作者: admin

  • PHOTOS: Community Infrastructure Upgrades Underway in Parham

    PHOTOS: Community Infrastructure Upgrades Underway in Parham

    The town of Parham is currently undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades as part of a broader initiative to enhance local facilities and foster community growth. These essential improvement works, which are progressing steadily, aim to modernize the area’s public amenities and create a more sustainable environment for residents. The project includes the renovation of roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure components, ensuring that Parham remains a vibrant and well-connected community. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of these upgrades in supporting long-term development goals and improving the quality of life for residents. The initiative has garnered widespread support from the community, with many expressing optimism about the positive changes it will bring. As the works continue, Parham is poised to become a model for other towns seeking to balance modernization with community-centric development.

  • V.C. Bird International Airport Leads Customer Service Training for Taxi Operators

    V.C. Bird International Airport Leads Customer Service Training for Taxi Operators

    V.C. Bird International Airport has launched a collaborative initiative with the United Taxi Cooperative (UTC) to elevate customer service standards among its taxi operators. Spearheaded by the airport’s Customer Service Manager, Jan Walker-Brown, the program involves a series of intensive training sessions designed to refine the interaction skills of taxi drivers with both visitors and local residents. This initiative is a key component of the airport’s broader strategy to enhance the overall travel experience at Antigua and Barbuda’s primary international gateway. Airport officials emphasized the critical role taxi operators play as the first point of contact for arriving passengers, underscoring the potential positive impact of the training on both tourists and locals. The United Taxi Cooperative has expressed strong support for the initiative, viewing it as a crucial step in maintaining high service standards within the tourism and transportation sectors. This training is part of a comprehensive effort by V.C. Bird International Airport to ensure excellence in customer interactions across all facets of its operations.

  • A Legacy of Partnership: Honouring H.E. Zhang Yanling’s Tenure in Antigua & Barbuda

    A Legacy of Partnership: Honouring H.E. Zhang Yanling’s Tenure in Antigua & Barbuda

    The 76th National Day celebrations of the People’s Republic of China in Antigua and Barbuda marked not only a significant diplomatic event but also the culmination of Ambassador Zhang Yanling’s impactful four-year tenure. Held on September 15, 2025, the event served as a poignant farewell to one of the most engaged envoys in the nation’s history. Ambassador Zhang’s approach to diplomacy, characterized by action and accessibility, left an indelible mark on the bilateral relationship between China and Antigua and Barbuda. Her tenure was defined by a commitment to practical collaboration, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Under her leadership, key initiatives such as the Booby Alley housing project, solar energy systems, and agricultural and educational exchanges were successfully implemented. These efforts not only strengthened infrastructure but also fostered cultural understanding and climate resilience. The National Day celebration itself was a vibrant fusion of Antiguan and Chinese cultures, featuring performances by local artists like King Short Shirt and Khan Cordice alongside traditional Chinese acts. In her farewell address, Ambassador Zhang reflected on China’s journey of development and emphasized the importance of equality, peace, and mutual support among nations. Her words resonated deeply in a world grappling with division. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene praised her as a true friend of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting her transformative impact on the nation’s development sectors. Before her departure, Ambassador Zhang was honored with the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross (FMC) for her distinguished contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams commended her for turning goodwill into tangible outcomes, particularly in fostering South-South cooperation. Ambassador Zhang’s legacy extends beyond infrastructure and agreements; it is rooted in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership she cultivated. Her tenure will be remembered as a bridge between two nations, built on warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. As Antigua and Barbuda looks to the future, the foundations she laid will continue to bear fruit, ensuring a lasting and prosperous relationship with China.

  • Shooting at UASD leaves several injured, including security officer

    Shooting at UASD leaves several injured, including security officer

    A violent shooting incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon at the main campus of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), leaving several individuals injured, including a member of the university’s security team. The chaos erupted when an armed man, reportedly carrying a 12-gauge shotgun, entered the campus premises. Upon being confronted by university security personnel, the assailant opened fire, injuring at least two guards before fleeing the scene. The suspect was later apprehended by security forces at a nearby store and subsequently handed over to university authorities. The incident triggered widespread panic and confusion among students, faculty, and staff. Despite the gravity of the situation, a significant number of National Police officers who responded to the scene were unable to enter the campus due to restrictions imposed by university autonomy regulations, which limit police access to UASD grounds.

  • Today to think is to fight, to publish is to resist

    Today to think is to fight, to publish is to resist

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee, delivered a compelling address at the Third International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-wing Parties and Movements. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of global struggles, Díaz-Canel asserted that threats to any nation are threats to all, urging left-wing forces worldwide to mobilize consciousness and foster strategic political communication. He highlighted the importance of international solidarity in achieving ideological sovereignty, which he described as not only territorial but also symbolic, cultural, and spiritual. The Cuban leader called for unity in the fight against global capitalism, stressing the need for a counterpoint to colonization. His remarks followed a keynote lecture by French-Spanish professor Ignacio Ramonet, who explored the challenges posed by quantum artificial superintelligence and the rapid advancements in technology. Ramonet warned of the risks of misinformation and manipulation while acknowledging the opportunities these technologies present for progressive forces. Díaz-Canel underscored the revolutionary nature of the meeting, describing it as a space for holistic debate on contemporary issues, rooted in socialist construction and the will to transform the world. He praised the efforts of left-wing parties and movements operating in capitalist societies and those building socialism, emphasizing the need to harness technology for emancipatory purposes. The Cuban president also proposed the creation of an international network of left-wing publications to coordinate efforts against imperialist media offensives, promote ideological unity, and train new generations of revolutionary communicators. The event, part of the Centennial celebrations of Fidel Castro Ruz, served as a platform to honor his legacy and inspire collective action for a better world.

  • Dominican Republic elected Pro Tempore President of CLASI for 2026–2027

    Dominican Republic elected Pro Tempore President of CLASI for 2026–2027

    Santo Domingo – In a landmark diplomatic achievement, the Dominican Republic has been elected Pro Tempore President of the Latin American Committee on Internal Security (CLASI) for the 2026–2027 term. This prestigious role underscores the nation’s institutional and technical capabilities in spearheading regional cooperation on internal security, justice, and crime prevention. The election highlights the European Union’s confidence in the Dominican Republic’s strides in institutional modernization, democratic governance, and its robust efforts to combat organized crime. CLASI, bolstered by the EU’s EL PAcCTO program, serves as a platform for Latin American countries to harmonize policies on security and justice. The Dominican Republic’s Vice Ministry of Internal Security will lead this initiative, coordinating inter-institutional policies, engaging with international organizations, and setting strategic priorities for the region. The Pro Tempore Presidency will focus on fostering multilateral alliances, promoting evidence-based security models, driving innovation, and upholding human rights. This leadership position is expected to enhance collaboration with the EU and CLASI member nations, facilitating technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of sustainable security projects across Latin America.

  • Bon Odori festival brings Japanese culture to life in Dajabón

    Bon Odori festival brings Japanese culture to life in Dajabón

    The vibrant town of La Vigía in Dajabón recently hosted the Japanese Cultural Gathering ‘Bon Odori,’ a spectacular event that seamlessly blended Dominican and Japanese traditions. This celebration, held in the heart of the first Japanese colony in the Dominican Republic, was a feast for the senses, featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine that paid homage to both cultures. Attendees were treated to the thunderous beats of taiko drums, mesmerizing ancestral dances, and the sight of participants adorned in yukatas, all while indulging in authentic Japanese delicacies like sushi and curry under the soft glow of traditional lanterns. The festival also highlighted local handicrafts, offering a comprehensive cultural experience. Omar Mukai, president of the Association of Japanese Descendants, emphasized the event’s mission to preserve and share Japanese heritage, which has been an integral part of Dominican culture for nearly 70 years. The Bon Odori, traditionally celebrated during Japan’s Obon Festival, is a joyous occasion that honors the spirits of ancestors with gratitude. The event was organized by Mukai in collaboration with the Ecotourism Cluster of Dajabón, led by Kathia Sarit De Mukai.

  • UNICEF donates safe space for migrant children and women

    UNICEF donates safe space for migrant children and women

    In a significant move to address the needs of vulnerable migrants, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has unveiled a new safe space designed specifically for children, adolescents, and pregnant or nursing women intercepted due to irregular immigration status. The facility, generously donated by UNICEF, is equipped to offer secure and comfortable conditions during the migration process. This initiative is part of a larger agreement that includes the establishment of three such centers, with one already operational in Dajabón and another under construction in Elías Piña. The combined investment for these projects exceeds 18.2 million Dominican pesos. Each center is thoughtfully designed with recreational areas, offices for psychosocial support, rest zones, accessibility features, and air conditioning to ensure the privacy, well-being, and protection of its users. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of UNICEF officials Geny Lozada and Yamira Cuesta, IOM representative Santos Miguel Román, CONANI official Natividad Rodríguez, and DGM representatives General Juan Carlos Vicente Pérez and Colonel Manuel Carrasco Guerrero.

  • Unchecked coastal projects threaten Barbados’ identity, says UN youth advisor

    Unchecked coastal projects threaten Barbados’ identity, says UN youth advisor

    A United Nations climate advisor has issued a stark warning about the rapid coastal development in Barbados, emphasizing that the construction of new hotels and high-rise condominiums is eroding the island’s natural character. Speaking at the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo, Ashley Lashley, a prominent environmental advocate, criticized the prioritization of profit over sustainability, calling for a fundamental shift in how progress is measured.

  • Column: Plaatsing nog mogelijk!

    Column: Plaatsing nog mogelijk!

    Suriname has emerged as a strong contender in the latest FIFA window, securing two draws and now sharing the top spot with Panama due to a superior goal difference. Despite Natio’s commendable performances, the team managed to secure only two points from these matches. While Suriname can take pride in these results, especially considering the numerous opportunities their opponents had in the away game, it is evident that the attack line requires reinforcement. Had Natio capitalized on their chances in the home game, they could have clinched a victory. The match against Panama was a different story, where Suriname could have easily faced defeat if their opponents had converted their opportunities. This underscores the urgent need for the management to recruit prolific strikers to ensure that created chances are effectively converted into goals. It is rare for teams to capitalize on every opportunity, but it is equally uncommon to squander as many chances as Suriname did. While preventing the opponent from scoring is not always possible, it is crucial to ensure that more goals are scored when opportunities arise. This is the key to securing three points, which is ultimately what matters. Unfortunately, goal-scoring remains a challenge even for professional teams. If Suriname aims to qualify for the World Cup, the attack line must perform better, as no matter how cohesive the teamwork is, without goals, victories cannot be achieved. With two matches remaining, Suriname still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup. However, converting these matches into wins and scoring more goals is crucial, especially since Panama has the same number of points, and goal difference could be decisive. In top-tier sports, there is no room for complacency or what is locally referred to as ‘tjepotie.’ Players are recruited to perform specific roles, and if they repeatedly fail to deliver, they must make way for others who are in better form. Natio is now stronger than ever, and opponents are aware of this, as evidenced by the tactics employed to negatively impact the team’s performance, such as loud music played near the hotel at night or discriminatory actions. It is high time that Natio’s growth is reflected in the final standings, as the points are essential for qualification. Lessons must be learned from the mistakes made in the last two matches without assigning blame. The limited points earned are a collective responsibility and must be addressed as such. Playing World Cup qualifiers is a new experience for all involved, and mistakes are inevitable. The key is to learn from these mistakes and find solutions collectively. In the final phase of the group matches, Natio can no longer afford any missteps. The focus must remain unwavering: World Cup participation. Qualification is still within reach!