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  • Abiamofo verwacht dat loadshedding tot eind november aanhoudt

    Abiamofo verwacht dat loadshedding tot eind november aanhoudt

    Scheduled rolling blackouts across Suriname are projected to continue for approximately five more weeks, potentially extending through the end of November, Natural Resources Minister David Abiamofo confirmed Thursday during an address to the National Assembly. In his remarks to legislators, the minister outlined that strain on the country’s current power generation capacity will remain high for the immediate future, and required preventive maintenance work could add an extra week of controlled power cuts to the timeline.

    Abiamofo emphasized that Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS), the country’s national power utility, is deploying all available resources to maintain consistent generation output where possible. Even so, several generation units must be temporarily taken offline to complete critical preventive upkeep, with outages for individual units lasting between two and four days. Delaying this scheduled maintenance indefinitely is not a viable option, the minister noted, because deferred work significantly raises the risk of catastrophic, longer-term equipment failures that would worsen the power crisis.

    During periods of extreme heat, national electricity demand has surged to as high as 290 megawatts, with a record peak of 296 megawatts recorded earlier this week. Current combined generation capacity from all operational power facilities only ranges between 274 megawatts and 291 megawatts under current operating conditions. This gap creates supply deficits during peak demand hours, a gap that widens further when any generation unit goes offline for maintenance or unplanned repairs.

    Output from the Afobaka Hydroelectric Plant, one of Suriname’s core generation facilities, remains stable at roughly 110 megawatts currently, though reservoir water levels sit two to three feet below the long-term average. The minister anticipates that the situation will improve slightly next week, when the plant’s newly reactivated sixth generation unit will add approximately 30 megawatts of additional hydropower capacity to the national grid.

    Over the coming weeks, preventive maintenance is also scheduled for thermal generation units operated by Staatsolie Power Company Suriname (SPCS) and EBS’s facility on Saramaccastraat. For the longer term, the government has laid out a multi-pronged strategy to expand total generation capacity. SPCS is set to add two 17-megawatt thermal generation blocks, for a total of 34 megawatts of new thermal capacity. EBS is also advancing a 28-megawatts utility-scale solar energy project, and discussions are ongoing for an additional 100 megawatts of thermal generation expansion at EBS facilities. Those discussions between the utility and the national government are still ongoing, Abiamofo said.

    The minister warned that large-scale thermal generation expansion is a multi-year process, requiring between two and three years for planning, procurement and construction. By contrast, solar energy projects can be brought online much more quickly to help ease near-term capacity strains.

    To minimize disruption to critical public services, Abiamofo confirmed that scheduled rolling blackouts will exclude key infrastructure wherever possible. Drinking water treatment stations operated by SWM will be spared from planned outages, as will hospitals, the Santo Boma prison, and the country’s main international airport. If any of these facilities do lose power, the minister noted, the outage would stem from an unplanned fault rather than the controlled loadshedding program.

    Responding to questions about power supply for the country’s mining sector, Abiamofo clarified that Suriname is bound by a contractual agreement to deliver 30 megawatts of power to Rosebel Gold Mines. All other mining companies operating in the country generate all or most of their own power on-site to meet operational demand. The minister pledged to provide the National Assembly with detailed written information in the coming days about planned investments across hydropower, solar energy, and thermal generation projects.

  • 10 Things that surprise foreigners when they first visit the Dominican Republic

    10 Things that surprise foreigners when they first visit the Dominican Republic

    # Beyond the Beaches: 10 Surprising Cultural Insights for First-Time Visitors to the Dominican Republic

    When most international travelers imagine the Dominican Republic, pictures of powdery white shorelines, crystal-clear turquoise waters and all-inclusive luxury tropical resorts immediately come to mind. Tucked away on the eastern half of Hispaniola, the Caribbean island shared with Haiti, this nation holds far more depth than its postcard-perfect coastal destinations. Shaped by centuries of blending Indigenous Taíno roots, African cultural influences, and Spanish colonial history, the country has cultivated a rich, one-of-a-kind cultural identity that reveals itself to travelers willing to step outside resort boundaries. For first-time guests, venturing into local neighborhoods, striking up conversations with residents, and engaging with everyday life uncovers a side of Caribbean living that few tourists get to experience. To help travelers prepare for this deeper journey, we’ve compiled 10 surprising cultural and practical details that often catch first-time visitors off guard.

    ## 1. Strangers Turn Simple Greetings Into Warm, Unplanned Connections
    One of the first cultural shifts visitors notice is the inherent warmth and sociability woven into daily Dominican life. It is not uncommon for a passing hello in a neighborhood market, small shop, or public park to bloom into a friendly chat about family, baseball, local news, or weekend plans. This casual, open interaction reflects how deeply personal relationships and community connection are valued across Dominican society. Dominican hospitality is legendary among travelers, and for those coming from cultures where interactions between strangers tend to be reserved and brief, this spontaneous openness can be a surprisingly delightful and memorable experience. While individual encounters vary by context, this culture of connection remains a core part of everyday life across the country.

    ## 2. Neighborhood Colmados Are The Heartbeat Of Local Communities
    In nearly every Dominican neighborhood, the local colmado – a traditional corner store – is far more than just a place to pick up groceries and household essentials. These beloved community hubs double as informal gathering spots, where neighbors stop to swap local news, debate the latest baseball game, listen to music, and catch up with one another between daily tasks. Many colmados even offer complimentary home delivery for basic goods, allowing customers to stock up without making the trip themselves. For visitors accustomed to large, impersonal big-box supermarkets and self-service convenience stores, the close, personal bond between colmado owners and their regular customers stands out. Even as modern supermarkets, shopping malls, and digital delivery services grow in popularity, these traditional small businesses remain a core part of the country’s social fabric, proving that local commerce extends far beyond just transactions.

    ## 3. Music Is An Inseparable Part Of Daily Life
    Travelers often remark on how music accompanies nearly every daily activity in the Dominican Republic, from family barbecues and neighborhood block parties to restaurant dining and small business openings. The two national staples, merengue and bachata, are so central to national identity that both have earned international recognition from UNESCO. Merengue, the upbeat, rhythmic national dance and music, was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, followed by bachata’s inclusion in 2019. These iconic musical traditions have cemented the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a major influence on Caribbean and Latin American global music, with world-famous artists like Juan Luis Guerra bringing Dominican rhythms to audiences across every continent. For first-time visitors, the constant, joyful presence of music makes clear how deeply these artistic traditions are tied to celebration, community, and national pride.

    ## 4. Local Transportation Includes Iconic Unique Options
    Getting around the Dominican Republic introduces visitors to transportation modes that many have never experienced in their home countries. The most iconic local option is the motoconcho, a motorcycle taxi that is a go-to for short trips across most urban and rural communities. Dominicans also use the term guagua to refer to shared buses and all types of local passenger transport, while carros públicos – shared private cars that run fixed routes – are another common option for getting around cities. These traditional transit services coexist with modern options including private taxis, ride-hailing apps, intercity coaches, and the Santo Domingo Metro, the country’s modern rapid transit system. While navigating these options can feel new for international travelers, understanding them offers valuable insight into how everyday residents get around. It is important for visitors to prioritize safety, choose reputable providers, and confirm access to proper safety gear before opting for motoconcho rides.

    ## 5. Traditional Cuisine Is Rooted In Generational Tradition
    The Dominican Republic’s culinary landscape is another layer of local culture that often surprises first-time visitors. While travelers typically expect Caribbean cuisine to center on seafood and tropical fruit, everyday Dominican cooking draws on a diverse range of local ingredients and generations-old preparation methods. The most iconic national dish is la bandera dominicana – literally “the Dominican flag” – a hearty combination of white rice, beans, and meat, almost always served with a side salad or crispy fried plantains. Other beloved staples include mangú (creamy mashed green plantains), sancocho (a rich, hearty meat and vegetable stew), and tostones (crispy twice-fried green plantain slices). Plantains, rice, beans, root vegetables, and locally grown produce form the base of most everyday meals. For Dominican families, sharing a traditional home-cooked meal is far more than sustenance: it is a ritual to strengthen family bonds and preserve recipes passed down through multiple generations.

    ## 6. Dominican Spanish Has Unique Colloquialisms That Confound Even Fluent Speakers
    Even travelers who speak fluent Spanish often find themselves puzzled by the unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and colloquialisms that define Dominican Spanish. For example, ¿Qué lo qué? is a common casual greeting, un chin means a small amount of something, and the word vaina is extremely versatile, used to refer to any object, situation, or issue depending on context. Even the common Spanish word ahorita – which translates literally to “right now” in most Spanish dialects – can have multiple different meanings depending on tone and context. Thick regional accents, fast speech, and the tendency to drop certain consonants can also make conversations tricky for visitors used to standardized Spanish. These linguistic traits are not just informal quirks: they are a core part of Dominican cultural expression and everyday communication. Learning just a few common local phrases can go a long way in helping visitors connect with locals and navigate daily interactions more smoothly.

    ## 7. Multi-Generational Family Gatherings Are A Central Social Ritual
    Family bonds shape nearly every part of Dominican social life, from daily routines to major holiday celebrations. Weekend extended family lunches, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and regular visits between relatives are common traditions that help families maintain close ties. It is still typical for multiple generations to live under one roof or remain actively involved in one another’s daily lives across the country. For visitors coming from societies where independent living and small, immediate-family gatherings are the norm, this emphasis on close extended family bonds can feel like a noticeable, refreshing cultural shift. Family celebrations often include extended relatives, longtime neighbors, and close family friends, reflecting how important broad social networks are to Dominican community life. While family structures have evolved over time, these traditions still shape how Dominicans mark milestones and maintain personal relationships.

    ## 8. Baseball Is Far More Than Just A Sport
    For sports fans visiting the country, the nationwide obsession with baseball – called pelota by locals – is one of the most striking parts of Dominican daily life. The sport is deeply intertwined with national identity, community pride, and international achievement. Local professional teams including Tigres del Licey, Águilas Cibaeñas, Leones del Escogido, and Toros del Este draw legions of passionate fans during the annual Dominican winter baseball season. The country has also produced some of the most legendary players in Major League Baseball history, including Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Juan Marichal, whose careers have cemented the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a global hotbed of baseball talent. From professional stadiums to small community fields, youth baseball training programs can be found in nearly every corner of the country, offering young Dominicans a path to recreation, personal growth, and connection to a long-held national tradition. Visitors who attend a local game will experience an electric atmosphere filled with music, cheering fans, and intense, good-natured local rivalries.

    ## 9. The Country Boasts Striking Geographic Diversity Beyond Beaches
    Most first-time travelers arrive expecting nothing but tropical coastlines, swaying palm trees, and year-round hot coastal temperatures. But the Dominican Republic is home to surprisingly varied geography, including sprawling mountain ranges, fertile agricultural valleys, dense old-growth forests, rushing rivers, and cool high-altitude communities. Mountain towns like Jarabacoa and Constanza, tucked into the country’s interior highlands, offer rolling green scenery, small-scale family agriculture, and much cooler temperatures than coastal resort areas. The country is also home to Pico Duarte, the tallest peak in the entire Caribbean, located in the Cordillera Central mountain range, plus protected natural areas like Valle Nuevo National Park that host incredible biodiversity. For travelers who have only ever seen photos of Punta Cana’s beaches, discovering pine forests, alpine landscapes, and tight-knit rural mountain communities can completely reshape their understanding of what the Dominican Republic has to offer. This geographic diversity also creates endless opportunities for hiking, ecotourism, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration far beyond the resort gates.

    ## 10. Traditional Festivals Showcase Centuries Of Blended Cultural Heritage
    The Dominican cultural calendar is packed with regional festivals and celebrations that highlight local history, unique regional identities, and community connection. The most famous of these is the Carnival of La Vega, known for its bright, elaborate costumes, hand-carved masks, and the iconic traditional character Diablos Cojuelos. Nearly every city and town across the country hosts its own unique carnival celebrations, patron saint festivals, and cultural events, each with its own distinct local traditions. These festivities draw on the country’s layered cultural history and bring together residents of all ages. Beyond carnival, two more Dominican cultural traditions – the cultural space of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit of the Congos of Villa Mella and the Cocolo dancing drama tradition – are also recognized by UNESCO as important intangible cultural heritage. For respectful visitors, joining in local festivities offers a rare chance to experience parts of Dominican identity that are rarely visible in major tourist hotspots, proving that centuries-old cultural heritage remains a living, central part of modern community life.

    ## Exploring The Full Depth Of Dominican Culture
    From the cobblestone historic streets of Santo Domingo to the mountain trails of Jarabacoa, the vibrant celebrations of La Vega to the bustling communities of Santiago and Puerto Plata, every region of the Dominican Republic offers new opportunities to experience the country’s extraordinary diversity. For first-time visitors, taking the time to learn about local customs before arrival makes everyday interactions more meaningful and fosters a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Ultimately, the most unforgettable Dominican experiences often do not come from its famous beaches, but from the warm conversations, vibrant traditions, and small everyday moments that make this Caribbean nation one-of-a-kind.

  • Warm weer met kans op regen- en onweersbuien

    Warm weer met kans op regen- en onweersbuien

    On Thursday, October 22, Suriname will experience predominantly warm weather, alternating between stretches of cloud cover and clear sunny periods throughout the day, according to the latest local meteorological update. The day will open with largely dry conditions across most of the country, broken up by scattered cloud banks and regular intervals of sunshine. Temperatures will climb steadily through the morning hours, with the capital city of Paramaribo projected to hit 30 degrees Celsius by the end of the morning period. A light to moderate wind blowing predominantly from the east to the northeast will bring a small degree of cooling relief, though the overall humid, warm conditions will persist across the nation. As the day moves into the afternoon, temperatures will continue their upward climb. Depending on geographic location, maximum temperatures across many regions of Suriname will reach between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius. This combination of unseasonable warmth and growing cloud cover creates favorable conditions for localized rain showers and thunderstorms to develop. The highest likelihood of these disruptive weather events is concentrated in the country’s interior regions and western districts, though isolated sudden showers along the nation’s coastline cannot be ruled out. Moving into the evening hours, the extreme midday warmth will gradually ease across the country. While scattered cloud cover may remain in some local areas, overall storm and shower activity is expected to taper off through the late afternoon and evening, with clearing skies possible in many regions. Overnight temperatures in and around Paramaribo will drop gradually to settle between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.

  • CATM 2026: Why International Travel Buyers Are Choosing Belize

    CATM 2026: Why International Travel Buyers Are Choosing Belize

    As the 2026 edition of the Centroamerica Travel Market (CATM) draws to a close in Guatemala City, a wave of international travel industry professionals is packing their bags for Belize, lured by the destination’s growing reputation as a must-visit Central American gem. For travel sellers, there is no better strategy to promote a destination than to experience its offerings firsthand – and that is exactly what these delegates are setting out to do.

    CATM 2026 follows a structured format that combines industry networking, educational conference sessions, and pre- and post-event regional tours. This year, Belize beat out other regional destinations to secure the spot as the official post-conference tour, and the travel buyers who signed up say the choice was an easy one.

    Speaking with News Five reporter Benita Keme-Palacio on the final day of the Guatemala City conference, delegates shared their individual motivations for selecting Belize as their post-conference destination, from growing client demand to personal curiosity about the country’s unspoiled natural and cultural attractions.

    One European buyer noted that interest in Belize has spiked among Scandinavian and Canadian travelers, who often pair visits to Belize with trips to neighboring Guatemala. “I hear it’s a beautiful small Caribbean nation, and I need to see it for myself so I can accurately describe it to my clients,” he explained.

    An Argentine delegate echoed that sentiment, saying that consumer demand for Belize has grown steadily in his home market, and the trip will give him the on-the-ground knowledge to promote the destination more effectively to Argentinian travelers.

    For another buyer whose client base is largely made up of American travelers, Belize already ranks as their second-best-selling destination in Central America, thanks to the country’s world-class diving opportunities. The post-conference trip will allow them to explore new properties and activities to expand the range of offerings they can present to their customers.

    Multiple delegates spoke to their excitement about exploring specific attractions in Belize. One frequent seller of Belize travel packages is particularly looking forward to visiting the laid-back island of Caye Caulker and the ancient Maya archaeological site of Lamanai, and is eager to experience the country’s sunny beaches and warm climate firsthand. Another delegate, who already fell in love with Belize on a past visit, returns this year to explore the less-visited Toledo District, saying Belize “has everything – there’s always more to discover.”

    For a first-time visitor to Belize, the draw was the chance to cross a new Central American country off his list, having already explored Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The stunning coastal landscapes he saw online reminded him of his home in Roatán, and he said he’s been eager to visit the iconic Great Blue Hole ever since he first learned about the natural landmark.

    Delegates will depart Guatemala City for Belize on Friday, where they will spend two days touring key attractions, meeting local hospitality operators, and getting the firsthand experience they need to confidently sell Belize to international travelers. As the global tourism industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, destination experiences like this CATM post-conference tour are a critical tool for emerging tourism markets like Belize to grow their international visitor base and boost their reputation as a top-tier travel destination.

  • Why Will MIDH Leave Road Section Near Old Belize Unpaved?

    Why Will MIDH Leave Road Section Near Old Belize Unpaved?

    Scheduled for a year-long open-air trial to address persistent ground stability issues, a 1.2-kilometer stretch of the George Price Highway near Old Belize will remain unpaved for the next 12 months as Belize’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) tests an innovative road reinforcement solution. For years, this section between Burton Canal and Old Belize has suffered repeated sinking driven by ongoing soil consolidation, forcing repeated repairs and raising long-term safety and maintenance concerns. Rather than applying a standard asphalt overlay that would likely crack and sink again within a few years, MIDH has opted to trial a geocell reinforcement system to deliver a more durable fix.

    Evondale Moody, MIDH’s Chief Engineer, explained that the project combines comprehensive geotechnical subgrade improvements with the novel geocell approach. The system consists of interconnected honeycomb-shaped black platforms that are filled with compacted aggregate, creating a rigid, load-distributing base that is designed to slow and minimize future soil consolidation and settlement. Unlike traditional paving projects that lay asphalt immediately after base work, MIDH will leave the reinforced stretch covered only in gravel to allow for real-world testing. Regular traffic will be permitted to run over the section for 12 months, giving engineers the opportunity to monitor settlement rates, structural performance, and long-term stability of the geocell system before a final paving decision is made.

    The geotechnical trial is part of the broader Lot One segment of the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project, which covers infrastructure upgrades along the corridor from Belize City to Hattieville. Cisco Constructions has been tapped as the primary contractor for the work. In addition to the road base trial, the project scope includes a major hydraulic upgrade in the same area: the replacement of an undersized existing culvert that connects the nearby lagoon to the Caribbean Sea with a full bridge structure. To maintain two-way traffic flow throughout the bridge construction, a temporary traffic diversion will be built around the work zone.

    This adaptive testing approach reflects MIDH’s shift toward data-driven infrastructure upgrades, prioritizing long-term durability over quick completion for problematic stretches with a history of ground failure. Officials noted that the findings from the one-year trial will also inform the design of future road projects across Belize that face similar soil stability challenges.

  • Another Belize City Bridge to Be Demolished and Rebuilt

    Another Belize City Bridge to Be Demolished and Rebuilt

    Belize City is moving forward with a major shake-up to its urban transportation network, as a decades-old crossing on Regent Street West is set to be torn down and completely reconstructed following a troubling structural assessment.

    The project to replace the Regent Street West bridge has been folded into a larger city-wide initiative centered on upgrading the Haulover Creek crossing network, most notably converting the previously temporary Hyde’s Lane crossing into a permanent fixture – a core component of the broader Swing Bridge replacement program. A recent engineering inspection found the existing Regent Street West bridge to be in severe structural disrepair, prompting officials to fast-track plans for its full replacement rather than costly incremental repairs.

    Evondale Moody, chief engineer for Belize’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, outlined that the full closure of Regent Street West will be required to carry out the demolition and subsequent construction of the new span, which will directly connect to the new permanent crossing over Haulover Creek. “We’ll close Regent Street West to construct the new structure and connect it to the bridge we’re building across the Haulover River,” Moody confirmed in a press briefing.

    What was initially conceived as a short-term temporary crossing to ease construction-related traffic disruptions at Hyde’s Lane will now become a permanent addition to the city’s road network, designed to improve overall traffic flow through congested central Belize City. According to Moody, the Hyde’s Lane project is already roughly three-quarters complete. To date, construction crews have finished 120 feet of the 160-foot bridge deck, with active work continuing on the northern approach that will link the crossing to North Front Street and Hyde’s Lane itself. Additional earthworks and paving are scheduled for the southern end of the crossing, where the new span will connect to both East Collet Canal and West Collet Canal once finished.

    Moody confirmed that the core construction work on the Hyde’s Lane permanent bridge is on track to wrap up between November 15 and 30 of this year. Separately, officials have also announced that the nearby Burton Canal Bridge will implement a new weight restriction, banning all heavy truck traffic to reduce structural strain on the aging crossing while adjacent infrastructure work is completed.

  • FAO RELEASE: FAO equips farmers in Antigua and Barbuda with tools for more precise nutrient and water management

    FAO RELEASE: FAO equips farmers in Antigua and Barbuda with tools for more precise nutrient and water management

    In a collaborative effort to advance sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy to deliver a hands-on two-day training program focused on precision nutrient and water management for local farmers, extension officers, and agricultural professionals. Held in late September 2026 and bringing together 31 participants (10 women and 21 men), the initiative is backed by two key regional projects: “Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production in Antigua and Barbuda” and “Digital Solutions to Improve Horticultural Crop Management in the Caribbean.”

    The training program was structured to blend classroom learning, interactive calculation exercises, and on-site field demonstrations to ensure participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The first day was dedicated to building a foundational understanding of core agricultural principles, including the role of essential plant nutrients, nutrient uptake and availability in different soil types, crop nutrient requirements across varying growth stages, and common nutrient deficiency symptoms. Participants also explored how strategic irrigation management directly impacts nutrient availability, uptake, and overall crop health. Additional classroom sessions covered critical practical topics such as fertilizer selection, nutrient content verification, solubility and compatibility testing, and the development of customized fertilization plans for both soil-based and soil-less cultivation systems.

    A key component of the classroom training was the introduction and hands-on practice with a specialized nutrient management calculation tool. Participants learned to use this tool to convert crop-specific nutrient requirements into exact fertilizer quantity recommendations and tailored application schedules, equipping them to plan and regulate fertilizer use far more effectively than traditional estimation-based methods. Trainees also got an early look at an under-development digital nutrient management application, designed to further streamline data-driven decision-making for precision nutrient management at the individual farm level.

    On the second day, participants moved from the classroom to a working eggplant farm at MSB Enterprises in St. Mary’s Parish, where they put their new knowledge into practice on an open-field plot. Following the calculations generated by the nutrient management tool, participants weighed and mixed fertilizer blends according to the specific needs of the eggplant crop. They then inspected the farm’s existing drip-irrigation and fertilizer injection systems before applying the prepared nutrient solutions via fertigation, gaining direct experience in delivering targeted, precise nutrient doses directly to crop root zones.

    One of the most significant highlights of the field day was the hands-on use of portable soil scanners, which allowed participants to walk through the entire end-to-end process of precision nutrient management: from on-site soil assessment and real-time nutrient analysis to the development of customized fertilizer recommendations and their final application in the field. The portable scanners deliver rapid, location-specific data on soil nutrient levels and key soil properties, which participants then input into the calculation tool to generate crop-specific requirements and tailored recommendations aligned with the unique conditions of the test plot. From there, participants calculated and measured the exact fertilizer quantities needed, prepared the nutrient solution, and applied it through the existing irrigation system, demonstrating a fully integrated data-driven approach to precision nutrient management.

    This integrated method, which combines on-site soil scanning, digital calculation tools, and modern fertigation practices, offers multiple benefits for both farmers and the environment. By enabling precise, crop-specific nutrient management, the approach helps optimize fertilizer use, cut unnecessary input costs, reduce nutrient runoff and waste, and boost overall crop performance, resource-use efficiency, and agricultural productivity. For participating farmers, the skills and tools gained through the training are immediately applicable to farm planning and daily operations.

    Ralph Iton Henry, a local Antiguan farmer, shared his positive impression of the training: “I learned so much today. This tool is going to make my job much easier, I can prepare everything in advance and guide my workers on irrigation and fertilization.” Another participating farmer, Sheir Williams, echoed this sentiment, noting: “The training was very informative. Using the spreadsheet will make it easier for me to plan at the farm and understand the expected nutrient requirements before the crop cycle is completed.” Williams also emphasized how the calculation tool adds significant value to long-term farm planning. Beyond benefiting working farmers, the training also built the capacity of local extension personnel to better support farmers in making informed nutrient management decisions.

    Victor Wade, a local Extension Officer, explained the broader impact of the capacity building: “This training will help farmers make more informed decisions about fertilizer application, giving crops what they actually need while reducing unnecessary fertilizer use and costs.” Through the combined work of the two supporting projects, FAO and the government of Antigua and Barbuda are working hand-in-hand to support farmers and technical staff in improving water management, nutrient regulation, and overall production practices, while encouraging the adoption of digital tools and field-based technologies that enable more precise, efficient, and informed decision-making at the farm level.

    Anne Desrochers, FAO Plant Production and Protection Specialist and Lead Technical Officer for the FVC project, outlined the core goal of the initiative: “Our objective is to give farmers practical tools that help them make better decisions on water and nutrient management. By combining field-based assessments with digital tools, we can support more precise use of inputs, improve efficiency and ultimately strengthen crop productivity.”

  • Santo Domingo’s Colonial City attracts 14% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic

    Santo Domingo’s Colonial City attracts 14% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic

    The Colonial City of Santo Domingo, one of the Dominican Republic’s most cherished historic landmarks, is experiencing a remarkable renaissance as a top international tourist destination. According to Tourism Minister David Collado, the district now draws roughly 14 percent of all tourists who arrive in the country each month — a significant jump from just a few years ago, when that number hovered around 7 percent. This means the share of national tourist arrivals to the Colonial City has effectively doubled, a clear indicator of its growing appeal among domestic and international travelers alike.

    The surge in popularity comes as the Dominican government wraps up a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar rehabilitation and improvement project across the historic district. Minister Collado confirmed this week that two key streets in the heart of the Colonial City have now been fully restored, part of a broader initiative to upgrade the area’s cultural and urban infrastructure. Ongoing projects across the district are scheduled for completion by December, with efforts underway to minimize disruption to local businesses and visitors amid the construction work. Collado noted that authorities have prioritized efficient coordination across all project stakeholders to limit inconvenience while delivering high-quality improvements.

    The upgrades extend far beyond street rehabilitation. The Ministry of Tourism has already completed RD$468 million worth of projects at major cultural sites across the Colonial City, including restoration work on the iconic Gate of Mercy, the historic Alcázar de Colón, more than 12 church facades, and the National Pantheon. An additional RD$250 million has been invested in upgrading sidewalks, curbs, and street paving throughout the district. The full rehabilitation program is backed by total funding of RD$500 million from the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, alongside a $90 million investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

    Looking ahead, the government has plans to further expand the Colonial City’s tourism reach by integrating the district into global cruise tourism itineraries, opening the historic district up to even larger volumes of international visitors. New infrastructure and upgraded urban amenities are expected to cement the Colonial City’s status as a must-visit stop for anyone traveling to the Dominican Republic, boosting both local economic activity and the country’s reputation as a diverse, culturally rich Caribbean destination.

  • National Infrastructure Work Continues Despite Rain

    National Infrastructure Work Continues Despite Rain

    Even as persistent heavy rainfall drenched much of Belize over a full week, the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure has confirmed that work on dozens of critical national infrastructure projects has continued with only minimal disruptions to overall timelines. While wet conditions have forced minor slowdowns for specific tasks — most notably concrete pouring, which cannot safely be completed during steady rain — project contractors have rapidly adjusted work schedules to keep overall progress moving forward, according to top ministry officials.

    Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure, shared a detailed update on ongoing projects during a recent public briefing, highlighting that uncooperative weather has not derailed long-term planning for the nation’s infrastructure upgrades. “We have several projects currently ongoing by the ministry in an effort to improve our infrastructure countrywide,” Moody explained. “And yes, we have been having rainfall consistently since last weekend. In terms of its impact on these projects, we have had some minimal impact. It hasn’t been that significant because the works are currently ongoing, to be honest.”

    Moody noted that the only tangible impacts of the rain are limited to routine site maintenance and weather-dependent tasks, where saturated ground and persistent precipitation reduce the amount of work crews can complete each day. Even so, adjustments to daily work rotations and a focus on non-outdoor tasks during periods of heavy rain have kept most projects close to their original schedules.

    One of the most high-profile initiatives highlighted in the update is the dual bridge replacement project in Belize City, a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade that will replace aging, structurally deficient spans serving the country’s largest urban center. According to Moody, demolition work for the two existing bridges is still on track to begin before the end of 2026, with construction of the new replacement bridges set to start early in 2027. “We anticipate, based on our work program, that both bridges will commence their demolition no later than this December first,” Moody said. “So that those works could continue into the new year with the construction of the replacement of both bridges.”

    He added that even for the Belize City bridge project, the impact of the recent rain has been almost negligible, thanks to the type of pre-demolition preparation work that crews are currently completing. “We have had minimal effect in respect to the rainfall because it’s a different type of work that they’re doing. Only that they cannot pour concrete during the rain, and so that’s where we’ve had some, some little delays there. But other than that, other works could still continue on those two structures,” Moody explained.

    This report is a transcribed excerpt from an evening television newscast, with all non-standard language rendered using a standardized spelling system for accessibility.

  • Antigua plans mass casualty and evacuation drills ahead of CHOGM

    Antigua plans mass casualty and evacuation drills ahead of CHOGM

    As Antigua prepares to host one of the most high-profile international gatherings in its history, emergency response teams across the island are gearing up for two critical preparedness drills over the next two weeks. The exercises are designed to test and refine response capabilities ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to kick off later this month in St. John’s.

    The first drill, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, will simulate a mass casualty incident caused by a multi-vehicle crash at Scotts Hill. Organized to evaluate coordination between first responders and medical facilities, the exercise will involve several simulated injured casualties that will be transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the island’s main public hospital. The drill, which will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. local time, includes participation from personnel from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the national police force, the fire department, independent local clinics, and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS). Local residents and commuters are advised that temporary traffic disruptions are expected in the area surrounding the exercise site, and are encouraged to plan alternate routes where possible.

    A second preparedness exercise is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at the newly built Performing Arts Centre on High Street in St. John’s. This drill will focus on a full building evacuation, a critical safety protocol given that the venue has been selected to host CHOGM’s official opening ceremony, which will be attended by dozens of heads of state, senior diplomats, and other high-level delegates from across the Commonwealth. Event organizers have emphasized that participant safety is the top priority for the meeting, and rigorous pre-event testing is essential to ensure emergency teams can respond quickly and effectively to any unforeseen incident.

    NODS has been working closely with all hotels, event venues, and stakeholder organizations across Antigua to update and strengthen emergency response plans in advance of the landmark meeting, which is expected to draw global media attention and thousands of visitors to the island.