Carib Scope

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  • Dominican ports fully operational after Hurricane Melissa

    Dominican ports fully operational after Hurricane Melissa

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) has confirmed that all ports across the Dominican Republic are fully operational and have sustained no significant damage. Comprehensive technical inspections and structural evaluations conducted at major cargo, container, and cruise terminals have verified the stability of port infrastructure, as well as the uninterrupted functionality of electrical systems and access routes.

    Jean Luis Rodríguez, Apordom’s executive director, attributed this resilience to the institution’s proactive preventive measures and unwavering commitment to port safety. He detailed that emergency protocols were activated well before the hurricane’s arrival, safeguarding docks, equipment, vessels, and personnel. This strategic preparedness facilitated a swift return to normal operations.

    Rodríguez also underscored the Port Authority’s advancements in modernization and climate resilience, which have significantly bolstered its capacity to maintain seamless maritime activities. Apordom has reaffirmed that cargo, coastal shipping, and cruise operations are proceeding without disruption nationwide, highlighting its dedication to ensuring the security, stability, and competitiveness of the Dominican port system.

  • Warme dag met ‘s middag enkele lokale buien

    Warme dag met ‘s middag enkele lokale buien

    Suriname is set to experience another warm and predominantly dry day today, with localized cloud cover expected to increase in the afternoon. The early morning will remain calm and relatively clear, offering pleasant temperatures ranging between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, particularly in Paramaribo and Wanica. By late morning, temperatures are forecasted to rise rapidly, reaching 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, with a muggy heat index exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels will remain high, especially in low-lying and densely built-up areas. Inland regions, particularly around the Upper Suriname area and Brokopondo, may experience even higher localized temperatures. During the afternoon, light cloud cover is anticipated in parts of the interior, with a possibility of brief local rain or thunderstorms, especially towards Sipaliwini and southern Brokopondo. Coastal districts are expected to stay largely dry, though a short-lived shower in the late afternoon cannot be ruled out. Winds will be easterly to northeasterly, generally weak to moderate, with occasional cooling breezes in the afternoon. By evening, skies will clear in most areas, and temperatures will gradually drop to a more comfortable 26 to 27 degrees Celsius.

  • Abinader opens International Transport Policy Dialogue 2025 in Santo Domingo

    Abinader opens International Transport Policy Dialogue 2025 in Santo Domingo

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader officially launched the 2025 International Transport Policy Dialogue, a pivotal two-day regional conference co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Transport Forum (ITF). Held under the theme “Transportation as a Driver of Development for Resilience and Competitiveness,” the event convened ministers, industry leaders, and experts from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe to address pressing challenges in the transport sector.

    In his opening address, President Abinader emphasized the critical role of transportation as the foundation of economic and social progress. He articulated that investments in mobility are investments in equity, productivity, and future growth. Abinader showcased significant infrastructure advancements under his administration, including the rehabilitation of highways and rural roads, the modernization of the Manzanillo port, and the expansion of integrated Metro, Cable Car, and Monorail systems in Santo Domingo and Santiago. He described these initiatives as transformative milestones in the Dominican Republic’s mobility landscape.

    The forum aims to tackle key issues such as sustainable financing, the adoption of electric and clean mobility solutions, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience, and road safety. Abinader expressed gratitude to the IDB and ITF for their ongoing partnership and called for a unified regional action pact to promote sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation systems. This dialogue follows the Dominican Republic’s 2024 accession as a full member of the ITF, a significant step in aligning the nation with global sustainable development goals.

  • Antiguan Officials Participate in EU-Funded Study Tour on Rural Development in Spain

    Antiguan Officials Participate in EU-Funded Study Tour on Rural Development in Spain

    A high-level delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, recently concluded a three-day visit to Andalucía, Spain. The trip, held from October 22 to 24, was part of the EU-CaN: Nurturing Futures Together project, an initiative funded by the European Commission and coordinated by the Foundation for the Internationalisation of Public Administrations (FIAP). The project aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between European and Caribbean regions to enhance sustainable agri-food systems, rural development, and the inclusion of women and youth in agriculture. During their visit, the delegation explored key agricultural sites in the Axarquía area of Malaga province, including a subtropical fruit company in Vélez-Málaga, the Monte Faco vineyard, and the village of Moclinejo. They also engaged with local mayors and sampled regional cuisine. Manuel Gómez, Secretary General for Agriculture of the Andalusian regional government, emphasized the region’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in achieving food security and rural revitalization. The delegation’s itinerary also included stops in Cádiz, Seville, and Madrid, further strengthening ties between Spain and the Eastern Caribbean in their shared pursuit of sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.

  • Tourism Charity Day 2025 to Support the Most Vulnerable Across Antigua and Barbuda

    Tourism Charity Day 2025 to Support the Most Vulnerable Across Antigua and Barbuda

    In a groundbreaking initiative, Antigua and Barbuda has announced the launch of Tourism Charity Day 2025, a dedicated event aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations across the twin-island nation. Scheduled for early 2025, this event will leverage the country’s thriving tourism industry to raise funds and awareness for those in need. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the government, local businesses, and international partners, reflecting a shared commitment to social responsibility and community development. Activities will include charity walks, fundraising galas, and special tourism packages, with proceeds directed towards healthcare, education, and housing projects for disadvantaged groups. This initiative not only highlights the islands’ philanthropic spirit but also underscores the potential of tourism as a force for positive societal change.

  • Indotel and ABA launch financial education campaign for Dominican diaspora in the U.S.

    Indotel and ABA launch financial education campaign for Dominican diaspora in the U.S.

    The Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel) and the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) have unveiled a groundbreaking financial education initiative targeting Dominican expatriates in the United States. The campaign, set to commence on November 1, aims to educate individuals on the benefits of digital bank transfers as a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective method for sending remittances to their homeland. Training sessions will be conducted at Dominican consulates in major U.S. cities, including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami, to facilitate the adoption of digital financial tools. During the campaign’s launch at the Dominican House of Culture in New York, Indotel chairman Guido Gómez Mazara and ABA executive president Rosanna Ruiz highlighted the program’s dual objectives: advancing financial inclusion and reducing dependency on cash-based remittance systems. Gómez Mazara pointed out that while 80% of remittances originate from the U.S., a significant portion is still sent in cash. Despite 40% of senders possessing bank accounts, only 14% utilize digital transfer services. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap through collaborative public-private sector efforts, emphasizing security, efficiency, and traceability in remittance transactions.

  • 92-jarige Biya blijft aan de macht na verkiezingen in Kameroen

    92-jarige Biya blijft aan de macht na verkiezingen in Kameroen

    Paul Biya, the 92-year-old President of Cameroon, has been re-elected for an eighth term, extending his rule that began in 1982. The electoral commission announced that Biya secured a significant majority of votes in the preliminary results, solidifying his position as one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. While his supporters hailed the outcome as a testament to stability, the election has drawn international criticism. Opposition parties have alleged irregularities, voter intimidation, and restricted media and campaign freedoms. Observers also reported that the electoral process was disrupted in parts of the country due to security tensions, particularly in the English-speaking regions, which have been plagued by armed conflicts for years. In a brief statement, Biya pledged to continue his commitment to peace, national unity, and economic progress. However, opposition leaders have indicated they may pursue legal challenges. The final results are expected later this week, but political analysts suggest Biya’s grip on power remains unchallenged for now.

  • CNG refuelling project promises cheaper, cleaner energy for motorists

    CNG refuelling project promises cheaper, cleaner energy for motorists

    Barbados is poised to revolutionize its energy landscape with the launch of a pioneering project aimed at providing discounted compressed natural gas (CNG) to motorists. Spearheaded by Dr. Legena Henry, founder of Rum and Sargassum Inc., the initiative is set to debut in March 2026, offering significant fuel savings to taxi drivers and the general public while promoting cleaner energy alternatives. The project will feature mobile refuelling units strategically positioned across key locations, including the ABC Highway and Bridgetown. Initially targeting 100 taxi operators, the service will later expand to the wider public. Vehicles will be retrofitted with dual-fuel kits, enabling them to run on both petrol and biogas. Dr. Henry, a clean energy researcher at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, revealed that the CNG will initially be sourced from the state-owned natural gas supplier, with plans to transition to biogas derived from sargassum seaweed and agricultural waste. Taxi drivers will benefit from a 40% discount on CNG, with further reductions anticipated once sargassum biogas becomes available. The project has already garnered significant interest, with 35 customers signed up and a waiting list in place. Dr. Henry emphasized the project’s scalability, noting the potential to serve thousands of customers. The mobile refuelling stations, equipped with fast-fuelling technology, will allow vehicles to refuel in just three minutes. Customers will receive a swipe card for seamless transactions, with billing handled monthly. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to address the sargassum seaweed problem through a $186 million bioenergy project, set to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) by April 2025. This public-private partnership aims to generate revenue, create jobs, and reduce foreign exchange expenditures, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy in Barbados.

  • Column: We kopen tijd – maar gebruiken we die ook verstandig?

    Column: We kopen tijd – maar gebruiken we die ook verstandig?

    Suriname is grappling with a severe financial crisis as it faces the daunting task of repaying over USD 400 million starting in 2026. With no immediate solutions in sight, the government has opted to restructure its debts, a move deemed necessary by experts like VES Chairman Steven Debipersad. The strategy aims to buy time until 2028, when oil revenues are expected to flow in. However, the pressing question remains: how will this time be utilized? While the Ministry of Finance & Planning is engaged in complex negotiations with the Bank of America, other government departments continue to operate as usual, indulging in lavish spending and ceremonial activities. This stark contrast has eroded public and international trust. The lack of clear communication has led to misconceptions, with many believing Suriname is ‘buying off’ its debts. In reality, the country is merely deferring payments, incurring higher interest rates (7.95%) and extending the repayment period to 2033. The real challenge lies in whether this borrowed time will be used wisely to implement rational investments and clear policies, or if it will be squandered on short-term measures and loss-making enterprises. The world is watching closely, as the potential oil revenues could either save or destroy Suriname, depending on how the funds are managed. Time is not a solution; it is an opportunity to finally get things right after 50 years of independence.

  • Dominican Embassy holds Third EMBAJADOM-HN 2025 in Honduras

    Dominican Embassy holds Third EMBAJADOM-HN 2025 in Honduras

    The Dominican Embassy in Honduras successfully organized the Third Business Meeting EMBAJADOM-HN 2025, themed ‘Export, Import, Investment, and Tourism.’ The event convened government officials, business leaders, academics, students, and entrepreneurs from both nations to enhance bilateral economic collaboration and explore investment prospects. Ambassador Luis García underscored the remarkable growth in trade between the Dominican Republic and Honduras, which surged to nearly US$937.7 million by May 2025, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase. Additionally, Dominican direct investment in Honduras amounted to US$6.7 million, reflecting growing economic confidence. Significant progress was also noted in trade agreements facilitating Honduran exports, particularly citrus and pork products. The event featured high-level panels, business roundtables, and product exhibitions, focusing on technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and best practices. Key discussion topics included export diversification, AI integration in customs, foreign investment policies, MSME participation in international markets, business sustainability, tourism, and e-commerce opportunities. Notable attendees included Honduran and Dominican customs and economic officials, alongside representatives from business chambers and development organizations. Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Javier Bu Soto, and Fedecámara president Manuel Hernández commended the embassy’s efforts in fostering economic synergy. Coordinated with the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prodominicana, and the General Directorate of Customs, the meeting reinforced both nations’ commitment to economic cooperation, innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations.