BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — As the 2025 Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) concluded, Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, lauded the tireless efforts of local farmers and fishers in bolstering agricultural sustainability and resilience. Addressing Parliament on October 6, Duggins emphasized the often-overlooked contributions of farmers in securing food stability. ‘It is crucial for me, as a minister, to publicly acknowledge their efforts, offer my support, and highlight to St. Kitts, Nevis, and the world the strength of our farming community,’ he stated. Duggins also praised the organizers of the CWA, which gathered agricultural experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and globally. ‘Last week, the region united to discuss agricultural advancements. Countries like Argentina, Canada, and Nigeria were particularly impressed by the progress in St. Kitts and Nevis,’ he noted. Additionally, Duggins honored Dr. Jerome Thomas for initiating the Agricultural Open Day, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. ‘This year’s Open Day showcased the vitality of St. Kitts’ agriculture in grand fashion,’ he remarked. The minister also extended gratitude to fishers for their unwavering commitment to providing fresh seafood. ‘I commend them for braving the waves daily to sustain our food supply,’ Duggins concluded, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the agricultural community’s dedication.
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Unified Council of EDEs clarifies replacement of power barge in Azua
The Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED) has unveiled a strategic move to address the Dominican Republic’s electricity challenges. A new 230 MW power generation barge, operated by Turkish firm Karpowership, has docked at the Port of Los Negros in Azua. This initiative comes in response to dwindling generation reserves caused by delays in the activation of new private power plants. Originally, a 65 MW barge was contracted, but CUED opted for a higher-capacity unit to bolster the national grid. The two-year agreement, set to expire in 2026, ensures backup power during maintenance or unexpected disruptions in the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI). CUED emphasized that the new barge is not an additional unit but a temporary replacement within the existing contract framework. This measure aims to avert power shortages and maintain uninterrupted electricity supply, safeguarding both consumers and the national economy.
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Haitians protest tax withholding at Codevi free trade zone
In a significant development at the Codevi free trade zone, located near the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, hundreds of Haitian workers organized a peaceful demonstration to voice their opposition to the industrial park’s decision to withhold taxes at the request of the Haitian government. The protest, which unfolded without violence, prompted the evacuation of Dominican personnel from the area. In response, the National Police of the Dominican Republic heightened security measures on their side of the border to ensure stability and prevent any potential escalation. According to Goidy Reyes, a correspondent from RC Noticias, an urgent meeting has been scheduled to address the grievances and facilitate the swift return of workers to their jobs. The situation underscores the ongoing economic and political tensions between the two neighboring nations, particularly concerning labor rights and cross-border trade policies.
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Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge testimony to Belt and Road Initiative- China’s Ambassador
The newly commissioned Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, a $260 million infrastructure project, stands as a symbol of the deepening ties between Guyana and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Officially opened on Sunday, the bridge was hailed by China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, as not just a feat of engineering but a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The ceremony, attended by thousands, marked the completion of a structure designed to connect east and west Demerara, enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. Ambassador Yang emphasized that the project aligns with the shared aspirations of both countries for development and improved livelihoods, reflecting China’s commitment as a responsible global partner. The bridge, constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, is engineered to last a century, showcasing advanced technical expertise and adherence to international standards. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill highlighted the project’s compliance with global best practices, including AASHTO, ASTM, and ISO-certified benchmarks. The bridge features a modern, four-lane, cable-stayed design, capable of handling both vehicular and pedestrian traffic with unparalleled safety and efficiency. Its robust foundation, comprising 658 deep-driven piles, ensures structural integrity, while its 50-meter high-span eliminates the need for bridge openings, facilitating uninterrupted traffic flow. The project, which began in December 2022, employed over 1,300 workers at its peak, underscoring its scale and significance. In a tribute to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, President Irfaan Ali announced the bridge’s naming in his honor, recognizing his contributions to Guyana’s development. The commissioning coincided with the 33rd anniversary of Guyana’s first free and fair elections, adding historical resonance to the event. The bridge’s inauguration marks a milestone in Guyana’s infrastructure development and its strategic partnership with China.
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Dominican Republic showcases culture and carnival at 2025 Hispanic Parade in Madrid
Madrid witnessed a spectacular celebration of Dominican culture during the 2025 Hispanic Parade, as a delegation of 140 participants marched from Plaza de España to Cibeles. The event showcased the vibrant traditions of the Dominican Carnival, featuring iconic characters such as Los Diablos Cojuelos, Guloyas, Roba la Gallina, Calife, and Lechón de Santiago. The parade was a vivid display of the nation’s cultural identity, blending historical elements with contemporary artistry.
A towering nine-meter float, illuminated with lights and adorned with Caribbean palm trees, served as the centerpiece of the procession. The Dominican Ballet in Europe captivated audiences with energetic performances of merengue and bachata, dressed in a mix of traditional and modern attire. Other artistic highlights included the Faceless Dolls, Monumental Waves symbolizing the Caribbean Sea, and vibrant folkloric groups, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Dominican heritage.
The event also paid homage to Daniel Tejeda, honored as the parade’s King, and Bernarda Jiménez (In Memoriam), represented by her daughter as the Honorary Queen. Dominican Ambassador to Spain Tony Raful emphasized the parade’s significance in strengthening the historical and cultural bonds between the Dominican Republic and Spain. Héctor Farías, director of the Dominican Carnival in Madrid, announced plans for the inaugural Dominican Parade in Madrid in 2026, reflecting the diaspora’s dedication to preserving and promoting their culture in Europe. The event was organized with the support of the Dominican Embassy, Consulate General, and INDEX Spain.
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Sanctioned Guyanese politician and father indicted in the United States
A grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has indicted Azruddin Mohamed, a prominent Guyanese politician and businessman, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. The duo, already under U.S. sanctions, allegedly conspired to defraud both the United States and the government of Guyana for personal enrichment. The indictment, comprising 11 counts, was unsealed this week, revealing their involvement in fraudulent activities, including the illegal shipment of gold through Miami. Prosecutors claim the Mohameds reused customs declarations and official seals to evade taxes and circumvent Guyanese export laws. Earlier this year, U.S. authorities seized a multimillion-dollar shipment of untaxed gold linked to the Mohameds. Azruddin Mohamed, who founded the WIN Party and secured significant opposition seats in Guyana’s September general elections, has garnered substantial support among the country’s impoverished population. The case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat international financial crimes.
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FestiCafé 2025 to highlight Polo’s organic coffee
The picturesque municipality of Polo in Barahona is gearing up to host the 17th Organic Coffee Festival (FestiCafé 2025) from October 24 to 26. This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s coffee-growing heritage, serves as a platform to celebrate organic coffee production, foster international partnerships, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s festival will spotlight innovation in coffee production, featuring exhibitions by local and international producers, thought-provoking keynote lectures, and expert panels on topics such as sustainability, market expansion, and technological advancements. The event aims to highlight the superior quality of Polo’s organic coffee, bolster its production chain, and enhance its global presence. Costa Rica has been invited as the guest country, while San José de Ocoa will be recognized as the special guest province, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among coffee-growing communities. FestiCafé 2025 will also pay tribute to the late Luisa Feliz (Mamá Gueda), a revered community leader and co-founder of the festival, through music and cultural performances that honor her enduring legacy. With support from the Presidency of the Republic, INDOCAFÉ, FEDA, and local institutions, the festival cements Polo and the Enriquillo region as a beacon of organic coffee, cultural richness, and sustainable development on both national and international stages.
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Dominican Republic strengthens trade ties with Korea through business forum in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea – The Dominican Republic Embassy in Korea, in collaboration with ProDominicana, successfully organized the ‘Dominican Republic–Korea Business Forum: Strategic Horizons’ at the VOCO Hotel in Seoul. The event attracted over 50 prominent Korean business leaders, diplomats, and government officials, all focused on identifying new investment opportunities and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This forum represents a significant milestone in positioning the Dominican Republic as a strategic hub for Korean investment in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Biviana Riveiro, Executive Director of ProDominicana, delivered the keynote speech, showcasing the Dominican Republic’s thriving economy, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and robust legal framework. She underscored the country’s leadership in attracting foreign direct investment, emphasizing its stability, competitiveness, and access to global markets. ‘We aim for Korean companies not just to enter our market but to grow, innovate, and thrive with us,’ Riveiro stated.
Ambassador Angie Shakira Martínez Tejera characterized the forum as the dawn of a new era in Dominican-Korean relations, centered on commerce, innovation, and investment. She reiterated the Dominican Republic’s role as a dependable and competitive partner for Korea and encouraged Korean businesses to leverage personalized support through the embassy.
The event concluded with an exhibition of Dominican products, including coffee, cocoa, cigars, rum, and handicrafts, which not only captivated attendees but also symbolized the cultural connection between the two nations. Ambassador Martínez extended her gratitude to ESD Group for sponsoring the forum and to Korean trade organizations such as KOTRA, KOIMA, KITA, and KCCI for their collaborative efforts. The forum laid the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation and reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s position as a gateway for Korean businesses in the Americas.
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Santo Domingo Book Fair 2025 sets record with over RD$75 million in sales
The Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2025 (FILSD 2025) wrapped up with unprecedented achievements, marking a historic milestone in the Caribbean’s literary landscape. The event generated over RD$75 million in book sales, reflecting a remarkable 30% surge compared to the previous year. With a record-breaking 650 cultural and literary activities, the fair solidified its reputation as the region’s premier literary gathering, drawing massive crowds and fostering a vibrant cultural exchange.
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US government shutdown after lack of funding plan
The United States government entered a shutdown on Wednesday, October 1, following a failure by Senate Democrats and Republicans to reach an agreement on a short-term funding plan. The shutdown commenced at 4:01 GMT, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year, as the previous year’s funding expired. Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, they were unable to secure consensus to pass a bill that would fund government operations until November 21. Democrats withheld their support, demanding that Republicans reverse recent Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill in July. While Democrats proposed alternative solutions, these were rejected, leaving Congress in a stalemate.
As a result of the shutdown, federal agencies are required to furlough non-essential employees, who will not receive pay during the shutdown. However, most furloughed workers are expected to receive back pay once the government resumes operations, thanks to a 2019 law. Contract workers, such as cleaning staff, are not covered by this law and will only be paid if their contracting firms have allocated funds for such scenarios. Each agency has already submitted staffing plans in anticipation of the shutdown.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that approximately 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed daily, resulting in a daily wage loss of around $400 million. Unlike previous shutdowns, the White House has instructed agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs, as indicated in a September 24 memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This unprecedented move raises concerns about the long-term impact on federal employment and government operations.