On October 13, 2025, during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) engaged in high-level discussions with IMF officials to highlight Haiti’s economic advancements and future collaboration prospects. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., featured Ronald Gabriel, Governor of the BRH, and Alfred Métellus, Haiti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, alongside key IMF representatives including Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director; André Roncaglia, Executive Director for Haiti; and Camillo Tovar, Mission Chief. The discussions centered on the second review of the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and explored avenues for continued support in Haiti’s economic and institutional reforms. Governor Gabriel outlined Haiti’s significant achievements, such as maintaining zero monetary financing to ensure fiscal discipline, enhancing the prudential framework with anti-money laundering measures, stabilizing the exchange rate, advancing financial inclusion strategies, and bolstering foreign exchange reserves. These efforts underscored Haiti’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and institutional strengthening. The meeting reinforced the collaborative spirit between Haiti and the IMF, paving the way for sustained reforms and economic recovery.
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OECS installs free movement billboards in Grenada’s capital
In a significant move to bolster regional integration, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has unveiled two vibrant billboards in St. George’s, Grenada, as part of a broader public awareness campaign. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the OECS 11th EDF Regional Integration for Growth, Harmonisation, and Technology (RIGHT) Programme and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), marks the 44th anniversary of the OECS Economic Union. The billboards serve as a vivid reminder to Grenadians of their rights to free movement, residence, and employment across the OECS member states using only a valid national ID card.
During the unveiling ceremony, Grenada’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS Commissioner, H.E. Aaron Moses, emphasized the profound impact of this integration. He highlighted that OECS citizens now enjoy unrestricted movement, indefinite stay, and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social security benefits. Representing the United Nations, Ms. Fiona Sandy, the UN Country Coordination Officer for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, lauded the OECS Commission and IOM for their efforts in promoting regional unity and resilience. She underscored the importance of this integration for the safety, security, and rights of Caribbean citizens.
The OECS Commission has also encouraged Grenadians to scan a QR code featured on the billboards to explore further details about their rights and opportunities under the free movement regime. This campaign not only commemorates a historic milestone but also reinforces the vision of shared prosperity and sustainability across the Caribbean region.
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A farewell to Sol-o — Remembering Solomon Fairbairn
The passing of Solomon Fairbairn, a beloved resident of Lowmans Hill, has left the community in mourning. Sol-o, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to cancer, marking yet another loss for this tight-knit village. His life was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lowmans Hill.
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Puntacana Group partners with Ministry of Health to promote voluntary blood donation
In a significant move to address critical healthcare needs, the Puntacana Group has joined forces with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health and the National Blood Center to enhance voluntary blood donation efforts. This collaboration, formalized through a three-year agreement, aims to strengthen community outreach and improve access to blood donation services in the eastern region, home to over 1.3 million residents. The initiative will organize regular blood drives across Puntacana Group’s subsidiaries and affiliated companies, coupled with awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of consistent and voluntary donations. Additionally, the program will upgrade donation facilities to ensure a seamless and positive experience for donors. Registered voluntary donors under the National Blood Center program will gain access to blood components for immediate family members, while Puntacana employees can activate this benefit in emergencies by providing a substitute donor. This partnership highlights the vital role of corporate social responsibility in fostering solidarity, saving lives, and promoting collective well-being in underserved areas.
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Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students
In a commendable effort to foster literacy and educational development, Jujube Bookstore in Kingstown has generously donated copies of the locally authored book “Let’s Write” to the Grade 6 class of Evesham Methodist School. The book, penned by graduate teacher Adriana S. King, serves as a comprehensive guide to composition writing, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills through structured and engaging methods. Telbert Samuel, the owner of Jujube Bookstore, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, stating, ‘Improving education and literacy is a collective effort, and we are proud to contribute to this cause.’ Damaris Martin, the school’s principal, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to bolster the school’s literacy initiatives. She described the book as an ‘invaluable resource’ that aids students in mastering various writing structures. A Grade 6 teacher also praised the book for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching thesis statements, calling it a ‘valuable resource’ that builds students’ confidence and writing proficiency through practical exercises.
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Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation
Santo Domingo recently hosted the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17. The event marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Dominican Republic and France to address critical issues such as human trafficking and digital threats to minors. Organized by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, the seminar brought together 30 members of the National Police, 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, and key organizations including CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.
French experts from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) led discussions on combating online child pornography, the misuse of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation via social media. Additional topics included the dangers of deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry emphasized the global nature of these threats, stating, ‘No country is exempt from this challenge,’ and underscoring the need for skilled professionals to tackle evolving digital exploitation tactics.
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful acknowledged France’s continued support and highlighted successful initiatives like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The seminar concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing police cooperation, advancing training programs, and strengthening the investigative capabilities of DICRIM.
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D’Angelo, R&B Grammy-award winning singer, dies aged 51
The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, the iconic R&B and neo-soul singer, who passed away at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer. Born Michael Eugene Archer, D’Angelo leaves behind a profound musical legacy that reshaped the landscape of contemporary soul. His family released a heartfelt statement, urging fans to celebrate his enduring gift of music rather than dwell on their grief. Known for his groundbreaking fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, D’Angelo was a trailblazer in the neo-soul genre. His career spanned decades, marked by critically acclaimed albums and unforgettable performances. D’Angelo’s debut album, *Brown Sugar*, catapulted him to fame in the 1990s, while his 2000 masterpiece, *Voodoo*, solidified his status as a musical innovator. The latter earned him two Grammy Awards and was later ranked 28th on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest albums of all time. His 2014 release, *Black Messiah*, was a powerful response to social unrest, further cementing his relevance in both music and culture. Tributes poured in from fellow artists, including Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, and Jennifer Hudson, who hailed him as a “true original” and an inspiration to generations. Despite personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and a near-fatal car crash in 2005, D’Angelo’s artistry remained unparalleled. At the time of his passing, he was reportedly working on his fourth album with producer Raphael Saadiq. His untimely death marks the end of an era, but his music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
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Driver to contest traffic ticket in Castries Traffic Court
A Babonneau motorist, Hildreth Murray Lewis, is set to face trial after contesting a traffic charge issued in July 2025. Lewis was pulled over by Officer #932 Lubin while driving his BMW X1 (registration P8871) along the John Compton Highway. He was cited for allegedly contravening the driving code, an offense that carries a $200 fine. During a hearing at the Castries Traffic Court on October 13, 2025, Lewis expressed his intent to challenge the charge, asserting that it was ‘not called for.’ Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds cautioned Lewis that if the officer’s actions are deemed justified, he could face either an increased fine payable immediately or a custodial sentence. The case has been adjourned to November 26, 2025, for trial.
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Police Say No Prior Domestic Violence in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Belize City authorities are currently probing a tragic incident involving the deaths of 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold. The two were discovered shot dead in a residence on Simon Lamb Street on Saturday, just before midday. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that a licensed black nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was found at the scene. Initial investigations suggest that the pair were in a relationship but had separated prior to the incident. Audio recordings from the vicinity captured the sound of more than five gunshots, accompanied by an argument moments before the tragedy. Despite these findings, Smith emphasized that there are no prior reports of domestic violence involving the individuals in the police database. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
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Authorities Monitor Threat from 20 Escaped Guatemalan Gang Members
Belizean authorities are on high alert following the escape of 20 high-profile gang members from Guatemala’s Fraijanes II maximum-security prison on October 11, 2025. The fugitives, identified as members of the notorious 18th Street Gang, are linked to serious crimes including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Belize’s proximity to Guatemala has heightened concerns that the escapees may attempt to cross the border, prompting a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘These individuals are extremely dangerous and must be treated as such.’ The Belize Police Department has implemented strategic operational measures to prevent the fugitives from entering the country. Guatemalan authorities, in collaboration with Interpol and the FBI, have launched a nationwide manhunt, sharing photos and detailed information about the escapees to aid in their capture. Smith also called for public vigilance, urging citizens to report any sightings or information that could assist in apprehending the suspects. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of cross-border crime and the need for regional cooperation in addressing such threats.