The Dominican Republic is grappling with significant challenges in reducing maternal mortality, curbing teenage pregnancy, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. These issues are critical to the nation’s well-being and its ability to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. During a recent address at the Corripio Communications Group’s Weekly Luncheon, Julia del Carmen Sánchez, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Dominican Republic, revealed that while 37.3% of the SDGs have been achieved, 40% show limited progress, and 22.7% have regressed. Sánchez emphasized the country’s dedication to reducing infant and neonatal mortality, areas where notable advancements have been made, bringing the nation closer to its 2030 targets. However, persistent setbacks include high rates of road fatalities, rising obesity levels, declining secondary school completion rates, and threats to labor rights and access to clean drinking water. Indicators in education, health, and gender equality have also remained stagnant. On a positive note, neonatal mortality has improved significantly, with the current rate at 15 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearing the target of 13. In celebration of the UN’s 80th anniversary, Sánchez announced a commemorative event on October 17 in the National District to honor the organization’s contributions to the country and recognize the Dominican Republic’s global impact, such as its role in establishing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, inspired by the legacy of the Mirabal sisters.
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2026 World Cup Qualification : D-Day, Haiti vs Nicaragua
Haiti’s senior national football team, the Grenadiers, is set to face Nicaragua in a pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on October 9, 2025, at the National Stadium in Managua. This encounter marks the third of six matches in the final qualifying phase for Haiti, as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. The game is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. (Haiti time) and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Historically, Haiti has dominated this fixture, with six wins out of nine previous meetings, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Their most recent victory over Nicaragua was a 1-0 triumph in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers. However, the Grenadiers face challenges ahead of the match, with key player Yassine Fortuné sidelined due to injury and Fabrice Picault absent for undisclosed reasons. Lambèse has been called up as a last-minute reinforcement to complete the 23-player squad. Haiti’s ambition is clear: to secure a victory in front of 17,000 spectators and reignite their dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Following this match, Haiti will face Honduras on October 13th in a return leg, after their first encounter ended in a goalless draw. The Grenadiers’ journey continues in November with matches against Curaçao and Costa Rica. Currently, Haiti sits third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing Honduras and Costa Rica. Nicaragua, with just one point, is at the bottom of the group. This match is a critical opportunity for Haiti to climb the standings and strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
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Rusland: Checks and balances versterken vertrouwen in financieel beleid
In a pivotal address to the National Assembly on Tuesday, Vice President Gregory Rusland underscored the critical importance of financial discipline, transparency, and oversight in managing Suriname’s state debt. Speaking during the deliberation on amendments to the State Debt Law, Rusland highlighted the shared responsibility of the government and parliament in fostering robust financial systems. ‘We must collectively strive to enhance our systems, particularly our financial framework,’ he asserted. ‘This requires society to implement the right measures to continuously improve.’ Rusland acknowledged concerns about granting the government unchecked borrowing power but reassured that the administration does not seek a ‘blank check.’ ‘Checks and balances are integral to any system. Oversight is not an act of hostility,’ he clarified, emphasizing the government’s openness to parliamentary scrutiny as a cornerstone of good governance. The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the bipartisan consensus achieved on the issue, noting that such collaboration reflects a commitment to national interests. ‘When it comes to matters vital to our country, we can find common ground. This was evident in the Electoral Regulation as well. This marks a hopeful beginning for joint decision-making in the national interest,’ he remarked. The amendment to the State Debt Law 2025 was passed with 36 votes in favor, including support from 25 coalition members and 11 opposition VHP members. The revised law grants the government temporary borrowing flexibility while strengthening oversight through a mandate for the Minister of Finance and Planning to submit an annual State Debt Plan alongside the budget. Rusland described the amendment as ‘a step toward bolstering macroeconomic stability, provided the new borrowing capacity is used responsibly.’ He concluded with a call to action: ‘Our future hinges on discipline and collaboration. Only then can we build a financially resilient Suriname.’
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FLASH : IDB grants $100 million to help Haiti rebuild health services in the Far North
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced a significant $100 million grant aimed at rebuilding and enhancing essential health services in Haiti’s three northern departments. This initiative, approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, seeks to save lives, prevent disabilities, and strengthen the region’s health infrastructure. The project will focus on improving the health system, conducting critical health surveys, and advancing the digitalization of healthcare services. These efforts will inform the development of a medium-term investment master plan to ensure sustainable health improvements. The program builds on previous IDB-supported social protection operations initiated in 2022, targeting the prevention and treatment of prevalent noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and human papillomavirus. Additionally, the initiative will prioritize underserved groups, including internally displaced persons, return migrants, vulnerable women, and individuals with disabilities, by developing care protocols tailored to their needs. A substantial portion of the grant will be allocated to strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing the response capacity of facilities serving priority communities. This marks the first phase of a long-term commitment to rebuild the public health network’s capabilities, starting in the greater northern region. The grant will be disbursed and implemented over 84 months (7 years), directly benefiting approximately 750,000 people in targeted communities.
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Deputy Elías Wessin announces bill to ban Sharia Law and Mosque construction in the Dominican Republic
In a bold move aimed at safeguarding national security and social cohesion, Representative Elías Wessin, leader of the Quisqueyano Christian Democratic Party (PQDC), has announced plans to introduce legislation banning the practice of Sharia law and the construction of mosques in the Dominican Republic. Wessin emphasized that the country “cannot afford that luxury,” expressing concerns over the potential risks posed by the coexistence of Islamic practices and voodoo to national unity. Drawing a stark comparison, he likened the possible outcomes to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, highlighting the dangers of ideological and cultural divides. While acknowledging anticipated opposition from legal experts and diverse political factions, Wessin asserted that “the security of the Dominican state, and therefore of all Dominicans, is above any other interest or right.” He pledged to unveil the full details of the initiative soon, framing it as a measure to protect the cultural and spiritual values integral to Dominican identity.
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Jomo Thomas threatens to sue PM Gonsalves
Jomo Thomas, former Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has announced his intention to sue Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves over allegations of Chinese interference in Vincentian politics. Thomas, a prominent lawyer, journalist, and social commentator, claims that Gonsalves has made defamatory statements implicating him and his law firm in facilitating payments to media personnel allegedly funded by China. These accusations, according to Thomas, were made during a recent Unity Labour Party (ULP) event in West Kingstown and reiterated at Taiwan’s 114th National Day celebrations in Kingstown. Thomas vehemently denies the claims, stating that he has had no contact with Chinese agents or received any funds from China. He has instructed his attorneys to send a pre-action letter to Gonsalves, warning of legal consequences. Thomas also highlighted that Gonsalves has previously threatened to sue him but backed down due to lack of evidence. The former Speaker’s relationship with the ULP has been strained since he resigned from the party in 2019 and called for Gonsalves’ removal from office. Thomas continues to be a vocal critic of the ULP administration, which secured an unprecedented fifth consecutive term in 2020. The controversy underscores the deepening political tensions in the country, with accusations of foreign influence and defamation taking center stage.
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Dominican and British delegation discuss cooperation on technology
In a significant step toward fostering international cooperation, Representative Vicente Sánchez Henríquez, head of the Permanent Commission on Information and Communication Technology in the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies, convened with a delegation of British parliamentarians on Tuesday. The meeting, led by UK MP Jessica Morden, centered on enhancing collaboration in technology and digital governance. Both parties delved into critical areas such as digital transformation, technological innovation, and the reinforcement of parliamentary ties between the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom. Sánchez Henríquez emphasized the pivotal role of innovation and digitalization in driving institutional progress and ensuring government transparency. The British delegation, in turn, expressed a keen interest in sharing legislative expertise and best practices, particularly in digital education, cybersecurity, and public-sector modernization. The discussions aimed to lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives that would yield mutual benefits for both nations.
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Banco BHD and Dominican Consulate in New York launch “Origins of Excellence”
Santo Domingo – Banco BHD, in partnership with the Dominican Consulate in New York, has unveiled the ‘Origins of Excellence’ campaign, a groundbreaking initiative designed to honor exceptional Dominican students living in the United States. This program celebrates young individuals who have demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, active engagement in cultural activities, sports, and a commitment to community service.
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Dominican Republic condemns attack on Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s convoy
The Dominican Republic has publicly denounced the violent assault on a convoy transporting Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, extending its solidarity to the people of Ecuador. In an official statement released via social media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dominican government expressed its firm opposition to all acts of violence that jeopardize peace and democratic stability, reiterating its unwavering support for Ecuador in the wake of this alarming incident. The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon in the province of Cañar, where President Noboa was engaged in official duties. Reports indicate that his vehicle was targeted with bullets and stones while en route to an event in El Tambo. Despite the attack, the president emerged unscathed and proceeded with his scheduled activities. Ecuador’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Inés Manzano, subsequently lodged a formal complaint for attempted assassination, highlighting that the presidential vehicle had been struck by gunfire, though this was not distinctly evident in the official footage.
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High Surf Warning Issued for Antigua and Barbuda and Northern Leewards
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a High Surf Warning for several islands in the northern Leeward chain, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The warning comes as hazardous marine conditions are expected to develop on Thursday, with seas forecast to rise over 10 feet (3 meters). Dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion are likely, with conditions peaking from Thursday afternoon through early Friday, depending on the location. Forecaster Letitia Humphreys emphasized the risks and urged residents and visitors to avoid swimming on exposed northern and eastern coasts, stay clear of rocks and jetties, and use only sheltered beaches with lifeguards. Updates on the situation are available at antiguamet.com and through the Met Service’s official social media channels. The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks during this period of heightened marine activity.