A groundbreaking initiative titled ‘Designing Policy Frameworks for Agricultural Carbon Markets’ has been launched to promote sustainable agricultural practices across Latin America and the Caribbean. This innovative program, developed by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), represents the first of its kind in the region, focusing on the critical intersection of agriculture and climate policy. The course is designed as a flexible, self-paced online program, available free of charge in both Spanish and English. It aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of government officials, advisors, and regulatory bodies by equipping them with in-depth knowledge of agricultural carbon markets and their role in achieving national climate goals. Participants will learn to develop robust regulatory frameworks that ensure integrity and credibility, fostering private investment without imposing financial strain on governments. The curriculum also highlights the importance of social safeguards and inclusivity, ensuring that small and medium-sized farmers can actively participate in and benefit from these emerging markets. Registration for the course is now open, with links provided for both English and Spanish speakers.
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Dominican Founders Abroad: We don’t just pitch, we export power
Dominican startups have long been active participants in regional pitch events across Latin America, from Bogotá to Antigua. While these platforms have provided visibility, they have also perpetuated a narrative of Dominican entrepreneurs as guests rather than leaders in the innovation economy. However, a new wave of Dominican ventures is redefining this dynamic, focusing on leverage, infrastructure, and long-term exportability rather than mere visibility.
Take Extinguisher360, a Dominican startup co-founded by Jonathan Bournigal-Read, which recently earned a spot at Guatemala’s Volcano Summit’s Startup Avenue. While such achievements are commendable, the emerging class of Dominican entrepreneurs is charting a different course. These founders are not just seeking applause; they are architecting systems designed to attract capital, shape policy, and influence markets.
The traditional pitch circuit, while valuable, has become a treadmill—a system that often filters rather than funds, extracts novelty rather than elevates innovation, and trains startups to seek approval abroad rather than build local ecosystems. This approach, akin to outsourcing, does little to foster sovereign economies.
The future of Dominican tech lies in ventures that prioritize cross-border monetization, interface with regulation, and collaborate with ministries rather than just mentors. These startups are not just pitching; they are hosting summits, attracting capital, and commanding global attention.
Three key indicators distinguish these power-building ventures: they raise capital before seeking visibility, shape market behavior rather than merely participate in panels, and create products that fundamentally alter how people spend, earn, or move. When competitors begin to study their models, it’s a sign that these startups have stopped playing the game and started writing the rules.
As Dominican innovation matures, some startups will continue to tour Latin America’s pitch festivals, while others will focus on building exportable infrastructure that invites the world in rather than begs to be let out. By 2026, the world will fly in to witness what Dominican entrepreneurs have built, marking the transition from guest to host in the global innovation economy.
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Suriname’s President Criticizes UN’s effectiveness amid ongoing wars
In a powerful address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan, New York, Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons delivered a scathing critique of the UN’s inability to uphold its foundational mission of maintaining global peace and security. Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Geerlings-Simons highlighted the organization’s repeated failures to prevent wars, human rights violations, and widespread suffering. She pointed to the ongoing devastation in Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion and the persistent violence between Hamas and Israel, which has displaced millions and exacerbated humanitarian crises. The president also expressed concern over the Caribbean’s growing instability, particularly in Haiti, which she described as enduring a ‘perfect storm of suffering.’ Geerlings-Simons emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts and called for a reevaluation of the UN’s role and effectiveness over the next 80 years. She stressed that the organization’s success hinges on the commitment of all nations to implement agreed-upon resolutions and uphold their responsibilities. Additionally, she noted the shifting global landscape since the UN’s inception in 1945, asserting that poorer nations have now emerged as influential powers that can no longer be overlooked.
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Three women charged in RAM Supermarket larceny case
In a significant development in St. Kitts, three women have been formally charged in connection with a larceny incident at the renowned RAM’s Supermarket in Frigate Bay. The alleged thefts occurred on September 13 and 14, 2025, though specific details of the stolen items remain undisclosed by authorities. The arrests unfolded over several days, beginning with Althea France of Bird Rock, who was apprehended on September 17 and charged with two counts of larceny at the Basseterre Police Station. Marsha Graham of Shadwell was arrested on September 18 and later charged for her involvement in the September 14 incident. Shermain Paul of Spooners, Cayon, was arrested on September 19 and faced four charges—two for larceny and two for receiving stolen goods. Police investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected as the case progresses.
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Women’s empowerment takes spotlight as UN General Assembly opens
As the 80th United Nations General Assembly commenced on September 22, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, the global spotlight turned to women’s empowerment and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Caribbean leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Environment Joyelle Clarke, emphasized both the progress achieved and the persistent challenges in this critical area.
Prime Minister Browne highlighted his nation’s transition from ‘promise to action’ in advancing women’s rights, acknowledging significant strides while stressing the need for further efforts. He underscored the importance of gender equity as a cornerstone for justice, development, and sustainability, calling for equal pay, protection from violence, and increased investment in health and education. Browne also emphasized the pivotal role of women in family, community, and economic resilience, particularly in the face of climate change.
Minister Clarke, representing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), painted a sobering picture of stalled progress and regression in key areas. She pointed to the disproportionate burdens borne by women and girls, including poverty, limited opportunities, and threats to safety and autonomy. Clarke cited alarming global statistics, such as the projected 8.1% of women and girls living in extreme poverty by 2030, the persistent wage gap, and the underrepresentation of women in political leadership. Despite these challenges, she commended CARICOM’s achievements, including the election of three female heads of government in the region.
Both leaders issued a clarion call for urgent global action. Prime Minister Browne pledged that Antigua and Barbuda would ‘stand firm, work harder, and speak louder’ to ensure the rights and dignity of women and girls are never compromised. He urged the international community to transform equity into equality, declaring, ‘The time for action is now.’
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In Cuba: The Fourth National Exercise for the Prevention and Combating of Crime, Corruption, Drugs, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline began
Cuba has initiated its Fourth National Exercise for the Prevention and Combating of Crime, Corruption, Drugs, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline, under the leadership of President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The exercise, which commenced on Monday, aims to strengthen public tranquility, internal order, and social discipline amidst the country’s complex situation. President Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of leveraging past experiences to enhance cohesion and systematically consolidate results in the ongoing battle against societal ills. He highlighted the urgency of addressing violent crimes, particularly those involving high levels of aggression, and stressed the need for decisive action against vandalism and theft, especially in the electricity sector. The President also underscored the importance of updating response plans in state institutions and prioritizing the fight against corruption at all levels. The meeting, attended by key government and party officials, including Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and Minister of the Interior Lázaro Álvarez Casas, also saw participation from provincial and municipal authorities via videoconference. Julio César García Rodríguez, head of the Office for Attention to the Organs of the People’s Power System, reiterated the exercise’s alignment with the goals set at the 8th Party Congress, emphasizing the unity of revolutionary forces and ideological conviction as essential to overcoming the challenges posed by both national and international scenarios.
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Cuba and Brazil to expand cooperation on food issues
In a significant move to bolster bilateral cooperation, Cuba and Brazil are set to convene a High-Level Meeting on Social Protection, Food Sovereignty, and Food and Nutritional Security Policies. The two-day event, taking place today and tomorrow, serves as a strategic platform for political dialogue and the exchange of experiences between the two nations. The meeting underscores Cuba’s commitment to leveraging international projects to manage financial, technological, and material resources effectively, aiming to enhance the country’s productive capacities, boost food production, and reduce reliance on imports. Brazil is poised to play a pivotal role as a key ally in these endeavors. The gathering will feature senior government representatives from both countries, who will deliberate on a range of critical issues, including national social protection systems, food and nutritional sovereignty, and the strengthening of agri-food systems with a focus on family farming and sustainable consumption. This initiative is part of broader efforts to foster South-South cooperation and build synergies that benefit both nations.
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Prime Minister Drew to Lead Delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – September 22, 2025 – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to lead a high-level delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City. The delegation, which includes key government officials such as Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, will participate in the UNGA80 High-Level Week. This annual event brings together global leaders to address urgent international challenges, including climate action, development financing, and global security. Prime Minister Drew is scheduled to engage in bilateral meetings with heads of state and deliver Saint Kitts and Nevis’ national address, highlighting the nation’s progress under the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). This participation reflects the government’s dedication to multilateralism, sustainable development, and climate resilience.
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Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis Expresses Appreciation for U.S. Support in National Security Efforts in the Eastern Caribbean
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis – September 22, 2025 – In a significant acknowledgment of international collaboration, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has expressed profound gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support in enhancing national security across the Eastern Caribbean. This appreciation was conveyed by the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew during the nation’s 42nd Independence celebrations, where he met with Mrs. Karin Sullivan, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Mission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The Prime Minister underscored the critical role of the U.S. in combating narcotics trafficking and safeguarding the region. Dr. Drew emphasized the importance of joint operations, intelligence-sharing, and training initiatives, which have collectively curtailed the flow of illegal drugs threatening the safety of citizens and the stability of the region. He described the partnership as one rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sovereignty, stating, ‘The United States stands beside us, not in place of us, and together we are protecting our borders and securing a safer future for our people.’ The Prime Minister further highlighted the progressive nature of this collaboration, which extends to regional neighbors and focuses on strengthening national capacities while upholding the rule of law and human rights. This partnership, he noted, is pivotal in ensuring the Caribbean remains a zone of peace, stability, and prosperity.
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Dominican Republic takes part in Climate Week 2025 in New York
New York – The Dominican Republic is making its presence felt at Climate Week 2025, with Max Puig, Executive Vice President of the National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Market (CNCCMC), leading the charge. Accompanied by Sara González, CNCCMC’s Technical Director and COP Vice President, the delegation is actively engaging in discussions on global climate challenges during this high-profile event, which coincides with the UN General Assembly. The forum brings together leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to address pressing environmental issues.
Beyond the forum, Puig is set to participate in high-level UN meetings alongside President Luis Abinader, focusing on sustainable development. In his remarks, Puig highlighted the Dominican Republic’s commitment to adaptation strategies, a just energy transition, and the development of national carbon markets aimed at integration with international systems. “Climate change is not a future challenge; it is a present reality,” Puig asserted, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action.
The delegation’s involvement also aligns with preparations for COP30, scheduled to take place later this year in Belém do Pará, Brazil. Puig reiterated the nation’s dedication to advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development model, reaffirming its active role in global climate negotiations. This participation underscores the Dominican Republic’s determination to contribute meaningfully to international efforts in combating climate change.