In a recent discussion on education reform and teacher salaries, concerns were raised about the inflationary effects of salary increases and the broader implications for the education system. Marcelino N. der Kus, in an article published on Sterrennieuws, argued that while salary adjustments might provide temporary relief, they would not address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector. Instead, he emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms starting from the training of the next generation of teachers, as highlighted in Ivan Fernald’s latest book. The conversation also touched on the inefficacy of past educational conferences, which have often resulted in confusion, wasted time, and unused reports. To truly transform the education system, bold actions are required, such as reintroducing school fees, starting with higher education and gradually extending to lower levels. This measure, though politically unpopular, could ensure sustainable funding. Additionally, students enrolling in teacher training programs should receive substantial monthly allowances to focus solely on their studies, with the condition of repayment upon graduation. The discussion also highlighted the necessity of rigorous entrance exams for aspiring teachers, including proficiency in Dutch and English, and the ability to articulate current issues clearly. Experienced retired teachers and overseas specialists could play a crucial role in mentoring new educators. However, these reforms would require significant financial investment, new infrastructure, and a long-term commitment of 15 to 20 years. The government must explore new revenue streams, such as property taxes, and reduce subsidies to loss-making state enterprises to fund these initiatives. The conversation concluded with a call for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric, as the future of the education system hangs in the balance.
作者： admin
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Environment Ministry signs $300M MoU for ecological restoration
Santo Domingo – In a landmark move to bolster environmental sustainability, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mamaland Company SA, a subsidiary of the Mota-Engil Group. The agreement, valued at USD 300 million, focuses on ecological restoration, carbon credit initiatives, and conservation projects across the nation. This partnership underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in green finance and climate action. The MoU highlights comprehensive studies on degraded ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and protected areas, to inform targeted restoration and conservation strategies. Beyond environmental benefits, the collaboration aims to foster green employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, enhance institutional capacity, and provide training for rural communities. Dominican Ambassador to Portugal, Patricia Villegas de Jorge, played a pivotal role in facilitating this initiative, emphasizing its potential to position the country at the forefront of sustainable development in the Caribbean region.
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BRH : Training on financial market development
The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) recently spearheaded a pivotal training initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s financial market infrastructure. On November 14 and 15, 2025, representatives from Savings and Credit Unions (CEC) in the Greater South region convened in Les Cayes to gain expertise in utilizing the Central Securities Depository (CSD). This advanced system, integral to the modernization of Haiti’s financial sector, operates in tandem with the Automated Transfer System (ATS) to enhance the registration, safekeeping, and transfer of securities, including Treasury bills. The ATS further ensures secure, real-time payment clearing and settlement, while optimizing liquidity management. This training is a cornerstone of the Financial Market Development Project, which seeks to modernize Haiti’s financial system, boost liquidity, bolster investor confidence, and democratize access to Treasury bills. By equipping CECs with the necessary skills, the initiative aims to empower them as effective Securities Account Keepers, elevate service quality, and pave the way for the successful implementation of the Financial Market Development project.
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Health : Towards the reconstruction of the L’Asile Community Referral Hospital
The L’Asile Community Referral Hospital (HCR) in Haiti’s Nippes Department, severely damaged by the devastating earthquake of August 14, 2021, has been operating in temporary spaces that are inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the local population. Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to provide essential services. On September 14, 2025, a significant step was taken toward its reconstruction. Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, Departmental Director of the Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI), alongside Carl Yvans Petit Frère, Project Management Unit Supervisor for the World Bank, and other officials, conducted a site visit to prepare for the tender process. This visit aimed to gather critical data for the demolition of damaged structures and the construction of a new, modern hospital center, a priority project of the Ministry of Public Health. In addition to the L’Asile Hospital, several other health infrastructure projects in Nippes are making progress. The Lomond Health Center is nearing completion, the Paillant Health Center is being reconstructed satisfactorily, and work on the Changeux Health Center is set to begin soon, with initial funding already disbursed. These initiatives underscore the DSNI’s commitment to enhancing the departmental health system, improving access to care, and building resilient infrastructure tailored to the needs of local communities.
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Pro Consumidor to monitor Bad Bunny concert ticket sales
Santo Domingo – In a significant move to protect consumer rights, the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has initiated a large-scale monitoring operation for ticket sales to Bad Bunny’s upcoming concerts. The highly anticipated events are set to take place on November 21 and 22 at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. Pro Consumidor’s initiative seeks to ensure fair practices and safeguard the economic interests of concertgoers. Executive Director Eddy Alcántara emphasized that the operation will involve teams from the Inspection, Surveillance, Advertising, and Prices departments, who will oversee the entire sales process from Friday through the concert dates. The monitoring effort aims to identify and prevent any practices that could violate consumer rights, as outlined in Law 358-05, which grants Pro Consumidor authority over national market surveillance. Alcántara revealed that the institution has already engaged with all stakeholders to preempt potential violations. Additionally, Pro Consumidor inspectors will be stationed at stadium entrances during the concerts to supervise ticket verification and ensure a smooth, transparent entry process for attendees.
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OM stelt hoger beroep in tegen beslissing Rechter-Commissaris over inverzekeringstelling Torilal
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has filed an appeal against the decision of the examining magistrate (Rechter-Commissaris, RC) that deemed the detention of businessman Ryan Torilal on November 14, 2025, unlawful. This appeal has delayed Torilal’s release by three days, adhering to legal procedures. The case will now proceed to a higher court, with a date yet to be determined. Torilal is suspected of involvement in attempted fraud and forgery, allegedly using falsified documents in 2023 to persuade the government to pay SRD 86 million for a cattle delivery that never occurred. The scheme was uncovered by the Central Government Accounting Service (CLAD), which detected irregularities and halted the payment. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) initiated an internal investigation, revealing that cattle from the ministry had been sold without the proceeds reaching the state treasury. Additionally, the LVV director reportedly leased parts of the state farm to Torilal without formal approval since 2022 and signed documents falsely claiming entitlement to the SRD 86 million payment. The OM awaits further proceedings in the higher court.
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U.S. Moves Major Warship Into Caribbean
In a significant military maneuver, the United States has deployed its most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. The move, described by Washington as part of a counterdrug mission, represents the largest display of American military force in the region in recent years. However, the deployment has raised eyebrows, as aircraft carriers are typically not utilized for anti-drug operations but rather for exerting political pressure on governments. The timing of this deployment has drawn particular attention to Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with the U.S. Maduro has accused Washington of fabricating a crisis to destabilize his government and has responded by mobilizing troops in preparation for potential attacks. The Trump administration has framed the mission as a crackdown on drug smugglers, but the sheer scale of the operation—nearly a dozen warships and approximately 12,000 personnel—has led to speculation about broader geopolitical motives. Since September, U.S. strikes on small boats in the region have reportedly resulted in at least 80 fatalities, though Washington has yet to provide evidence linking those killed to drug cartels. According to CBS News, senior Trump administration officials convened three times this week to deliberate military options concerning Venezuela. President Trump remained cryptic about the details, stating only, ‘I sort of have made up my mind.’ The situation continues to escalate, with regional tensions reaching a critical juncture.
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St Lucy extends winning streak in Spirit of the Nation show
The Wildey Gymnasium was filled with unbridled joy on Saturday night as St Lucy’s Kimani Greaves and Shalia Morris were crowned the Most Outstanding Parish Ambassadors at this year’s Spirit of the Nation show. This marked the parish’s fifth consecutive victory, a feat that came with its own set of trials. Shemila Scantlebury, Chairperson of the St Lucy Parish Independence Committee, reflected on the journey, describing it as both demanding and rewarding. ‘This year was far from easy, especially after four straight wins. The pressure was immense, but the support and mentorship we received kept us grounded,’ she shared. Scantlebury credited her mentor, Ms. Janice Springer, for providing the encouragement needed to persevere. ‘Her words reminded me of our purpose and the importance of staying true to our mission,’ she added. Shalia Morris, one half of the winning duo, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the personal and professional growth she and her partner experienced. ‘The challenges were real, but we stayed focused, knowing that hard work would eventually pay off,’ Morris said. The competition also saw strong performances from other parishes, with St Peter’s Nakim Wahid and Deandra Gibson securing fourth place, St Thomas’ Christian Atherly and Amyah Cox taking third, and St George’s Shaquan Marshall and Nicole Sealy finishing second. Additionally, St George’s duo won the inaugural Jacqueline Marshall-Clarke Award for Best Public Speaking. Other notable achievements included Weslon Samuels winning the Minister’s Award in the Parish Talent segment, and St Michael and St Peter taking home the Designer Award for Best Formal Wear and the Best Costume Award, respectively. The event was a celebration of talent, resilience, and community spirit, showcasing the best of Barbados’ cultural heritage.
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Hurricane Melissa exposes brutal reality
The Caribbean, a region perpetually on the frontline of climate change, is grappling with the harsh realities of innovative financial instruments designed to mitigate disaster impacts. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, recently devastated Jamaica and neighboring islands, exposing the limitations of catastrophe bonds—a sophisticated financial tool aimed at transferring climate risk to global capital markets. These bonds, which release funds based on predefined storm metrics, failed to trigger despite the widespread destruction, highlighting a critical gap between theoretical models and on-the-ground realities. This incident underscores the broader challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which bear the brunt of climate change while contributing minimally to global emissions. The paradox of climate finance innovation lies in its inability to address the root causes of the crisis, leaving SIDS trapped in a cycle of debt and disaster. As the Caribbean pioneers resilience strategies, the global community must confront the moral and financial imperatives of climate justice, ensuring that innovation is matched by equitable action.
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Meer dan 3.000 deelnemers bij succesvolle DSB Bigi Yari Run
The DSB Bigi Yari Run, held last Saturday, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 3,000 participants to the streets of Paramaribo. Organized by De Surinaamse Bank (DSB) to commemorate its 160th anniversary, the event aimed to give back to the community while promoting health and wellness. Gail Chin On, representing DSB, expressed delight at the overwhelming turnout, stating, ‘We wanted to do something meaningful for society on this milestone occasion, and we couldn’t have asked for a better response.’ The event featured a 6-kilometer walk for casual participants, alongside competitive 5K and 10K races for seasoned runners. Notably, the 10K races were dominated by international athletes, with Ruben Lindongo of France and Jelesa Wright of Guyana clinching top honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The event commenced and concluded at the DSB headquarters, with Chin On hinting at more upcoming celebrations, including the traditional Kresneti Fatu and the inaugural DSB Owru Yari New Year’s Eve festivities. A portion of the registration proceeds will be donated to beneficiaries, to be announced soon. The DSB Bigi Yari Run not only celebrated the bank’s legacy but also fostered community spirit and athletic excellence.