The youth of Nevis have expressed overwhelming support for the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development on the island. In a recent consultation organized by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), members of the Cabinet engaged with approximately 60 students from the Nevis Sixth Form College to discuss the project’s scope, benefits, and potential impact. The session featured a video presentation by lead developer Olivier Janssens, followed by a detailed overview by Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, who addressed key aspects such as design concepts, financial commitments, sustainability measures, and community benefits. Students actively participated in a Q&A session, raising questions about employment opportunities, the project’s US $1 million annual scholarship fund, and the inclusion of local entrepreneurs and farmers. Many students acknowledged that prior misconceptions about the project were clarified during the discussion, leading to a more optimistic outlook. Premier Mark Brantley emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptation, drawing parallels to the success of the Four Seasons Resort, which initially faced opposition but now supports over 1,000 families. The students praised the government’s transparency and open communication, urging continued public engagement as the project progresses. The Destiny SSZ Project represents a forward-looking initiative that promises to create lasting opportunities for Nevis and its future generations.
分类： society
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JCE clarifies: no same-sex marriages registered in the Dominican Republic
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic has firmly restated its position against the registration of same-sex marriages, asserting that such unions are not permitted under the nation’s Constitution or existing legal framework. This declaration came in response to recent claims by former U.S. Ambassador James ‘Wally’ Brewster, who publicly stated on social media that he had officiated a wedding ceremony for two men in Santiago. The JCE clarified that only Civil Registry Officials and accredited religious institutions are legally authorized to conduct marriages in the country, and these unions must strictly adhere to the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman. The JCE cited Articles 55 of the Constitution, along with Laws Nos. 4-23 and 198-11, to emphasize that Dominican law exclusively recognizes heterosexual marriages, whether civil or religious. The institution concluded its statement by affirming that it ‘has not officiated, registered, nor will it register any marriage that violates the Constitution or the law.’ This development underscores the ongoing legal and societal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic.
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Trainingen museumwezen waardevol voor werkveld
The training sessions conducted in October have proven to be immensely beneficial for employees and owners of museum institutions in Suriname. This was highlighted during the certification ceremony held last Friday, where 25 participants successfully completed the program. Artists Runaldo Klas, Jules Brandflu, and Sunil Puljun praised the training for offering fresh perspectives on heritage restoration and storage. Former museum director Elvira Sandie and VHJI Museum coordinator Sharon Pawiroredjo also expressed their satisfaction, emphasizing the practical applicability of the knowledge gained. The program, a collaborative effort between Suriname’s National Museum Commission (NMS) and the Netherlands’ Cultural Heritage Agency, concluded in the presence of Roseline Daan, NMS Chairperson and Director of Culture. Daan lauded the outcomes achieved after months of preparation. Participants delved into topics such as collection management, registration, conflicting value systems, sector organization, sustainability, and preventive conservation. The evaluation also revealed plans for museum institutions to unite, enhancing the structure and content of their work. The NMS is now focusing on follow-up activities and discussions with PURP regarding the rehabilitation of Building 1790, a ruin within the Zeelandia complex, envisioned as the site for a future national museum.
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“A huge hurricane Cof work and cooperation”
Over the weekend, relentless efforts were made to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, focusing on rescue operations, sanitation, and recovery. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, head of the National Defense Council, praised the combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) for their heroic and skillful rescue missions. He emphasized that erasing the extensive damage caused by Melissa would require a monumental effort and widespread cooperation. The hurricane’s torrential rains triggered unprecedented flooding, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of people via air, boat, and train. In the Granma municipality of Río Cauto, hundreds of residents were relocated to Las Tunas, where evacuation centers have been established to shelter approximately 2,400 people. Health responses have been intensified, with a focus on vulnerable communities. Measures include enhanced epidemiological surveillance, deployment of medical brigades, distribution of essential supplies, and activation of prevention protocols to mitigate potential disease outbreaks. Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reported severe damage to the railway line to Santiago de Cuba, particularly the Central Line between kilometers 833 and 834.5. Meanwhile, brigades from the electricity and telecommunications sectors are working tirelessly to restore services in affected areas.
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Dominican Republic welcomes cooler temperatures with start of frontal season
The Dominican Republic has officially transitioned into the 2025–2026 frontal season, a five-month period characterized by cooler temperatures and more temperate weather across the nation. Meteorologist Jean Suriel highlighted that this season, spanning from November to mid-April, will witness between 20 and 30 cold fronts approaching the northern Caribbean, with 8 to 15 directly impacting the country. The coldest phase is expected from January 15 to March 15, particularly in high-altitude regions such as Valle Nuevo, Pico Duarte, Valle de Bao, and the Sierra de Bahoruco, where temperatures may plummet below zero. These areas could also experience frost, hoarfrost, and even ice floes—rare yet typical occurrences during the Dominican tropical winter. Already, two cold fronts have passed near the northern Caribbean, with another anticipated this week. Additionally, a polar air mass is forecast to reach the island around November 16, further intensifying the chill. Popular destinations to embrace the mountain cold include Constanza, Jarabacoa, Ocoa, San José de las Matas, Polo in Barahona, and Loma de Cabrera. Suriel emphasized that the cooling effect will be most pronounced in the Cibao and mountain regions, though daytime warmth will persist until late November. “Nighttime and early morning hours, particularly between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., will feel significantly cooler,” he noted, adding that this shift offers a refreshing respite after months of relentless heat.
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Brazilian miner killed by countryman at Sandhill Landing
In a tragic incident at Sandhill Landing along the Cuyuni River, a Brazilian gold miner was fatally stabbed by a fellow countryman, as confirmed by the Guyana Police Force on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Francis Diago Alivera, succumbed to multiple stab wounds following an altercation that erupted around 1:45 AM. The suspect, a 24-year-old Brazilian national also employed as a gold miner in the area, allegedly armed himself with a knife during the dispute, inflicting severe injuries on Alivera. Police investigations revealed that the two men were acquainted and had been socializing earlier in the evening before the argument escalated. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident. Alivera was initially assisted by bystanders and transported to a nearby mining outpost for emergency medical care. He was later transferred to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he ultimately died from his injuries. Authorities have recovered a knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack. The case underscores the volatile nature of mining communities and the urgent need for enhanced security measures in such areas.
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Heavy rains cause flooding and damage in Barahona
Barahona, a city in the Dominican Republic, faced devastating floods on Sunday as relentless rainfall transformed streets into raging rivers, overwhelmed ravines, and triggered landslides in the El Derrumbao region. The deluge caused significant damage to several resorts, burying them under mud, water, and debris. The National Meteorology Institute attributed the extreme weather to an upper-level trough interacting with a tropical wave, which unleashed torrential downpours starting early Sunday. In Villa Central, where a new maternal and child hospital is being constructed, the rainwater surged more intensely than typical river flows during storm season. The most severely impacted areas included Villa Central, El Derrumbao, Villa Mirian beach, the boardwalk, the city market, and the neighborhoods of La Playa and Villa Estela. Local authorities and the Fire Department collaborated to mitigate flooding on critical streets. At the Lisandra Aponte School, a wall collapsed, forcing emergency teams to evacuate multiple families from high-risk zones. The soil in Barahona was already saturated from recent rains caused by Hurricane Melissa, which had previously drenched parts of the Dominican Republic before advancing toward Jamaica as a Category 5 storm.
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Badly decomposed body found on Corentyne seashore
Authorities in Guyana have launched an investigation following the grim discovery of a severely decomposed body on the Corentyne seashore. The remains were found on October 26, 2025, in a grassy area near No. 43 Village Seashore, Berbice. The Guyana Police Force reported that the body was stumbled upon by a 31-year-old fisherman from No. 35 Village, Corentyne, who was walking along the shore after his fishing boat became stranded due to low tide. While navigating a track leading to the public road, the fisherman detected a strong odor and subsequently uncovered the remains. Police promptly arrived at the scene, processed the area, and transported the body to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. Given the advanced state of decomposition, the cause of death remains undetermined. The remains have been placed in cold storage at Ramoo’s Funeral Home, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic discovery.
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“Shut Pon Shoulder” killed – police
A tragic incident unfolded in Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice, resulting in the death of 56-year-old labourer Imran Kadir, commonly known as ‘Shut Pon Shoulder.’ According to the Guyana Police Force, Kadir was found lifeless at his residence on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The incident reportedly occurred between Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, following an altercation with a 32-year-old carpenter from the same community. Both individuals were allegedly consuming alcohol at the time of the dispute. Authorities have since arrested the suspect, though details regarding the cause of death remain unclear. Police have not disclosed whether the victim was shot, stabbed, or otherwise assaulted, nor have they confirmed the presence of visible injuries. Investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with the shocking turn of events.
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Bromfietser (14) overlijdt na botsing tegen vangrail
A devastating traffic accident occurred today on Meursweg, near Onoribo, resulting in the untimely death of a 14-year-old scooter rider. Preliminary police investigations reveal that the young driver, identified as A.V., was traveling along Meursweg, heading from Martin Luther Kingweg towards Kennedyweg. As he approached a right-hand curve near Onoribo plantation, it is suspected that excessive speed caused him to lose control of his scooter. The vehicle veered off the road and collided forcefully with the guardrail on the southern side. The teenager sustained severe injuries and succumbed to his wounds at the scene. A medical professional officially pronounced him dead. In accordance with the Public Prosecutor’s orders, the body has been seized for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.