The Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2025 (FILSD 2025) wrapped up with unprecedented achievements, marking a historic milestone in the Caribbean’s literary landscape. The event generated over RD$75 million in book sales, reflecting a remarkable 30% surge compared to the previous year. With a record-breaking 650 cultural and literary activities, the fair solidified its reputation as the region’s premier literary gathering, drawing massive crowds and fostering a vibrant cultural exchange.
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US government shutdown after lack of funding plan
The United States government entered a shutdown on Wednesday, October 1, following a failure by Senate Democrats and Republicans to reach an agreement on a short-term funding plan. The shutdown commenced at 4:01 GMT, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year, as the previous year’s funding expired. Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, they were unable to secure consensus to pass a bill that would fund government operations until November 21. Democrats withheld their support, demanding that Republicans reverse recent Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill in July. While Democrats proposed alternative solutions, these were rejected, leaving Congress in a stalemate.
As a result of the shutdown, federal agencies are required to furlough non-essential employees, who will not receive pay during the shutdown. However, most furloughed workers are expected to receive back pay once the government resumes operations, thanks to a 2019 law. Contract workers, such as cleaning staff, are not covered by this law and will only be paid if their contracting firms have allocated funds for such scenarios. Each agency has already submitted staffing plans in anticipation of the shutdown.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that approximately 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed daily, resulting in a daily wage loss of around $400 million. Unlike previous shutdowns, the White House has instructed agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs, as indicated in a September 24 memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This unprecedented move raises concerns about the long-term impact on federal employment and government operations.
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Attorney Criticizes Delay in Inquest Into Death of Jamaican Inmate at Antigua Prison
Attorney Wendell Alexander has voiced strong criticism over the prolonged delay in conducting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Jamaican national Chinley Robinson, who died under suspicious circumstances in an Antigua prison earlier this year. Robinson, who was remanded in December 2024 on charges of stealing a $400 cell phone, was found unresponsive in his cell in January 2025. Initial reports suggested he may have been strangled, and a post-mortem examination later confirmed the cause of death as anoxia, trauma to the neck, and cardiac failure. Alexander, representing Robinson’s family, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from authorities, stating that the delay has left the family “in the dark for months” and eroded public trust in the justice system. He emphasized that high-profile cases like this should be handled swiftly to ensure accountability. The delay, he argued, not only prolongs the family’s suffering but also undermines confidence in law enforcement. Alexander also highlighted systemic issues, noting that in other cases, he has had to seek High Court orders to compel inquests after delays of up to five years. Robinson’s death has raised broader concerns about prison oversight at His Majesty’s Prison, where he was reportedly sharing a cell with another inmate, who has since been released. Superintendent of Prisons Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged that while the facility conducts hourly checks after lockdown at 4:30 p.m., incidents may not always be detected immediately. He added that additional training is being provided to recruits to enhance security. As of now, neither the Coroner’s Office nor the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has provided an official update on the inquest or its findings. Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on its outcome.
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Abinader declares Dominican Republic the top investment destination in Latin America
Uvero Alto, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader declared the Dominican Republic the top investment destination in Latin America during the grand opening of the W Punta Cana, an adult all-inclusive resort. The USD 160 million project, a collaboration between Marriott International, Grupo Puntacana, and Mac Hotels, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s tourism and economic development. Abinader highlighted that the project’s inception during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the country’s resilience and commitment to growth. The president also emphasized the increasing presence of North American hotel chains, positioning the Dominican Republic second only to Mexico in U.S. tourism investment. With 15,000 new hotel rooms under construction nationwide—6,000 of which are set to open this year—the initiative is expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs and bolster economic stability. The W Punta Cana resort, located in Uvero Alto, boasts 340 luxurious rooms and suites, 12 diverse restaurants, and the exclusive AWAY Spa, offering a unique blend of music, wellness, and modern design. Industry leaders lauded the government’s unwavering support for tourism. Frank Elías Rainieri, president and CEO of Grupo Puntacana, praised the administration’s leadership and resilience, calling tourism a regional model. Tourism Minister David Collado hailed the arrival of W Hotels as a transformative moment for the country’s all-inclusive tourism sector.
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Neil Peter Fatally Shot in Morne Serpent
Neil Peter, a 35-year-old resident of Morne Serpent, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting incident on October 5 in the Gros Islet community. Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 8:10 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Responding officers from the Gros Islet Police Station and the Major Crimes Unit discovered Peter’s body with multiple gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner at the scene confirmed his death. Peter was well-known in the area for his dedication to beekeeping, a passion he had cultivated over the past several years. The local community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a man who contributed positively to their environment. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Gros Islet Police Station at 456-3830 or the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3756.
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Abinader announces RD$2 billion investment in sports infrastructure funded by recovered corruption assets
In a landmark announcement, President Luis Abinader and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz unveiled a transformative investment of two billion pesos aimed at revitalizing sports infrastructure in La Vega province and 27 municipalities. This unprecedented initiative, funded by assets recovered from corruption cases, signifies a pivotal step in leveraging public funds to enhance sports, health, and cultural facilities nationwide. Abinader underscored that this marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable development across all regions of the Dominican Republic.
Minister Cruz elaborated on the ambitious plan, which includes the construction of 25 new roofed sports centers in municipalities currently lacking such amenities. La Vega will witness the creation of the state-of-the-art La Vega Arena, capable of accommodating 4,500 spectators, alongside the refurbishment of the local baseball stadium and the transformation of the Fernando Teruel Sports Center into a dedicated Volleyball Palace. Additionally, the project encompasses the reconstruction of a World Athletics-certified athletics track, the renovation of the Olympic swimming pool, and upgrades to handball and tennis courts.
The initiative extends its reach to San Juan de la Maguana and San Pedro de Macorís, where major sports complexes will undergo extensive renovations, including the addition of pavilions for wrestling, karate, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Cruz emphasized that this endeavor is not merely a promise but a tangible reality in progress, expressing gratitude to President Abinader for converting recovered assets into meaningful opportunities for youth and communities.
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OPINION: What cannabis legislation can teach us about foreign direct investment (Part 1)
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has long been a contentious issue in Saint Lucia, with local populations expressing concerns over its impact on displacement, environmental neglect, and unequal treatment of local versus foreign investors. Critics argue that foreign investors often receive prime land, extensive tax exemptions, and the ability to repatriate profits, while local industries and workers are left with minimal benefits. This has fueled skepticism about the ‘trickle-down’ economic model, where the promised benefits of development rarely reach the grassroots level.
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Venezuelan man chopped during brawl
A violent altercation at a bar in Best Village, West Coast Demerara, Guyana, left a Venezuelan man with severe injuries on the morning of Sunday, October 5, 2025. The victim, identified as Geraldy Angel, was allegedly attacked by a group of fellow Venezuelans during the brawl. According to police reports, the incident escalated around 12:30 a.m. when an argument broke out between a Venezuelan woman, Alianda Martin, and her husband, Osmel Figuera, who were drinking at the bar with family members. The dispute quickly turned physical, with several men joining the fight. One of the assailants, armed with a cutlass, reportedly struck Angel in the left thigh, causing significant injury. Angel was immediately rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he received medical treatment and was admitted in stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made, although several individuals have been questioned by authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to piece together the events leading to the violent encounter.
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8 arrested, guns seized in connection with land mining dispute
In a significant development linked to an ongoing land mining dispute in Toroparu, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), eight individuals have been apprehended, and multiple firearms confiscated, according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The arrests stem from two separate incidents on September 23 and 30, 2025, which have intensified tensions in the area. Among those detained are Mitchell Watson, miner Ronaldo Alphonso, rangers Marvis Hillman and Edson Carter, security agent Leon Wilkinson, security guard Randy Allen, Juleth George of GM Alphonso Mining, and operator William Hill. The initial altercation on September 23, captured on video, involved personnel associated with Mr. Alphonso and a group including rangers Hillman and Carter, reportedly escalating to the alleged discharge of firearms by Alphonso’s security team. A subsequent incident on September 30, also documented on video, featured security agent Wilkinson as the primary speaker, indicating unresolved tensions. To address the situation, a joint operational team comprising GPF officers and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has been deployed to monitor and mitigate further conflict.
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7 arrested, guns seized in connection with land mining dispute
In a significant development concerning a land mining dispute in Toroparu, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), authorities have arrested seven individuals and confiscated multiple firearms. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have jointly intervened to de-escalate the situation, deploying a specialized team to monitor the area and prevent further conflict. The arrests stem from two separate incidents on September 23 and 30, involving personnel linked to Alphonso Mining and a group of rangers. The initial altercation, captured on video, reportedly escalated to the alleged use of firearms by Alphonso’s security team. A subsequent incident, also documented on video, highlighted ongoing tensions between the parties. Those arrested include Mitchell Watson, rangers Marvis Hillman and Edson Carter, security agent Leon Wilkinson, security guard Randy Allen, Juleth George of GM Alphonso Mining, and operator William Hill. Authorities are working to restore order and address the underlying issues fueling the dispute.