Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic has expressed its approval of the international community’s decision to transform the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti into a specialized 5,500-member ‘Gang Suppression Force.’ This initiative, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, aims to address the escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups in Haiti. Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez emphasized that this decision represents a pivotal step toward restoring stability in the neighboring nation. The revamped mission will adopt a more robust and focused strategy, directly targeting criminal gangs that have severely disrupted the security and daily lives of Haitians. Álvarez also reiterated the Dominican Republic’s unwavering support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to mitigate the broader regional security crisis stemming from Haiti’s instability.
分类： politics
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Abinader vows to end impunity in Dominican Republic
In a decisive statement on Monday, Dominican President Luis Abinader declared that he would await the conclusion of the Public Ministry’s investigation into alleged irregularities at the National Health Insurance (Senasa). This announcement followed the government’s submission of a detailed report on the matter. Speaking during his weekly press briefing in Santiago, Abinader underscored his administration’s unwavering stance against corruption and its efforts to dismantle the entrenched culture of impunity that has plagued the Dominican Republic for decades. The president emphasized that all corruption cases, including those involving government entities, would be rigorously addressed. He also highlighted ongoing preparations for preventive measures to mitigate the risk of similar offenses in the future. While acknowledging Senasa’s autonomy and its exemption from the Public Procurement and Contracting Law, Abinader reiterated his expectation for a thorough and transparent explanation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Reaffirming his commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, he vowed to hold all parties accountable, irrespective of their affiliations.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Gov’t enlists Regional Security System to tackle illegal firearms in DA
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has officially announced the deployment of the Regional Security System (RSS) to assist local law enforcement in addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms. The announcement was made during a press conference on Monday, underscoring the government’s commitment to national security. Established in 1982, the RSS was created to mitigate regional threats and enhance the stability of member states. Skerrit emphasized that the decision to involve the RSS was made in consultation with the Chief of Police and the Minister of National Security, reflecting a unified approach to tackling this pressing issue. ‘The RSS is here to support our police in eradicating illegal firearms,’ Skerrit stated. ‘Anyone in possession of such weapons will face consequences.’ He highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that even a few incidents of violence can escalate rapidly, posing a significant threat to public safety. ‘The security of our citizens is our top priority,’ Skerrit declared. ‘An unsafe nation undermines all other efforts.’ The Prime Minister also outlined additional measures aimed at curbing the presence of illegal firearms, stressing that this issue takes precedence over other concerns, such as the illegal use of marijuana. ‘Our focus is on illegal firearms, and we will utilize every available resource to restore peace and normalcy,’ he affirmed. While acknowledging that recent violent incidents appear targeted, Skerrit reiterated the sanctity of human life, stating that no individual has the right to take another’s life under any circumstances.
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Haiti, Caricom welcome UN Security Council resolution on Haiti
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a resolution to transition the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, was adopted with 12 votes in favor, three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and Russia), and no opposition. This decision marks a significant step in addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, which has been exacerbated by criminal gangs seeking to destabilize the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The GSF will operate for an initial period of 12 months, with an authorized personnel ceiling of 5,550, including 5,500 uniformed military and police personnel and 50 civilians. US Ambassador Michael Waltz emphasized that the resolution offers renewed hope for Haiti, describing it as a critical first step in tackling the country’s humanitarian and security challenges. Panama echoed this sentiment, affirming its commitment to Haiti and stating that the international community must act decisively to address the crisis. Haiti’s representative, Ericq Pierre, hailed the transition as a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against gang violence, acknowledging the limitations of the MSS mission and the need for a more robust mandate. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has pledged logistical and administrative support for the GSF, while Guyana’s ambassador highlighted the importance of safeguarding human rights, particularly for children, who constitute half of gang membership. However, Russia expressed skepticism, criticizing the lack of assessment of the MSS mission’s effectiveness and warning that the new force could lead to unintended consequences.
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Johnson Smith dismisses ‘false’ allegations that Gov’t has been silent on Palestine
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has firmly dismissed allegations from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) accusing the Government of remaining silent on critical Middle East issues, particularly concerning Palestine. In a press release issued on Tuesday, Johnson Smith countered the PNP’s claims, emphasizing the Government’s proactive measures, including the historic recognition of the State of Palestine in 2023—a move unprecedented by any prior administration. She criticized the PNP’s approach as ‘image-focused and in-substantive,’ labeling their foreign policy tactics as disingenuous. The PNP had earlier condemned the Government for its perceived lack of solidarity with Palestinians during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Johnson Smith highlighted Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s remarks at the UNGA, where he expressed Jamaica’s horror at the humanitarian crisis in Palestinian territories and reiterated support for a diplomatic resolution, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages. She also underscored Jamaica’s condemnation of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a two-state solution. Johnson Smith accused PNP Spokesperson Donna Scott Mottley of misrepresenting the Government’s stance, asserting that Jamaica’s position remains consistent with its previous statements and regional commitments.