作者: admin

  • Government allocates RD$12 billion for recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Melissa

    Government allocates RD$12 billion for recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Melissa

    In a significant move to address the aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has unveiled a comprehensive RD$12 billion aid package. The initiative, announced in Santo Domingo, is designed to support affected communities, farmers, and merchants while also stimulating economic recovery and repairing damaged infrastructure nationwide.

  • Qatar : Laurent Saint-Cyr meets with Prime Minister Al Thani

    Qatar : Laurent Saint-Cyr meets with Prime Minister Al Thani

    Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transitional Council, recently concluded a significant meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The encounter took place during Saint-Cyr’s official visit to Qatar for the Second World Summit on Social Development, held from November 4th to 6th, 2025. Al Thani, who also serves as Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development and holds key roles in Qatar’s Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, extended a warm welcome to the Haitian leader. He expressed appreciation for Haiti’s participation in the summit, highlighting it as a testament to the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. Al Thani also conveyed Qatar’s solidarity with Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, underscoring the Gulf state’s commitment to supporting its Caribbean partner. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including security and social development. Qatar reaffirmed its support for Haiti’s efforts to restore stability, particularly through its involvement in the United Nations-approved Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a joint initiative with the United States. Additionally, the leaders explored partnerships in youth reintegration and housing construction for Haitian National Police personnel, aiming to address the country’s pressing social and economic challenges. Both sides agreed to continue their strategic dialogue and explore new avenues of collaboration, with Qatar expressing interest in reviewing specific projects aligned with Haiti’s national priorities.

  • Traffic speeds up by 30% in Santo Domingo under RD Se Mueve initiative

    Traffic speeds up by 30% in Santo Domingo under RD Se Mueve initiative

    Santo Domingo has witnessed a transformative leap in urban mobility as the Dominican Republic’s Transportation Cabinet revealed that the RD Se Mueve plan has surpassed 70% completion in its first phase. This ambitious initiative has already delivered a remarkable 30% enhancement in average travel speeds across major road corridors in Greater Santo Domingo, marking a pivotal milestone in the city’s traffic management and public transport integration. Deligne Ascención, the Transport Cabinet Coordinator and Minister, underscored the plan’s success in fostering safer and more efficient mobility for the capital’s residents. The first phase of RD Se Mueve has yielded tangible outcomes, including a 20–30% reduction in travel times during peak hours. Key measures implemented include flexible working hours for 70,000 employees across 137 public institutions, optimized traffic light systems in 11 critical corridors, and the introduction of turning restrictions, contraflow lanes, and regulated parking in high-traffic zones. Furthermore, over 700 DIGESETT agents, equipped with body cameras, have bolstered traffic enforcement, leading to the towing of 5,200 vehicles and the issuance of 7,100 citations for violations. The Metro system has also expanded its capacity to minimize wait times and enhance service quality. The government has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the RD Se Mueve plan by integrating cutting-edge technology, educational campaigns, and road safety initiatives, aiming to transform Santo Domingo into a modern, well-organized metropolis.

  • Belizean-American Fatally Shot in California

    Belizean-American Fatally Shot in California

    A tragic incident unfolded in Lancaster, California, early Saturday morning, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Belizean-American Marine. The victim, identified as Lance Corporal Tevon Wade from Rosamond, was attending a Halloween party at a vacant business building when the altercation occurred. Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at approximately 12:45 a.m. on the 100 block of West Avenue I, near Division Street, where they discovered Wade with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators revealed that the shooting ensued after a fight erupted inside the event. The suspect, who remains unidentified, fled the scene in an unknown direction. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wade’s cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds, officially classifying the case as a homicide. Friends and fellow Marines have since expressed their grief, remembering Wade as a disciplined and kind individual. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Justin Calderon, Wade’s senior Marine, seeks to support his family, as Wade was the primary breadwinner. The suspect is still at large, and the investigation continues.

  • ‘Each Trip Gets Worse’: Belizean Businessman Details Extortion

    ‘Each Trip Gets Worse’: Belizean Businessman Details Extortion

    Robert McClaren Jr, a Belizean car dealer, has shared alarming details about the escalating dangers of traveling through Mexico for business. In a widely circulated video, McClaren recounted a harrowing experience where he and a group of nine Belizeans were allegedly extorted by corrupt officials and armed civilians. The incident began when a flat tire on one of their vehicles attracted unwanted attention. Despite no accident occurring, transport security officers demanded 50,000 pesos, threatening to confiscate their cars and detain the group. McClaren described how the situation intensified as officers began seizing car keys, searching vehicles, and attempting to take his passport and cash. Fearing for their safety, the group created a scene, which eventually led to the intervention of Mexican police, who returned their documents and allowed them to leave. McClaren revealed that this was just one of many perilous encounters he has faced during his frequent trips to Mexico. He highlighted the prevalence of unofficial checkpoints manned by armed civilians, where travelers are forced to pay bribes to proceed. Despite the ordeal, McClaren remains undeterred, viewing the experience as a lesson to better prepare for future trips. He emphasized the need for increased awareness and caution for those traveling through the region.

  • Father Rushes Son to Hospital After Chopping Attack

    Father Rushes Son to Hospital After Chopping Attack

    In a harrowing incident in August Pine Ridge Village, Orange Walk, a father’s quick actions saved his son’s life after a brutal chopping attack. Early on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 61-year-old Emeraldo Diaz discovered his 32-year-old son, Juan Carlos Diaz, at his doorstep with severe chopping injuries. Without hesitation, Emeraldo rushed Juan to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was admitted in critical but stable condition. The attack occurred around 3:00 a.m., though the motive remains unclear. Police are investigating the incident but have yet to determine the reason behind the assault. The community is left in shock as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this violent act.

  • BREAKING: CCJ Rules in Favour of Former BTL Employees

    BREAKING: CCJ Rules in Favour of Former BTL Employees

    In a landmark ruling, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has sided with ten former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), affirming their entitlement to severance pay under the Belize Labour Act. This decision overturns a prior ruling by the Belize Court of Appeal and represents a significant advancement for workers’ rights in Belize. The appellants, including Erven Marin, Lorna Longsworth, and eight others, contended that despite receiving pensions, they were still eligible for severance payments upon their retirement from BTL, whether mandatory at age 55 under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or voluntary under individual agreements. The CCJ, presided over by Justice Eboe-Osuji, adopted a purposive and social justice approach in interpreting Section 183 of the Labour Act. The Court determined that both mandatory and voluntary retirees qualify for severance, emphasizing that the purpose of severance pay is to alleviate financial hardship after years of service, not to penalize employees for the manner in which their employment concluded. Justice Eboe-Osuji found that BTL failed to demonstrate that severance had been accounted for in its pension plan, which involved equal contributions from employer and employee. The Court stated that under Section 194 of the Labour Act, a pension plan cannot supplant severance obligations unless severance is explicitly included in the benefits. Justice Jamadar further asserted that the Labour Act is ‘social justice legislation’ rooted in constitutional principles and international labour conventions that safeguard workers’ rights. He added that any agreement attempting to waive statutory severance, including CBAs or individual contracts, is void under Section 190 of the Act. The CCJ unanimously upheld the appeal, reinstating the High Court’s ruling that all appellants are entitled to severance payments. The Court ordered that payments be calculated based on the High Court’s formula and awarded costs to the former employees.

  • Gunmen Rob Westrac Employees

    Gunmen Rob Westrac Employees

    In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, November 5, 2025, two employees of Westrac were robbed at gunpoint while en route to deposit funds at a bank in northern Belize. The event unfolded around 11:00 a.m. on the Belize–Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town, where authorities discovered a GMC Canyon pickup truck abandoned on the roadside. The victims, identified as 33-year-old Arturo Cansino and 44-year-old Artemio Carpiso, recounted being intercepted by two assailants on a dirt bike. The gunmen forcibly seized two bags containing an unspecified sum of cash and cheques. This marks the second high-profile daylight robbery in the region within a week. On October 31, Eric Chi, manager of UNO Gas Station, was similarly targeted outside the company’s premises on the Philip Goldson Highway, with robbers escaping with $50,000. These incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the audacity of criminal activities in the area.

  • FLASH : IBC Air’s inaugural Miami-Les Cayes passenger flight

    FLASH : IBC Air’s inaugural Miami-Les Cayes passenger flight

    In a groundbreaking development for Haiti’s aviation sector, IBC Air has officially announced the launch of its new passenger flight route connecting Miami, Florida, to Antoine-Simon International Airport in Les Cayes. The announcement was made by Dumitrie Fouchard, the Haitian representative for the American airline, in a formal letter addressed to the Regional Coordinator. The inaugural flight is set to take off on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional air travel. Following the launch, IBC Air will operate regular flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with arrivals scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and departures at 10:30 a.m. To accommodate passengers during the initial phase, the departure lounge at Antoine-Simon International Airport will be temporarily housed in a tent, as authorized by relevant authorities. This interim solution will remain in place until the construction of a permanent departure lounge is completed. The new route is expected to enhance connectivity between Haiti and the United States, fostering economic and cultural exchanges while providing a vital link for travelers.

  • Village Chairman Escapes House Fire

    Village Chairman Escapes House Fire

    A harrowing incident unfolded in San Antonio Village, northern Belize, on the night of November 4, 2025, when a house fire threatened the life of Calvin Gilharry, the Village Chairman and a renowned Belizean musician. The blaze erupted around 11:00 p.m., engulfing Gilharry’s bedroom as he slept. Awakened by the acrid smell of smoke, Gilharry managed to escape through a window, emerging unscathed. Quick action from family members helped contain the fire, preventing it from spreading further. The cement house, which was uninsured, suffered significant damage, though the exact cost remains undetermined. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the cause of the fire, which has left the community in shock and raised concerns about fire safety in rural areas.