The Executive Committee of the Frente Amplio has issued a strong rebuke against the Dominican government’s decision to exclude Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from the upcoming 10th Summit of the Americas. The event, set to take place in December in Punta Cana, has sparked controversy as the organization accuses the government of capitulating to U.S. interests and abandoning the Dominican Republic’s long-standing principles of solidarity, sovereignty, and regional integration. María Teresa Cabrera, president of the Frente Amplio, criticized the exclusion as a violation of the nation’s tradition of mutual respect and self-determination. She highlighted historical moments, such as the 1965 invasion, where Latin American unity played a pivotal role in safeguarding Dominican independence. The party has urged democratic and progressive forces to oppose what it deems an exclusionary and divisive policy, emphasizing that the Dominican Republic should champion sovereignty and solidarity rather than succumb to external pressures.
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VIDEO: Sky High Airlines plane makes emergency landing at AILA
A dramatic incident unfolded at Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA), on Tuesday afternoon when a Sky High Airlines aircraft was forced to execute an emergency landing. The event, captured on video, concluded without any injuries or casualties, according to official reports. Aerodom, the airport operator, clarified that the plane was not engaged in regular commercial operations but was instead conducting a test flight. Onboard were seven individuals, all of whom emerged unscathed from the ordeal. The precise cause of the emergency landing remains under investigation, but the successful outcome highlights the effectiveness of the crew’s response and the airport’s emergency protocols. This incident serves as a reminder of the rigorous safety measures in place within the aviation industry, even during non-commercial flights.
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U.S. Embassy suspends social media updates amid budget halt
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced a temporary suspension of regular updates to its social media platforms, citing a pause in budget allocations as the primary reason. Despite this interruption, the embassy has assured the public that critical security-related communications will continue to be disseminated without delay.
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Dominican ambassador presents credentials to Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh
In a significant diplomatic event at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Andy Rodríguez Durán, the Dominican Republic’s inaugural resident ambassador to Saudi Arabia, formally presented his credentials to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Accredited to Oman, Bahrain, and Djibouti as well, Rodríguez Durán conveyed warm greetings from President Luis Abinader and reiterated the Dominican Republic’s dedication to fostering stronger cooperation and friendship with the Kingdom. The Crown Prince reciprocated by extending King Salman’s greetings and expressed his wishes for the ambassador’s success in enhancing bilateral relations. Since his arrival in Riyadh in March 2024, Ambassador Rodríguez Durán has actively engaged in high-level discussions with Saudi officials, focusing on advancing tourism, foreign investment, and cultural and commercial exchanges. His efforts are in line with President Abinader’s foreign policy and the directives of Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, aiming to establish the Dominican Republic as a key partner in the Middle East and to deepen both diplomatic and economic connections.
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WASCO announces 48-Hour emergency shutdown of northern water network
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has declared an ’emergency shutdown’ of its Northern Network, set to commence at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This drastic measure is essential to address a rupture in the raw water transmission line, with repair operations anticipated to span 48 hours. During this period, residents from Millet to Cap Estate will experience significant disruptions in water pressure and supply. WASCO has further warned that even after the repairs are completed, customers residing in elevated areas or at the extremities of the distribution network may encounter prolonged delays in water restoration. In light of these challenges, the company has urged consumers to proactively collect and conserve water wherever feasible. This announcement has exacerbated existing grievances among customers, who have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with WASCO’s monopoly over water treatment services on the island. For assistance, the public is encouraged to contact the North Control Room at 457-3958, 457-3960, 451-9812, or 482-0052 for water trucking support.
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Antiguan Youth are being forced into criminality, U.S Trafficking Report says
Children in Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly vulnerable to forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking, according to the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report. The report highlights alarming trends, including the exploitation of minors in farms, mechanic shops, domestic service, and even forced criminal activities linked to rising gang-related crime. Youth working in construction, agriculture, and family-owned businesses are particularly at risk, while girls, especially those from Guyana and Jamaica, face heightened dangers of sex trafficking in bars, taverns, and brothels. Despite efforts by the government to combat trafficking through public awareness campaigns and training for officials, significant gaps remain in victim identification, protection, and prosecution. Notably, no trafficking victims were confirmed in 2024, and no convictions have been secured under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. Civil society groups have raised concerns about limited victim-witness protections and weak investigative capacities, which deter victims from coming forward. The report underscores the urgent need for improved screening mechanisms, enhanced protections for vulnerable youth, and stronger legal measures to bring traffickers to justice. Until these issues are addressed, children in Antigua and Barbuda will remain at risk of exploitation and forced labor.
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Senate approves first reading of Labor Code reform
The Dominican Republic Senate has taken a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s labor laws by approving the first reading of an organic bill to reform Law 16-92, the Labor Code. The initiative, backed by 29 senators, aims to align the legal framework with contemporary technological advancements and the evolving labor market. Senator Rafael Barón Duluc, who led the Special Commission overseeing the bill, highlighted that the reform signifies a structural transformation in labor legislation, incorporating language that meets international standards.
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Abinader welcomes UN approval of new Haiti Gang Suppression Force
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has hailed the United Nations’ approval of a new Gang Suppression Force, set to replace the previously ineffective Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. This 5,500-strong force is tasked with restoring order and combating gang violence in the crisis-stricken neighboring nation. Abinader emphasized the Dominican Republic’s pivotal role in this diplomatic breakthrough, spearheading efforts alongside allied countries to advocate for a more robust international response.
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PM says free movement not a threat to local jobs and services
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has reassured Barbadians that the upcoming implementation of free movement among Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize is a carefully managed initiative designed to benefit the nation. Speaking to the public on Tuesday evening, just hours before the policy’s official launch on October 1, Mottley emphasized that the arrangement will enable citizens of these four “pioneering states” to live, work, and study indefinitely in Barbados without requiring permits. However, she underscored that stringent border controls, vetting mechanisms, and legal frameworks remain in place to ensure the system’s integrity. “We welcome our Caribbean family. We do not welcome criminality. We welcome contribution. We do not welcome abuse of our systems,” Mottley declared. Under the new policy, eligible nationals will present their passports upon arrival, and their entitlement to indefinite stay will be recorded in the immigration system and shared with relevant agencies. Those planning to reside and work in Barbados must register with the Ministry of Labour, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), and obtain national identification. Children of relocating families will be integrated into the education system through the Ministry of Educational Transformation, while access to emergency and primary healthcare will mirror that of Barbadian citizens. Mottley highlighted that the policy allows individuals to function as residents, enabling them to work legally, open bank accounts, pay statutory contributions, and engage in daily activities with clarity and ease.
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Dr. Charlene Reid extends generosity to Jack Hayward Junior High for a second year
In a remarkable display of community spirit, Dr. Charlene Elizabeth Reid, a prominent Grand Bahama dentist and local entrepreneur, has once again extended her support to Jack Hayward Junior High School. Her latest initiative addresses a pressing need among students: access to hot meals and improved classroom conditions. Dr. Reid’s contributions, which began in 2024, have already made a significant impact on the school’s daily operations and student morale. During a special assembly on September 25, Dr. Reid not only donated essential supplies but also shared valuable oral health tips, urging students to strive for excellence. Her efforts have filled a critical gap, as the school is not part of the government’s breakfast program. Last year, Dr. Reid provided Cup of Noodles to ensure students could start their day with a hot meal. This year, she expanded her generosity by donating fans for classrooms and committing to fund the school’s first air conditioning unit. She also called on the local business community to join her in equipping more classrooms with necessary amenities. Principal Janice Pinder expressed profound gratitude, noting the tangible benefits of Dr. Reid’s contributions. Dr. Reid emphasized her desire to make her support an ongoing initiative, aiming to provide students with healthy breakfasts and lunches. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s famous words, Dr. Reid believes that nurturing children is key to building a brighter future. She also praised the school’s staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to student success.