Carib Scope

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  • “Trinitarios” debuts at Santo Domingo International Book Fair

    “Trinitarios” debuts at Santo Domingo International Book Fair

    The Dominican Republic marked a cultural milestone with the premiere of its first historical animated series, ‘Trinitarios,’ at the Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2025 (FILSD 2025). Directed by Luis Cepeda, the six-episode series employs cutting-edge motion capture and computer animation to vividly portray the nation’s independence struggle and the founding of La Trinitaria, culminating in the historic proclamation of February 27, 1844. Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo emphasized the series’ significance in making history accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Screenings are scheduled from September 29 to October 3 at the Frank Moya Pons Pavilion in the National Library.

    In conjunction with the series premiere, the National Film Library is hosting a special FILSD 2025 program featuring a diverse array of events. Highlights include the ‘Emerging Voices’ showcase of student short films, the outdoor ‘Cinemateca sobre Ruedas,’ and a retrospective honoring the late documentary filmmaker René Fortunato, featuring his seminal works on 20th-century Dominican political history. The program also features films exploring themes ranging from baseball’s global influence to historical narratives by Frank Moya Pons, alongside animated and fiction productions. This initiative aims to promote cultural reflection, preserve historical memory, and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.

  • Dominican Republic improves ranking in U.S. human trafficking report

    Dominican Republic improves ranking in U.S. human trafficking report

    Santo Domingo – In a significant development, President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the United States has elevated the Dominican Republic to Tier 2 in its annual human trafficking report. This upgrade acknowledges the nation’s ‘significant efforts’ in combating human trafficking, a crime that has long plagued the region. President Abinader highlighted the effective collaboration between the Dominican and U.S. governments over the past year as a key factor in achieving this milestone. The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report categorizes countries into three tiers based on their adherence to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Tier 1 represents nations fully meeting the minimum standards, Tier 2 includes countries making substantial progress despite not fully complying, and Tier 3 comprises those failing to meet standards or demonstrate efforts to do so. The Dominican Republic’s new Tier 2 status underscores its commitment to addressing severe forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking involving force, fraud, or coercion, and imposing penalties commensurate with the gravity of such crimes, particularly when children, rape, kidnapping, or death are involved. This recognition reflects the government’s intensified enforcement measures and its dedication to eradicating human trafficking.

  • CMO Laws praises PAHO for partnership in tackling NCDs

    CMO Laws praises PAHO for partnership in tackling NCDs

    St. Kitts and Nevis is reaping significant benefits from its collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in addressing the escalating issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Hazel Laws, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), expressed her gratitude for PAHO’s support during the 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers in Washington, D.C. She underscored the importance of this partnership in enhancing the Federation’s healthcare sector. Dr. Laws, speaking at the meeting’s opening session on September 29, outlined recent health initiatives and strategies to tackle critical medical challenges. In an interview with SKNVibes News, she emphasized the need to deepen collaboration with PAHO, particularly in scaling up responses to NCDs, which she identified as the most significant health challenge. She highlighted the importance of prevention through addressing risk factors, early detection, and effective management of patients. The meeting also served as a platform for regional health ministers to exchange strategies. Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, stressed the importance of PAHO’s strategic plan in advancing healthcare across the Americas. He pointed out that NCDs, such as hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, are a major global health concern, contributing to approximately 43 million deaths annually, with 18 million being premature. Dr. Anthony shared that Guyana has implemented several programs, including PAHO’s HEARTS initiative, which focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Additionally, Guyana is working towards eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccinations for both boys and girls. The 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers is set to conclude on October 3.

  • Government announces registry of sexual offenders

    Government announces registry of sexual offenders

    In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force has unveiled a new sexual offenders registry, to be managed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful emphasized that this initiative is backed by the Penal Code and forms part of broader efforts to combat crime. Additionally, the government plans to implement an action plan in October to confiscate firearms from civilians who violate Law 631-16 on Weapons and Ammunition. These measures were announced during the 109th follow-up meeting of the Task Force, chaired by Vice President Raquel Peña, and will target regions with the highest rates of homicides and firearm-related conflicts under the National Disarmament for Peace Plan (Decree 212-21). A grace period from October to December, established via Ministry resolution MIP-RR-0008-2025, will allow individuals to renew expired firearm licenses under more favorable economic conditions. According to police data, 5,700 firearms have been recovered this year, including 3,958 illegal weapons, 364 with expired licenses, and 1,228 linked to judicial investigations.

  • Abinader expects UN to extend Haiti support mission until year-end

    Abinader expects UN to extend Haiti support mission until year-end

    Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader voiced optimism on Monday regarding the United Nations’ potential extension of the Multinational Mission for Security Support (MSS) in Haiti. He endorsed a U.S. proposal to increase the mission’s troop strength to 5,500, aiming to directly address the escalating threat posed by armed gangs. The current mandate of the Kenyan-led mission, supported by Panama, is scheduled to expire on October 2. Abinader emphasized that the current deployment of 700 Kenyan troops falls short of the initially planned 2,500, criticizing their limited operational scope, which primarily involves facility protection rather than active engagement with gangs. He reassured that the Dominican Armed Forces remain vigilant in securing the border, firmly stating that Haitian gangs will not be permitted to infiltrate Dominican territory. This development follows a recent plea by Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, at the UN General Assembly, where he highlighted the dire situation in Haiti, describing it as a war between gangs and the populace, with half the population facing severe food insecurity.

  • Abinader says UN Anti-Drug Office candidacy still under review

    Abinader says UN Anti-Drug Office candidacy still under review

    Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the Dominican government is still in the process of selecting a candidate to head the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), despite a recent recommendation from the United States. The announcement was made during his weekly “La Semanal” meeting in Santiago, where Abinader emphasized the importance of the role in addressing global challenges such as drug trafficking, crime, and delinquency. He noted that consultations are actively underway with the U.S. and other allied nations to ensure the right candidate is chosen. The U.S. Department of State, represented by Rebecca Márquez, director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, proposed that the Dominican Republic nominate a candidate, citing the nation’s exemplary efforts in drug control and organized crime prevention. The current UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, is set to step down in November 2025, leaving a critical leadership vacancy.

  • Venezuela offers Suriname cooperation in oil, other areas

    Venezuela offers Suriname cooperation in oil, other areas

    In a significant diplomatic move, Venezuela has extended an offer of collaboration to Suriname across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, education, and finance. The proposal was formally presented by Venezuelan Ambassador to Suriname, Ms. Ayezim Y. Flores Rivas, during a productive meeting with Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Adelien Wijnerman. The encounter, described by Ambassador Flores Rivas as ‘a new beginning,’ underscores Venezuela’s commitment to fostering bilateral ties despite its own economic challenges. Both nations, being oil-producing countries, explored avenues for mutual growth, with Venezuela highlighting its investments in education and social projects as a foundation for future joint initiatives. Among the specific proposals was the introduction of Spanish language classes for Surinamese ministry staff, alongside plans for knowledge exchange and university-level training programs. Minister Wijnerman welcomed the initiative, expressing Suriname’s openness to deepening cooperation. The meeting signals a renewed effort to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations, with a focus on sustainable development and shared expertise.

  • Pathfinder Club celebrates 75 years of legacy and service in Dominica

    Pathfinder Club celebrates 75 years of legacy and service in Dominica

    The Pathfinder Club, a youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, commemorated its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking decades of fostering spiritual, social, physical, and leadership growth among young people. Established as a platform for character development and service, the Pathfinder movement has left an indelible mark on generations of youth through its holistic programs. On September 20, 2025, Pathfinder Clubs worldwide celebrated World Pathfinder Day under the theme “Pathfinders on Purpose,” highlighting the organization’s core values and mission. In Dominica, the festivities were particularly vibrant, with 13 active clubs engaging in community outreach, marches, and open-air programs. Activities included delivering gift baskets, conducting service projects, and hosting inspirational gatherings. For instance, clubs in Salisbury united for a colorful march and open-air event featuring music, motivational messages, and food distribution to families in need. Similarly, in Roseau, southern clubs concluded their march with a community gathering at Tarish Pit. The Pathfinder Club has long been instrumental in nurturing leadership skills and preparing youth for local and international service. Many alumni have excelled in church leadership, community service, and professional fields, showcasing the club’s enduring impact. This year’s celebrations coincided with Dominica’s National Youth Independence Celebrations, where Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Adventurers participated in a joint march. Felicia Royer, the Pathfinder Coordinator, emphasized the club’s significance, stating, “This milestone reminds us that the Pathfinder Club is more than uniforms and parades. It is a ministry that has shaped thousands of young lives.” Pastor Sean Shepherd, the National Youth Director, echoed this sentiment, inviting youth aged 10 to 16 to join the club, describing it as a space for wholesome development, friendship, and service. The Pathfinder Clubs in Dominica remain committed to empowering youth and fostering a culture of faith, leadership, and excellence, continuing a legacy that has positively impacted lives for over 75 years.

  • Israel Publishes list of all the countries Absent during Netanyahu’s speech, we made the list

    Israel Publishes list of all the countries Absent during Netanyahu’s speech, we made the list

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday became a global spectacle, not for its content but for the unprecedented walkout that preceded it. According to Israeli officials, 77 delegations either left the hall or were absent during Netanyahu’s 41-minute speech. This mass protest included all of Israel’s immediate neighbors—Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria—as well as key regional players like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran. The walkout was widely covered in international and Arab media, overshadowing Netanyahu’s pledges to “finish the job” against Hamas. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei even shared images of the protest online, labeling Israel as “the most despised and isolated regime.” While some absences were attributed to scheduling conflicts rather than deliberate boycotts, the event underscored Israel’s growing diplomatic challenges amid the ongoing Gaza war. Notably, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, signatories to the 2020 Abraham Accords, remained seated despite strained relations. The incident highlights the deepening international rift over Israel’s policies and actions in the region.

  • RfQ: Renovation Works at Maran Propagation Station in St John

    RfQ: Renovation Works at Maran Propagation Station in St John

    The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced a competitive bidding process for the renovation of the Maran Propagation Station in St. John. This initiative is part of the broader Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Integrated Landscape Management (CRA) Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry is inviting eligible contractors to submit quotations for the renovation works. The bidding process follows the Public Procurement Act & Regulations and will be conducted through a Request for Quotations (RFQ) mechanism. Interested contractors can obtain detailed information and necessary documents from Joseph Noel, the Project Focal Point, via email at [email protected]. The RFQ documents, available in English, will be provided in PDF and Word formats. Submissions must include a signed Contractor Quotation Form, a priced Bill of Quantities, and a Technical Proposal. These documents must be delivered in hard copies or via the Central Procurement Unit’s e-procurement platform by 3 pm Eastern Caribbean Time on October 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. This project underscores Grenada’s commitment to fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices and improving infrastructure to support sustainable development.