Jamaica and its tourism industry celebrated a historic night at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held at the Sandals Grande St Lucian in St Lucia. The event, which brought together government leaders and hospitality professionals, highlighted the Caribbean nation’s exceptional achievements in travel and tourism. Jamaica was crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the 19th consecutive year, while the Jamaica Tourist Board secured the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award for the 17th straight year. Additionally, the Port of Ocho Rios and the Port of Montego Bay were recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port and Leading Home Port, respectively. Jamaica also claimed the title of Caribbean’s Leading Family Travel Destination 2025. Sandals and Beaches resorts were the stars of the evening, collectively winning 16 awards. Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row, while Beaches Turks and Caicos celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort. Other notable wins included Sandals Dunn’s River as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort and Sandals South Coast as the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, emphasized the dedication of the team and the commitment to evolving guest experiences. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett praised the resilience and hard work of Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders, urging them to build on this success. Other Jamaican winners included Island Routes, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, and Rose Hall Great House Tour, showcasing the nation’s diverse tourism offerings.
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Peru: Congres zet president Dina Boluarte af te midden van oplopende criminaliteit
In a historic and unanimous decision, the Peruvian Congress voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on October 10, 2025. The move followed a late-night session, hours after a violent shooting at a concert in Lima, which intensified public outrage over the country’s escalating crime rates. Boluarte, 63, who had long struggled with plummeting approval ratings and accusations of corruption and excessive use of force against protesters, was deemed unfit to fulfill her duties. The motion for her removal garnered support from nearly all political factions, including parties that had previously backed her. With no vice president in place, Congress President José Jerí, 38, was swiftly sworn in as interim leader. Jerí pledged to prioritize combating crime and restoring national security while emphasizing the need for national reconciliation and a stable transition. Boluarte’s ouster marks the sixth presidential change in Peru since 2018, highlighting the nation’s persistent political turmoil. She assumed power in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was arrested for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her tenure was marred by widespread protests, particularly in rural and indigenous regions, often met with harsh crackdowns. As Jerí takes the helm, Peru enters a new chapter focused on addressing the root causes of its crises. The coming months will be pivotal as the country aims to achieve greater political stability and safety ahead of the general elections scheduled for April 2026.
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Zon, warmte en enkele buien in de middag
Today begins across the country with a warm and humid morning atmosphere, accompanied by a veil of high cloud cover. The sun makes an early appearance, setting the stage for a sultry start to the day. In the coastal plains, temperatures quickly rise to around 32 to 33 degrees Celsius, with oppressive humidity making it feel even hotter. An east to southeast wind occasionally brings some relief, particularly in the late morning. As the day progresses, cumulus clouds develop into larger rain areas. Between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, there is a chance of localized showers or thunderstorms, especially in the Brokopondo, Sipaliwini, and parts of Commewijne regions. Brief rain showers may also occur in Paramaribo and Wanica, followed by rapid clearing. By evening, the skies clear almost everywhere. Temperatures gradually drop to around 25 to 26 degrees, and the air feels fresher due to a light easterly breeze. The interior remains partly cloudy but without significant precipitation.
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National District Mayor’s Office receives international recognition from World Urban Parks Association
Santo Domingo’s Fernández Environmental Project and Park has been honored with the Outstanding New Park Project Award for the Latin American Region at the World Urban Parks International Awards. This accolade, presented in Istanbul, Turkey, recognizes the park’s innovative and sustainable design, which has significantly impacted the local community. The project, spearheaded by National District Mayor Carolina Mejía, transformed a 19,000-square-meter area in the Fernández Urbanization by rehabilitating a lagoon and constructing a new park. This initiative not only resolved a longstanding 25-year stormwater drainage issue but also contributed to the development of over 205 parks and plazas under Mejía’s administration, fostering a healthier and more organized Santo Domingo. The award was accepted by Elizabeth Mateo, who led the Dominican delegation and expressed gratitude on behalf of Mayor Mejía. Selected from more than 100 international submissions, the Fernández Park was lauded for its excellence, innovation, and environmental commitment, further solidifying Santo Domingo’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.
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COE warns of dangerous waves on Atlantic coast from Tropical Storm Jerry
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in Santo Domingo has issued a critical alert this Friday, warning of deteriorating sea conditions along the Dominican Republic’s Atlantic coast. The heightened risk is attributed to the indirect influence of Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently active in the region. According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), the storm is expected to generate perilous waves starting this afternoon, posing significant threats to maritime activities. In response, authorities have strongly advised operators of small and medium-sized vessels to remain docked until the situation stabilizes. Furthermore, civil protection units in coastal zones have been mobilized to enforce preventive measures, ensuring the safety of fishermen, recreational boaters, and swimmers. The COE emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards during this period of heightened weather activity.
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NIA Engages Business Community on Proposed SSZ South Coast Project, Reinforces Commitment to Transparency and Good Governance
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has initiated a series of public consultations to discuss the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) development, emphasizing transparency and good governance. On October 07, 2025, Premier Mark Brantley chaired a meeting with key stakeholders from the St. Kitts and Nevis business community at the Four Seasons Resort conference room. Approximately 40 participants, including representatives from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Bankers Association, attended the session. Premier Brantley highlighted the importance of engaging the business community first, as they stand to benefit significantly from the project. He stressed that the project, named ‘Destiny,’ has not yet been approved and sought feedback from attendees. Olivier Janssens, the project’s developer, presented a vision for ‘Destiny,’ a sustainable family resort community that aims to create jobs, boost tourism, and attract investment while preserving Nevis’ natural beauty. Environmental and architectural experts detailed plans for ecosystem protection, including coral reef rehabilitation and low-rise structures. Premier Brantley also shared economic projections, estimating a potential US $52 billion economic output over a decade. The meeting concluded with a robust Q&A session, and business leaders expressed gratitude for the NIA’s inclusive approach. The NIA plans further consultations with the Opposition and town hall meetings to ensure broad community input. This initiative reflects the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led administration’s commitment to transparency and people-centered governance.
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CARICOM Heads welcome Gaza peace deal
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed cautious optimism regarding the newly brokered peace agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, which marks the initial phase of a broader peace plan for Gaza, has been hailed as a pivotal development in addressing the protracted conflict in the region. In an official statement, CARICOM emphasized that the agreement represents a crucial step toward mitigating the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian population and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages. The regional leaders underscored the importance of the agreement’s key provisions, including a sustained cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of military forces, the mutual release of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of immediate and secure humanitarian aid. CARICOM reaffirmed its longstanding advocacy for dialogue, mutual respect, and compliance with international law as essential components for achieving a durable resolution to the conflict. The organization reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts that foster peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that such measures are indispensable for the well-being of all parties involved.
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President Abinader travels to Mexico for family commitments
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader embarked on a brief trip to Mexico this Friday, accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje and their daughters, to fulfill personal family obligations, as confirmed by an official statement. The president is expected to return to the Dominican Republic on Sunday, October 12, where he will promptly resume his official responsibilities. Upon his arrival, Abinader will lead a significant inauguration ceremony in Santo Domingo Este, underscoring his commitment to public service. Later that afternoon, he will oversee the handover of new apartments in the Ciudad Real Ecológica housing project, a key initiative in the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to affordable and dignified housing for citizens.
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Police foil significant alleged ATM Card fraud scheme
In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, law enforcement agencies in St. Kitts and Nevis have successfully dismantled a sophisticated ATM card fraud operation. The joint operation, involving multiple agencies, led to the seizure of electronic devices, ATM cards, and a substantial amount of cash. Authorities executed a search warrant at a residential property, uncovering evidence linked to the alleged scam. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirmed the arrests of three Brazilian nationals—Lilian Camila Da Silva, Arthur Lessa Camilo Vieira, and Petrus Pereira Wienen Filho—on charges related to computer fraud and illegal possession of electronic devices. The trio was formally charged on October 8, 2025, at the Basseterre Police Station for importing and possessing illegal ATM cards intended for credit card skimming. The alleged fraudulent activities took place between October 4 and 5, 2025. The RSCNPF emphasized its dedication to combating cyber and financial crimes, urging businesses and individuals to remain vigilant against suspicious electronic transactions. ATM card fraud has become a growing concern in the region, with local banks repeatedly warning customers about the risks. Despite these efforts, tracking such crimes remains challenging, as they are often categorized under broader larceny statistics. The ongoing multi-agency investigation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing modern cyber threats.
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PM Drew: “Mental health is not a luxury — it is a lifeline”
On World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis delivered a powerful message emphasizing the critical importance of mental health. Speaking under this year’s theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” Dr. Drew asserted that mental well-being is as essential as physical safety, particularly during crises. ‘Mental health is not a luxury — it is a lifeline,’ he declared, urging citizens to recognize the profound impact of emotional health in the face of disasters, pandemics, and daily stressors. Drawing from his medical expertise, the Prime Minister highlighted the lasting effects of trauma, grief, and anxiety, which often outlast physical injuries. He praised the nation’s mental health professionals — psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers — as unsung heroes who provide vital support during emergencies. Dr. Drew also outlined his government’s initiatives to enhance mental health services, including collaborations with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community health teams. These efforts aim to integrate mental health care into emergency preparedness and public health strategies, acknowledging its connection to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, he addressed the psychological impact of climate change, noting the rise of ‘climate anxiety’ due to extreme weather events and displacement. To improve access to care, the government is creating a national registry of mental health professionals, fostering collaboration and quality in mental health services.