作者: admin

  • Mexicaanse president Sheinbaum belooft humanitaire hulp naar Cuba te sturen

    Mexicaanse president Sheinbaum belooft humanitaire hulp naar Cuba te sturen

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared her administration’s intention to dispatch humanitarian assistance to Cuba this week, including essential food supplies and other critical aid materials. This announcement came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have instructed the Mexican leader to suspend oil deliveries to the Caribbean nation.

    Speaking at a public engagement in the northern state of Sonora on Sunday, President Sheinbaum clarified that her Thursday telephone conversation with Trump did not involve discussions regarding Cuban affairs. She emphasized her government’s commitment to resolving “all matters pertaining to oil shipments to Cuba through diplomatic channels for humanitarian considerations.”

    This diplomatic stance emerges against the backdrop of shifting energy dynamics in the region. Following the U.S. military operation in early January aimed at ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the South American nation suspended its declining oil exports to Cuba. This development subsequently elevated Mexico to Havana’s primary supplier of both crude oil and refined petroleum products.

    Mexican oil has long served as a crucial economic lifeline for Cuba. According to the most recent Pemex report, Mexico shipped approximately 20,000 barrels per day to Cuba from January through September 30, 2025. However, satellite tracking data analyzed by University of Texas Energy Institute expert Jorge Piñon indicates that following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s September visit to Mexico City, these shipments decreased to roughly 7,000 barrels daily.

  • Santiago launches Carnival 2026 with focus on culture, security, and tourism

    Santiago launches Carnival 2026 with focus on culture, security, and tourism

    SANTIAGO – In a vibrant ceremony celebrating the rhythm and cultural heritage of the ‘Heart City,’ Mayor Ulises Rodríguez has officially inaugurated the Santiago Carnival 2026. This announcement heralds the commencement of one of the Cibao region’s most significant cultural festivities, set to feature weekly parades every Sunday throughout February, culminating in a grand finale on March 1.

    Mayor Rodríguez articulated a strategic vision for the carnival, framing it as a multifaceted initiative designed to reinforce cultural identity, energize the local economy, and elevate Santiago’s status as a premier cultural and tourist destination. He detailed a collaborative framework involving carnival groups, cultural institutions, and private sector partners, all coordinated to deliver a celebration that is not only more secure and well-organized but also more inclusive and far-reaching.

    The program is crafted to showcase local artistic talent, encourage robust community involvement, and feature traditional parades alongside family-oriented artistic activities. Beyond its cultural objectives, the event is positioned as a dynamic platform for economic revitalization, promising substantial benefits for local entrepreneurs, artisans, performers, and merchants.

    Significant operational innovations, guided by a comprehensive master plan, were announced by Carnival Executive Director Adalberto Rodríguez. A key development is the strategic partnership with Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (CND), which will bolster logistical support and entertainment offerings. To ensure public safety and order, authorities will deploy a robust security contingent of approximately 800 police officers for each event, complemented by enhanced cleanliness measures. City officials extend an open invitation to both residents and international visitors to experience a revitalized carnival that masterfully blends the preservation of cherished traditions with a forward-looking embrace of modernity.

  • Fighting fuels deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s South Kordofan

    Fighting fuels deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s South Kordofan

    The United Nations has issued a grave warning that escalating military confrontations in Sudan’s South Kordofan state are triggering massive population displacements and creating conditions for a full-scale humanitarian disaster. According to assessments from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), civilian populations are enduring intensified violence, critical supply shortages, and the near-total breakdown of essential services as combat persists between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported that security conditions in the strategic city of Dilling have deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks, with widespread artillery bombardments and drone strikes targeting residential areas. Communication blackouts throughout the region have prevented independent verification of casualty numbers, though local sources indicate potentially significant civilian fatalities.

    The conflict has forced approximately 117,000 residents—nearly half of Dilling’s population—to flee their homes. Those remaining face severe food shortages, collapsed economic systems, and depleted medical facilities. Similarly, the state capital Kadugli has witnessed the exodus of over 80% of its population, with an estimated 147,000 people displaced to other regions.

    Humanitarian assessment teams visiting Abu Jubaiha documented a continuous stream of displaced families arriving from conflict zones, with 250-300 individuals reaching the area daily. Many survivors reported journeying for weeks under perilous conditions, with some fatalities occurring during escape attempts.

    Across the broader Kordofan region, recent fighting has displaced more than 88,000 people since late October. Relief operations face severe constraints due to security risks, supply chain disruptions, and movement restrictions. A critical aid convoy destined for Dilling and Kadugli remains immobilized in El Obeid, North Kordofan, awaiting security guarantees.

    The crisis extends beyond South Kordofan, with the International Organization for Migration reporting over 127,000 people displaced from North Darfur’s capital El Fasher between October and January. Most remain within North Darfur while others have fled to neighboring states, overwhelming already strained resources.

    UN officials are demanding immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure and urging all conflict parties to permit safe, unimpeded humanitarian access. With needs escalating across Sudan, OCHA has launched an urgent funding appeal for $2.9 billion to support approximately 20 million vulnerable people throughout 2026.

  • Prime Minister Dr. Drew attends World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates

    Prime Minister Dr. Drew attends World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to participate in the prestigious World Governments Summit 2026, scheduled from February 3-5 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The high-level gathering brings together government leaders, policy experts, and international organizations to address global governance challenges through innovation and technological advancement.

    The summit, organized by the World Governments Summit Organisation, serves as a neutral platform for developing future-oriented governance models. The event facilitates strategic dialogues and cross-sector collaboration aimed at creating more effective governmental frameworks capable of addressing shared international concerns.

    Prime Minister Drew’s delegation includes his spouse Mrs. Diani Prince-Drew, Permanent Secretary Naeemah Hazelle from the Prime Minister’s Office, and Sherema Matthew, Director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service. Their participation demonstrates the nation’s commitment to engaging with global governance discussions and strengthening international partnerships.

    The UAE Government is fully funding the official travel and accommodation expenses for the delegation, highlighting the cooperative nature of the event. The summit expects attendance from numerous regional and international leaders who will exchange policy ideas and best practices for driving meaningful global impact through improved governance structures.

    Prime Minister Drew’s involvement emphasizes Saint Kitts and Nevis’ dedication to contributing to worldwide conversations about sustainable development, technological innovation in governance, and advancing both national and regional priorities through international cooperation.

  • Column: Onze gezondheid begint bij onszelf: de strijd tegen chikungunya

    Column: Onze gezondheid begint bij onszelf: de strijd tegen chikungunya

    Suriname faces a mounting public health crisis as chikungunya virus resurges after more than a decade, exposing critical failures in environmental management and community responsibility. The Aedes aegypti mosquito—known vector for multiple diseases—is thriving in urban areas due to widespread accumulation of discarded containers and stagnant water sources.

    Health authorities have launched emergency response measures, including targeted waste collection in neighborhoods reporting the highest infection rates. This intervention comes as citizens experience characteristic symptoms including high fever and severe joint pain, creating significant healthcare pressures.

    Historical context reveals a concerning regression: previously effective environmental inspection systems that methodically documented household compliance with sanitation standards have gradually eroded. While the environmental service department remains operational, its enforcement capabilities have diminished over time despite the growing threat.

    The current outbreak underscores a painful reality that environmental cleanliness constitutes the first line of defense against vector-borne diseases. Each improperly discarded plastic bottle and abandoned container serves as potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, which require minimal water for reproduction.

    Public health experts emphasize that government action alone cannot resolve the crisis. Community participation is essential—from reporting illegal dumping to maintaining clean residential surroundings. The article calls for renewed social accountability, urging citizens to confront neighbors whose negligent practices endanger collective wellbeing.

    This health emergency demonstrates the inseparable connection between environmental stewardship and disease prevention. Sustainable solutions require cultural shift toward recognizing that public health begins with individual responsibility for maintaining clean streets, yards, and communities.

  • Four sentenced to prison for attempted RAMS supermarket robbery in Nevis

    Four sentenced to prison for attempted RAMS supermarket robbery in Nevis

    In a decisive judicial ruling, four individuals have been incarcerated for their roles in an attempted armed robbery at RAMS Supermarket in Nevis that occurred in August 2023. The Charlestown High Court delivered sentences ranging from eight to nine years following convictions on multiple criminal charges.

    The convicted perpetrators include Tarique Hanley of Hull Ground, Nevis, who received nine years for two counts of Assault with Intent to Rob plus one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. His accomplices—T’quan Pennyfeather (Conaree Village/Monkey Hill), Kennedy Rodriguez (Pine Gardens, Shadwell), and Lukelly Carmichael (Morning Star, Nevis)—were similarly convicted on three counts of Assault with Intent to Rob. Pennyfeather and Rodriguez received nine-year terms, while Carmichael was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

    Court documents reveal the brazen nature of the daytime criminal attempt, which unfolded on August 19, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM. Five armed assailants stormed the supermarket premises, physically assaulting a security guard with an umbrella while demanding cashiers open registers. Despite their aggressive tactics, the perpetrators failed to access any monetary assets and ultimately aborted the operation.

    The failed heist concluded with the suspects commandeering a customer’s vehicle parked near the entrance to facilitate their escape. Law enforcement authorities immediately initiated pursuit operations, culminating in a vehicular collision in the Brown Hill area. Three suspects were apprehended at the crash scene, while a fourth was captured shortly thereafter through coordinated police efforts. The fifth accomplice remains at large according to latest investigative reports.

    Nevis Police Commissioner emphasized that no assets were stolen from the establishment during the incident, praising the swift response of officers that prevented potential escalation of violence. The sentencing demonstrates the judicial system’s firm stance against organized criminal activities that threaten community safety and commercial security.

  • “Caravan for the Homeland 2026” celebrates national pride in Santo Domingo

    “Caravan for the Homeland 2026” celebrates national pride in Santo Domingo

    Santo Domingo witnessed an extraordinary display of national pride on Sunday as the ‘Caravan for the Homeland 2026’ captivated residents and visitors alike. Organized by the Duartian Institute, the event formed a centerpiece of the Month of the Homeland celebrations, attracting multigenerational families and vintage automobile enthusiasts in significant numbers.

    The procession commenced at 3:00 p.m. from the historic San Diego Gate in the Colonial District. A spectacular collection of meticulously maintained classic vehicles, adorned with Dominican flags and patriotic emblems, embarked on a carefully planned route traversing George Washington Avenue, segments of the 30 de Mayo Highway, and numerous streets within the capital’s UNESCO-recognized historic center. The caravan culminated its journey at the symbolic Altar of the Fatherland within Independence Park, creating a powerful visual narrative connecting different eras of Dominican history.

    Spectators lined the thoroughfares, enthusiastically applauding and capturing photographs as the historic vehicles passed by. The vibrant atmosphere reflected a collective appreciation for national heritage and automotive history.

    Dr. Wilson Gómez Ramírez, President of the Duartian Institute, presided over the opening ceremonies, emphasizing the event’s significance within the broader patriotic observances. He articulated that the caravan serves dual purposes: honoring founding father Juan Pablo Duarte on the 210th anniversary of his birth and instilling national values in younger generations through engaging, family-friendly activities.

    Multiple classic automobile clubs participated enthusiastically, presenting vehicles whose histories span more than seven decades. The carefully preserved automobiles provided a rolling museum of automotive design evolution while fostering a festive environment that celebrated Dominican identity, cultural continuity, and historical preservation.

  • The truth about the United States

    The truth about the United States

    A profound analysis of American society penned by Cuban revolutionary José Martí in 1894 continues to resonate with striking relevance in contemporary discourse. Originally published in the newspaper Patria on March 23, 1894, Martí’s examination challenges conventional perceptions of the United States while offering nuanced insights that transcend temporal boundaries.

    Martí presents a sophisticated critique that rejects both demonization and idealization of American society. He argues against racial essentialism, asserting that human variations stem from environmental and historical conditions rather than inherent racial differences. The revolutionary thinker emphasizes that both Saxon and Latin peoples demonstrate equal capacity for virtue and vice, with historical context shaping their distinctive characteristics.

    The essay dismantles the myth of a homogeneous United States, describing instead a nation of profound contradictions—from the “barbaric and virile” rising nation of Dakota to the “privileged, entrenched, sensual, unjust” eastern cities. Martí observes how regional and cultural differences have intensified rather than diminished through forced political union, creating what he characterizes as “a harsh state of violent conquest” rather than organic unity.

    Martí advocates for clear-eyed assessment of American society, warning against both uncritical admiration and reflexive condemnation. He cautions Spanish American nations against adopting foreign models without adaptation to local conditions, comparing ideas to trees that “must come from deep roots and be of kindred soil in order to take root and prosper.”

    The revolutionary intellectual identifies various attitudes toward the United States prevalent in his time—from excessive admiration born of impatience for progress to disdain for native culture masked as sophistication. He argues that understanding America’s true nature, with both its virtues and flaws, is essential for the development of Spanish American nations.

    Martí concludes by announcing Patria’s new permanent section, “Notes on the United States,” which will present translated material from American newspapers to demonstrate the nation’s “crude, unequal, and decadent character” alongside the persistence of the same social problems for which Spanish American nations were often criticized.

  • Cuba condemns terrorism and reaffirms its cooperation on security and the fight against money laundering

    Cuba condemns terrorism and reaffirms its cooperation on security and the fight against money laundering

    In a definitive statement issued on February 1, 2026, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delivered a comprehensive rebuttal against terrorism-related allegations while extending an olive branch for enhanced bilateral security cooperation with the United States.

    The Caribbean nation articulated an unequivocal condemnation of all terrorist activities and organizations, explicitly denying any involvement in harboring, financing, or supporting extremist groups. Cuban authorities emphasized their strict adherence to international standards regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing protocols, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit financial activities.

    Addressing historical interactions with individuals later designated as terrorists, Cuban officials clarified that such engagements occurred exclusively within constrained humanitarian contexts connected to internationally-sanctioned peace processes. These interactions, conducted at the formal request of respective governments, were characterized as fully transparent operations.

    The statement further rejected characterizations of Cuba as a national security threat to the United States, asserting that the island nation neither hosts foreign military installations nor permits its territory to be utilized for hostile actions against other countries.

    Notably, Havana proposed revitalizing technical cooperation frameworks with Washington across multiple security domains including counterterrorism initiatives, narcotics interdiction, cybersecurity protocols, human trafficking prevention, and financial crime investigations. Cuban officials highlighted that previous bilateral willingness had yielded measurable progress in these areas.

    The declaration concluded by reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to sovereign equality and mutual respect in international relations, while expressing readiness to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at achieving tangible outcomes beneficial to both nations’ citizens through lawful cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

  • Indotel and Police sign agreement to upgrade cyber police capabilities

    Indotel and Police sign agreement to upgrade cyber police capabilities

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move to combat digital crime, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) has forged a strategic alliance with the National Police to comprehensively modernize the Cyber Police Area Directorate (Dicat). This collaboration is centered on equipping the nation’s cybercrime unit with state-of-the-art technological infrastructure to dramatically improve its investigative and prosecutorial capabilities.

    The ambitious initiative, officially designated as the ‘Technological Strengthening of the Cyber Police Area Directorate, PN,’ is designed to bolster the unit’s operational effectiveness. A core component involves the deployment of sophisticated digital forensic tools that significantly accelerate the process of data extraction and analysis from mobile devices. These advanced systems are critical for maintaining the integrity, traceability, and legal admissibility of digital evidence, which is paramount for successful prosecutions in court.

    As detailed by Indotel, the comprehensive project encompasses the procurement of specialized hardware, proprietary software licenses, and integrated technological platforms. This new arsenal is engineered to overcome formidable challenges, including bypassing the encryption on highly secured devices, all while rigorously adhering to international chain-of-custody protocols. The agreement further outlines a plan to decentralize cybercrime response operations, extending crucial investigative services beyond the National District to ensure nationwide coverage. Ultimately, this technological infusion aims to fortify the judicial process by reinforcing the credibility and reliability of digital forensic evidence, thereby strengthening the entire framework of the national justice system in the digital age.