In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has decriminalized same-sex sexual relations for members of the police and military, overturning a law that previously imposed up to two years in prison for such acts. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in a nation where same-sex marriage remains illegal and the LGBTQ community faces widespread stigmatization. The court, the highest authority on constitutional matters in the country, declared that provisions in the legal codes of the police and armed forces referencing sodomy were “not in accordance with the Constitution” and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that these norms violated principles of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminated based on sexual orientation, and infringed on privacy, personal development, and the right to work. It further stated that the Constitution mandates equal treatment and respect for all individuals, obliging public authorities to ensure dignified treatment for all Dominicans serving in the military. This decision, while limited in scope, is seen as a progressive move in a predominantly Catholic and conservative Caribbean nation.
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Golfview Hotel hosts job fair as part of recovery efforts for hospitality sector
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on central Jamaica, the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville took a proactive step towards recovery by organizing a job fair on Wednesday. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals affected by the hurricane, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which suffered significant disruptions. The job fair featured openings in various roles, including front office, security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This initiative is part of Golfview Hotel’s broader strategy to foster economic recovery and stability in the region. Letesha Whyte, the hotel’s marketing and sales manager, emphasized that the recovery process extends beyond physical repairs. ‘National recovery after Hurricane Melissa is about more than fixing buildings; it’s about restoring livelihoods and providing stability for families,’ she stated. By creating job opportunities, Golfview Hotel seeks to empower households to rebuild their incomes, regain security, and contribute to Jamaica’s economic resurgence. Whyte also highlighted the hospitality industry’s critical role as a driver of employment and local commerce in central Jamaica. Through this effort, the hotel aims to enhance individual well-being and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.
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CDB issues inaugural sustainable bond in Swiss market
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a landmark move, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) announced on Wednesday the successful issuance of its first-ever sustainable bond, raising 100 million Swiss francs (approximately US $110 million). This five-year bond, carrying a fixed coupon of 0.59 per cent, marks a significant step under the bank’s newly established Sustainable Finance Framework. The issuance, which was met with robust demand, was priced at the top of its initial guidance, with the order book closing within just 90 minutes of opening. The proceeds from this bond will be directed towards funding projects in the bank’s borrowing member countries, focusing on critical areas such as renewable energy, climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and food security. The investor base was predominantly composed of treasury departments, which secured 62 per cent of the deal, followed by asset managers (17 per cent), private banks (11 per cent), and pension plans and insurance companies (5 per cent each). The CDB, which holds an Aa1/AA+/AA+ rating, emphasized that this transaction not only strengthens its yield curve but also underscores its dedication to embedding sustainability into its core operations. Established in 1970, the CDB serves 19 borrowing members across the Caribbean and nine non-borrowing members, including Brazil, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. As of December 2024, the bank’s total assets were reported at US$2.02 billion.
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TAJ clarifies circulating video as western tax offices remain closed after hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a viral social media video purporting to be a public service announcement about services at the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC). The agency clarified that the video, dated November 17, 2025, is outdated and does not reflect current operations. This comes as TAJ continues its recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While most offices across the island have reopened, the Montego Bay office and several western satellite locations—including Darliston, Falmouth, Jackson Town, Lucea, and Savanna-la-Mar—remain closed for repairs. Taxpayers in affected areas are encouraged to utilize alternative locations such as the St Ann’s Bay, Moneague, and Brown’s Town tax offices. TAJ also emphasized the availability of online payment options, including its official website, Direct Funds Transfer, Scotia Online, NCB Online Banking, and the TAJ Mobile App. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels for accurate updates. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP, visit the TAJ website, or follow the agency on social media.
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Police seize firearm, ammunition after shooting incident on Mandela Highway
KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.
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Promoters Association to meet Culture Ministry on Nov 21
The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) is set to engage in critical discussions with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development on November 21, addressing the recent prohibition of three major venues traditionally used for Carnival fetes and concerts. This meeting follows Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement on November 18, which expanded the ban to include the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex, alongside the previously restricted Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The ban, aimed at mitigating noise pollution, restricts event timings to between 12 noon and 10 pm, with exceptions only during the nine-day Carnival week. Carnival 2026 is scheduled for February 16 and 17. TTPA President Robert Thompson revealed that a membership meeting would precede the ministerial discussion on November 20, to consolidate the promoters’ perspectives. A public media release is anticipated post-meeting, with further updates to be provided by Newsday as the situation evolves.
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Pintard says ‘unexplained wealth’ among public officials a cause for concern
The Bahamas is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations of unexplained wealth among public officials and their relatives, with Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard leading the charge for greater accountability. Pintard has expressed deep concern over the Public Disclosure Committee’s failure to produce a full compliance list for 2023, despite a legal mandate requiring Members of Parliament (MPs), senators, and senior civil servants to submit their financial declarations by March 1. The committee has attributed delays to accessibility and facility challenges, but critics dismiss these explanations as mere excuses. Pintard revealed that he has sought a comprehensive report from the committee but has only received partial information regarding senators, leaving parliamentarians’ disclosures unaccounted for. He emphasized that the alleged rise in unexplained personal enrichment among officials is a systemic issue that undermines governance and called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate the sources of their wealth. Pintard suggested that some individuals in office may be leveraging contracts to benefit themselves or their political parties. He also highlighted that the problem extends beyond elected politicians to include permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and procurement committee members, warning that without intervention, corruption will persist. Currently, there are no effective consequences for officials who fail to disclose their wealth, as only the prime minister or the leader of the opposition can act on delinquent filings, potentially exposing offenders to fines or imprisonment. Governance advocates and the US Department of State have long criticized The Bahamas for its lack of transparency, urging reforms to address these issues. Pintard accused the government of showing insufficient urgency in tackling corruption, describing its efforts as laughable.
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Biomedical now accepts NHF cards for key cancer and diabetes tests at all locations
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant stride toward enhancing public health, Biomedical Caledonia Medical Laboratory Limited has broadened the accessibility of National Health Fund (NHF) card services across all its islandwide locations. This expansion enables patients to avail themselves of subsidized pap smears, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and HbA1c diabetes monitoring, crucial for early detection and management of chronic conditions. The initiative includes the recently inaugurated Holborn Road facility in Kingston, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the island. CEO Helen Christian emphasized the importance of this development, stating, ‘Affordable diagnostic testing can significantly impact early detection versus late-stage diagnosis. Early detection saves lives, and we are dedicated to making these essential services accessible to every community we serve.’ The expansion was made possible through collaboration with the NHF and Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS), which facilitated streamlined processing, provider number assignments, and staff training for efficient NHF claims handling. The NHF Card Programme plays a pivotal role in supporting Jamaicans with chronic illnesses by subsidizing medications, supplies, and diagnostic tests. Regular pap smears are vital for cervical cancer prevention, PSA tests aid in early prostate cancer detection, and HbA1c testing is essential for diabetes management—a prevalent chronic condition in Jamaica. With over 50 collection centers and ISO 15189 accreditation, Biomedical is well-equipped to improve healthcare access across diverse communities. Christian highlighted that this partnership with the NHF marks a significant step toward equitable access to diagnostic services, ensuring that ‘geography and finances never stand between Jamaicans and the healthcare they need.’
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Prison officer, 3 elderly relatives homeless after Tabaquite fire
A devastating fire on November 18 left a prison officer and three elderly women homeless after it destroyed their homes in Manuel Junction, Guaracara, Tabaquite. The fire, which broke out around 1:30 pm, consumed both the front wooden and concrete structure and the rear two-bedroom concrete house, sparing only the kitchen. Rishi Ramlal, 45, his mother Chandra Sammy, 74, and her sisters Sita Sammy, 67, and Tulsie Sammy, 76, lost all their belongings in the blaze. Sita, who lived in the rear structure, recounted smelling smoke and seeing curtains ablaze. Her sisters and Ramlal’s 13-year-old son, who was visiting, escaped unharmed. Despite the loss, the family expressed gratitude for their lives, with Sita stating, ‘The main thing is that we have life. We thank God for that.’ Neighbors attempted to control the fire by throwing water until firefighters from the Chaguanas Fire Station arrived to extinguish it. The Brasso Police Station officers, including Sgt Andrews, PC Mathura, and WPC Kennedy, were among the first responders. The family spent the night at a relative’s home and received a visit from local councillor Henry Awong. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the family is seeking assistance to rebuild their lives.
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President tells diplomats: Co-operation better than conflict
President Christine Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Annual Heads of Missions Dinner at the President’s House on November 5, 2023, welcoming 31 members of the diplomatic corps. The event, attended by both resident and non-resident heads of missions and their spouses, served as a platform for fostering camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and diplomatic goodwill. Among the distinguished guests were Venezuelan Ambassador Alvaro Enrique Sanchez Cordero, Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, Acting Permanent Secretary Randall Karim, and Chief of Protocol Andria Narinesingh. In her address, President Kangaloo commended the diplomats for their efforts in bridging divides, promoting consensus, and facilitating urgent relief efforts for citizens in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. She emphasized the importance of cooperation over conflict, dialogue over disputation, and respect over regret. Ambassador Cordero expressed the diplomatic community’s collective sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. The evening concluded with a traditional toast by President Kangaloo, reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s dedication to fostering enduring and respectful international partnerships.