The Dominican Republic’s Law No. 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety was enacted to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents. However, widespread non-compliance and lax enforcement have rendered the law largely ineffective. Citizens frequently violate key provisions, such as parking in prohibited areas, excessive honking, and driving under the influence, while authorities fail to implement the necessary measures to curb these behaviors.
分类： society
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LETTER: Eustace “Gatoux” Harris, a local pan builder deserves a national award this coming Independence
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a passionate advocate for recognizing unsung heroes has highlighted the remarkable contributions of Eustace ‘Gatoux’ Harris, a master steelpan builder and tuner whose work has shaped the cultural landscape of Antigua. The writer, Alex, emphasizes the importance of honoring individuals like Harris during their lifetime, ensuring they can fully appreciate the accolades they deserve. Harris, a veteran in the craft since the early 1970s, has built and tuned pans for renowned steelbands such as Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Superstars, Geomonites, and Harmonites, while also mentoring students in various communities. Steelpan building, though often overlooked, is a demanding profession requiring exceptional skill, dedication, and precision, particularly when preparing for competitions. Despite their behind-the-scenes role, pan builders are indispensable to the music industry, much like songwriters. As Antigua approaches its 44th Independence anniversary, Alex calls for Harris to receive a national award and formal recognition from the Cultural Department for his invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. This acknowledgment, Alex argues, is long overdue and would serve as a fitting tribute to Harris’s lifelong dedication and artistry.
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Teen Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Belmopan
A devastating road accident in Belmopan has resulted in the untimely death of an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a severely damaged bus and a motorcycle submerged in a nearby drain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus, operated by 23-year-old Jonathan Estrada from San Ignacio Town, was traveling on Saint Matthews Street when it collided with the motorcycle, which was descending Saint Jude Street. The motorcycle was driven by Jonni Cano, who was accompanied by his friend Jamin Patt, both students from the Stann Creek District. The collision forcefully ejected both riders from the motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the Western Regional Hospital. Tragically, Cano was declared dead upon arrival, while Patt’s current condition remains undisclosed. Estrada emerged from the crash unscathed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Body of Missing Man Found in Macal River
A grim discovery in the Macal River has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities. The body, found on October 16, 2025, is believed to be that of Edward Rupert Rodney Burke, a 50-year-old British national who was reported missing just a day earlier on October 15. The decomposed remains were retrieved from the river and have since been transferred to the National Forensic Science Service morgue for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. As of now, the circumstances leading to Burke’s demise remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention, with authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
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UASD shooting update: What caused it, status of wounded, and what shooter said
A violent incident unfolded at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) when a law student allegedly opened fire on campus, critically injuring two members of the university’s security staff. The Communications Director of UASD, Roberto Tejada Muñoz, provided details about the events leading up to the shooting. According to Tejada, the student, Alexander Jiménez Galván, had previously been involved in a confrontation with security personnel the night before the incident. During that encounter, his documents were confiscated after he was found driving in a restricted area of the campus. The following day, Jiménez returned to retrieve his documents but was reportedly accompanied by another individual and armed with a firearm. Tejada stated that Jiménez later moved to another part of the university, where the confrontation with security guards escalated into gunfire. The shooting occurred on Thursday afternoon, causing panic among those present. Jiménez was promptly arrested by authorities. The two injured security officers, Lyedgers Encarnación and another unnamed individual, were rushed to the Dominican Cuban Hospital and remain in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. Encarnación underwent emergency surgery, while the second officer is scheduled for surgery later. Despite the incident, normal activities resumed on campus the following day, with businesses operating as usual and no visible police presence. Jiménez, now in custody at the Ciudad Nueva Palace of Justice, declined to comment, directing inquiries to his lawyer and referencing videos circulating on social media.
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Cutlass-wielding man invades Leonora Secondary School’s compound
A shocking incident unfolded at Leonora Secondary School on the West Coast Demerara when a man wielding a cutlass stormed the school compound, chasing students in a tense confrontation. According to the Guyana Police Force, the altercation began when a group of male students reportedly hurled bricks at three individuals passing by the school. In retaliation, one of the men, armed with a cutlass, entered the school premises, escalating the situation. A quick-thinking teacher intervened, successfully de-escalating the encounter and forcing the armed individual to leave the compound. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 12:30 PM on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Police later revisited the school to conduct follow-up investigations, collaborating with school officials and the Welfare Department. Preliminary findings suggest the altercation may have stemmed from a prior confrontation involving students. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.
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EC$46 million worth of cocaine seized in Dominica
In a landmark operation, the Dominica Police Force has made the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history, confiscating over 1,700 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding EC$46 million (approximately US$17 million). The seizure, part of the ongoing ‘Operation Clean Street,’ marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against drug trafficking. Acting Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette announced the breakthrough during a press conference, emphasizing the magnitude of the bust. ‘This is the largest haul ever recorded in Dominica, surpassing the 3,000 pounds seized in the early 1980s,’ Corbette stated. He praised the dedicated efforts of the officers involved, highlighting the critical impact of removing such a substantial quantity of cocaine from circulation. ‘This is EC$46 million that will not be used to harm our citizens. Cocaine is an extremely dangerous substance,’ he added. While Corbette did not confirm any arrests directly linked to the cocaine seizure, he revealed that 24 individuals—19 men and 5 women—had been detained as part of the broader operation. Authorities also confiscated significant amounts of cash, including over US$10,000, 800 Barbados dollars, 400 Euros, and EC$30,507, alongside an arsenal of firearms, including shotguns, pistols, and ammunition. The operation underscores Dominica’s commitment to combating organized crime and safeguarding public safety.
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VWA en IDB bespreken voortgang arbeidsmarktproject
Suriname’s Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), Raj Jadnanansing, recently hosted a delegation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), led by Margarita Hernandez, Chief of Operations. The meeting focused on the progress of the Labor Market Alignment with New Industries project, a collaborative initiative launched in August 2023 with IDB funding. The project aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while aligning education and training with labor market demands. A key milestone is the establishment of a modern Employment Services Center at the VWA headquarters on Lalla Rookhweg, offering accessible job placement, guidance, and training for job seekers, as well as streamlined recruitment for employers. The IDB reported that the procurement process for the center is nearing completion, with an expected launch by mid-2025. Additionally, the project emphasizes skill development in high-potential sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and ICT, equipping workers with practical, market-relevant expertise. Several training sessions have already been conducted, with more planned in the near future. The initiative is locally coordinated by the Labor Market Sub-Directorate under Naomi Esajas-Friperson. Deputy Minister Jadnanansing emphasized the importance of labor market reform for sustainable growth and social progress, stating, ‘This collaboration ensures Surinamese citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future.’
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Potworks Reservoir Holds 4–5 Months’ Supply, Says APUA
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has announced that the Potworks Reservoir currently holds enough water to meet the island’s needs for the next four to five months. As of October 17, the reservoir’s staff gauge recorded a water level of 12 feet, with the Water Business Unit distributing approximately one million imperial gallons daily to customers across the network. APUA remains hopeful that ongoing rainfall and runoff from the Liberta and All Saints areas will further enhance the reservoir’s capacity in the coming days. This optimistic outlook comes as a relief to residents, ensuring a stable water supply during the critical months ahead. APUA continues to monitor the situation closely, leveraging natural resources to maintain water security for the island.
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Backyard farming drive aims to empower vulnerable families
In a groundbreaking initiative to foster self-reliance and enhance food security, the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados has joined forces with the One Family Programme to empower vulnerable households through backyard farming. The collaboration was officially launched at a ceremony held at the ministry’s Graeme Hall headquarters on Friday, coinciding with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and following World Food Day. The event marked the symbolic presentation of two grow boxes, which will serve as the foundation for a broader community-driven effort to encourage sustainable food production. Senior Agricultural Officer Bret Taylor emphasized the practicality of the initiative, noting that each grow box can yield up to 25 to 30 heads of lettuce, alongside herbs and peppers, demonstrating the potential of small spaces for diverse crop cultivation. “This initiative is designed to show households how they can achieve self-sufficiency,” Taylor explained. “It’s about maximizing limited space to grow a variety of crops, fostering both nutrition and independence.” Nicole Daniel, social development project manager with the One Family Programme, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership. “These grow boxes are more than just containers of soil and seedlings—they are powerful tools for empowerment, teaching families that even the smallest spaces can yield meaningful results,” she said. The programme, which supports 1,000 of the most vulnerable families in Barbados, aims to transition participants from dependency to independence through mentorship, training, and community support. The initial phase of the project will involve 50 families, selected for their interest and aptitude in gardening, with technical assistance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture. Daniel also revealed that 25 barrels, donated by pharmaceutical supplier Aventa Barbados (formerly Collins Limited), will be utilized in the initiative. Beyond improving household nutrition, the project seeks to strengthen community bonds by encouraging families to share and trade their produce. “When one family plants a seed, another can help it grow,” Daniel said. “This exchange of resources—whether it’s thyme for lettuce or peppers for herbs—embodies the spirit of empowerment that defines the One Family Programme.”