterkt inzet voor financiële inclusie en educatie
Suriname has officially unveiled its National Financial Inclusion and Education Strategy (NFIES) for 2024–2027 during the National Symposium on Financial Inclusion and Education. The event, organized by the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, signifies a pivotal step in ensuring accessible financial services and enhancing financial literacy across the nation.
CBvS Governor Maurice Roemer emphasized that financial inclusion is ‘not an option but a national necessity.’ He highlighted that excluding large segments of the population restricts the country’s economic potential. The strategy focuses on five key pillars: access, usage, quality, protection, and education. Roemer also stressed the importance of balanced anti-money laundering regulations to prevent unintended exclusion of vulnerable groups.
Acting President Gregory Rusland underscored the inseparable link between financial stability and inclusion during his opening remarks. ‘An economy is truly stable only when all citizens can fully participate in the financial system,’ he stated. The symposium aimed to accelerate practical solutions and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.
In her closing address, Minister of Finance and Planning Adelien Wijnerman called for sustained cooperation among the government, financial institutions, NGOs, and international partners. ‘Financial inclusion and education are cornerstones of national development. Let today not mark the end of a meeting but the beginning of a movement,’ she urged.
The NFIES was refined in partnership with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. During the two-day session, progress and priorities of the strategy were evaluated, leading to the formulation of new action points. These include strengthening the regulatory framework for financial inclusion, promoting digital payment solutions, expanding financial education programs, and fostering deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The event concluded with the signing of a joint declaration, reaffirming Suriname’s commitment to sustainable financial inclusion and education as integral components of its development trajectory.
-
Juvenile justice system failing youth, says advocate
A prominent youth development advocate has issued a compelling plea for the urgent reform of the youth justice system, citing alarming findings from a recent study. Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling for Personal Development, emphasized the need for systemic change in response to research conducted by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU). The study, presented by Senior Research Analyst Kirt Goodridge at the Courtyard Marriott, revealed that the current youth justice framework is excessively punitive and ineffective, trapping young men in a cycle of violence, incarceration, and reoffending. The research focused on 47 young men under 25 on remand for violent crimes, with 91% aged between 19 and 25. Most had prior encounters with the law, highlighting systemic failures in rehabilitation and discipline. Clarke expressed deep concern over the findings, stating that they were not surprising but deeply troubling. He attributed the issues to a combination of neglect, broken homes, trauma, and an education system that often abandons at-risk youth prematurely. Clarke argued that by the time these young people enter the justice system, they have already been failed by multiple institutions. He called for a shift from punishment-heavy interventions to community-based rehabilitation and early intervention initiatives that address the root causes of problematic behavior. Clarke also highlighted the limitations of sports as a crime prevention tool, advocating for mandatory life skills training, counselling, and therapy to complement such programs. He urged authorities to invest in identifying and supporting at-risk students before they enter the justice system, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent future legal issues. Clarke’s proposals include mandatory counselling and skills development for young people exhibiting problematic behavior, such as bullying, to address psychological challenges and foster positive development.
-
Starcom sacks broadcaster Ronnie Clarke for “serious misconduct”
In a dramatic turn of events, renowned broadcaster and calypsonian Ronnie De Announcer Clarke has been dismissed from Starcom Network following an internal disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of serious misconduct. The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the media and entertainment sectors, was communicated in a termination letter dated Friday and signed by Noel Wood, CEO of the parent company, the Nation Group. Clarke, who served as the programme director of Voice of Barbados (VOB), was informed that his misconduct stemmed from comments made during an appearance on the Marcia Weekes Show, streamed on YouTube on July 16. His remarks addressed Starcom’s objection to his performance of the controversial calypso ‘National Carol Festival’ in the Pic-o-De-Crop competition. The company identified three of his seven statements during the broadcast as violations of Starcom’s Policies and Procedures Manual, deeming them false, malicious, and detrimental to the company’s reputation. Clarke has vowed to appeal the decision, stating, ‘My attorneys are appealing. I will be sharing information publicly that has never been known.’ He emphasized that he appeared on the show as De Announcer, not as the programme manager, a role he has held for 21 years. Senior Counsel Hal Gollop, Clarke’s attorney, confirmed that all legal avenues will be explored. Clarke has refused to sign the termination letter, and attempts to reach Starcom Network General Manager Anthony Green for comment were unsuccessful.
-
BLTO: stop verdere ontwrichting beroepsonderwijs; ultimatum over Van Sypesteynschool
The Bond Leraren Technisch Onderwijs (BLTO) has vehemently opposed the proposed transfer of the C. van Sypesteynschool to the Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs (AVO). In a strongly worded letter addressed to Robby Holband, Director of Vocational Education, the union demands an immediate halt to the transfer and the removal of school furniture. The BLTO has issued an ultimatum, expecting a response by 12:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Under the leadership of Chairman René Bilkerdijk and Vice-Chair Jenifer Ballo, the BLTO argues that the Van Sypesteynschool, named after former governor Cornelis van Sypesteyn, holds significant historical and educational value. As the only technical vocational school in the Rainville district, it plays a crucial role in preserving technical education in the region. The union highlights that the school, with over 40 students, is considerably better attended than other institutions, such as the Oedraising Varma-school, which has only 15 students.
The BLTO also points out that there is sufficient capacity within the general primary education system, making the conversion of the school unnecessary. Furthermore, the union emphasizes that overcrowded classrooms at the STS-1 school demonstrate a growing need for more technical education capacity, not less.
The union expresses dissatisfaction with recent reforms in vocational education, criticizing the lack of adjustments or revisions to what it deems ‘ill-considered innovations.’ Instead, the BLTO calls for additional admissions to sustain these changes.
Reiterating its previous demands, the union urges the Directorate of Vocational Education to seriously address the following issues:
– Saving vocational education;
– Reintroducing the CBNO (Central Bureau for Industrial Education);
– Resolving issues related to section hours and part-time hours;
– Ensuring equal treatment for hourly wage workers.The BLTO insists that the Directorate of Vocational Education listens to the concerns and proposals of schools this time, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue and action.
-
Cops’ presence credited for brief lull in slayings
For the first time in a decade, Barbados experienced a September without a single gun-related homicide, according to the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit. This unprecedented lull in deadly shootings, which analysts attribute to heightened police patrols, was short-lived as murders surged again in October. Senior Research Analyst Kirt Goodridge highlighted the significance of this development in an interview with Barbados TODAY, noting that September is traditionally a quiet month for homicides, averaging three per year over the past decade. However, this year marked a stark departure from the norm, with zero reported gun deaths in September. Goodridge suggested that increased police presence in high-risk neighborhoods may have contributed to this temporary decline, though he cautioned that such measures are not sustainable in the long term. Official statistics reveal a fluctuating trend in gun-related deaths over the years, with 2025 recording 40 fatal shootings so far, compared to 34 in 2024. The Barbados Police Service had intensified surveillance in June, labeling the rise in gun violence as ‘domestic terrorism’ and vowing to dismantle criminal networks. Despite the September success, October saw a rise in major crimes, including murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce acknowledged a marginal 2% decrease in overall crime but expressed concern over the 13% year-on-year increase in major offenses. While sex-related and property crimes saw slight declines, the overall crime picture remains mixed, underscoring the need for continued focus on reducing violent crime.
-
Security : Meeting between UNICEF and the PNH on the protection of children under the influence of gangs
In a pivotal meeting on August 11, 2025, representatives from UNICEF, including its New York and Haiti offices, convened with the General Directorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH) to address the escalating crisis of children influenced by gangs. The session aimed to enhance collaborative efforts to safeguard these vulnerable minors. UNICEF highlighted a disturbing surge in severe violations against children, including abductions, murders, mutilations, exploitation, and sexual violence perpetrated by gangs. Despite these challenges, UNICEF praised the PNH’s Juvenile Brigade for its commendable efforts and lauded the implementation of a protocol established in June 2024 by the Haitian government and UNICEF, designed to facilitate the transfer and reintegration of affected children. The PNH reiterated its commitment to child protection as a state priority, expressing concerns over the dysfunction of juvenile detention centers in the West Department and emerging threats like organ trafficking. The meeting yielded actionable strategies, including bolstering PNH capabilities and launching joint preventive communication campaigns. Both parties pledged to finalize the Hand Over protocol and ensure the safety of Haitian children, with a follow-up meeting planned. Additionally, a comprehensive workshop involving key stakeholders such as the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), and UNICEF technical teams explored global best practices and policy frameworks to better protect children from armed violence and rights violations in Haiti.
-
Heavy rain is forecast for much of the country this Saturday afternoon.
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather forecast indicating predominantly sunny conditions across most of the Dominican Republic during the morning hours. However, the afternoon is expected to bring a shift in weather patterns due to local atmospheric effects, wind activity, and the indirect influence of a trough. Scattered showers, occasionally moderate, are predicted to occur along the Caribbean coast, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and potential wind gusts. Affected provinces include La Altagracia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, San Cristóbal, Peravia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Duarte, Azua, La Vega, Santiago, San Juan, Elías Piña, and Dajabón. These rainfalls are anticipated to persist into the night, particularly in the municipalities of Greater Santo Domingo, Barahona, and Santiago Rodríguez. In Greater Santo Domingo, the afternoon will feature scattered clouds and intermittent showers, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C to 23°C and a maximum of 30°C to 32°C.
-
American newspapers discuss the challenges of artificial intelligence in the Dominican Republic
The Grupo de Diarios América (GDA), a coalition of Latin America’s most influential newspapers, recently hosted its XXIII GDA CAF25 Seminar in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The two-day event, held at Grupo de Medios Corripio’s headquarters, brought together journalists, media executives, and experts to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of journalism. The seminar featured a series of lectures, panel discussions, and practical workshops aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in contemporary media. Key topics included the integration of AI in news production, strategies for enhancing digital subscriptions, and the importance of mental health in newsrooms. High-profile speakers, including academics and industry leaders, shared insights on how AI is reshaping the media landscape. Miguel Franjul, director of Listín Diario, emphasized the necessity of adapting to technological advancements to ensure the future of independent journalism. The event also highlighted the GDA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation among its member newspapers, which represent 12 countries across Latin America. Practical sessions focused on AI tools for journalists, such as Google Gemini and NotebookKLM, while discussions on digital well-being underscored the need for mental health support in high-pressure newsroom environments. The seminar concluded with interactive exercises designed to help media professionals develop AI-driven solutions for improving workflow and content quality.
-
Spain-DR alliance: Dominican Republic “will not be a paradise for pedophiles”
The Dominican Republic has taken a decisive stand against child sexual exploitation in its tourism sector, with First Lady Raquel Arbaje spearheading a groundbreaking initiative. At the launch of the ‘Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents against Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE)’ project, Arbaje declared, ‘The Dominican Republic cannot and will not be a haven for pedophiles or those who seek to exploit our nation.’ The initiative underscores the country’s commitment to family-centered tourism and the safeguarding of minors.