Santo Domingo.- Rosa Ng, a prominent community leader and former Dominican trade representative in China, has raised alarm over what she describes as a pervasive climate of uncertainty and institutional harassment targeting the Chinese community in the Dominican Republic. Ng asserts that state agencies have been systematically shutting down businesses owned by Chinese citizens, fostering a hostile environment for Asian investors.
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CWA pushing for modern farming at Agriculture Week
As the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) unfolds in Basseterre, St. Kitts, Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley has emphasized the urgent need to transition from traditional farming practices to modern, climate-resilient methods. Addressing regional and international stakeholders, Hanley highlighted the pivotal role of technology and innovation in transforming the agricultural sector, particularly in St. Kitts and Nevis. He stressed that traditional farming alone is insufficient to meet contemporary challenges, advocating for the adoption of advanced techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, climate-smart farming, improved irrigation, and renewable energy to power farms. Hanley acknowledged the sector’s inherent difficulties, including hurricanes, droughts, pest outbreaks, rising costs, and market access issues, but expressed confidence in the resilience of Caribbean people. He called for strengthened regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and a renewed commitment to making agriculture a sector of pride and prosperity. Food security and the development of the next generation of farmers remain central to the region’s agenda, with new initiatives supporting aquaculture, agri-parks, livestock production, and access to financing and training. Hanley also urged young people to view agriculture as a viable and innovative career path, dispelling outdated perceptions of the sector. Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins echoed these sentiments, describing agriculture as the lifeblood of the Caribbean people and a critical component of the region’s future.
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Business Barbados agency ‘still a work in progress’
The newly established Business Barbados agency, aimed at overhauling outdated business systems and modernizing local business processes, is still a work in progress, according to Minister of Business Senator Lisa Cummins. Speaking at the launch of Global Business Week, Cummins emphasized that while the agency is designed to enhance the ease of doing business, immediate results should not be expected given the decades-old systems it is replacing. The agency, which replaced the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) in February, is tasked with streamlining business registration and regulatory processes. Cummins urged the business community to remain patient but also to actively highlight any shortcomings in the system. She stressed that the transition from outdated practices to modernized systems is a long-term endeavor, likening it to the gradual process of changing behavior in child-rearing. The minister also called for a strategic shift away from relying solely on tax incentives to attract investment, advocating instead for a focus on substance, skilled labor, regulatory trust, and digital government. She revealed that the Economic Substance Act, a key component of the international business framework, is under review and will soon be open for public consultation. Proposed amendments to the act aim to transition Barbados from a nominal tax jurisdiction to a preferential one, aligning with international standards while maintaining investor appeal. Addressing concerns about skills gaps in high-value sectors, Cummins noted that recruitment efforts are underway, with advertisements already published. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with global standard-setting bodies such as the OECD and the Caribbean Development Bank to address compliance, sustainability, and financing issues. In light of the increasingly volatile global economy, characterized by shrinking trade, geopolitical tensions, and rising costs, Cummins stressed the need for Barbados to adapt its strategy to remain competitive. She announced the completion of double taxation agreement negotiations with Hong Kong and Curaçao, expressing optimism that these will evolve into bilateral investment treaties. Additionally, she encouraged the global business community to support domestic financing mechanisms, such as the new Junior Stock Exchange, set to launch on November 4. Cummins concluded by urging a collective effort to confront economic challenges with vision, clarity, and purpose, aiming to build a more resilient and opportunity-rich economy.
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Community college tutors walk out, disputing hiring process
Tutors at the Barbados Community College (BCC) took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a protest against what they perceive as an unjust recruitment process. The industrial action, marked by chants of “enough is enough” and “good work deserves promotion,” saw staff members walking out of classrooms and gathering at the main gate with placards demanding fairness in hiring practices. The protest was sparked by the controversial appointment of a new head of department, with staff alleging that long-serving and highly qualified internal candidates were overlooked in favor of external applicants. Richard Green, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), described the situation as “untenable” and called for urgent talks with BCC management to resolve the issue. NUPW President Kimberley Agard emphasized that this incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” citing years of unresolved grievances among staff. Approximately 60 workers participated in the protest, which is set to continue until management agrees to engage in dialogue. BCC Principal Annette Alleyne acknowledged the protest but assured that classes continued with minimal disruption. She reiterated the college’s commitment to addressing staff concerns through open dialogue and clarified that the partnership with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) was part of a broader institutional strategy, not imposed by the board chair. Alleyne also denied claims that the NUPW intervened in the interview process for the disputed position. A meeting between BCC management and the NUPW has been scheduled for Wednesday morning to discuss a resolution.
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Minister: ‘End certification obsession’ in education
Caribbean education systems must move beyond their traditional focus on academic certificates and grades, instead fostering a culture that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and a strong sense of regional identity, according to Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation. Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Transforming Education Symposium and Policy Dialogue (TESPD 2025) held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Blackman highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how success is measured in the region.
For decades, Caribbean societies have placed immense value on academic achievements, often equating high marks with success. However, Blackman argued that this approach has limited the region’s potential. ‘While certification opens doors to higher education or better jobs, it has not prepared us to be innovators or critical thinkers rooted in Caribbean confidence and philosophy,’ he stated.
The minister also addressed the entrenched culture of school pride and the informal hierarchies associated with schools across the Caribbean. He noted that in small societies like Barbados, the question ‘Where did you go to school?’ often leads to immediate judgments about a person’s capabilities. Blackman called for the dismantling of such attitudes as part of the broader ‘decolonisation’ of the education system. ‘Every school must be a school of excellence, and the process of accessing these schools should not be burdensome but should reflect the inherent potential of every child,’ he emphasized.
Blackman’s remarks aimed to set the stage for the symposium, which brought together policymakers, educators, and development partners to explore how Caribbean education systems can be restructured to meet 21st-century challenges. He stressed that the transformation must go beyond structural reforms, advocating for a cultural shift in how learning and success are valued across the region.
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U.S. Embassy in Haiti responds to UN resolution approval
The United Nations Security Council has taken a significant step toward addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis with the adoption of Resolution 2793, which establishes a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The U.S. Embassy in Haiti lauded the resolution as a ‘positive step toward restoring basic security’ and pledged to collaborate with international partners to deploy the force. The embassy also emphasized the urgent need to establish the UN Support Office in Haiti to ensure the provision of essential resources. France echoed this sentiment, describing the resolution as crucial for dismantling criminal gangs and reinstating the rule of law, while reaffirming its support for Haiti’s National Police and Armed Forces. U.S. UN representative Mike Waltz highlighted the expanded scope of the mission, noting it is five times larger than its predecessor and equipped with a stronger mandate to combat gang activity. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), praised the resolution as a pivotal move toward achieving security, credible elections, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development in Haiti. The resolution passed with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia, and Pakistan), authorizing a 12-month mandate for a force of 5,500 troops and police officers, supported by civilian personnel. This initiative marks a decisive effort to end impunity and bolster stability in the Caribbean nation.
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Guyana introduces 9-point foreign exchange control plan
In a decisive move to address the escalating outflow of US dollars, Guyana has unveiled a robust nine-point foreign exchange control plan. President Irfaan Ali announced the measures on September 30, 2025, following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and representatives from commercial banks. The plan aims to curb the outflow of foreign currency, which has surged to approximately US$1.2 billion in 2025, nearly quadrupling from the previous year. Among the key measures, importers will now be required to submit detailed documentation, including commercial invoices and bills of lading, to commercial banks before foreign exchange payments are released. This step is designed to enhance transparency and prevent system abuse. Additionally, commercial banks will closely monitor credit card usage to ensure that personal cards are not being used for business transactions. President Ali highlighted a significant increase in credit card transactions, which rose from US$91.3 million in 2023 to US$347.5 million in 2024, with 2025 already recording US$252 million. The Central Bank has also intervened in the foreign exchange market, providing US$332 million in 2024 and US$1.2 billion in 2025, with an additional US$160 million pending. The new measures also include stricter penalties for inflated invoicing and capital flight, mandatory local bank accounts for entities in the oil and gas sector, and the establishment of a single-window post-clearing system at the Central Bank. The commercial banks have expressed their support for the plan, which they believe will alleviate some of the challenges they currently face.
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Abinader inaugurates Dr. José Joaquín Puello General Clinical-Surgical Hospital in Health City
In a significant stride toward modernizing healthcare infrastructure, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic inaugurated the Dr. José Joaquín Puello General Clinical-Surgical Hospital. Located within the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City, this state-of-the-art facility represents a monumental investment of RD 3,207 million. The hospital boasts the Caribbean’s most advanced Burn Unit, a hemodialysis section equipped with 28 chairs, 14 operating rooms, 40 ICU beds, and 232 general beds, substantially enhancing the nation’s surgical and medical care capabilities. President Abinader underscored the project as a testament to the government’s unwavering dedication to completing critical national initiatives, irrespective of their origins, ensuring the efficient allocation of public resources. The hospital integrates cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure, offering comprehensive clinical, surgical, and emergency services. It features specialized units for maternal and child care, ICU, and dialysis, solidifying the Health City’s status as a national and regional healthcare hub. The facility will commence operations in phases, starting with the Burn Unit and select ICU sections on October 20, with full functionality expected by January 1. Officials highlighted the hospital’s pivotal role in advancing healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and quality across the Dominican Republic. President Abinader reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, passion, and determination in elevating the nation’s health services.
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Six remanded on robbery, burglary charges
In a significant court hearing at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court in Barbados, six individuals, including four teenagers, faced a total of 44 charges, primarily related to robbery and burglary. The accused—Deroy Leroy Holder, Serrian Jamali Scott-Fagen, Dakari Deshawn Carmichael, Runako Jeremiah Nurse, Tyreall Jamar Kidd, and Damon Hayden Cummins—appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Tuesday afternoon. The charges, all indictable, were read without pleas being taken.
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Govt says Private Sector Commission can help pick civil society reps for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Guyana government has proposed involving the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in selecting civil society representatives for the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI). This move contrasts with the Norway-based EITI parent body’s guidelines, which mandate clear separation between government, industry, and civil society stakeholders. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced that an advertisement would be published to invite expressions of interest for the civil society convenor role, with applications open for two weeks. The PSC, Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), or other eligible groups are encouraged to apply. This decision follows a previous fallout between the PFG and the government over Guyana’s suspension from EITI due to disagreements on the Terms of Reference for the Independent Administrator. Critics argue that the PSC’s involvement could compromise civil society’s independence, as the PSC is perceived to have close ties with the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). EITI rules emphasize that civil society representatives must remain independent of government and industry influence. Ardene Sirjoo of the Trinidad and Tobago-based Cropper Foundation highlighted the importance of maintaining civil society’s autonomy to ensure accountability in the EITI process. The government maintains that the PSC is a legitimate civil society organization, distinct from private businesses, and is well-positioned to represent grassroots stakeholders. The EITI requires governments to create an enabling environment for civil society participation, ensuring freedom of expression and engagement in transparency and natural resource governance issues.