Preliminary findings suggest that Barbados could be home to a population of bottlenose dolphins, a discovery with significant implications for the island’s marine conservation efforts and eco-tourism industry. Richard Suckoo, Deputy Project Manager of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan, described the potential presence of these dolphins as a “critical discovery” that could position them as “true local ambassadors for the island’s marine biodiversity.” Bottlenose dolphins, known for their intelligence, playful nature, and complex social structures, could elevate Barbados’ status as a biodiversity hotspot if their residency is confirmed. Unlike the mahi-mahi fish commonly referred to as ‘dolphin’ in Barbados, bottlenose dolphins are marine mammals. Systematic surveys conducted in February, March, and earlier this month as part of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan and the Caribbean Cetacean Society’s Ti Whale An Nou Programme have provided the first comprehensive data on these species in Barbadian waters. The initiative, endorsed by UNESCO’s Ocean Decade, spans over 20 Caribbean islands and aims to study and protect regional whale and dolphin populations. Early analysis indicates the presence of bottlenose dolphins, including juveniles, predominantly along the island’s west coast. The surveys also documented other species, such as sperm whales, melon-headed whales, and the elusive Kogia species, while acoustic recordings detected short-finned pilot whales and humpback whales up to 50 nautical miles offshore. However, the research revealed that 11% of dolphins showed injuries likely caused by human activities, such as discarded fishing gear or boat collisions. Suckoo emphasized the need for continued surveys to better understand the dolphins’ population, distribution, and behavior, with the ultimate goal of establishing management zones and guidelines to ensure their protection and thriving presence in Barbadian waters.
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Zorgwekkende toename hiv-gevallen onder jongeren en kwetsbare groepen
Suriname is grappling with a concerning surge in HIV infections, particularly among young people under 25 and adults aged 35 to 45, according to recent analyses by the national HIV program. Monique Holtuin, the HIV focal point at the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, revealed that an estimated 8,000 people are living with HIV in the country. While approximately 4,000 individuals are aware of their status and 85% of them are receiving proper care, the other half remains unaware, posing a significant risk for further transmission. Holtuin emphasized the urgency of early testing, especially among youth, who often develop symptoms years after contracting the virus. Children born to HIV-positive mothers are also vulnerable, as some mothers avoid treatment due to stigma, leading to preventable mother-to-child transmissions. The MSM (men who have sex with men) community faces heightened risks due to unprotected contact and societal marginalization. Holtuin highlighted the lack of awareness and misconceptions about HIV, stressing the importance of condom use and regular testing. She advocated for comprehensive sexual education in schools to empower young people with knowledge and encourage behavioral change. Holtuin underscored the need for sustained care, medication adherence, and societal efforts to eliminate stigma, aiming for a future where people feel free to test openly and discuss their health without fear.
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Students urged to see themselves as tech innovators in robotics drive
Barbados is taking bold steps to inspire the next generation of innovators through its national robotics competition, ‘Battle of the Bots.’ Launched in partnership with the Barbados Light and Power Co. Ltd., the initiative aims to cultivate a future-ready generation capable of addressing global challenges through technology. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman emphasized the importance of empowering young minds to lead in innovation and technological development. ‘My challenge to you is to see yourselves as the creators of the next wave of technology that can solve global problems, starting from Barbados,’ Blackman stated during the event’s launch. He highlighted the government’s commitment to educational reform, which goes beyond infrastructure improvements and resource provision. ‘Our transformation agenda is about preparing young people to lead the world,’ he added. Blackman also noted Barbados’ leadership in global discussions on sustainability and financial reform, urging the youth to compete on an international stage. Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw described the competition as part of a broader movement to revolutionize education through technology. Since 2021, approximately 733 teachers and nearly 4,700 students have been trained in robotics and coding, fostering a dynamic learning environment. ‘This is about engaging students in real-life problem-solving through project-based learning,’ she explained. The competition has expanded this year, with 26 primary school teams participating in the preliminaries. Sixteen primary and eight secondary school teams will advance to the finals, scheduled for December 2 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
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Dominican Republic and Paraguay seal agreement to strengthen air connectivity
In a landmark move to enhance bilateral air connectivity and tourism, the Dominican Republic and Paraguay inked a new Air Services Agreement on the inaugural day of the ICAO World Conference on Air Services Agreement Negotiations (ICAN2025). The historic signing took place in Santo Domingo, marking the first time the conference has been hosted in the Dominican capital. The agreement was formalized by Nelson Mendoza Rolón, President of Paraguay’s National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, and Héctor Porcella, President of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC).
This pact is a significant milestone in fostering closer ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of tourism and economic growth. The deal coincides with Paraguay’s ongoing negotiations with Arajet, a Dominican airline, to launch direct flights from Asunción to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. These flights are expected to commence operations by early 2026, further solidifying the partnership. Anguie Duarte de Melillo, Paraguay’s Secretary of Tourism, emphasized the shared vision of both countries to leverage tourism as a catalyst for economic development.
Running from November 10 to 14, ICAN2025 has convened aviation authorities from across the globe to expand international air transport networks. The Dominican Republic is seizing this opportunity to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub. During the conference, the country is slated to hold 18 bilateral meetings and sign additional Air Service Agreements (ASAs) with Oman, El Salvador, Greece, and Paraguay. Preliminary discussions are also underway with Eswatini, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), Zimbabwe, and Benin.
Officials underscored that these initiatives align with the Dominican Republic’s broader strategy to enhance its global connectivity and tourism appeal, cementing its role as a key player in the international aviation landscape.
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Guyana gov’t, U.S. company to build data centre at Wales
In a groundbreaking move to position Guyana as a leader in digital innovation, the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and U.S.-based Cerebras Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to construct a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Wales, Guyana. The facility, with a capacity of up to 100MW, will be powered by Cerebras’ advanced CS-3 AI supercomputers and infrastructure, catering to international demand while fostering local economic growth and technological advancement. This initiative is a cornerstone of Guyana’s ambition to become an AI-first nation and a regional hub for digital transformation. The project will also include training programs, research initiatives, and partnerships with international universities to upskill Guyanese talent and ensure widespread community benefits. The data center, strategically located near the Gas-to-Energy plant, will anchor a broader vision for digital prosperity, including education hubs, startup incubators, and advanced research centers. The partnership has already attracted interest from global players in AI, cloud computing, and infrastructure, with additional collaborations under discussion. Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasized that this project is a declaration of the nation’s ambition to lead in frontier technologies and empower its citizens to drive global innovation. Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman highlighted that this collaboration is a key part of the company’s Cerebras for Nations initiative, aimed at helping governments accelerate their sovereign AI capabilities. EY Global Partner Jay Persaud, a member of the Guyanese diaspora, expressed excitement about the transformative potential of this partnership, which promises to inspire the next generation and catalyze economic diversification.
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Look beyond IMF as access to climate finance tightens – senator
Barbados is taking decisive steps to diversify its development financing sources and reduce its dependence on traditional international lenders, as global climate finance becomes increasingly constrained. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, emphasized the urgency of this shift during a Senate session on Wednesday. The Senate debated the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) Bill, which formalizes Barbados’ full membership in CAF by replacing the Latin American Development Bank Act. Munro-Knight highlighted that while some global institutions are retreating from climate financing, CAF offers a regional alternative that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the needs of small states like Barbados. She pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is being urged to return to its core mission, potentially reducing its focus on climate financing, which poses challenges for middle-income, climate-vulnerable nations. Munro-Knight stressed the need for Barbados to proactively build partnerships and buffers to mitigate external shocks. She noted a decline in official development assistance (ODA) to Latin America and the Caribbean, with private capital primarily flowing into energy projects, leaving critical sectors like health, education, and housing underfunded. CAF, she argued, understands the region’s realities and provides a platform for Caribbean nations to shape solutions collectively. Under the new legislation, Barbados will acquire 34,834 Series C shares in CAF, valued at $494.6 million, enabling access to financing worth 18 times that amount over 15 years. This investment will transition Barbados to full membership, granting it a seat on CAF’s board of directors and enhancing its influence in regional decision-making. CAF has already demonstrated its value as a development partner, approving $700,000 in technical assistance for the Barbados Water Authority and funding infrastructure projects on the South Coast. Additionally, CAF has supported cultural initiatives like CARIFESTA and heritage projects, including the digitization of national archives and the development of a heritage district. The phased investment over 15 years will allow Barbados to manage its financial commitments while gaining immediate access to development resources, safeguarding its fiscal space and strengthening its resilience to climate and economic shocks.
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Family of Irish woman killed on George Washington Avenue demands justice
The tragic death of Claire Paula Cullen, a 40-year-old Irish woman, has sent shockwaves through her family and the community. Cullen was fatally struck by a vehicle on George Washington Avenue in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on the morning of November 10, 2025. The incident occurred as she was crossing the avenue, en route to attend her brother’s wedding to Erika Peña, which was scheduled for the same day. Instead of a joyous celebration, the day turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy. The driver, identified as Héctor Julio Taveras Báez, fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving Cullen fatally injured. Her family has since expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, noting that her personal belongings have yet to be returned by authorities. As they prepare to repatriate her body to Ireland for burial, the family is demanding justice and accountability, emphasizing that Cullen’s young son has been left orphaned by this devastating event. They are urging Dominican officials to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrator is held responsible.
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Elections : «Democracy cannot exist without women» (video)
On November 12, 2025, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé officially inaugurated a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness, mobilizing, and training women for inclusive elections. The event, orchestrated by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), saw the participation of prominent figures including Ms. Pedrica Saint Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights; Presidential Advisor Frinel Joseph; CEP President Jacques Desrosiers; and UN Women Representative Goretti Ndwayo, among others. The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of women in bolstering Haiti’s democracy, highlighting his administration’s dedication to fostering political equality between genders. The electoral decree includes financial incentives totaling up to three billion gourdes to encourage women’s active participation in all electoral phases. Significant progress has already been made, with 40% of CEP’s departmental and municipal electoral staff being women. Additionally, political parties are now required to include a minimum of 30% female candidates on legislative lists, with a 25% funding bonus for organizations that elect more than 50% women. Minister Saint Jean lauded the initiative, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without women’s full involvement. She underscored the importance of dismantling social, economic, and institutional barriers to women’s political participation and highlighted key advancements in the 2025 electoral decree, such as financial incentives for gender parity and increased public funding for parties that elect women or individuals with disabilities. She also emphasized the need to combat all forms of electoral violence to ensure a safe and inclusive electoral environment.
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Budna Case Before DPP; It Exposes Gaps in Law Enforcement
The Joseph Budna abduction case, which began with a Facebook Live broadcast on August 22, 2025, has escalated into an international scandal, revealing significant flaws in law enforcement. Budna, known for his outspoken social media presence, went live from Orange Walk Town, directly in front of the police station, before being abducted by three men and forced into a sky-blue SUV. Witnesses reported the incident occurred just steps away from the station. The following day, photos emerged from Guatemala showing Budna in custody, raising questions about how he was transported across the border so swiftly. In a leaked audio clip, Budna claimed that masked men, allegedly police officers, assaulted him, taped his mouth, and transported him to Arenal Village. Three weeks later, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation has been plagued by missing surveillance footage, incomplete reports, and growing public outrage. Prime Minister Briceño criticized the initial police report as ‘unsatisfactory,’ leading to Commissioner Rosado being placed on leave amid suspicions of police involvement. The case file has now been handed to Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who described it as ‘less than nothing,’ indicating significant deficiencies. The DPP’s office is currently reviewing the file, but no arrests are imminent, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
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BDF Soldier, Cop Found Guilty in 2021 Escobar Shooting Cover-Up
In a landmark ruling, a Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldier and a police officer have been found guilty of obstructing justice in the 2021 shooting death of BDF soldier Jessie Escobar. The verdict was delivered on November 12, 2025, in the Magistrate’s Court. BDF Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Moralez were convicted of perverting the course of justice by providing false statements about the events of September 5, 2021, in Santa Familia, where Escobar was fatally shot. The Senior Magistrate determined that their accounts were inconsistent with the evidence, despite their claims of trauma and pressure. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who led the prosecution, argued that the defendants deliberately misled investigators. The magistrate concurred, stating that their statements were fabricated and given while the events were still fresh. Both men were remanded to Belize Central Prison and are scheduled for sentencing on December 4. Defense attorney Marcel Cardona expressed shock at the verdict but respected the decision. Vidal emphasized the importance of the ruling, highlighting the need for accountability among law enforcement officers. The case underscores the critical role of evidence in ensuring justice, particularly in cases involving alleged misconduct by those in positions of authority.