The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced a temporary suspension of regular updates to its social media platforms, citing a pause in budget allocations as the primary reason. Despite this interruption, the embassy has assured the public that critical security-related communications will continue to be disseminated without delay.
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Dominican ambassador presents credentials to Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh
In a significant diplomatic event at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Andy Rodríguez Durán, the Dominican Republic’s inaugural resident ambassador to Saudi Arabia, formally presented his credentials to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Accredited to Oman, Bahrain, and Djibouti as well, Rodríguez Durán conveyed warm greetings from President Luis Abinader and reiterated the Dominican Republic’s dedication to fostering stronger cooperation and friendship with the Kingdom. The Crown Prince reciprocated by extending King Salman’s greetings and expressed his wishes for the ambassador’s success in enhancing bilateral relations. Since his arrival in Riyadh in March 2024, Ambassador Rodríguez Durán has actively engaged in high-level discussions with Saudi officials, focusing on advancing tourism, foreign investment, and cultural and commercial exchanges. His efforts are in line with President Abinader’s foreign policy and the directives of Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, aiming to establish the Dominican Republic as a key partner in the Middle East and to deepen both diplomatic and economic connections.
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WASCO announces 48-Hour emergency shutdown of northern water network
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has declared an ’emergency shutdown’ of its Northern Network, set to commence at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This drastic measure is essential to address a rupture in the raw water transmission line, with repair operations anticipated to span 48 hours. During this period, residents from Millet to Cap Estate will experience significant disruptions in water pressure and supply. WASCO has further warned that even after the repairs are completed, customers residing in elevated areas or at the extremities of the distribution network may encounter prolonged delays in water restoration. In light of these challenges, the company has urged consumers to proactively collect and conserve water wherever feasible. This announcement has exacerbated existing grievances among customers, who have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with WASCO’s monopoly over water treatment services on the island. For assistance, the public is encouraged to contact the North Control Room at 457-3958, 457-3960, 451-9812, or 482-0052 for water trucking support.
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Antiguan Youth are being forced into criminality, U.S Trafficking Report says
Children in Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly vulnerable to forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking, according to the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report. The report highlights alarming trends, including the exploitation of minors in farms, mechanic shops, domestic service, and even forced criminal activities linked to rising gang-related crime. Youth working in construction, agriculture, and family-owned businesses are particularly at risk, while girls, especially those from Guyana and Jamaica, face heightened dangers of sex trafficking in bars, taverns, and brothels. Despite efforts by the government to combat trafficking through public awareness campaigns and training for officials, significant gaps remain in victim identification, protection, and prosecution. Notably, no trafficking victims were confirmed in 2024, and no convictions have been secured under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. Civil society groups have raised concerns about limited victim-witness protections and weak investigative capacities, which deter victims from coming forward. The report underscores the urgent need for improved screening mechanisms, enhanced protections for vulnerable youth, and stronger legal measures to bring traffickers to justice. Until these issues are addressed, children in Antigua and Barbuda will remain at risk of exploitation and forced labor.
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Senate approves first reading of Labor Code reform
The Dominican Republic Senate has taken a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s labor laws by approving the first reading of an organic bill to reform Law 16-92, the Labor Code. The initiative, backed by 29 senators, aims to align the legal framework with contemporary technological advancements and the evolving labor market. Senator Rafael Barón Duluc, who led the Special Commission overseeing the bill, highlighted that the reform signifies a structural transformation in labor legislation, incorporating language that meets international standards.
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Abinader welcomes UN approval of new Haiti Gang Suppression Force
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has hailed the United Nations’ approval of a new Gang Suppression Force, set to replace the previously ineffective Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. This 5,500-strong force is tasked with restoring order and combating gang violence in the crisis-stricken neighboring nation. Abinader emphasized the Dominican Republic’s pivotal role in this diplomatic breakthrough, spearheading efforts alongside allied countries to advocate for a more robust international response.
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PM says free movement not a threat to local jobs and services
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has reassured Barbadians that the upcoming implementation of free movement among Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize is a carefully managed initiative designed to benefit the nation. Speaking to the public on Tuesday evening, just hours before the policy’s official launch on October 1, Mottley emphasized that the arrangement will enable citizens of these four “pioneering states” to live, work, and study indefinitely in Barbados without requiring permits. However, she underscored that stringent border controls, vetting mechanisms, and legal frameworks remain in place to ensure the system’s integrity. “We welcome our Caribbean family. We do not welcome criminality. We welcome contribution. We do not welcome abuse of our systems,” Mottley declared. Under the new policy, eligible nationals will present their passports upon arrival, and their entitlement to indefinite stay will be recorded in the immigration system and shared with relevant agencies. Those planning to reside and work in Barbados must register with the Ministry of Labour, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), and obtain national identification. Children of relocating families will be integrated into the education system through the Ministry of Educational Transformation, while access to emergency and primary healthcare will mirror that of Barbadian citizens. Mottley highlighted that the policy allows individuals to function as residents, enabling them to work legally, open bank accounts, pay statutory contributions, and engage in daily activities with clarity and ease.
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Dr. Charlene Reid extends generosity to Jack Hayward Junior High for a second year
In a remarkable display of community spirit, Dr. Charlene Elizabeth Reid, a prominent Grand Bahama dentist and local entrepreneur, has once again extended her support to Jack Hayward Junior High School. Her latest initiative addresses a pressing need among students: access to hot meals and improved classroom conditions. Dr. Reid’s contributions, which began in 2024, have already made a significant impact on the school’s daily operations and student morale. During a special assembly on September 25, Dr. Reid not only donated essential supplies but also shared valuable oral health tips, urging students to strive for excellence. Her efforts have filled a critical gap, as the school is not part of the government’s breakfast program. Last year, Dr. Reid provided Cup of Noodles to ensure students could start their day with a hot meal. This year, she expanded her generosity by donating fans for classrooms and committing to fund the school’s first air conditioning unit. She also called on the local business community to join her in equipping more classrooms with necessary amenities. Principal Janice Pinder expressed profound gratitude, noting the tangible benefits of Dr. Reid’s contributions. Dr. Reid emphasized her desire to make her support an ongoing initiative, aiming to provide students with healthy breakfasts and lunches. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s famous words, Dr. Reid believes that nurturing children is key to building a brighter future. She also praised the school’s staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to student success.
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Nigeria Grants Visa-Free Access to St. Kitts Citizens
In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria has extended visa-free access to citizens of St. Kitts & Nevis (SKN), effective immediately. This marks the first time Nigeria has granted such a privilege to a country outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and beyond the African continent. The policy represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s foreign relations, establishing a direct trade and mobility corridor between Africa and the Caribbean. Previously, Nigeria’s visa-free regime was largely limited to ECOWAS member states, with only Cameroon and Chad as exceptions. The new waiver, covering ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, aims to enhance trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections between the two regions. This historic development follows the successful Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 25) held earlier this year in Abuja, organized by Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL). The summit highlighted SKN as a strategic partner, paving the way for the visa waiver. Aisha Maina, Managing Director of ACL, emphasized the policy’s broader implications, stating, ‘This visa waiver is more than diplomacy; it is about opening doors for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.’ The announcement follows several diplomatic milestones, including a March 2025 meeting between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and SKN’s Prime Minister Terrance Drew, and the launch of a historic non-stop Abuja–Basseterre charter flight that same month. The flight, carrying 120 Nigerian delegates, established the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean. Relations between Nigeria and SKN have expanded rapidly, with recent events such as the Afri-Caribbean Business Expo in Basseterre showcasing collaboration opportunities in agribusiness, technology, and the creative economy. In August, bilateral talks between Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and SKN’s Samal Duggins further advanced cooperation on food security and trade facilitation. Observers view the visa waiver as emblematic of Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy, which now embraces targeted bilateral partnerships beyond Africa to diversify trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagements. Analysts also credit ACL and Aisha Maina’s leadership for positioning the firm as a key driver of Afri-Caribbean relations. Looking ahead, the upcoming AACIS ’26, scheduled for March in Abuja, is expected to build on this breakthrough, potentially expanding visa-free arrangements and cooperation to other Caribbean nations. This bold step underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering deeper ties across the Atlantic, signaling a promising new chapter in intercontinental partnership.
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SPARK Raises Alarm Over Repeated Horse Abuse in Belize
The animal welfare organization SPARK has issued an urgent call for action following yet another harrowing case of horse abuse reported this week on Marine Parade. Disturbing photos and accounts shared with the group reveal children repeatedly mistreating horses, forcing them to ride on scorching cement streets, and then abandoning them in desolate lots without access to food or water. In the most recent incident, a horse was discovered lying on the ground, unable to stand, while children were seen beating it. Local residents have voiced their frustration, stating that numerous complaints have been lodged, yet no effective measures have been implemented to curb the abuse. This latest occurrence follows a series of severe cases earlier this year. In April, a severely malnourished and dehydrated horse was found abandoned in a drain after being left without sustenance or assistance for over 24 hours. Despite the efforts of concerned citizens and SPARK volunteers, the horse succumbed to its condition before help could arrive. Around the same time, three teenagers—aged 19, 16, and 17—were detained as police investigated the theft of 15 horses from an area north of Ladyville and the brutal treatment of at least one horse. A video depicting a horse being repeatedly struck in the head went viral, leading to charges of animal cruelty against the teens. SPARK emphasizes that these recurring incidents underscore the inadequate enforcement of animal welfare laws in Belize and reflect a broader issue of societal neglect toward animals. The organization is advocating for stricter penalties for abusers and immediate government intervention to safeguard vulnerable animals and prevent further suffering.