Cuba Socialista, the theoretical and political magazine of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, has unveiled its special 2024-2025 issue, coinciding with the Third Edition of the International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Leftist Parties and Movements in Havana. This edition marks the beginning of the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, set to be celebrated in 2026. The commemorative program was officially presented on August 13, 2025, in Birán, Castro’s birthplace. The issue features a speech by Roberto Morales Ojeda, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of Organization of the Party’s Central Committee, delivered during the program’s launch. Additionally, the magazine honors the founders of the first Communist Party of Cuba in its centenary year and includes key speeches from the Second International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-wing Parties and Movements. A significant highlight is the report and closing remarks by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee and President of Cuba, which underscore the depth of the debates and the principled positions adopted during the event. The issue also dedicates space to solidarity with the Palestinian people, reflecting the voices of over 100,000 Havana residents who protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza on October 9th. Furthermore, it commemorates the centenary of Vladimir Lenin’s passing, leader of the First Socialist Revolution. This special edition also kicks off the magazine’s 65th-anniversary celebrations, which will culminate in 2026 alongside the 9th Congress of the Communist Party and Fidel Castro’s centennial.
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Dominican Republic and Paraguay move toward direct flights
The Dominican Republic is set to enhance its air connectivity with South America as Paraguay prepares to introduce direct flights linking Asunción to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Paraguay’s Secretary of Tourism, Anguie Duarte de Melillo, revealed that negotiations with Arajet, a Dominican airline, are nearing completion, with operations expected to commence by early 2026. This development marks a significant step in fostering stronger ties between the two nations. Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized Paraguay’s strategic position as a regional hub, connecting travelers from Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. He highlighted the mutual benefits of improved air connectivity, which will open new avenues for tourism and economic collaboration. Beyond aviation, the two countries are deepening their partnership in tourism development. Plans include revitalizing Asunción’s historic center, drawing inspiration from the Dominican Colonial City model, and Paraguay’s participation as a partner country in the 2026 Paraguay International Tourism Fair. Supported by UN Tourism, this initiative aligns with a broader regional strategy to promote sustainable tourism and bilateral cooperation. By reducing travel time—currently up to nine hours with stopovers—the partnership aims to strengthen cultural and economic exchanges, fostering a more interconnected and prosperous South America.
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President Simons: Leiderschap vraagt vertrouwen, ook in de storm
At a commemorative gathering held on Monday evening to honor what would have been the 80th birthday of Desi Bouterse, President Jennifer Simons, chairperson of the NDP, spoke candidly about the solitude and responsibility that leadership entails. ‘There are storms in which I have no power, because they are greater than I am,’ she remarked. ‘Yet, we must trust each other to do the best we can from the positions we hold.’
Simons described Bouterse’s life as ‘complete, yet meaningful to many,’ praising his perseverance despite the adversities he faced. ‘He meant something to everyone in Suriname—though not the same thing to everyone. He was controversial, yet deeply beloved. The place he stood was a lonely one. No matter how many people surrounded him—it was a solitary position. And he endured it for decades. Respect.’
The president acknowledged that she, too, experiences similar solitude in her current role when making difficult decisions. According to Simons, mutual trust is essential, both within the party and the nation. ‘If we do not collaborate—within the party and the country—we will not succeed. But if we stand together with a shared goal, Suriname will become the remarkable country we all know it can be.’
Simons referenced Bouterse’s own words as an example of his life philosophy: ‘When you sleep, I do not. And when you do not sleep, I sleep.’ In this, she recognized the burden of leadership but also the dedication to a greater purpose. ‘The life he led was not easy. Yet, he persevered, even in his solitude. That requires courage and trust.’
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Bruce Vale Bridge reconstruction faces new delays as frustrated residents call for action
The reconstruction of the Bruce Vale Bridge in St Andrew, Barbados, has encountered yet another delay, exacerbating frustration among Baxters residents. The project, already years behind schedule, has been further hindered by recent heavy rains, which have caused significant setbacks. The bridge, closed since 2021 due to structural failure, is considered crucial by the local community, but slow progress and recurring obstacles have pushed the anticipated completion date further away. Lester Boyce, a resident of Baxters, expressed his exasperation, stating, ‘It’s taking too long. It looks like it’s going to take another two years.’ Boyce, who visited the site after overnight rainfall, noted that the wet weather has worsened conditions, washing away much of the marl and mud along the banks, necessitating a restart in some areas. The Bruce Vale Bridge is one of eight bridges slated for reconstruction under the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Programme. Work officially began on January 13, 2025, with demolition expected to last three weeks. However, by June, George Holder, the Ministry of Transport and Works consultant on the project, revealed that progress had been impeded by unforeseen ground conditions. ‘The major delay has been the redesign of the foundations of the abutments,’ Holder explained. ‘Despite the geotechnical investigations, the actual ground beneath the foundations was not as anticipated.’ Boyce also highlighted the poor condition of the roads in the area, urging motorists to navigate carefully due to loose rocks and uneven surfaces. Despite his frustration, Boyce remains hopeful that the area will eventually benefit from the repairs, stating, ‘At least nothing that I or nobody can do. Just hope for the best.’
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments, Haiti has witnessed a mix of diplomatic, cultural, and public health updates. The Consulate of Haiti in Dajabón has issued a crucial notice regarding Schengen visa regulations. Haitian nationals holding a single-entry Schengen transit visa are now barred from entering the Dominican Republic. To transit through the Dominican Republic, travelers must possess a safe-conduct pass, a multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a valid visa from the United States or Canada. This directive, enforced by Dominican immigration authorities, underscores the importance of verifying travel documents before approaching the border.
In the realm of culture, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert has been honored with the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize. Awarded on October 14, 2025, this accolade recognizes Dalembert’s extensive literary contributions. He follows in the footsteps of French writer Mathieu Belezi and was presented the award in the presence of esteemed jury member Dany Laferrière.
On a somber note, the town of Lanzac in Montrouis has reported a tragic outbreak of rabies. In September 2025, at least five individuals succumbed to the disease after being bitten by infected stray dogs. This incident highlights the urgent need for effective public health measures to combat such outbreaks.
In sports, French coach Sébastien Migné reflected on Haiti’s 3-0 defeat to Honduras in a post-match interview. Migné acknowledged the match’s challenges, identified areas for improvement, and emphasized the team’s resilience and determination to persevere.
On the international front, preparations are underway for the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, as per UN Resolution 2793. Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), is scheduled to visit Haiti at the end of October to oversee these efforts.
Lastly, a promising collaboration has emerged between Cap-Haitien and Taiwan. Transition Advisor Emmanuel Vertilaire, along with his Cabinet, met with Taiwanese Ambassador Cheng-Hao Hu to discuss funding for a sanitation project in Cap-Haitien. The discussions yielded favorable outcomes, paving the way for municipal authorities to initiate the coordination phase. This project, supported by technical and administrative assistance, aims to enhance the city’s sanitation infrastructure.
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Dominican official nominated to lead UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Santo Domingo – In a significant move to bolster international efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has put forward Leandro José Villanueva Acebal as the nation’s candidate to lead the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This nomination comes in response to a September proposal by the United States, which urged the Dominican government to take a leadership role in the agency. Villanueva, a seasoned professional, currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and has previously held key positions such as Deputy Minister of Public Health and Director General of Medicines, Food, and Health Products (Digemaps). The UNODC, established in 1997, operates globally in over 150 countries, focusing on combating drugs, crime, terrorism, and corruption through policy development, training, and international collaboration. The position will soon be vacant as current Executive Director Ghada Waly prepares to step down next month. U.S. officials have lauded the Dominican Republic’s “proven record and strong commitment” in these areas, emphasizing that Villanueva’s candidacy would enhance UNODC’s leadership and foster greater global cooperation.
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Woman jailed for beating man who told her prison is her home
Rakiesha Joseph, also known as Bim Bim, a 27-year-old from Layou, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for assaulting John Mofford outside the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on August 23. Joseph was already serving a suspended sentence for a similar crime when the incident occurred. The altercation began when Mofford, accompanying a young woman who had been injured by Joseph and another female, remarked that jail was Joseph’s home. Enraged, Joseph struck Mofford above the right eye, causing him to fall, and proceeded to beat him with the help of another woman. Joseph fled the scene but was later arrested and charged. During the trial, Joseph pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. In mitigation, she cited personal frustrations and concerns for her children, aged 10 and 8, who had previously suffered due to her incarceration. However, Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie activated Joseph’s suspended sentence, emphasizing her repeated offenses. Joseph’s sentence for the assault was ordered to run concurrently, sparing her additional prison time. The magistrate noted Joseph’s history of violent behavior, including stabbing an officer, and expressed concern over her pattern of reoffending. Joseph is also facing charges related to an alleged robbery and attempted murder in South Rivers.
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Social : First progress report on support for families, workers and displaced persons (Video)
On October 14, 2025, during the 25th edition of ‘Tuesdays of the Nation,’ Georges Wilbert Franck, Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), outlined the government’s latest efforts to bolster support for vulnerable populations. The initiatives target parents of schoolchildren, displaced persons, and workers, reflecting a multifaceted approach to social welfare. Key measures include the relocation of displaced persons from schools, cash transfers to families, financial aid for households, and worker assistance programs. Under the Multisectoral Emergency Program (PUM), ten schools, including prominent institutions like Lycée Marie-Jeanne and École nationale Colbert Lochard, have been vacated to resume educational activities. Simultaneously, over 108,000 parents have received 15,000 Gourdes via digital payment platforms, with plans to extend this to 200,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, 60,000 vulnerable households will receive direct financial aid, while nearly 31,000 workers are set to benefit from specialized support. The government’s commitment is further underscored by 19 ongoing social projects involving seven ministries and the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES). Minister Franck reiterated the administration’s dedication to alleviating hardship and fostering dignity for all citizens.
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Wereldbank ondersteunt route naar sterkere toerismesector
The Surinamese government has identified the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth, unveiling a new marketing strategy to propel its development. Presented by Simon McArthur & Associates (SMA) Tourism, an international consultancy firm, the strategy was introduced at the Cabinet of the President as part of a World Bank-supported initiative to strengthen the tourism industry. This follows an earlier presentation on the Value Chain for Tourism. Simon McArthur, Managing Director of SMA Tourism, highlighted Suriname’s exceptional tourism potential but noted a lack of clear positioning. ‘Promoting too many diverse products simultaneously creates confusion,’ McArthur stated. ‘We recommend a unified strategy focusing on one or two core aspects—our suggestion is culture and nature. Suriname offers unique experiences unmatched anywhere in the world.’ McArthur emphasized that visitors could become Suriname’s best ambassadors if experiences are consistently and professionally delivered, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service. However, he also pointed out structural challenges hindering tourism growth, including the absence of specialized tourism programs at local universities, a shortage of qualified personnel in the ministry and sector, and practical obstacles like limited international flight connections and a lack of efficient e-commerce systems for foreign payments. Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communication, and Tourism acknowledged the critical observations made during the presentation but viewed them as opportunities for improvement. ‘It’s better to face reality than to mask it,’ he said. ‘We must now focus on making these plans actionable. The current policy direction shows immense potential.’ Rachel Pinas, Tourism Advisor at the Cabinet of the President, emphasized that operationalizing the Suriname Tourism Authority (STA) remains a top priority. ‘The law and governance structure are in place, but funding details need to be finalized,’ Pinas explained. ‘Once active, the STA will oversee promotion, marketing, and sector certification, as seen in other countries.’ The SMA Tourism marketing strategy is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, with implementation to follow by the government and industry stakeholders.
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Ouanaminthe : CODEVI Industrial Park paralyzed by new demands
The CODEVI Industrial Park in Ouanaminthe, northeastern Haiti, remains paralyzed as workers continue their strike despite the government’s recent waiver of the 10% payroll tax. Initially, the strike was triggered by tax-related grievances, but it has now evolved into a broader demand for salary adjustments to align with the escalating cost of living. The workers’ refusal to return to work has raised concerns about the economic and social stability of the region. The Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) has expressed its solidarity with CODEVI, emphasizing the critical role the industrial park plays in sustaining formal employment and supporting thousands of families. ADIH highlighted that CODEVI employs over 16,000 workers, indirectly supporting nearly 100,000 people. The strike’s prolonged duration threatens not only the company but also local businesses, service providers, and communities in the Grand North region. ADIH has called for the immediate resumption of operations and urged the government to ensure the safety of workers and facilities. The situation underscores the broader economic crisis in Haiti, where formal jobs are dwindling, and industrial parks like CODEVI remain vital lifelines for economic activity.