The Isabel Aguiar overpass, a significant infrastructure project in Santo Domingo, is officially set to open on Wednesday, October 8, following an 18-month construction period. Located at the intersection with 27 de Febrero, the overpass aims to address chronic traffic congestion in the Pintura zone. With a total cost exceeding 2 billion pesos, the project was meticulously supervised by Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella. The 480-meter structure is designed to accommodate 70,000 vehicles daily, facilitating smoother travel from Pintura to Plaza de la Bandera. The overpass features five lanes—three east-west and two west-east—constructed with reinforced concrete, New Jersey-type walls, and post-tensioned beam bridges, enabling vehicles to travel at 50 km/h without traffic lights. Additionally, the project is expected to reduce travel times between Santo Domingo Oeste, the south, and the National District by up to 40%, while providing direct connections to the 6 de Noviembre Highway and the 27 de Febrero Extension. Minister Estrella also announced that the overpass will be complemented by a trench at Plaza de la Bandera, slated for completion by mid-2026, offering a long-term solution to traffic woes. The construction was funded through the Aerodom contract, with a focus on timely payments and efficient execution.
分类： society
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Rescued anteater in Verón to be exhibited at National Zoo after recovery
An anteater, recently rescued while crossing a street in Verón, La Altagracia, is set to make its public debut at the National Zoological Park as early as next week. Nayib Emilio Aude Díaz, the park’s director, revealed that the animal’s origins remain a mystery, as there are no official records of its entry with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Authorities suspect it may have been smuggled or arrived as a stowaway. Upon its arrival, the anteater was found to be underweight, dehydrated, and stressed, prompting immediate medical attention and a quarantine period for recovery. The zoo team is now actively searching for a potential mate to ensure the animal’s long-term well-being. Belonging to the order Pilosa, anteaters are native to South and Central America and are renowned for their distinctive elongated snouts and specialized tongues, which are perfectly adapted for feeding on ants and termites. Beyond their unique physical traits, these mammals play a vital ecological role by regulating insect populations, aerating soil through their foraging activities, and contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. Their presence highlights the critical importance of biodiversity and the intricate connections between species within natural habitats.
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Rafael Alburquerque warns employers exploiting Haitian workers to avoid payments
In a recent interview on the program *Esto no tiene nombre*, Rafael Alburquerque, a labor law expert and former Vice President of the Dominican Republic, denounced the unethical practices of certain employers who exploit Haitian workers and subsequently seek their deportation to evade paying labor benefits. Alburquerque labeled these actions as abusive and illegal, highlighting their detrimental impact on both the affected workers and the nation’s global reputation. He emphasized that such practices undermine the principles of legality, respect, and accountability that should govern labor relations. Alburquerque also addressed the 80-20 rule in Dominican labor law, which requires that at least 80% of a company’s workforce be Dominican. While exceptions are permitted for industries like construction and agriculture, he argued that the process for granting these exceptions should be managed by the Ministry of Labor in collaboration with employers, unions, and the National Migration Institute, rather than being solely at the discretion of the President. Furthermore, he called on the government to enhance oversight mechanisms to ensure that employers fulfill their obligations toward foreign workers. Alburquerque warned that failing to address these issues could lead to international complaints and damage the country’s standing. He concluded by stressing the importance of balancing national interests with the protection of human rights in the hiring of Haitian labor.
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Hispanic Community Grieves Loss of DR Worker Killed in Farm Accident
The Hispanic community in Antigua and Barbuda is grappling with profound grief and shock following the untimely death of 23-year-old Michael Alexander Garcia, a Dominican national who lost his life in a tragic farm accident over the weekend. Garcia, a young father of one, had moved to Antigua in pursuit of better opportunities and was widely admired for his unwavering work ethic and warm demeanor. Residents of the Point area, where Garcia resided, gathered in somber groups on Sunday to mourn the loss of a man they described as ambitious and hardworking. The neighborhood was enveloped in a heavy silence as friends and acquaintances struggled to come to terms with the sudden tragedy. Garcia had been employed at a farm in the Dam Estate area at the time of the fatal incident. The head of the Spanish community in Antigua expressed the deep impact of Garcia’s death on local Dominican nationals, who have rallied to support his grieving family, including his young daughter. Community members have been visiting his home to offer condolences and assistance, highlighting the solidarity within the Hispanic community. The tragedy has also underscored the risks faced by migrant workers and the strong bonds that unite Antigua’s growing Hispanic population. Plans are underway to organize a memorial to honor Garcia’s life and contributions, ensuring his legacy is remembered.
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Saint Lucia to join forces with Dominica and SVG to transform classrooms through innovation
The Caribbean Innovation and Leadership Lab (CILL), in partnership with the Ministries of Education of Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is set to host the Caribbean Education Innovation Forum II. This pivotal event will take place from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Beachcombers Hotel in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. Under the theme ‘Unlocking Full Potential: Transforming Education Through Innovation, Equity, and Insight,’ the forum aims to bring together educators, school leaders, and ministry officials to foster transformative change in Caribbean education systems. Attendees will explore teacher-led innovations, share evidence-based practices, and develop inclusive strategies to enhance equity in classrooms across the region. The Saint Lucia delegation will include Chief Education Officer Beverly Dieudonne, Education Officers Jean Jeriffe and Marie George-Arlain, and representatives from prominent schools such as Carmen Rene Memorial and Dennery Primary. Participants from the three nations will engage in role-based sessions, innovation showcases, and collaborative dialogues, with a particular focus on improving teacher–student relationships and scaling successful educational models through ministry support. This forum is a cornerstone of the Full Potential Program (FPP), a 2024–2027 initiative funded by GPE KIX, which seeks to strengthen equity and inclusion by empowering educators to design, test, and implement low-cost, locally tailored classroom innovations. The program is driving collaboration and capacity-building to improve teaching, learning, and student well-being across the Eastern Caribbean.
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Bishop Charlesworth Browne Escapes Frightening ATM Encounter
Bishop Charlesworth Browne, the prominent leader of the Christian Ministries Center, expressed gratitude to God following a harrowing incident at a Village Walk ATM on Sunday evening. The clergyman, who was unharmed but visibly shaken, recounted the events to Antigua.news, describing the encounter as ‘sobering.’
Browne revealed that he had stopped to make a deposit around 7:30 p.m., despite an uneasy feeling. Moments after completing his transaction, the ATM door was forcefully burst open by a young man who aggressively entered the space. Outside, two vehicles blocked Browne’s exit, and one individual fled the scene when the bishop reached for his phone.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about ATM safety, particularly after dark. Browne urged residents to exercise caution and avoid using ATMs during nighttime hours, citing a surge in robbery reports across the area. ‘I thank God — it could have been worse. We need to be vigilant and watchful,’ he emphasized.
This alarming event has reignited calls for enhanced ATM security measures and greater community awareness during evening hours. Local authorities are being urged to address the growing issue of crime in public spaces, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
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Missing Barnes Hill Teen Found Safe and Reunited With Family
The Barnes Hill community in Antigua experienced a wave of relief on Monday as 15-year-old Dejahnique Charles, who had been reported missing, was safely located and reunited with her family. The teenager had disappeared on Saturday afternoon after leaving her home to attend the Mega Bounce event, sparking immediate concern among her family and friends. Her disappearance prompted an island-wide search effort, with relatives, neighbors, and local authorities mobilizing to find her. The search gained momentum through social media, where countless citizens shared posts and appeals for information. The collaborative effort culminated in her discovery, bringing the ordeal to a positive conclusion. Dejahnique’s family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the police and the community members who played a pivotal role in ensuring her safe return. This incident highlights the power of community solidarity and the effectiveness of social media in mobilizing resources during emergencies. While the details of her disappearance remain unclear, her safe return has been celebrated as a testament to collective action and vigilance.
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Post-Mortem Conducted on Slain Businessman George “Charlie” Barnes
Authorities have confirmed the completion of a post-mortem examination on the body of George ‘Charlie’ Barnes, a prominent businessman who was tragically killed in Antigua and Barbuda. The examination, conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Petra Miller-Nanton on September 29, has yet to reveal its findings as the homicide investigation remains ongoing. Barnes, a 74-year-old gas station owner, was shot outside his home on Nugent Street, Ottos Newtown, on September 12. Reports suggest that an unidentified assailant approached him shortly after he arrived home and fired a fatal shot to his chest before fleeing the scene. The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Barnes was highly regarded for his dedication and generosity. Investigators are actively pursuing multiple leads but have not yet established a motive for the crime. The public is urged to provide any relevant information by contacting the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
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Police Investigate Pit Bull Attack That Injured Cashew Hill Woman
A violent pit bull attack has left 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell from Cashew Hill hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon while Nedwell was visiting relatives in Skerritt’s Pasture. According to reports, the attack began shortly after she entered the house, leaving her with deep bite wounds on both legs and a severely injured lip. Family members and neighbors rushed to her aid, restraining the dogs and ensuring she received immediate medical attention. Nedwell was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where she remains in stable condition. Doctors have confirmed that her injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening. The incident has reignited public debate over the control of aggressive dog breeds and the responsibilities of pet owners to secure their animals. Police are currently investigating the attack, but no decisions have been made regarding the seizure of the dogs or potential charges. The case underscores the need for stricter regulations and awareness around the ownership of potentially dangerous pets.
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Special notice of road works on Valley Road North
Residents and commuters in Antigua are advised to prepare for temporary disruptions as C.O. Williams (Antigua) Limited undertakes essential road repairs on Valley Road North. The maintenance work, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, will continue throughout the week, affecting the stretch from Jolly Harbour to Antigua State College. During this period, single-lane traffic will be enforced daily from 8 am to 6 pm, potentially causing delays and inconvenience. Motorists are urged to adhere to traffic signs and follow the guidance of flag persons to ensure smooth navigation. Two-way traffic will be restored each night to minimize disruption. The repairs are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at enhancing road quality across Antigua and Barbuda. C.O. Williams has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages queries to be directed to their Project Office at 562-9573. This project underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.