分类： politics

Abinader meets Dominican community leaders in Chile

SANTIAGO – Dominican President Luis Abinader convened a significant meeting with representatives of the Dominican community in Chile, underscoring the strengthened diplomatic relationship between the two nations under Chilean President José Antonio Kast. The engagement, which included First Lady Raquel Arbaje, occurred prior to President Abinader’s attendance at the presidential inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the assembled diaspora, President Abinader issued a compelling call for Dominicans residing in Chile to serve as exemplary citizens and actively integrate into the societal fabric of their host country. He specifically emphasized leveraging educational opportunities. A notable focus of the dialogue was on economic collaboration, with the President highlighting the vast potential for the Dominican grape industry to gain expertise from Chile’s world-renowned viticulture and wine production sector, thereby boosting agricultural development back home.

President Abinader offered assurances to the community, pledging that their concerns would receive the government’s full attention and affirming that no request from nationals abroad is considered insignificant.

Official statistics from the Dominican embassy reveal a community of approximately 23,000 Dominicans in Chile, constituting the fourth-largest overseas Dominican population. Ambassador Juan Cohen elaborated on the government’s dedicated strategy to address the needs of its overseas citizens and fortify connections with the global diaspora. In a move to deepen cultural ties, the embassy unveiled plans for a ‘Dominican Week in Chile’ this November, an event designed to foster greater cultural exchange and integration.

The gathering, which also featured diplomatic and consular officials, served as a platform to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at reinforcing the bonds between the Dominican state and its overseas communities. Officials unanimously acknowledged the critical role the diaspora plays in driving national development and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage across generations.

11 3 月, 2026
Politic : Haiti and El Salvador strengthen their cooperation

In a significant diplomatic development, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa convened a high-level bilateral meeting during the presidential inauguration ceremony of Chile’s newly elected leader José Antonio Kast. The discussions marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the two nations facing similar security challenges.

The Haitian delegation expressed profound appreciation for El Salvador’s military and humanitarian assistance, acknowledging the Central American nation’s solidarity during Haiti’s ongoing security crisis. The dialogue centered on operational knowledge transfer, with Salvadoran officials sharing their proven methodologies in combating criminal organizations and implementing prison system reforms.

Central to the discussions was Haiti’s comprehensive stabilization framework, structured around four critical components: security enhancement, judicial reform, social reintegration programs, and disarmament initiatives. This multidimensional approach aims to systematically address the gang violence epidemic through demobilization and rehabilitation strategies.

The meeting also addressed logistical preparations for the imminent deployment of a United Nations-mandated international security force. This contingent, operating under Chapter VII of the UN Security Council, will comprise approximately 5,500 personnel primarily from Benin, Chad, and Mongolia. Their mission will involve direct support operations against armed groups and securing strategic locations to establish lasting security conditions.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened strategic cooperation, emphasizing regional solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing transnational security threats. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé reiterated Haiti’s determination to restore institutional stability and rule of law, identifying these as fundamental prerequisites for national recovery and sustainable development.

11 3 月, 2026
Cubaanse artsen verlaten Guyana en regio na toenemende druk van VS

Cuban authorities are preparing to recall their medical brigade from Guyana following the Guyanese government’s decision to pay Cuban doctors and nurses directly rather than routing the majority of payments through the Cuban government. This move comes after years of criticism from the United States, which has condemned Cuba’s medical missions as a form of forced labor.

Guyana’s Health Minister Frank Anthony stated Monday that Cuba has chosen to terminate the nearly 50-year-old program. The Cuban contingent, comprising over 200 medical professionals, has been instructed to prepare for departure from Guyana. Despite the governmental rupture, Guyana remains open to contracting individual Cuban doctors who wish to remain in the country.

This development reflects a broader regional pattern. Jamaica recently ended its decades-long medical agreement with Cuba due to disputes over direct payments to physicians. Similarly, Cuban doctors departed Honduras after the government suspended its contract with Cuba citing regulatory non-compliance. Other nations including the Bahamas, Antigua, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are considering adjustments to their payment structures for Cuban medical personnel.

Concurrently, diplomatic tensions are escalating. Cuba recently closed its embassy in Quito after Ecuador declared Cuba’s ambassador and staff persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave the country. Ecuador also recalled its ambassador from Havana. This move signals Ecuador’s alignment with the United States, which is working to strengthen its influence in Latin America while further isolating Cuba.

The United States has implemented various measures to pressure the Havana regime, including blocking oil shipments to Cuba. This combined economic, diplomatic, and political pressure is resulting in a significant reversal of Cuba’s longstanding medical and diplomatic cooperation throughout the region.

The withdrawal of medical teams from Guyana and other nations, coupled with the embassy closure in Ecuador, marks a rupture in Cuba’s international standing and will have far-reaching implications for healthcare delivery and diplomatic relations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

11 3 月, 2026
Politic : Bilateral meeting between PM Fils-Aimé and the President of Chile José Antonio Kast

In a significant diplomatic engagement at Santiago’s historic Cousiño Palace on March 19, 2026, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened with Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast just prior to his presidential inauguration. The high-level meeting featured substantial delegations from both nations, with Haiti represented by Foreign Minister Raina Forbin, Ambassador Hervé Saint-Louis, and Special Advisor Wilner Joseph, while Chile’s incoming administration included designated Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna.

The comprehensive dialogue centered on reinvigorating bilateral relations through a framework of mutual respect and shared strategic interests. Both governments articulated a clear vision for enhanced collaboration across multiple domains including diplomatic coordination, economic partnership frameworks, educational exchange programs, and coordinated regional policy initiatives.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé emphasized Haiti’s dedication to fortifying historical bonds with Chile, highlighting opportunities for innovative partnership models that could drive sustainable development and enhance Caribbean-Latin American stability. The Haitian leadership expressed particular interest in expanding professional mobility pathways and academic exchange mechanisms between the two nations.

President-elect Kast reciprocated with commitments to intensify cooperative engagements, focusing on actionable initiatives with tangible benefits for both populations. The Chilean side demonstrated strong interest in developing concrete cooperation programs that would strengthen institutional capabilities and people-to-people connections.

This strategic dialogue represents a pivotal moment in Haiti-Chile relations, signaling a mutual commitment to building a comprehensive partnership based on reciprocal benefits and a shared vision for regional prosperity. The meeting’s timing, immediately preceding presidential inauguration ceremonies, underscores the priority both governments place on strengthening inter-American cooperation and South-South collaboration.

11 3 月, 2026
Duartian Institute calls for international action on Haiti crisis

Santo Domingo witnessed significant political declarations on Monday as Wilson Gómez Ramírez, presiding over the Duartian Institute, articulated a firm stance regarding the escalating crisis in neighboring Haiti. During a ceremonial gathering at the Altar de la Patria honoring the 209th birth anniversary of national hero Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, Gómez Ramírez emphasized that resolving Haiti’s multidimensional institutional, political, and social collapse requires robust international intervention rather than unilateral Dominican responsibility.

The institute leader explicitly urged Dominican authorities to intensify the repatriation of Haitian nationals residing in irregular migratory status, framing border control as a matter of national sovereignty. His address connected contemporary immigration policy to historical principles, highlighting Sánchez’s legacy of courage and sacrifice during the independence struggle. Gómez Ramírez asserted that defending sovereignty and maintaining institutional order remain fundamental, non-negotiable tenets for the Dominican state.

The ceremony also served as an educational platform, recounting Sánchez’s pivotal role alongside Matías Ramón Mella and the La Trinitaria movement in advancing independence during Juan Pablo Duarte’s exile. Participants remembered Sánchez’s proclamation of independence at Puerta del Conde, his leadership of the provisional government, and his ultimate execution in 1861 after opposing Pedro Santana’s annexation efforts.

In a concurrent observance, the institute commemorated International Women’s Day with floral tributes at Plaza María Trinidad Sánchez, recognizing foundational female figures including María Trinidad Sánchez, Concepción Bona, Rosa Duarte, and Manuela Díez for their indispensable contributions to Dominican liberation and identity formation.

11 3 月, 2026
Politic : The Minister for the Status of Women speaks at the United Nations (video)

Haiti’s Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, Pedrica Saint Jean, delivered a significant address at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 10, 2026. Her presentation occurred during the seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the premier global intergovernmental forum dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s rights worldwide.

Minister Saint Jean participated in the Ministerial Roundtable focused on ‘Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls,’ where she outlined Haiti’s comprehensive approach to gender equality. The minister detailed concrete governmental initiatives, including the implementation of a mandatory 30% quota for female representation in the new government cabinet and the adoption of the groundbreaking 2014-2034 Gender Equality Policy.

Her address highlighted several critical legislative reforms aimed at eliminating systemic discrimination against women and girls. These measures include establishing specialized judicial units specifically designed to handle cases of sexual violence and implementing more inclusive legal frameworks that offer enhanced protection for women’s rights.

In her formally delivered speech, Minister Saint Jean presented a candid assessment of Haiti’s current justice landscape regarding gender equality. She emphasized that accessible, inclusive, and equitable justice serves as a fundamental pillar for achieving genuine gender equality, noting that without such judicial foundations, women’s rights remain vulnerable and inequalities persist.

Concluding with a powerful commitment, the minister reiterated Haiti’s dedication to constructing a truly equitable and accessible justice system. She emphasized that women’s full participation and guaranteed rights are essential prerequisites for building a more just and peaceful society where every woman and girl can exercise her rights, live free from violence, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

11 3 月, 2026
Abinader celebrates Dominican Republic’s top ranking in press freedom report

SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has achieved the highest press freedom ranking in the Americas according to the newly released 2025 Chapultepec Index by the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA). President Luis Abinader celebrated this recognition as a landmark achievement for both his administration and the nation’s democratic development.

The comprehensive evaluation, which assessed journalistic conditions across 23 nations in the Western Hemisphere, awarded the Dominican Republic an exceptional score of 82.17 out of 100 points. This performance positioned the Caribbean nation as the sole country to qualify for the prestigious ‘With Press Freedom’ classification, distinguishing it from regional counterparts.

Through an official statement released by the Government Strategy and Communication Directorate (DIECOM), President Abinader characterized the distinction as evidence of significant progress in institutional development. ‘This recognition fortifies our commitment to broadening public freedoms and strengthening our democratic framework,’ the president stated. He further emphasized that this accomplishment reflects broader societal advancement beyond governmental achievements alone.

The presidential address highlighted the administration’s dual objectives of enhancing citizen welfare while maintaining the country’s status as a regional model for institutional stability and democratic governance. Abinader specifically acknowledged IAPA’s role as a vigilant guardian of expression rights throughout the continent, describing the organization as crucial to defending journalistic integrity.

This international endorsement, according to the president, serves as motivation for continued efforts to safeguard and expand press freedoms within the Dominican Republic. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey and establishes a new benchmark for press freedom standards throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

11 3 月, 2026
U.S. Lawmaker Takes Stake Bank Dispute to Secretary of State Marco Rubio

In a significant diplomatic move, Chairman Brian J. Mast of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee has formally requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio to conduct an official assessment of Belize’s investment climate and rule of law standards. The March 10, 2026 communication highlights growing concerns about systemic governance issues potentially affecting American business interests in the Central American nation.

While acknowledging Belize’s status as a democratic ally, Mast’s detailed letter identifies multiple areas of concern including allegations of undue political influence, corruption impediments, and problematic judicial backlogs. The correspondence specifically references the protracted Stake Bank Island cruise port project, where ownership disputes and compulsory acquisition proceedings have remained unresolved for years.

Beyond individual investment cases, the lawmaker outlined broader governance deficiencies including delayed Auditor General reports on government expenditures, parliamentary reviews falling years behind schedule, and chronically under-resourced courts resulting in frequent case adjournments. Mast emphasized that these collective issues warrant particular attention from U.S. diplomatic channels.

The intervention carries geopolitical significance as Belize remains one of the few nations maintaining official recognition of Taiwan rather than China. Mast cautioned that governance weaknesses could potentially create openings for expanded Chinese influence in the region, making Belize’s stability a matter of strategic American interest.

The Feinstein family, original developers of the Stake Bank project, welcomed the congressional involvement, characterizing it as a elevation of their dispute from private matter to subject of U.S. foreign policy oversight. This development signals increasing Washington scrutiny of investment protection mechanisms in bilateral relations with Caribbean partners.

10 3 月, 2026
Turner leads Antigua and Barbuda delegation for pivotal UN Talks on women empowerment and gender equality

A high-level delegation from Antigua and Barbuda, spearheaded by the Hon. Rawdon Turner, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, has arrived in New York to participate in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The pivotal summit, scheduled from March 9 to 19 at the UN headquarters, serves as a critical global platform for advancing women’s rights and empowerment.

The delegation comprises distinguished officials, including the Hon. Shenella Govia, Leader of Government Business in Parliament’s Upper House and Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Works. They are supported by a team of experts: Permanent Secretary Sarah Stuart from the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, alongside Jamie Saunders and Ashlea Ambris from the Directorate of Gender Affairs. The Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission to the United Nations is orchestrating the delegation’s engagements throughout the event.

Central to the delegation’s mission is a robust agenda focused on dismantling systemic barriers to gender parity. Key discussion points will emphasize the urgent need for legal system reforms, the abolition of discriminatory legislation, and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. Minister Turner and Senator Govia will contribute to high-level ministerial segments, advocating for critical issues such as the empowerment of older women, the full societal participation of women, and the eradication of gender-based violence.

Further broadening the nation’s impact, Executive Director Jamie Saunders is slated to engage in specialized side events. These include a session on promoting climate justice via gender-responsive financing and another where he will deliver an official statement on combating digital gender-based violence. Additionally, the Permanent Mission is facilitating bilateral talks with partner countries to foster collaborative initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and empowerment efforts within Antigua and Barbuda.

10 3 月, 2026
“Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity”: Briceño Tables $1.9 Billion Budget

BELMOPAN, BELIZE – Prime Minister John Briceño presented a transformative $1.902 billion national budget for fiscal year 2026/2027 to the House of Representatives on March 10, 2026, under the ambitious theme “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity.” This comprehensive financial plan allocates a record-breaking $606.8 million to capital investment projects, representing 32% of total expenditures – the highest proportion in the nation’s history.

The budget framework projects revenues and grants at $1.792 billion, marking an 8.5% increase ($139 million) over the previous fiscal year. Despite global economic headwinds, the government forecasts a primary surplus of 1.07% of GDP with an overall deficit contained at -1.49% of GDP.

Economic indicators reveal remarkable stability: unemployment has plummeted to a historic low of 2.0%, inflation remains subdued at 1.1%, and GDP growth reached 1.9% in 2025 with projections of 2.3% for 2026. The nation’s public debt has been dramatically reduced from over 130% to 66.6% of GDP, while central bank reserves stand robust at $1.1 billion.

Social investments feature prominently, with all 15,000 public officers, teachers, and security personnel receiving a 4% salary increase – the second consecutive raise following last year’s 4.5% adjustment. This $28.5 million commitment brings total wage and pension allocations to $78.7 million annually.

Healthcare transformation continues with the complete nationwide rollout of the National Health Insurance programme, now extending to the Cayo District’s 80,000 eligible residents. With $57 million allocated to NHI, $52.5 million to Central Medical Stores, and $33.7 million for operational support of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize’s medical infrastructure receives unprecedented funding. A Taiwan-funded state-of-the-art hospital in San Pedro Town receives $19.1 million in capital budget allocations.

Infrastructure development represents the budget’s centerpiece, featuring the comprehensive upgrade of the George Price Highway from Belize City to Belmopan. The project utilizes a $34.5 million Caribbean Development Bank loan and Kuwait Fund financing, with civil works commencing in April 2026. Simultaneously, two critical Belize City bridges will be replaced: the Belcan Bridge through Taiwan’s $20 million investment and the historic Swing Bridge via $28 million in Japanese grant aid through JICA.

Educational reforms achieve landmark status with the government’s Upliftment Project expanding to 27 secondary schools, serving over 14,000 students – a 1,000% increase from the 947 students covered at its 2022 inception. All government secondary school students now attend tuition-free, with 83% of nationwide secondary students receiving financial assistance. The US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with the United States continues, directing US$53.8 million to education and US$41.7 million to energy initiatives.

Energy security advances through plans to add over 100 megawatts of renewable capacity within three years, supported by Saudi Fund for Development solar investments and IFC-backed private sector programs. The recently nationalized hydroelectric facilities, rebranded as Hydro Belize Limited, successfully raised $134.8 million through an oversubscribed share offering to local investors.

Fiscal modernization measures include transforming the Belize Tax Service into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority, introducing electronic invoicing systems, and establishing an ambitious target to reduce public debt below 50% of GDP by 2030.

10 3 月, 2026