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.
分类： politics
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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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Nigeria Grants Visa-Free Access to St. Kitts Citizens
In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria has extended visa-free access to citizens of St. Kitts & Nevis (SKN), effective immediately. This marks the first time Nigeria has granted such a privilege to a country outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and beyond the African continent. The policy represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s foreign relations, establishing a direct trade and mobility corridor between Africa and the Caribbean. Previously, Nigeria’s visa-free regime was largely limited to ECOWAS member states, with only Cameroon and Chad as exceptions. The new waiver, covering ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, aims to enhance trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections between the two regions. This historic development follows the successful Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 25) held earlier this year in Abuja, organized by Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL). The summit highlighted SKN as a strategic partner, paving the way for the visa waiver. Aisha Maina, Managing Director of ACL, emphasized the policy’s broader implications, stating, ‘This visa waiver is more than diplomacy; it is about opening doors for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.’ The announcement follows several diplomatic milestones, including a March 2025 meeting between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and SKN’s Prime Minister Terrance Drew, and the launch of a historic non-stop Abuja–Basseterre charter flight that same month. The flight, carrying 120 Nigerian delegates, established the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean. Relations between Nigeria and SKN have expanded rapidly, with recent events such as the Afri-Caribbean Business Expo in Basseterre showcasing collaboration opportunities in agribusiness, technology, and the creative economy. In August, bilateral talks between Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and SKN’s Samal Duggins further advanced cooperation on food security and trade facilitation. Observers view the visa waiver as emblematic of Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy, which now embraces targeted bilateral partnerships beyond Africa to diversify trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagements. Analysts also credit ACL and Aisha Maina’s leadership for positioning the firm as a key driver of Afri-Caribbean relations. Looking ahead, the upcoming AACIS ’26, scheduled for March in Abuja, is expected to build on this breakthrough, potentially expanding visa-free arrangements and cooperation to other Caribbean nations. This bold step underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering deeper ties across the Atlantic, signaling a promising new chapter in intercontinental partnership.
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Saint Lucia, France step up talks on border security and crime fighting
The 9th Franco-Saint Lucia Joint Security Commission commenced on September 30 with an opening ceremony at the Financial Administrative Centre in Castries. The two-day event brought together high-ranking officials from Saint Lucia and France’s overseas territories to deliberate on enhancing border security and judicial collaboration. Key attendees included Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Martinique Prefect Etienne Desplanques, Attorney General of the Court of Appeal of Martinique Patrice Camberou, and Saint Lucia’s Attorney General Leslie Mondesir, alongside other security and ministry representatives from both nations. The first day’s agenda centered on security and trafficking, operational cooperation, and mutual support initiatives. Discussions reviewed radar surveillance systems, border protection measures, and challenges in deportation and immigration procedures. Authorities also addressed improving coordination between Saint Lucia and French border forces, particularly in preventing the re-entry of ‘undesirable Saint Lucians’ to Martinique and facilitating the handover of deportees sought by Saint Lucian police. The second day focused on judicial cooperation, led by French officials, covering letters rogatory, the handling of stolen goods, and criminal assets. A joint technical committee on security matters was also established. During the opening ceremony, Mondesir highlighted that this meeting builds on the 8th session held in Martinique in December 2022, which developed a strategic action plan including training, joint operational actions, and judicial cooperation. Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged progress since the last meeting but noted ongoing challenges in communications, deportations, and disaster response. He also referenced the death of K-9 Tyson, a police dog crucial in anti-narcotics missions, and expressed hope for additional K-9 donations from France. Pierre urged stronger resolve against organized criminal networks, emphasizing the need to use all legal methods to eliminate threats to security and peace.
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Independent Investigation Ordered in Budna Case – Rosado Returns
The Government of Belize has initiated an independent investigation into the alleged abduction of Joseph Ryan Budna, following the submission of a Police Inquiry Report to Prime Minister John Briceño. The report, presented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Suzette Anderson, has sparked widespread public interest and outlined two critical recommendations. Firstly, it called for an independent inquiry to thoroughly examine the incident. Secondly, it emphasized that police officers involved in the investigation must refrain from making public or media statements to safeguard the integrity of the process, particularly if the case proceeds to court. The Cabinet has endorsed both recommendations and referred them to the Attorney General for legal guidance on their implementation. Additionally, the report clarified that there is no evidence implicating Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado in the incident. Consequently, the Cabinet has requested that Dr. Rosado’s leave of absence be terminated and that he resume his duties immediately.
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Guyana’s president calls for mature and open discussions on the US military presence in the region
In a compelling address to Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali emphasized the necessity of approaching the United States’ increasing naval presence in the Caribbean with vigilance and open dialogue. Speaking on Tuesday, Ali urged regional leaders to engage in mature and transparent discussions about the security implications of this military build-up, particularly in light of concerns such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, and the misuse of international waterways.
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No place for absenteeism, lateness
In a bold move to address long-standing issues of absenteeism and tardiness, Jamaican parliamentary leaders Robert Morgan and Phillip Paulwell have issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) as the new legislative year begins. Morgan, the deputy leader of government business, and Paulwell, the leader of Opposition business, emphasized their shared commitment to punctuality and consistent attendance during a press briefing following the Opening Ceremony for the Orientation of MPs at Gordon House on Tuesday.
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White House rejects Pope Leo comments on ‘inhuman’ migrant policy
The White House has firmly defended President Donald Trump’s stringent migration policies following sharp criticism from Pope Leo XIV, who condemned the treatment of migrants in the United States as ‘inhumane.’ Speaking to reporters at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, the Pope, the first U.S.-born head of the Catholic Church, questioned the moral consistency of those who oppose abortion but support harsh immigration measures or the death penalty. ‘Someone who says “I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants,” I don’t know if that’s pro-life,’ he stated. Pope Leo, born in Chicago and elected in May after the passing of Pope Francis, has been vocal about social justice issues since his days as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, often criticizing Trump and Vice President JD Vance on migration policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a Catholic herself, rebutted the Pope’s remarks during a Wednesday briefing, asserting that the current administration treats immigrants humanely while enforcing the law. She accused the previous administration under President Joe Biden of allowing ‘significant, inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants’ amid record border crossings. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration’s immigration stance and the Catholic Church’s advocacy for migrant rights.
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PNP condemns suspension of medical doctor for running in general election
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has strongly criticized the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for suspending Dr Aujae Dixon following his candidacy in the September 3, 2025, general elections. The SRHA cited violations of Public Service Staff Order 4.2.6(1), which bars public officers from partisan political activities, as the reason for the interdiction.