A man and his female companion are currently hospitalized after being shot during an alleged robbery attempt at Fort James Beach late Thursday night. According to ABS News, the incident occurred around 11:30 pm when the couple was in a rented vehicle on the beach. Approximately three gunmen approached them, and as the man attempted to drive away, the assailants opened fire. The man sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder, while the woman was shot in one of her hands. Despite their injuries, the man managed to drive both himself and his companion to the hospital, where they are now receiving medical attention. Reports indicate that the vehicle bears at least three bullet marks. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or Crimestoppers at 800-8477.
分类： society
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National District Mayor’s Office receives international recognition from World Urban Parks Association
Santo Domingo’s Fernández Environmental Project and Park has been honored with the Outstanding New Park Project Award for the Latin American Region at the World Urban Parks International Awards. This accolade, presented in Istanbul, Turkey, recognizes the park’s innovative and sustainable design, which has significantly impacted the local community. The project, spearheaded by National District Mayor Carolina Mejía, transformed a 19,000-square-meter area in the Fernández Urbanization by rehabilitating a lagoon and constructing a new park. This initiative not only resolved a longstanding 25-year stormwater drainage issue but also contributed to the development of over 205 parks and plazas under Mejía’s administration, fostering a healthier and more organized Santo Domingo. The award was accepted by Elizabeth Mateo, who led the Dominican delegation and expressed gratitude on behalf of Mayor Mejía. Selected from more than 100 international submissions, the Fernández Park was lauded for its excellence, innovation, and environmental commitment, further solidifying Santo Domingo’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.
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Police foil significant alleged ATM Card fraud scheme
In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, law enforcement agencies in St. Kitts and Nevis have successfully dismantled a sophisticated ATM card fraud operation. The joint operation, involving multiple agencies, led to the seizure of electronic devices, ATM cards, and a substantial amount of cash. Authorities executed a search warrant at a residential property, uncovering evidence linked to the alleged scam. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirmed the arrests of three Brazilian nationals—Lilian Camila Da Silva, Arthur Lessa Camilo Vieira, and Petrus Pereira Wienen Filho—on charges related to computer fraud and illegal possession of electronic devices. The trio was formally charged on October 8, 2025, at the Basseterre Police Station for importing and possessing illegal ATM cards intended for credit card skimming. The alleged fraudulent activities took place between October 4 and 5, 2025. The RSCNPF emphasized its dedication to combating cyber and financial crimes, urging businesses and individuals to remain vigilant against suspicious electronic transactions. ATM card fraud has become a growing concern in the region, with local banks repeatedly warning customers about the risks. Despite these efforts, tracking such crimes remains challenging, as they are often categorized under broader larceny statistics. The ongoing multi-agency investigation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing modern cyber threats.
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Parlacen honors Fray Antonio de Montesinos for defense of Indigenous rights
In a significant historical tribute, the Commission on Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of Parlacen commemorated Fray Antonio de Montesinos (1475-1540), a Spanish Dominican missionary renowned for his groundbreaking 1511 Advent sermon. Delivered merely nineteen years after the discovery of the Americas, Montesinos’ sermon was a bold denunciation of the mistreatment of indigenous peoples on Hispaniola, advocating for their rights and dignity. His powerful message condemned the abuses of Spanish colonizers and called for adherence to principles of charity, justice, and Christian law in interactions with the native population. Montesinos’ advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping the Laws of Burgos (1512), enacted by King Ferdinand “The Catholic,” which aimed to regulate the treatment of indigenous peoples. His influence also extended to inspiring Bartolomé de las Casas, a fellow Dominican and lifelong defender of indigenous rights. The tribute took place at the Montesinos monument in Santo Domingo, a site inaugurated in 1983 and now a prominent tourist attraction. Angola Didiez, president of the Parlacen commission, led the event, emphasizing Montesinos as a historic figure who “marked a before and after” in the fight for human dignity.
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SSA ‘wildcat strike’ prompts workers, management to review incentive scheme
Tensions between workers and management at the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) in Barbados are being urgently addressed following a recent wildcat strike that disrupted refuse collection services across the island. The dispute centers around a performance incentive scheme tied to specific operational goals, which workers claim has been unfairly implemented. Discussions, currently at a sensitive stage, aim to determine whether changes to the scheme are necessary. A source close to the talks revealed that the industrial action was prompted by dissatisfaction with the payments made under the scheme, despite targets not being met. In July, refuse collectors protested the amounts paid and other working conditions, leading to a stoppage that left collection vehicles idle and raised concerns about service disruptions. The performance allowance was paid even though only 34% of the targets were achieved, a decision management described as a gesture of good faith. Workers also raised issues regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and back pay. A follow-up meeting between the SSA and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has taken place, with both parties working to ensure alignment before the next payment cycle. SSA spokesman Carl Padmore confirmed the strike was in response to the incentive payments, emphasizing the scheme’s intent to motivate staff through clearly defined targets. While progress is being made, the situation remains delicate as both sides strive for a resolution.
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Het is niet het volk dat faalt, maar de politiek
For generations, the stereotype that ‘Surinamers are lazy’ has been deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. In recent years, another cliché has emerged: ‘Surinamers avoid entrepreneurship and prefer government jobs.’ However, it is time to challenge these narratives and recognize that the root of Suriname’s stagnation lies not with its people but with successive governments since 1975. Politicians often campaign on promises of fostering entrepreneurship, yet their actions frequently contradict these pledges. Behind the scenes, small and emerging businesses are discouraged or even dismantled to protect the interests of party sponsors and influential capitalists. What is most troubling is that the supporters of these political parties are often ordinary citizens—economically vulnerable and dependent individuals who may not fully grasp how their leaders systematically oppress them, sometimes even fueling division and racial tensions. As a society, we remain fixated on ethnic and political differences rather than addressing the true causes of our stagnation. If Suriname is to achieve genuine progress, its people—regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion—must hold their leaders accountable. Only by demanding responsibility for their policies and choices can we build a fairer and more prosperous Suriname. Sranan sa wini!
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Businesses continue free plastic bag distribution despite law deadline
In Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic faces significant challenges in enforcing the Law on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste (Law No. 225-20), despite its October 2, 2025, deadline for compliance. Many businesses continue to distribute plastic bags for free, directly violating the regulation. The law also bans the use of expanded polystyrene (foam) containers for food and beverages, mandating a shift to sustainable alternatives within five years. However, most supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail outlets have yet to meet this requirement. Article 172 of the law emphasizes the transition to reusable or biodegradable bags to combat environmental pollution, foster responsible consumption, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Producers are required to participate in extended responsibility programs and use oxodegradable or biodegradable materials, while businesses must provide recyclable, eco-efficient bags with environmental awareness messaging. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked with conducting annual evaluations to ensure compliance. Lawmakers have debated extending the deadline by another five years to accommodate small and medium-sized businesses, but President Luis Abinader rejected the proposal, supporting industrial and environmental groups advocating for strict enforcement. Although the Senate announced plans to review a modified proposal, progress remains stalled. Environmental organizations are urging immediate sanctions and stronger policies to curb single-use plastics and ensure adherence to the law.
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iciHaiti – Chile : AGCID South-South Cooperation Scholarships, registrations open
The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 South-South Cooperation Scholarship Program, facilitated by the Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID). This initiative aims to bolster human capital development by enabling professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean to pursue master’s degrees at Chilean universities. The program underscores Chile’s commitment to fostering educational and professional growth across the region. Applicants must meet several requirements, including securing a letter of admission from a Chilean university, providing a validated medical certificate, submitting a detailed curriculum vitae, and crafting a compelling cover letter. Additionally, candidates must present a brief description of their intended field of study and thesis topic, a Spanish language certificate, and an academic letter of recommendation. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Katherine Oliveri Astorga, Head of Studies in Chile, for further details. Applications must be submitted electronically to both the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (Focal Point) and the Embassy of Chile in Haiti by October 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Successful candidates will be notified in November 2025, with courses commencing between March 1 and September 30, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official AGCID website.
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Guyana joins Early Warning System to tackle “new psychoactive substances”
Guyana has taken a significant step in the fight against New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by launching its Early Warning System (EWS) on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by Curt Richards, Head of the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN), aims to intercept and reduce the use of these synthetic drugs, which mimic traditional narcotics like marijuana and cocaine but often evade legal classification and detection. The EWS will connect law enforcement, health, and forensic sectors in real time, enabling rapid information sharing and proactive measures to prevent the spread of these substances. James Singh, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), emphasized that the system is designed to anticipate and prevent harm rather than react after the fact. The EWS aligns with international best practices and involves collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Forensic Sciences Laboratory, the Ministry of Health, and international partners such as the Organisation of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and Italy. Pernell Clarke, a CICAD Specialist, highlighted the evolving nature of the Caribbean’s drug trade, noting the increasing presence of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, which are often mixed with other substances, leading to overdoses and deaths. Guyana’s EWS launch follows similar initiatives in six other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and Jamaica, where synthetic drugs have already caused significant public health issues. The government of Guyana has pledged to sustain the EWS as a permanent tool for national safety and regional cooperation.
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Kind overlijdt na familiedrama aan de Cocobiacoweg
A harrowing family tragedy unfolded on Thursday evening around 8:48 PM on Cocobiacoweg, leaving a community in shock. Authorities received an urgent report of a man allegedly assaulting his wife and children while armed with a knife. Upon arrival, police officers and emergency medical personnel encountered a devastating scene. A one-year-old infant had sustained stab wounds and, despite immediate medical intervention, succumbed to the injuries. The suspect, identified as the child’s father, was apprehended at the scene. The mother and any other potential victims were swiftly attended to by emergency services. In response to the incident, relevant agencies, including Youth Care and Victim Support, were promptly mobilized. Law enforcement officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.