A violent shooting incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon at the main campus of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), leaving several individuals injured, including a member of the university’s security team. The chaos erupted when an armed man, reportedly carrying a 12-gauge shotgun, entered the campus premises. Upon being confronted by university security personnel, the assailant opened fire, injuring at least two guards before fleeing the scene. The suspect was later apprehended by security forces at a nearby store and subsequently handed over to university authorities. The incident triggered widespread panic and confusion among students, faculty, and staff. Despite the gravity of the situation, a significant number of National Police officers who responded to the scene were unable to enter the campus due to restrictions imposed by university autonomy regulations, which limit police access to UASD grounds.
分类： society
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Bon Odori festival brings Japanese culture to life in Dajabón
The vibrant town of La Vigía in Dajabón recently hosted the Japanese Cultural Gathering ‘Bon Odori,’ a spectacular event that seamlessly blended Dominican and Japanese traditions. This celebration, held in the heart of the first Japanese colony in the Dominican Republic, was a feast for the senses, featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine that paid homage to both cultures. Attendees were treated to the thunderous beats of taiko drums, mesmerizing ancestral dances, and the sight of participants adorned in yukatas, all while indulging in authentic Japanese delicacies like sushi and curry under the soft glow of traditional lanterns. The festival also highlighted local handicrafts, offering a comprehensive cultural experience. Omar Mukai, president of the Association of Japanese Descendants, emphasized the event’s mission to preserve and share Japanese heritage, which has been an integral part of Dominican culture for nearly 70 years. The Bon Odori, traditionally celebrated during Japan’s Obon Festival, is a joyous occasion that honors the spirits of ancestors with gratitude. The event was organized by Mukai in collaboration with the Ecotourism Cluster of Dajabón, led by Kathia Sarit De Mukai.
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UNICEF donates safe space for migrant children and women
In a significant move to address the needs of vulnerable migrants, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has unveiled a new safe space designed specifically for children, adolescents, and pregnant or nursing women intercepted due to irregular immigration status. The facility, generously donated by UNICEF, is equipped to offer secure and comfortable conditions during the migration process. This initiative is part of a larger agreement that includes the establishment of three such centers, with one already operational in Dajabón and another under construction in Elías Piña. The combined investment for these projects exceeds 18.2 million Dominican pesos. Each center is thoughtfully designed with recreational areas, offices for psychosocial support, rest zones, accessibility features, and air conditioning to ensure the privacy, well-being, and protection of its users. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of UNICEF officials Geny Lozada and Yamira Cuesta, IOM representative Santos Miguel Román, CONANI official Natividad Rodríguez, and DGM representatives General Juan Carlos Vicente Pérez and Colonel Manuel Carrasco Guerrero.
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Unchecked coastal projects threaten Barbados’ identity, says UN youth advisor
A United Nations climate advisor has issued a stark warning about the rapid coastal development in Barbados, emphasizing that the construction of new hotels and high-rise condominiums is eroding the island’s natural character. Speaking at the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo, Ashley Lashley, a prominent environmental advocate, criticized the prioritization of profit over sustainability, calling for a fundamental shift in how progress is measured.
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Another historic chapter for Fort Thomas as new site for transformative symbol of Love Museum and Monuments, celebrating Caribbean and global heritage
In a groundbreaking move for cultural preservation and tourism development, the historic Fort Thomas property in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, is set to become a world-class heritage destination. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew led the official ground-breaking ceremony for The Symbol of Love Museum and Monuments, a $30 million project poised to redefine the region’s tourism and cultural landscape. The initiative marks a significant milestone for the 8.7-acre site, which has remained dormant for over two decades since its acquisition by the government in 1999. Prime Minister Drew emphasized the project’s dual focus on preserving local heritage and fostering global connections. The development, led by Caribbean developer ABL Inc., will feature two flagship institutions: the Caribbean Museum of History and the International Museum. These museums will highlight the region’s resilience, creativity, and unity while showcasing its ties to global human progress. The site will also include botanical gardens, restaurants, cafés, and replicas of world heritage monuments, creating a seamless blend of education, culture, and leisure. The project, funded entirely through foreign direct investment, follows a lease-to-own model, ensuring accountability and local benefits. It will generate jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and renewed vitality for the Fortlands area. Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson praised the initiative for aligning with the Federation’s sustainable tourism agenda, emphasizing its potential to empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage. The development is expected to position Saint Kitts and Nevis as a regional hub for history, heritage, and human connection, further enhancing its reputation as an innovative and authentic tourism destination.
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Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Nevis Island Administration World Food Day Message 2025
On October 16, 2025, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives of the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, delivered a powerful message in observance of World Food Day. This annual event, established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, unites over 150 nations in addressing global food security and the fundamental right to nourishment for all. The theme for 2025, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,’ emphasizes the urgent need for global collaboration to transform agri-food systems and ensure sustainable access to healthy diets. This year’s theme also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the FAO, founded in 1945. Minister Evelyn highlighted the importance of partnerships across governments, organizations, and communities to tackle challenges such as conflict, climate change, and resource scarcity. He underscored the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to enhance food security on Nevis, stressing that collaboration is essential to achieving greater food sovereignty. The Minister called for strengthened ties with allied agencies, farmers, fishermen, and educational institutions to promote local production, climate-smart practices, and nutritional education. He urged Nevisians to support sustainable farming and fishing practices, reduce waste, and prioritize locally grown foods. Minister Evelyn concluded with a rallying cry for collective action, emphasizing that a better future for Nevis contributes to a healthier, more equitable world. ‘Hand in Hand, we can make a difference,’ he declared, wishing everyone a Happy World Food Day 2025.
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Police concerned about violence in schools
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking to iWitness News, Bailey highlighted the urgent need for young people to adopt de-escalation strategies, noting that impulsive behavior often leads to severe consequences. He revealed that a significant portion of these incidents involve young girls, though boys are also culpable. Bailey’s remarks followed a recent stabbing at North Union Secondary School, where a 15-year-old student was critically injured by a 16-year-old classmate. The incident underscores the growing problem of school violence, with reports emerging almost weekly. Bailey emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging parents, counselors, and community institutions to play a proactive role in guiding students. He stressed that addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into serious offenses is crucial for rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Bailey called for a collective effort to transform troubled youth into model citizens, advocating for counseling and support over punishment.
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Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice
Belize played a pivotal role at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, in Punta Cana. The event, themed ‘Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development,’ brought together over 300 delegates from across the Americas, including government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives. The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, alongside key figures such as Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO, and Ms. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner. Representing employers was Ms. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), while Ms. Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), advocated for workers’ interests. The tripartite meeting focused on addressing critical labor issues, including job creation, social protection, and the transition from informal to formal employment. Delegates concluded the event by adopting the Punta Cana Declaration, a landmark commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and decent work. The declaration aligns with the ILO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle challenges such as inequality, informality, and climate-related employment shifts.
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Senators call on men to embrace new family leave rights
In a landmark move to redefine fatherhood and promote gender equality, Senators have urged men to fully utilize the newly passed Family Leave Bill. The legislation, described as a transformative opportunity, allows fathers to take three weeks of leave within the first six months of their child’s life, with at least two weeks to be used in the initial three months. Government Senator Lindell Nurse emphasized that this law is a call for men to embrace their roles as fathers, providing emotional support to mothers and fostering stronger family bonds. He cautioned against misusing the leave for leisure, stressing its purpose in nurturing family life. Independent Senator Roshanana Trim highlighted the Bill’s broader cultural impact, framing it as a step toward liberating men from outdated notions of masculinity and enabling them to participate fully in caregiving. She noted that the Bill challenges traditional gender roles, fostering a more balanced and dignified family dynamic. Senator Andwele Boyce praised the legislation but pointed to systemic delays in the court system that often hinder fathers from being present in their children’s lives. He called for urgent reforms to address these inefficiencies, emphasizing the importance of strong family structures for national development. Boyce also commended private sector entities that already support family care responsibilities, urging others to follow suit. The Family Leave Bill is seen not just as legislative progress but as a cultural shift toward recognizing care as a shared human responsibility, reshaping modern family life for the better.
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Construction advances on Santo Domingo’s Sports Boardwalk ahead of 2026 Games
Santo Domingo is set to witness a transformative urban development with the ongoing construction of the Sports Boardwalk, a flagship initiative under the Santo Domingo Integrated Plan. Spearheaded by Mayor Carolina Mejía and supported by President Luis Abinader, this project aims to revitalize 1.7 kilometers of the city’s iconic seawall. The first phase of the endeavor focuses on creating a vibrant public space that combines sports, leisure, and community engagement. Betsy Luciano, supervisor of the Infrastructure Department, recently provided updates on the project, emphasizing the installation of bleachers, beach volleyball courts, and two terraced food courts. Additionally, plans include the development of outdoor sidewalks, benches, and streetlights to enhance accessibility and aesthetics. Construction engineer Jorge Lerebours outlined further enhancements, such as the expansion and renovation of the parking lot, alongside the construction of a soccer field, paddle tennis court, amphitheater, and skate park. Mayor Mejía has projected that a significant portion of the Sports Boardwalk will be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Central American and Caribbean Games, marking a milestone in the city’s urban renewal efforts.