The Dominican Republic has once again demonstrated its prominence in the global health and wellness tourism sector with the inauguration of the Seventh International Congress on Health and Wellness Tourism. Hosted by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS) and AF Comunicación Estratégica, the event commenced with an opening cocktail at the JW Marriott Santo Domingo Hotel. The gathering brought together government officials, investors, healthcare and tourism leaders, and international guests, highlighting the country’s growing influence in this dynamic industry. The ceremony was spearheaded by ADTS President Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso and Vice President Amelia Reyes Mora, who also leads AF Comunicación Estratégica. Both emphasized the Dominican Republic’s advancements and strategic positioning in health tourism, attributing its success to robust public-private partnerships, adherence to quality standards, international certifications, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Reyes Mora further stressed the role of ethical and strategic communication in fostering trust and establishing the nation as a reliable and competitive destination for health and wellness tourism. A highlight of the event was the recognition of the HOMS Health Wellness Center for its innovative integration of a medical complex, hotel, and convention center, all meeting international standards. Additionally, Dr. Henry Gallardo was honored for his leadership in advancing healthcare collaboration across Latin America. Supported by over 60 sponsors and media partners, the Congress features seven panels and three keynote addresses by renowned national and international experts. Officially opened by Health Minister Dr. Víctor Atallah, the event serves as a pivotal platform to promote investment, innovation, and alliances, further solidifying the Dominican Republic’s status as a leading destination for health, wellness, and retirement tourism.
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Tropical Storm Melissa lingers over the Caribbean
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The southern coast of the Dominican Republic has been battered by relentless rain, powerful winds, and thunderstorms since the early hours of Thursday morning. These severe weather conditions are attributed to Tropical Storm Melissa, which is gradually advancing across the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings, indicating that Melissa is likely to persist over the central Caribbean for several days, with the potential to escalate into a major hurricane by late this weekend or early next week. Residents of Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to local weather advisories. The storm’s sluggish movement heightens the risk of extended periods of strong winds, particularly affecting Jamaica and Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. Tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated to commence on Friday and intensify throughout the weekend. Additionally, the NHC has cautioned that Melissa is expected to unleash torrential rainfall across southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe flash flooding, river overflows, and landslides, especially in mountainous and vulnerable regions.
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Eerste officiële Martial Arts-trainers ontvangen diploma in Suriname
In a landmark achievement for Suriname’s sports sector, nine individuals have become the first graduates of the country’s inaugural Martial Arts Instructor and Fitness Trainer-A program. This pioneering initiative was organized by the KIBO Sport & Health Education Foundation in collaboration with the Suriname Karate-do Association (SKA) and the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The program, which spanned eleven intensive months, combined theoretical knowledge with practical training, covering essential areas such as first aid, injury prevention, and teaching methodologies. It is the first formal training in Suriname to align martial arts instruction with internationally recognized standards, culminating in the award of the officially accredited Fitness Trainer-A diploma (NL Actief, Level 3). The graduation ceremony was attended by key figures, including Minister of Home Affairs Marinus Bee, Director of Sports Enrique Ralim, and SKA Chairman Kenneth Sijp, who lauded the initiative as a significant step toward professionalizing the sports industry. Former Dutch examiner Iwan Pengel, a special guest, presented the diploma to the top-performing graduate, Urvien Elliot. KIBO Foundation has announced plans to launch a second cohort soon, aiming to establish a sustainable and professional foundation for martial arts education in Suriname.
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Family in Shock After San Felipe Fire Claims Four Lives
The tight-knit community of San Felipe is reeling from a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her two children. The incident, allegedly caused by her estranged ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, has left family and friends in profound shock. Angelita, remembered as a devoted mother, had reportedly sought help to protect herself from Godoy but felt ignored by authorities. Her cousin, Britney Soliz, shared heartfelt memories of Angelita’s unwavering love for her children and her struggles to escape a dangerous relationship. The family is now grappling with both emotional and financial burdens, rallying community support to cover funeral expenses. Contributions can be made to Atlantic Bank account 2120046408 (Ana Briceno) or Belize Bank account 257489010220000 (Britney Shaiana Soliz). This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for systemic action to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable families.
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Hilaire responds to assault charge with journalist Eldrise Charles
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has publicly addressed the assault charges filed against him, labeling the case as a politically driven maneuver. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with journalist Eldrise Charles inside the Parliament building in August. During a press conference on October 22, Hilaire accused certain factions within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) of orchestrating what he termed a “baseless and politically motivated” accusation.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, during a UWP-led protest outside Parliament, where Charles, wearing a protest-themed t-shirt, attempted to interview government ministers. A video later surfaced showing Hilaire allegedly interacting with Charles, who claimed he “placed his hand on her back and pushed her out of Parliament.” Hilaire vehemently denied the allegations, stating that video evidence disproves the claims.
Hilaire criticized Inspector George Clarke, who led the investigation, accusing him of political bias and alleging that Clarke is a known UWP operative. He questioned the expedited handling of the case, noting that it was completed in less than two months, a timeline he deemed suspicious. Hilaire expressed disappointment that the police were focusing on what he called a frivolous case instead of addressing serious issues affecting Saint Lucians.
The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that he had previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with Charles and was surprised by her complaint. He stated that he would have apologized if she had expressed any offense. Hilaire also questioned Charles’ motives, pointing to her public commentary on the case before it reached court.
Despite the controversy, Hilaire reaffirmed his commitment to his duties as a government minister and vowed to fight the charges with all legal resources available. He emphasized that the government remains focused on serving the people and will not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics. Hilaire is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, for case management.
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FLASH : Meélissa risks becoming a hurricane, 5 departments on Orange Alert
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning that it is likely to escalate into a hurricane by the end of this week or early next week. As of October 23, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Melissa remains stationary over the central Caribbean Sea, posing a significant threat to Haiti and neighboring regions. The storm’s slow movement, at approximately 6 km/h, increases the risk of prolonged strong winds, particularly affecting the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti. Authorities have urged residents to expedite preparations to safeguard lives and property, as severe weather conditions are expected to intensify starting Friday. The storm’s center is currently located at 15.0 degrees North latitude and 74.9 degrees West longitude, about 485 km southwest of Port-au-Prince. Melissa is projected to bring heavy rainfall, ranging from 12 to 25 cm, across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, potentially triggering life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 85 km/h, with higher gusts, and further strengthening is anticipated by the weekend. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all cabotage activities in the southern coastal area until further notice. The Hydrometeorological Unit, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection, has placed five departments—South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and West—under an Orange Alert. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid crossing waterways, and follow safety guidelines issued by civil protection authorities.
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‘Nurses and Pharmacists Scarce!’
Belize is grappling with a persistent shortage of nurses and pharmacists, a challenge that Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard has highlighted as a pressing issue. Despite increased government support for training and retention, the country continues to lose healthcare professionals to larger nations. Bernard emphasized the critical need for nursing, stating, “Nursing is a necessity. We have been losing some of our nurses to bigger countries, so we must invest in encouraging more Belizeans to pursue this profession.” Similarly, the pharmacy sector faces a talent drain, with newly qualified pharmacists often being recruited by private entities. Bernard noted, “Pharmacy is a profession where graduates are quickly snapped up. We compete with the private sector to retain pharmacists, as every drugstore requires one.” To address this, the ministry has raised pharmacists’ salaries and plans to offer additional scholarships next year. Looking ahead, Bernard stressed the importance of strategic staffing for new healthcare facilities, including the San Pedro Hospital and the upcoming Belmopan tertiary hospital. “Training in these fields takes three to five years, so we must plan to ensure adequate staffing when these hospitals become operational,” he explained.
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Health Ministry Expands Scholarships for Medical Students
In a significant move to bolster its healthcare workforce, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has announced the expansion of its scholarship program for medical students. The initiative, which now offers 60 scholarships, aims to support students pursuing careers in nursing, midwifery, and pharmacy. This marks a substantial increase from the 40 scholarships awarded last year. Minister Kevin Bernard emphasized the program’s importance, stating, ‘This is about investing in our people and ensuring we can train professionals in fields where Belize faces shortages.’ The Ministry of Education has contributed to 15 bachelor’s nursing scholarships, while the Ministry of Health has secured funding for 14 bachelor’s scholarships, nine practical nursing scholarships, and 20 midwifery scholarships. Additionally, the Inter-American Development Bank has funded two pharmacy scholarships. With a total value exceeding $1.1 million, the ministry plans to further increase the number of scholarships annually to address the nation’s healthcare needs.
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MISSING: 14-Year-Old Tamarley Kentish
Authorities have issued an urgent plea to the public for assistance in finding 14-year-old Tamarley Kentish, who was reported missing on Tuesday. Kentish was last spotted around noon on October 21 in the Sea View Farm area, reportedly en route to All Saints Secondary School. Since then, his family has had no contact with him and remains deeply concerned about his safety. The police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward immediately. Contacts for reporting include the following numbers: 734-8105, 773-9775, 773-3834, or 723-0518. The community is encouraged to share this information widely to aid in the search efforts.
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Museumnacht groeit verder; bezoekers krijgen zelf de hoofdrol
The eighth edition of Suriname’s Museum Night is set to take place on Saturday, October 25, followed by Museum Day on Sunday, October 26. This year’s event promises an extraordinary cultural experience, expanding its reach across five districts with more locations than ever before. Among the highlights, visitors will have the unique opportunity to participate in a mock trial at the Court of Justice, taking on roles such as judge, defendant, lawyer, or bailiff. At the synagogue on Keizerstraat, attendees can witness a Jewish ritual bath and enjoy performances of orchestral bigi poku, Jewish pom, and wine. Organizer Astria Faneite, speaking at a press conference held at the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, noted the growing popularity of the event. “In 2014, we had three participants and around 300 visitors per location. Now, we’re seeing about 800 visitors, with over 1,000 at the synagogue,” she shared. Since 2014, Suriname has been part of this globally celebrated event, with this year’s theme being ‘Bigi Yari… and Beyond.’ Museum Night will run from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at various venues, including Clevia Park, the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, the Court of Justice, the synagogue, the Koto Museum, Readytex Art Gallery, Villa Zapakara, and the National Archives. The following day, Museum Day will feature special bus tours to museum locations in Para, Coronie, Commewijne, and Marowijne, with registration required and transportation provided by the organizers. While most museums will offer free admission, some locations will require prior registration.