The Haitian Council of Ministers has officially approved the 2025-2026 national budget, totaling 345 billion gourdes, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. This budget is strategically designed to address critical priorities such as public security, electoral organization, and macroeconomic stabilization, as outlined by the Transitional Government. The budget aims to restore confidence, consolidate progress, and lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable growth. Key areas of focus include the restoration of public security, the organization of general elections, economic recovery, and the modernization of tax administration. The budget also emphasizes a territorialized approach to public spending, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in resource allocation. Macroeconomic projections indicate a modest real GDP growth rate of 0.3%, with an end-of-period inflation rate of 23.4%. The budget will be primarily financed through domestic resources, including tax and customs revenues, which account for 70.5% of the total funding. Capital expenditures, representing 38.2% of the budget, will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, regional recovery, and social protection systems. Specific initiatives include the rehabilitation of police stations, the strengthening of the Haitian National Police and Army, and the introduction of reliable technologies to ensure transparent elections. Additionally, the budget allocates resources for food security, healthcare, education, and gender-based violence prevention, aiming to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
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Abrahams dismisses fears of migrant influx under free movement deal
Barbados’ Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, has addressed concerns regarding potential mass migration under the newly enacted free movement agreement among four CARICOM member states. Speaking during the introduction of the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill in the House of Assembly, Abrahams emphasized that the anticipated surge in migrants has not materialized. He clarified that the legislation aims to formalize and refine existing arrangements, addressing legal and procedural gaps to ensure seamless movement between Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. Abrahams underscored the long-standing reality of regional mobility, citing examples such as the University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Court of Justice, and West Indies cricket as testaments to regional integration. He also praised the contributions of past and present leaders, including Grantley Adams, Errol Barrow, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in advancing regionalism. However, Abrahams criticized a former Democratic Labour Party administration for its 2008 policy of deporting non-nationals, which he claimed negatively impacted Bridgetown’s vibrancy. Addressing Barbados’ demographic challenges, the minister highlighted a “population crisis” marked by declining birth rates and an ageing population, which poses significant social and economic planning challenges. He dismissed fears that free movement would displace Barbadians from jobs, noting that the predicted influx of migrants has not occurred.
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IMF projects continued global growth despite trade tensions and potential economic headwinds
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a resilient global economic growth trajectory, forecasting expansions of 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, despite persistent trade tensions and broader economic uncertainties. These projections were unveiled during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., where officials highlighted the complex interplay of evolving trade policies and fiscal dynamics shaping the global outlook. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, emphasized that while inflationary pressures have increased modestly, the impact of tariff shocks has been mitigated by trade exemptions and new agreements. He noted that many countries have avoided retaliatory tariffs, and private-sector adaptability has cushioned the effects of policy shifts. However, Gourinchas warned that risks remain, particularly in advanced economies like the U.S., where growth projections have been revised downward due to inflationary and labor market challenges. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the IMF has revised growth forecasts upward, with Mexico leading the region. Guyana, driven by its booming oil sector, remains the Caribbean’s fastest-growing economy, though growth is expected to slow significantly in 2025.
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Guyana aviation records being digitised, landing permit application goes online
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has embarked on a groundbreaking digital transformation, transitioning its decades-old paper records to a modernized online system. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) under the Prime Minister’s office, includes the launch of a user-friendly online portal for aircraft landing permit applications. Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field, Director-General of the GCAA, announced that the digitization of all files is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. The project, which began in 2024, aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the aviation sector. GCAA Deputy Director-General Saeed Suliman highlighted the progress, noting that 180 out of 1,600 files have already been digitized. The initiative also encompasses the development of a human resources management information system, a payroll system, and an online application system for drones. Suliman emphasized that the new platform will simplify the application process for residents across Guyana, including those in Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden. The GCAA is currently testing the drone system, with plans to launch it by the end of 2025. Field described the move to digital operations as a ‘paradigm shift,’ enabling the GCAA to handle over 500 applications more efficiently. He anticipates that the number of applications will double by early 2026 but remains confident in the system’s capacity to manage the increased workload. This digital transformation positions Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for aviation innovation.
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Charles F. Broome school closure leaves parents seeking answers
Parents of students at Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School were left bewildered by the abrupt closure of the institution on Monday, with officials providing no immediate explanation for the decision. Communication with families was delayed until after a scheduled meeting with teachers, leaving many in the dark about the circumstances. In an evening email, parents were informed that the school would remain closed on Tuesday to facilitate discussions between Ministry of Educational Transformation officials and the teaching staff. Earlier in the day, Principal Paula Toppin had issued a notice advising parents and guardians to collect their children “as soon as possible” due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
When Barbados TODAY visited the Government Hill school, parents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. Many had received the email or seen the alert in a WhatsApp chat but were given no further details. “We received a notice via email and some of us have class chats, so that notice came probably after 11 a.m. No reason was given; we were just told to collect the kids,” one parent shared. “We would like to know what is the reason. After all, it’s our kids. Up to now, I still don’t know what is happening. This is the first time the school has closed for the term, and we would like some answers.”
The Ministry of Educational Transformation had pledged to release a statement clarifying the closure, but as of the time of publication, no such communication had been issued. Julian Pierre, head of the Barbados Union of Teachers’ health and safety committee, stated that the union would comment on the matter at a later date, further heightening the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
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Travel : Sunrise Airways wants to open a direct route between Haiti and Newark (NJ)
Sunrise Airways, a privately owned Haitian airline, is taking significant strides to expand its international reach by proposing a wet lease agreement for a direct flight route between Haiti and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States. This innovative approach involves leasing an aircraft and its crew from a third-party operator, along with outsourcing insurance, maintenance, and other operational aspects. This strategy allows Sunrise Airways to expedite the launch of the Newark route without the need to invest in owning or leasing entire aircraft and staffing. The proposal is under close scrutiny by aviation regulators and industry experts, as its success could mark a pivotal moment in Haiti’s efforts to rebuild its tourism sector and enhance its global appeal. To proceed, Sunrise Airways must secure approval from U.S. aviation authorities, who will evaluate compliance with safety, security, and bilateral agreements. This process includes rigorous reviews of maintenance records, crew credentials, insurance, and liability provisions, as well as adherence to U.S. aviation standards. Regulators will also ensure that the wet lease agreement does not compromise safety or oversight, potentially requiring additional safeguards such as joint oversight or insurance guarantees. If approved, the direct Haiti-Newark route would have far-reaching implications, opening new tourism opportunities, improving travel conditions for Americans, and facilitating access to the U.S. for Haitians and the large Haitian diaspora. The route would also strengthen ties between Haiti and its largest trading partner, the United States, while serving as a vital transportation link for the Haitian diaspora in New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Newark Liberty International Airport, a major hub in the Northeast, would provide convenient access for travelers, further enhancing the route’s potential impact.
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Suriname presenteert groene ontwikkelingsstrategie op top in Rome
Suriname took center stage at the 12th bi-regional dialogue between Italy and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, held recently in Rome. The event, attended by over 35 nations, saw Suriname present its national vision for sustainable development and energy security. Leading the Surinamese delegation was Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation. In her address, Mac Intosh emphasized that energy security and safety are strategic priorities for the region. She stated, ‘Our primary objective must be to achieve this collectively,’ while also announcing that Suriname is finalizing its Third Nationally Determined Contribution. ‘This is not merely a document of goals but a declaration of our national identity—as a carbon-negative nation and a proponent of a just model for climate action.’ Suriname further introduced its Green Development Strategy as a national roadmap for a resilient, sustainable economy. The strategy integrates the utilization of new offshore energy resources with a swift transition to a carbon-free domestic economy, leveraging revenues from oil and gas to green the energy system. The participating countries also discussed cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, with Italy pledging to share its expertise in this area. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a 21-point Declaration, reaffirming the nations’ mutual friendship, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable development.
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JCE guarantees transparency and security in issuance of new ID
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the personal, biometric, and demographic data of its citizens during the upcoming issuance of new identity and voter cards. In a public statement, JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo underscored the transparency, legality, and security of the entire process, from bidding to implementation. The EMDOC Consortium, awarded the contract on October 3, includes five companies—one Dominican, two Panamanian, and two German, with Bundesdruckerei GmbH being partially owned by the German Federal Government. The JCE clarified that none of the companies involved have Haitian origins or capital, countering earlier media reports. Jáquez Liranzo emphasized that the JCE remains the sole custodian of all data, with no external entities granted access. All ID renewal procedures will be handled exclusively by trained and certified JCE personnel, ensuring the integrity of the process and the protection of democratic principles. The tender process, initiated in April 2024, was widely publicized in four national newspapers, the New York Post, and El País, and has garnered support from various political parties.
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Education official urges proactive school safety management
Barbados’ Deputy Chief Education Officer, Julia Beckles, emphasized the critical role of proactive health and safety committees in schools during a recent awareness-building session at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. Addressing over 130 educators, Beckles highlighted the importance of resolving health and safety issues at the school level before escalating them to the Ministry of Education or unions. This call to action follows last year’s disruptions, where teachers staged walkouts over environmental and safety concerns, leading to temporary school closures and ministry intervention. Beckles stressed that while all schools have established health and safety committees as mandated by law, not all are functioning optimally. She urged schools to foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring that issues like rodent infestations and improper waste disposal are addressed internally through education and preventative measures. Beckles also underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting these committees as part of Barbados’ broader education transformation efforts, aiming to modernize school environments with a focus on health and safety. The session coincided with Caribbean Safety Week, providing an opportune moment to renew efforts in creating safer school environments. Beckles encouraged participants to re-energize their teams and conduct regular, proactive assessments of school environments. The workshop also outlined key guidelines for workplace safety policies, including the establishment of safety committees, risk assessments, and employee consultation processes.
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Dominican Congress presents “Let Her Go” Reform to fight violence against women and children
In a landmark session at the National Assembly of the Dominican Republic, Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco introduced the Comprehensive Reform ‘Let Her Go’ (Déjala Ir). This pioneering legislative initiative aims to significantly reduce femicides and filicides by 2030 and eradicate them entirely by 2035. The reform, championed by Representative Kimberly Taveras and supported by over 70 legislators from both chambers, was meticulously crafted over nine months to establish a national agenda focused on safeguarding lives and fostering family peace. Unlike traditional punitive approaches, the reform emphasizes prevention, protection, and the reintegration of victims, signaling a transformative shift in public policy and institutional modernization. Key components of the reform include the criminalization of vicarious violence, the establishment of specialized courts, the integration of emotional education and social workers in schools, and the implementation of a National Care System. Additionally, the initiative advocates for the disarmament of aggressors, the use of technology for monitoring and early warnings, and the coordination of policies across rural and border regions. Hailed as the largest women-led movement in the history of the Dominican Congress, the reform has garnered unanimous support from legislators across all political parties. During the session, participants read a manifesto declaring femicides and filicides a national emergency, urging all sectors of society—from the State and academia to media and civil organizations—to unite in collective action.