Carib Scope

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  • Cool airflow creates pleasant temperatures and isolated showers

    Cool airflow creates pleasant temperatures and isolated showers

    In the early hours of Sunday, the Dominican Republic witnessed a shift in weather patterns as the northeast wind brought cloudy skies and scattered rains to several provinces, including Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, Hato Mayor, Samaná, and Santiago. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indoemt) predicts that skies will clear up across most regions by midday, with only brief and isolated showers expected, particularly in the Central Mountain Range and the northeast areas.

    Looking ahead to Monday, the weather is expected to remain relatively dry and stable. Most of the country will enjoy clear skies, with very light and isolated showers likely during the early morning or late evening. These sporadic rains will be caused by moisture carried by east/northeast winds, affecting the northern coast, the Cibao region, and the Central Mountain Range.

    Temperatures are set to drop, bringing a more pleasant and cooler feel, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. This cooling trend will be most noticeable in mountainous areas and inland valleys, where fog may also form in higher elevations. The influx of fresh air driven by east/northeast winds is responsible for these cooler conditions, which are expected to persist in the coming days.

    In Greater Santo Domingo, residents can expect scattered clouds, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C to 22°C and a maximum of 30°C to 32°C.

  • Doctor explains Confirmed: There is an outbreak of influenza A and B viruses: What is it, how is it spread, and how is it treated?

    Doctor explains Confirmed: There is an outbreak of influenza A and B viruses: What is it, how is it spread, and how is it treated?

    As winter sets in, the Dominican Republic is grappling with a notable rise in respiratory viruses, particularly influenza A and B, which are responsible for the flu. This seasonal spike has prompted concerns about the nature of the disease, its transmission, and effective treatment strategies, especially as thousands of Dominicans are already affected. Dr. Ezequiel Lugo, an internist and intensive care physician, explained to HOY newspaper that influenza is an acute viral infection primarily caused by the influenza virus, with types A and B being the most prevalent. Common symptoms include fever, muscle and head pain, cough, and nasal congestion or discharge. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected individual exhibiting symptoms such as fever, general malaise, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or headache. While influenza often resembles a common cold, it can escalate to pneumonia and cause severe complications, particularly in children and the elderly. Treatment focuses on symptom management, with antiviral medications recommended within the first 72 hours of diagnosis to reduce complication risks. Dr. Lugo emphasized preventive measures, including mask-wearing, proper hand hygiene, and maintaining well-ventilated spaces. He also highlighted the importance of the influenza vaccine as the most effective tool for preventing severe cases, urging annual vaccination, especially for children and senior citizens. Dr. Lugo concluded by advising the public to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.

  • Guyanese man killed in Antigua during vehicular collision with horse

    Guyanese man killed in Antigua during vehicular collision with horse

    A tragic vehicular accident in Antigua has resulted in the death of a Guyanese man, Brenton Anthony Bristol, following a collision with a horse. The incident occurred late Thursday night near the Sir Wright F. George Police Training Academy in Antigua and Barbuda. According to police reports, the accident involved a silver Audi motor car and a brown horse, both of which sustained fatal injuries. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high speed along Friars Hill Road when it struck the horse, causing the driver to lose control momentarily. Both the driver and his passenger, Bristol, were injured in the crash. Bristol, a 40-year-old resident of Hodges Bay who had been living in Antigua since 2006, succumbed to his injuries shortly after the accident. The driver was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was treated for head injuries and remains in stable condition. The Antigua and Barbuda Police Force is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

  • Ambassade opent bijzondere Nassy-expositie ter ere van 50 jaar Srefidensi

    Ambassade opent bijzondere Nassy-expositie ter ere van 50 jaar Srefidensi

    The Surinamese Embassy in Washington has marked the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s independence, known as Srefidensi, by spotlighting the work of Surinamese-American artist Jozef Nassy (1904–1976). In collaboration with the Art Museum of the Americas, a unique exhibition showcasing Nassy’s works created during his internment in World War II has been unveiled. The exhibition, open until December 12, is hosted in the Marcus Garvey Hall of the Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters. Nassy, one of the few artists to produce extensive work while imprisoned by the Nazis, captured the daily lives, emotions, and faces of fellow detainees through his portraits and drawings. His works, primarily created in camps in Belgium and Germany, serve as a profound historical record. While 225 of his pieces were donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1992, Nassy’s legacy remains relatively unknown in Suriname. Born in Paramaribo to Creole-Jewish parents, Nassy moved to Brooklyn at 15, studied industrial electrical engineering at Pratt Institute, and later pursued art in Brussels. Arrested in 1942 as an American citizen in occupied territory, he turned his internment into a defining period for his artistry. The exhibition features five of his original works from Suriname, including a recently rediscovered painting from 1946 depicting a lone prisoner in the Laufen camp. The opening ceremony was attended by OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin, Surinamese Ambassador Marten Schalkwijk, and Art Museum of the Americas Director Adriana Ospina, who praised Nassy’s technical versatility and ability to portray dignity and hope in adversity.

  • How is democracy eroding in the US and what does this mean for Latin America?

    How is democracy eroding in the US and what does this mean for Latin America?

    The United States is experiencing a significant decline in its democratic foundations, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Historically, the U.S. maintained a democratic regime characterized by free elections, universal suffrage, and a system of checks and balances. However, recent developments suggest a shift toward competitive authoritarianism, with the current administration undermining democratic institutions and processes. This transformation has drawn comparisons to autocratic regimes in Venezuela and El Salvador, where leaders like Hugo Chávez and Nayib Bukele have consolidated power at the expense of democratic norms. In the U.S., the executive branch has weakened federal bureaucracy, encroached on legislative powers, and weaponized government agencies to target universities, media, and political opponents. Immigrants and African American citizens have faced violations of due process, further eroding civil liberties. Scholars such as Steve Levitsky and Lucan Way have declared that the U.S. no longer qualifies as a democracy, marking a stark departure from its historical identity. The implications of this democratic erosion extend beyond U.S. borders, particularly affecting Latin America. The Trump administration’s policies, supported by a compliant Congress and Supreme Court, have disrupted international aid, immigration processes, and anti-drug trafficking efforts. Programs promoting democracy and human rights in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have been suspended, while immigration policies have become increasingly harsh. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has detained and deported thousands, often without due process, leading to widespread human rights abuses. These actions have reduced the flow of remittances, a critical economic lifeline for many Latin American countries. Additionally, the U.S. has escalated military interventions in the region, such as targeting Venezuelan vessels under the guise of drug enforcement, further destabilizing the area. The Trump administration’s support for authoritarian leaders and its erratic foreign policy have exacerbated political polarization and weakened democratic movements in Latin America. As the U.S. grapples with its democratic decline, Latin America must seek collective responses and strengthen regional leadership to mitigate the fallout from these developments.

  • Alert Have you seen Josefina? Family members are searching for the missing woman.

    Alert Have you seen Josefina? Family members are searching for the missing woman.

    A concerning disappearance has prompted a widespread search for Mrs. Josefina Espinal, who vanished after departing from La Vega on the morning of Friday, November 21. Mrs. Espinal was en route to Santo Domingo, specifically the Duarte commercial district, to purchase goods. Her sudden absence has left family members and authorities deeply worried. The family is appealing to the public for assistance in locating her. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the following numbers immediately: 849-280-8884 or 809-903-1731. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring her safe return.

  • Politic : Medellín, a relevant model for Port-au-Prince

    Politic : Medellín, a relevant model for Port-au-Prince

    In a significant step toward addressing its urban and security challenges, Port-au-Prince has turned to Medellín, Colombia, as a model for renewal. Allwitch Joly, Chief of Staff to Mayor Ralph Youri Chevry, represented the municipality at the international seminar titled ‘The Renaissance of Medellín: Lessons for a Renaissance of Port-au-Prince.’ Organized by the Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA) on November 21 and 22, 2025, the event brought together experts from Colombia, Haiti, and the diaspora to discuss strategies for revitalizing Haiti’s capital. Joly outlined the severe security crisis in Port-au-Prince, driven by armed groups, economic instability, and mass displacement, which has crippled public services and daily life. He highlighted the Mayor’s office’s efforts, including the establishment of the Port-au-Prince Municipal Security Council (CSMPAP) in January 2025, as a key initiative in local governance. Joly proposed solutions such as securing strategic routes, strengthening the Haitian National Police, supporting youth and vulnerable communities, revitalizing the local economy, and fostering partnerships with civil society and international actors. He emphasized the relevance of Medellín’s approach, which combined dialogue, social urban planning, innovation, and municipal action to reduce insecurity and drive urban renewal. The seminar featured insights from prominent speakers, including former Haitian Minister Reginald Delva and Colombian experts Alejandro Londono, Juan Pablo Ortega, Natalia Castaño, and David Rodriguez. The City Hall expressed gratitude to HRA and confirmed its participation in the program’s next phase, including a study visit to Medellín in early 2026.

  • Telecom : Television in Haiti and the 2026 World Cup

    Telecom : Television in Haiti and the 2026 World Cup

    On World Television Day, the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) of Haiti highlighted the transformative role of television in the nation’s social, cultural, and educational fabric. This annual observance serves as a reminder of television’s power as a medium for reliable information, public dialogue, and national unity. CONATEL also took the opportunity to commend the dedication of Haitian broadcasters, who are striving to modernize infrastructure and enhance programming despite significant challenges. This year’s celebration holds added significance as Haiti marks a historic milestone: the Grenadiers’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on November 18, 2025. This achievement underscores television’s pivotal role in fostering national pride and unity. Haitian broadcasters now face the critical task of ensuring widespread media coverage of the World Cup, bringing the nation together to support their team. CONATEL acknowledges the technical and economic hurdles ahead but pledges its support to ensure every Haitian can partake in this global sporting event. The council also lauded the Grenadiers for their unprecedented success and celebrated the tireless efforts of audiovisual professionals in shaping Haiti’s media landscape.

  • The country has exported more than 291,000 pounds of larimar this year

    The country has exported more than 291,000 pounds of larimar this year

    The Dominican Republic has witnessed a remarkable surge in larimar exports, with figures skyrocketing from 85,480 pounds in 2024 to 291,340 pounds this year, as reported by Joel Santos Echavarría, the Minister of Energy and Mines. Santos emphasized the importance of integrating larimar into the nation’s tourism offerings, stating, “We are a tourist country, and larimar must be part of that Dominican tourist product.” He also underscored the stone’s protection under the International Registration of the Larimar Barahona Origin Designation and celebrated the establishment of the first Artisanal Mining Emergency Response Brigade as a significant milestone. These remarks were made during a promotional fair in Barahona province, marking National Larimar Day, where miners, artisans, designers, and brigade members were honored for their contributions to the mineral’s industrialization. Rolando Muñoz Mejía, the Mining Director at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, highlighted that approximately 950 workers are engaged daily in larimar extraction. However, the industry faces challenges, as voiced by miners and artisans. They pointed to the lack of financial resources, low market prices for raw and crafted larimar, and insufficient promotion as critical areas needing attention. Fernando González, a seasoned miner with over four decades of experience, noted that while a pound of larimar currently sells for RD$4,000 to RD$5,000, its unique value could command higher prices. Similarly, artisan Alexander Vargas called for increased promotion and financial support to enhance extraction methods and boost international awareness of larimar’s uniqueness.

  • Environment : COP30 produces a «minimal» agreement

    Environment : COP30 produces a «minimal» agreement

    The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, concluded on November 21, 2025, with a ‘minimal’ agreement that fell short of the ambitious goals set for climate and biodiversity protection. Despite prolonged negotiations extending into the night of November 22, the final consensus was widely regarded as underwhelming, if not a complete failure. The agreement, while bolstering climate finance, only indirectly addressed fossil fuels—oil, gas, and coal—the primary drivers of climate change. Tensions between industrialized and emerging nations, particularly oil and gas exporters, thwarted any binding commitments to phase out fossil fuels. Key elements of the agreement include a pledge to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, with a tripling of adaptation funding for developing countries like Haiti. However, the non-binding nature of the measures raises concerns about their tangible impact. International reactions were mixed: the European Union expressed disappointment over the lack of a fossil fuel phase-out plan, while emerging and exporting countries celebrated the avoidance of binding obligations. Civil society organizations and Amazonian Indigenous groups criticized the agreement as ‘insufficient’ in addressing the escalating climate crisis.