Carib Scope

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  • DBF hosts virtual post-budget forum tonight ‘to broaden participation in 2026–2027 budget debate’

    DBF hosts virtual post-budget forum tonight ‘to broaden participation in 2026–2027 budget debate’

    On August 4, Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre tabled the 2026–2027 national fiscal budget in the country’s parliament, marking the start of formal legislative deliberations. In the days following the budget’s introduction, the proposal has become a central topic of public discourse, with growing calls to expand the conversation beyond the walls of parliamentary chambers to include more community and industry perspectives.

    A leading voice pushing for broader participation is the Dominica Business Forum Inc., a prominent business advocacy group. In an official press statement, the organization emphasized that despite the formal parliamentary debate already being underway following the Opposition Leader’s official response, representatives from the private business sector and civil society organizations have been granted only restricted access to contribute directly to the legislative discussion. The Dominica Business Forum argues that this exclusionary gap has created an urgent need for a dedicated, structured platform that allows non-governmental and private sector stakeholders to closely examine the full fiscal package, analyze its key components, and evaluate its potential near- and long-term impacts on the national economy.

    To fill this gap, the forum has announced it will host an open virtual post-budget public forum aimed at democratizing engagement with the national budget. The online event will gather leaders and representatives from across the private sector and non-profit community to collectively review the budget’s measures, flag key provisions that stand to shape future economic activity, and share targeted feedback on proposed allocations and policies.

    The virtual discussion is scheduled to take place on the Zoom platform at 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 8. Participants can join the session using Meeting ID 818 6669 7086 and passcode 067217. Renowned local economist Kent Vidal has been tapped to lead the proceedings, kicking off the event with a structured presentation that highlights the most critical and impactful excerpts from Finance Minister McIntyre’s original budget address. After Vidal’s opening remarks, the forum will open the floor for a wide-ranging question-and-answer session to allow all attendees to share their perspectives and concerns.

    Event organizers are urging all prospective participants, especially private sector representatives who intend to contribute, to thoroughly review the full official budget presentation ahead of the forum, and come prepared with practical, data-backed input that can advance constructive discussion. The Dominica Business Forum has outlined that the ultimate goal of the gathering is threefold: to strengthen the national conversation around fiscal policy, create actionable feedback that can support targeted improvements to the final budget, and advance collaborative proposals that will push Dominica toward inclusive, sustainable long-term economic development.

    In closing, the organization reaffirmed that the inherent limitations of the formal parliamentary process, which prioritizes legislative party perspectives over broader public input, are the core motivation for creating this additional space for diverse voices to help shape the country’s long-term fiscal trajectory.

  • Two tropical waves under observation as the Atlantic begins to heat up

    Two tropical waves under observation as the Atlantic begins to heat up

    As August ushers in the most dangerous phase of the annual Atlantic hurricane cycle, the top official of the Dominican Republic’s national meteorological agency has sounded a public alert over rising storm activity in the basin, alongside ongoing impacts from transcontinental dust transport shaping local weather this weekend.

    Gloria Ceballos, director of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), shared the update Saturday, noting that the Atlantic basin is showing early signs of increased storm formation just as the season enters its historically most active window. “It’s August, we’re stepping into the peak of the hurricane season, and the Atlantic is beginning to stir,” Ceballos stated, referencing two tropical waves that Indomet’s forecasting teams have been tracking closely for potential development into cyclonic systems over the coming week.

    Ceballos emphasized that right now, both monitored systems carry only a low probability of consolidating into named storms or hurricanes. As the systems drift westward toward the Caribbean basin, they are expected to encounter atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are hostile to cyclonic growth. Still, the agency has committed to continuous monitoring to update the public on any changes in trajectory or intensity. “We will follow their evolution step by step, even if current conditions do not favor development,” Ceballos added.

    Beyond the long-term monitoring of tropical systems, Indomet also released its on-the-ground weather forecast for Dominican territory this Saturday, noting that the country remains under the blanket of a denser-than-usual plume of Saharan dust. This airborne dust layer has suppressed large-scale cloud formation, preventing the build-up of significant moisture that would lead to heavy, widespread rainfall across most of the country.

    The forecast calls for minimal precipitation and sweltering high temperatures across the majority of the Dominican Republic for the day. Even so, Indomet did not rule out isolated, short-lived weather events through the afternoon and early evening. A combination of persistent easterly trade winds, daytime surface heating, and the region’s mountainous topography could trigger localized increases in cloud cover.

    Those conditions are expected to produce scattered, short downpours and isolated thunderstorms primarily across the central and northwestern regions of the country, including the provinces of Monte Plata, Santo Domingo Norte, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, San Cristóbal, Sánchez Ramírez, San Juan, Elías Piña, and Dajabón, as well as adjacent surrounding areas.

  • Swine fever and imports empty the Monte Adentro corrals in Licey

    Swine fever and imports empty the Monte Adentro corrals in Licey

    For generations, the Don Pedro sector of Monte Adentro in Santiago, Dominican Republic, bustled with activity: dozens of small-scale family pig farms and local butcher shops fed communities across the region, and pig rearing was the steady livelihood for hundreds of local households. Today, that longstanding tradition lies in ruins. Most pigpens stand barren and overgrown, and the handful of producers who have stayed in the industry describe an uphill daily battle to survive, squeezed by three overlapping threats: the persistent spread of African swine fever (ASF), a flood of cheap imported pork, and skyrocketing production costs.

    This on-the-ground crisis matches warnings first sounded in a recent investigative report by local outlet Listín Diario, where agricultural specialists and independent producers called out mismanagement of the national ASF response and sounded the alarm about a dramatic collapse in domestic pork output. In Don Pedro, the national decline is not just a statistic—it is visible in every empty corral and shuttered small farm.

    Jose, universally known by his nickname “Mañaño” who manages one of the last remaining operational farms in the sector, says the generations-old local pig-farming identity has been all but erased. “Fewer than half of the producers who worked this land 10 years ago are still here today. ASF and unregulated imports wiped out hundreds of small and medium-sized farmers,” Mañaño explained during a tour of his farm, one of the few still active in the area.

    His account aligns with analysis from Dr. Francisco Trincado, a leading veterinarian and swine disease specialist who spoke with Listín Diario. Trincado confirmed that ASF remains endemic across large swathes of the country, continuing to hammer domestic production, while the sharp rise in pork imports has squeezed local smallholders out of the market entirely. For Trincado, the national production decline numbers translate directly to the empty corrals and displaced families seen across Don Pedro: an entire traditional livelihood pushed to the brink of extinction.

    Even for producers who have not given up, the rules of doing business create additional financial strain. Mañaño explained that every pig intended for commercial sale must undergo a costly mandatory health inspection before it can hit the market. Producers themselves have to cover all associated fees: blood samples are drawn from each animal, shipped to the national capital of Santo Domingo for ASF testing, and only pigs that pass get a sales permit. There is no government subsidy to offset these costs.

    A walk through any active Don Pedro pig farm makes clear why so many have chosen to exit the industry entirely. Raising a pig from weaning to market weight takes months of constant upfront investment in feed, veterinary medication, corral maintenance, and labor—with zero guarantee that producers will recoup their costs if an ASF outbreak hits their herd. Pigs go through three distinct developmental feeding stages, each requiring a specialized concentrated feed blend sold in 100-pound bags. Each bag costs between 1,500 and 2,000 Dominican pesos (RD$), and for even a mid-sized herd, an entire bag can be used up in less than a week. After three to four months of steady feeding, any additional feed consumed before sale barely adds to the animal’s market weight, making extra months of rearing a net financial loss.

    On top of feed costs and disease risk, local producers face another hit to their bottom line: falling domestic pork prices directly tied to the flood of imported pork. Mañaño noted that just a few months ago, local producers received around RD$135 per kilogram of live pig. Today, that price has dropped to RD$120 per kilogram. While the 15-peso drop may seem minor, it adds up to a major loss of revenue for producers already burdened by high feed, medicine, and maintenance costs. “That is one of the core reasons why so many producers have shut down for good,” he said.

    Local merchants in the Don Pedro area confirmed the drastic transformation of the sector, with multiple family-run butcher shops telling Listín Diario that local pig production has collapsed in just a few short years. “There are no local pig farms or breeders left within a five-kilometer radius of this shop,” one longtime butcher said, describing how a community that was nationally known for its small-scale pork production for decades now has only a handful of producers still clinging to the business.

  • Tobacco use increases complications in a surgical procedure by 40%.

    Tobacco use increases complications in a surgical procedure by 40%.

    For many patients facing an upcoming surgical procedure, the long list of pre-operative instructions often feels like unnecessary red tape, with little understanding of why each rule exists. To demystify these critical protocols, Dominican newspaper Listín Diario interviewed experienced surgeon José Barriento, who walked through the reasoning behind every precaution and why skipping even one step can put patients in serious danger.

    Dr. Barriento stresses that patient understanding of pre-surgery rules is the foundation of a successful procedure. When patients follow guidelines correctly, they enter the operating room in the best possible physiological condition, cutting the risk of life-threatening complications during and after the operation.

    Pre-operative evaluations are not just routine box-ticking, the surgeon explains. Care teams first conduct a full cardiovascular assessment to confirm a patient’s vascular system is strong enough to tolerate the physical stress of surgery. Providers also test lung function and evaluate liver health, since all patients will be exposed to anesthetic gases and medications during the procedure. These screenings catch underlying issues early that could raise risk levels if left unaddressed.

    It is also completely normal for patients to experience anxiety or fear in the lead-up to surgery, Dr. Barriento notes. Entering an operating room, an unfamiliar and high-stakes environment, naturally triggers these feelings. To manage this anxiety, he encourages patients to remember that surgery is a targeted solution to an existing health problem, and thorough pre-operative preparation — including multi-specialist evaluations, full medical history reviews, and prehabilitation — is designed to set the procedure and recovery up for success.

    One of the most non-negotiable pre-surgical requirements is fasting, though modern guidelines have updated the old 8-hour rule. Dr. Barriento explains that current standards call for 2 to 4 hours of fasting from solid foods, with the exact timeline adjusted to the type of procedure being performed. The core risk of eating too close to surgery is aspiration: when patients are under general anesthesia with a breathing tube in place, a full stomach raises the chance of gastroesophageal reflux, which can push food particles into the airways and lungs. This complication can lead to dangerous aspiration pneumonia, or even death in the most severe cases. Clear liquids move through the digestive system far faster than solids, the surgeon adds, so a small sip of water just 1 to 2 hours before surgery rarely causes issues.

    For patients with chronic conditions like hypertension that require daily medication, Dr. Barriento confirms it is usually safe to take routine doses before entering the operating room. The one non-negotiable rule here is full honesty: patients must disclose all food, drink, and medication they have consumed before surgery, even if they forgot the fasting rule. “It is always better to postpone the procedure by two to four hours than to put the patient at unnecessary risk,” he says. He emphasizes that safe surgery is a shared responsibility: while clinical teams bear part of the burden for preventing complications, patients also play a critical role by following guidelines and being transparent about their habits and health.

    Dr. Barriento also addressed the common requirement to pause certain medications in the days before surgery. Anticoagulants such as aspirin, for example, increase the risk of uncontrolled, massive bleeding during a procedure, so patients must stop taking these medications 5 to 7 days before their operation. Tobacco use must also be paused at least four weeks before surgery, he says: smoking impairs post-operative tissue healing, raising the risk of complications by 40% compared to non-smoking patients. Alcohol is also restricted in the pre-operative period, as it causes dehydration and interferes with the liver’s ability to process anesthetic and other surgical medications. Dr. Barriento recommends full abstention from tobacco and alcohol before, during, and after any surgical procedure to support optimal outcomes.

    Pre-operative hygiene is another often-overlooked step that makes a big difference in preventing post-surgical infections. Most hospitals require patients to bathe or wash the surgical site with chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic that reduces harmful bacteria on the skin before the incision. Patients are also asked to remove all jewelry and accessories, and to remove acrylic nails or nail polish before entering the operating room. This rule exists because pulse oximetry, a key tool for monitoring oxygen levels and heart function during surgery, is clipped to a patient’s finger. Artificial nails and polish block the sensor, leading to inaccurate vital sign readings that can compromise patient safety during the procedure.

    In closing, Dr. Barriento reiterates that the most important actions a patient can take are approaching surgery with a positive, open attitude and being fully honest with their care team about every detail of their health, including medical history, medication use, substance use, and recent food or drink intake. No detail is too small to hide, he stresses: providers need full information to keep patients safe. Even when pre-operative tests and protocols feel excessive or tedious, following every instruction cuts complication risk dramatically and improves the chances of a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

    Dr. Barriento also added a key warning for patients in the Dominican Republic: amid a growing number of unqualified practitioners offering surgical services, patients must verify that their operating surgeon is properly certified, registered with the Dominican Medical Association, and affiliated with the national College of Surgeons or a relevant legitimate professional collegiate body before agreeing to any procedure.

  • The Dominican peso has appreciated 8.4% against the dollar this year.

    The Dominican peso has appreciated 8.4% against the dollar this year.

    Two leading Dominican economists have sounded the alarm over the rapid appreciation of the Dominican peso against the U.S. dollar this year, warning that the currency shift is eroding the competitiveness of the country’s exports and cutting into the peso-denominated income of foreign currency earners ranging from international investors to households dependent on remittances.

    Economists Henri Hebrard and Juan del Rosario note that this strengthening trend is not unique to the Dominican Republic. Several regional economies with similar structural profiles, including Costa Rica and Colombia, are navigating the same challenge, as large-scale inflows of foreign capital push their local currencies higher against the greenback.

    So far in 2026, the Dominican peso has climbed 8.4% against the dollar, with the official exchange rate sliding from RD$63.30 per dollar at the start of the year to roughly RD$58.12 in current trading. Hebrard explained that this sharp shift means every dollar exchanged into pesos now delivers far less local currency than it did just 12 months prior. For businesses whose operating costs are mostly denominated in pesos, converting dollar-based revenue into local currency directly shrinks bottom-line profit margins and leaves them less able to compete against international rivals in both export and domestic markets.

    The full negative impact of the currency shift has not yet shown up in official national economic data, the two economists pointed out, because exchange rates held at higher, peso-weak levels for the majority of the year to date. Full statistical reflection of the shift will likely emerge in later quarterly reports.

    Del Rosario added that the headwinds facing Dominican exporters have grown even more complicated due to a recent change in U.S. trade policy. The United States has raised its tariff on Dominican goods from 10% to 12.5%, while several competing Central American exporting nations still benefit from the lower 10% tariff rate. The combination of a stronger peso and higher U.S. tariffs is putting dual pressure on the competitiveness of Dominican products, he emphasized, particularly for commodity and low-cost goods that compete almost entirely on price point.

    On the consumer side, Hebrard noted that households receiving cross-border remittances are among the hardest hit groups by the currency appreciation. This year’s national budget was built around a projected exchange rate of 65 pesos per dollar, meaning remittance recipients are already seeing a nearly 11% drop in their peso income compared to official projections. The impact also extends to the country’s large tourism sector, hitting private accommodation providers who list properties on platforms like Airbnb: these hosts collect payment in dollars but cover all their operating and maintenance costs in pesos, cutting directly into their profits. Notably, Hebrard added that the currency shift has no negative impact on general tourism activity, as both visitor payments and industry sales are primarily denominated in dollars.

  • Tragedy Accident between a bus “full of people” and a garbage truck leaves a fatal outcome in Punta Cana

    Tragedy Accident between a bus “full of people” and a garbage truck leaves a fatal outcome in Punta Cana

    A devastating late-week road collision has claimed one life and left two others hurt after a garbage truck and a fully loaded passenger bus crashed in the Verón area of the popular Dominican tourist destination Punta Cana on Friday night, local emergency officials have confirmed.

    The Verón-Punta Cana Fire Department shared details of the crash with local Dominican newspaper HOY, confirming the identity of the fatality as Wilmer Dionel Martínez Sosa, the driver of the garbage truck. First responders found Sosa trapped beneath the overturned cab of his vehicle after the impact. He was quickly extracted and rushed to a nearby local medical center for urgent emergency care, but medical teams were unable to save his life, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

    Photographs from the crash scene confirm that the garbage truck ended up flipped onto its side following the force of the collision. The second vehicle involved in the incident was a large intercity bus certified to carry up to 80 passengers, which was operating at full capacity when the crash occurred, according to the official incident report.

    Two people on the bus sustained non-fatal injuries in the crash, including the bus operator. Emergency medical teams had already reached the scene and transported the injured bus driver for treatment before fire department crews arrived to clear debris and extricate the trapped garbage truck driver. Local authorities have not yet released further details on the potential cause of the collision or the current condition of the two injured victims.

  • Major General of the National Police demands real police reform, criticizes human rights violations within the force

    Major General of the National Police demands real police reform, criticizes human rights violations within the force

    In a recent public statement delivered through a prominent Dominican journalist, retired National Police Major General Valentín Rosado Vicioso has issued a sharp call for comprehensive, authentic overhaul of the Caribbean nation’s primary law enforcement agency, while sounding the alarm over critical flaws he says are undermining the current ongoing transformation initiative.

  • Vendors on Isabel de Torres Mountain report losses exceeding RD$500 million due to the cable car closure

    Vendors on Isabel de Torres Mountain report losses exceeding RD$500 million due to the cable car closure

    In the northern Dominican coastal tourist hub of Puerto Plata, a years-long shutdown of the iconic Puerto Plata Cable Car has triggered a devastating economic crisis for local businesses tied to the Isabel de Torres Mountain tourist attraction. According to Vladimir Santana, official spokesperson for the Isabel de Torres Mountain Vendors Association, connected merchants, service workers and adjacent sectors have collectively suffered losses exceeding 500 million Dominican pesos over the 26-month period that the cable car has remained non-operational.

    Isabel de Torres Mountain is one of Puerto Plata’s most visited landmarks, drawing thousands of domestic and international travelers annually who rely on the cable car to access the mountain’s panoramic coastal views, botanical gardens and historic monuments. The prolonged suspension of cable car operations has choked off the steady stream of tourist foot traffic that sustained the area’s local economy. Santana explained that every segment of the regional tourism ecosystem, from street vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs and local snacks to tour guides, transportation providers and hospitality workers, has felt the severe impact of the shutdown.

    Many of the affected merchants have built their businesses around the attraction over decades, with their household incomes and livelihoods entirely dependent on tourist visits to the mountain. The sustained loss of revenue has left hundreds of families in precarious financial situations, sparking growing anxiety across the local business community. Santana has issued a public call for urgent intervention from local authorities and tourism regulators, emphasizing that immediate action is required to restart cable car operations and rebuild the area’s collapsed commercial and tourist activity before the damage becomes irreversible.

  • Historic bronze for Saint Lucia’s Sparks in CAC netball

    Historic bronze for Saint Lucia’s Sparks in CAC netball

    The closing day of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games will forever be etched in Saint Lucian sporting history, as the small island nation secured two medals in a single elite international multi-sport event for the first time ever, highlighted by a landmark bronze medal in netball — the nation’s first ever podium finish for a team sport at this level of competition. This historic bronze was sealed by a groundbreaking 41-34 victory over regional rival Barbados, a result that ends a 16-year losing streak against their opponents.

    The historic day got off to a strong start early Friday, when sailor Luc Chevrier claimed a silver medal in sailing competition, setting the stage for the netball team’s momentous achievement later that day. Competing at the Ciudad Juan Bosch Sports Complex, Saint Lucia’s national netball side, the Piton Sparks, faced off against Barbados’ Bajan Gems, and delivered a performance that defied ranking odds and reversed decades of unfavorable results.

    Entering the competition ranked 31st in the latest World Netball rankings, the Piton Sparks had already pulled off an upset earlier in the week with a win over 21st-ranked Bermuda. But their triumph over 19th-ranked Barbados carried far greater historical weight: this marked the first time Saint Lucia had beaten the Bajan Gems since 2010, breaking an eight-game losing streak that stretched across the Commonwealth Games, 2022 AFNA Qualifiers, ECCB International Netball Series and CNA Caribbean Championships over 16 years.

    The match got off to a worrying start for Saint Lucia, as Barbados jumped out to a 12-10 lead in the opening quarter, powered by sharp, high-percentage shooting from their frontline. But the Piton Sparks adjusted rapidly to Barbados’ attacking rhythm, ramping up their defensive pressure and outscoring their opponents 8-6 in the second quarter to lock the scores at 18-18 by halftime.

    Carrying that momentum into the third quarter, Saint Lucia seized full control of the match, adding another 12 goals to Barbados’ nine to carry a three-point 30-27 lead into the final 15 minutes of play. The Piton Sparks closed out the match with a commanding fourth-quarter performance to hold off any late Barbados push, securing the seven-point win that would guarantee them third place on the podium.

    Team captain and goal attack Melika Destang led the Saint Lucia frontcourt with an impressive 15 goals from just 18 shooting attempts, while starting goal shooter Dasha Eugene chipped in an additional 14 goals, pushing her total tournament goal tally to 95 from 131 attempts. Even the team’s 15-year-old reserve substitute Neriah Charlery delivered a standout performance, sinking 12 goals from 14 attempts to finish the tournament with an 86% conversion rate, one of the highest across all competing sides. On the defensive end, wing defender Jermia Martial notched five key interceptions, while goalkeeper Kiana Nelson anchored the backline, finishing the entire competition with five interceptions and eight deflections to disrupt opposing attacks.

    For the defeated Bajan Gems, starting goal attacker Faye Agard led all scoring with 18 goals from 24 attempts, while Brianna Holder added 13 goals of her own. 44-year-old veteran defensive player Shonette Azore also put in a gritty performance, matching Martial’s five interceptions for the match.

    Saint Lucia finished the netball tournament with an overall record of three wins and two losses, scoring 184 total goals while conceding 177 across five matches. Jamaica claimed the silver medal with a 4-1 record, while Trinidad & Tobago dominated the competition to take gold, finishing the tournament undefeated with five straight wins.

  • Voter ID card distribution begins Monday in Roseau North

    Voter ID card distribution begins Monday in Roseau North

    The Caribbean nation of Dominica is moving forward with a critical update to its electoral infrastructure, as the country’s Electoral Office prepares to launch the distribution of newly designed national Voter Identification Cards starting Monday, August 10, 2026. The rollout will follow a structured, constituency-by-constituency schedule, aligned with the organization’s existing confirmed voter registration framework that organizes eligible electors at the constituency level.

    The first phase of distribution will exclusively serve approved voters registered in the Roseau North Constituency, focusing on three key polling districts within the area: N04 Upper Goodwill, N05 Bellevue Rawle, and N06 Fond Cole. To streamline the collection process for local residents, the Electoral Office has established two dedicated confirmation and pickup centers. These facilities are located at the Fond Cole Emergency Shelter in Fond Cole and the Red Cross Building in Goodwill, and will operate on a consistent weekday schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Electoral officials have issued clear guidance to help voters prepare for the pickup process. All electors collecting their own cards must bring a valid, government-issued form of photo identification to verify their identity. For individuals arranging to collect a card on behalf of another eligible elector, additional documentation is required: they must present an official signed letter of authorization from the registered voter, accompanied by a 25-cent stamp to validate the document.

    This staged constituency-based rollout forms a core part of the Electoral Office’s broader ongoing electoral reform initiative, which includes both a full national voter confirmation process and the transition to the updated Voter Identification Cards. Officials note that this phased approach is designed to reduce wait times, minimize administrative confusion, and ensure accurate verification of all eligible voters ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

    Voters with questions about their registration status, card distribution, or required documentation can reach the Electoral Office directly through dedicated confirmation hotlines at 767-275-8164 or 617-9595. As the first phase gets underway, the office has announced that it will release detailed schedules and location information for card distribution in all remaining constituencies in subsequent phases as the rollout progresses across the country.