In a tragic incident on Saturday night, a Haitian man identified only as ‘Blanco’ lost his life after being brutally attacked by a mob in the Gozuela area of Pepillo Salcedo municipality, Manzanillo. The incident occurred on a rice farm in the Santa María district, near the Dominican-Haitian border. According to the National Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (Dicrim) in Montecristi, the man allegedly attempted to rob a group of Haitians crossing into Dominican territory, which incited the violent response from the crowd. Dr. Rosibel Grullón, the medical examiner, confirmed that the victim succumbed to severe head trauma. Local residents revealed that the deceased had a reputation for targeting other migrants who used unofficial border crossings. Following the incident, judicial and police authorities transferred the body to the Padre Fantino Hospital morgue before sending it to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago for an autopsy. Prosecutor Francis Alexander de Jesús Peña Sabés has initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details of the case and assign accountability.
分类： society
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Duggins commends farmers and fishers for strengthening agricultural sustainability
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — As the 2025 Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) concluded, Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, lauded the tireless efforts of local farmers and fishers in bolstering agricultural sustainability and resilience. Addressing Parliament on October 6, Duggins emphasized the often-overlooked contributions of farmers in securing food stability. ‘It is crucial for me, as a minister, to publicly acknowledge their efforts, offer my support, and highlight to St. Kitts, Nevis, and the world the strength of our farming community,’ he stated. Duggins also praised the organizers of the CWA, which gathered agricultural experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and globally. ‘Last week, the region united to discuss agricultural advancements. Countries like Argentina, Canada, and Nigeria were particularly impressed by the progress in St. Kitts and Nevis,’ he noted. Additionally, Duggins honored Dr. Jerome Thomas for initiating the Agricultural Open Day, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. ‘This year’s Open Day showcased the vitality of St. Kitts’ agriculture in grand fashion,’ he remarked. The minister also extended gratitude to fishers for their unwavering commitment to providing fresh seafood. ‘I commend them for braving the waves daily to sustain our food supply,’ Duggins concluded, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the agricultural community’s dedication.
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Haitians protest tax withholding at Codevi free trade zone
In a significant development at the Codevi free trade zone, located near the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, hundreds of Haitian workers organized a peaceful demonstration to voice their opposition to the industrial park’s decision to withhold taxes at the request of the Haitian government. The protest, which unfolded without violence, prompted the evacuation of Dominican personnel from the area. In response, the National Police of the Dominican Republic heightened security measures on their side of the border to ensure stability and prevent any potential escalation. According to Goidy Reyes, a correspondent from RC Noticias, an urgent meeting has been scheduled to address the grievances and facilitate the swift return of workers to their jobs. The situation underscores the ongoing economic and political tensions between the two neighboring nations, particularly concerning labor rights and cross-border trade policies.
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FestiCafé 2025 to highlight Polo’s organic coffee
The picturesque municipality of Polo in Barahona is gearing up to host the 17th Organic Coffee Festival (FestiCafé 2025) from October 24 to 26. This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s coffee-growing heritage, serves as a platform to celebrate organic coffee production, foster international partnerships, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s festival will spotlight innovation in coffee production, featuring exhibitions by local and international producers, thought-provoking keynote lectures, and expert panels on topics such as sustainability, market expansion, and technological advancements. The event aims to highlight the superior quality of Polo’s organic coffee, bolster its production chain, and enhance its global presence. Costa Rica has been invited as the guest country, while San José de Ocoa will be recognized as the special guest province, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among coffee-growing communities. FestiCafé 2025 will also pay tribute to the late Luisa Feliz (Mamá Gueda), a revered community leader and co-founder of the festival, through music and cultural performances that honor her enduring legacy. With support from the Presidency of the Republic, INDOCAFÉ, FEDA, and local institutions, the festival cements Polo and the Enriquillo region as a beacon of organic coffee, cultural richness, and sustainable development on both national and international stages.
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Attorney Criticizes Delay in Inquest Into Death of Jamaican Inmate at Antigua Prison
Attorney Wendell Alexander has voiced strong criticism over the prolonged delay in conducting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Jamaican national Chinley Robinson, who died under suspicious circumstances in an Antigua prison earlier this year. Robinson, who was remanded in December 2024 on charges of stealing a $400 cell phone, was found unresponsive in his cell in January 2025. Initial reports suggested he may have been strangled, and a post-mortem examination later confirmed the cause of death as anoxia, trauma to the neck, and cardiac failure. Alexander, representing Robinson’s family, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from authorities, stating that the delay has left the family “in the dark for months” and eroded public trust in the justice system. He emphasized that high-profile cases like this should be handled swiftly to ensure accountability. The delay, he argued, not only prolongs the family’s suffering but also undermines confidence in law enforcement. Alexander also highlighted systemic issues, noting that in other cases, he has had to seek High Court orders to compel inquests after delays of up to five years. Robinson’s death has raised broader concerns about prison oversight at His Majesty’s Prison, where he was reportedly sharing a cell with another inmate, who has since been released. Superintendent of Prisons Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged that while the facility conducts hourly checks after lockdown at 4:30 p.m., incidents may not always be detected immediately. He added that additional training is being provided to recruits to enhance security. As of now, neither the Coroner’s Office nor the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has provided an official update on the inquest or its findings. Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on its outcome.
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Neil Peter Fatally Shot in Morne Serpent
Neil Peter, a 35-year-old resident of Morne Serpent, tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting incident on October 5 in the Gros Islet community. Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 8:10 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Responding officers from the Gros Islet Police Station and the Major Crimes Unit discovered Peter’s body with multiple gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner at the scene confirmed his death. Peter was well-known in the area for his dedication to beekeeping, a passion he had cultivated over the past several years. The local community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a man who contributed positively to their environment. Investigators are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Gros Islet Police Station at 456-3830 or the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3756.
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Abinader announces RD$2 billion investment in sports infrastructure funded by recovered corruption assets
In a landmark announcement, President Luis Abinader and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz unveiled a transformative investment of two billion pesos aimed at revitalizing sports infrastructure in La Vega province and 27 municipalities. This unprecedented initiative, funded by assets recovered from corruption cases, signifies a pivotal step in leveraging public funds to enhance sports, health, and cultural facilities nationwide. Abinader underscored that this marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable development across all regions of the Dominican Republic.
Minister Cruz elaborated on the ambitious plan, which includes the construction of 25 new roofed sports centers in municipalities currently lacking such amenities. La Vega will witness the creation of the state-of-the-art La Vega Arena, capable of accommodating 4,500 spectators, alongside the refurbishment of the local baseball stadium and the transformation of the Fernando Teruel Sports Center into a dedicated Volleyball Palace. Additionally, the project encompasses the reconstruction of a World Athletics-certified athletics track, the renovation of the Olympic swimming pool, and upgrades to handball and tennis courts.
The initiative extends its reach to San Juan de la Maguana and San Pedro de Macorís, where major sports complexes will undergo extensive renovations, including the addition of pavilions for wrestling, karate, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Cruz emphasized that this endeavor is not merely a promise but a tangible reality in progress, expressing gratitude to President Abinader for converting recovered assets into meaningful opportunities for youth and communities.
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Venezuelan man chopped during brawl
A violent altercation at a bar in Best Village, West Coast Demerara, Guyana, left a Venezuelan man with severe injuries on the morning of Sunday, October 5, 2025. The victim, identified as Geraldy Angel, was allegedly attacked by a group of fellow Venezuelans during the brawl. According to police reports, the incident escalated around 12:30 a.m. when an argument broke out between a Venezuelan woman, Alianda Martin, and her husband, Osmel Figuera, who were drinking at the bar with family members. The dispute quickly turned physical, with several men joining the fight. One of the assailants, armed with a cutlass, reportedly struck Angel in the left thigh, causing significant injury. Angel was immediately rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he received medical treatment and was admitted in stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made, although several individuals have been questioned by authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to piece together the events leading to the violent encounter.
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Facts over fear: A look at the real numbers with my Bajan family
As Barbados steps into a new chapter of its history, concerns about the influx of skilled professionals from other CARICOM nations have been met with official data that tells a story of balance, leadership, and sustainable growth. Julian Rogers MBE, a veteran Caribbean broadcaster, addresses these concerns by presenting findings from the Barbados Accreditation Council, which highlight the country’s role as a regional leader in facilitating skilled movement. Between 2016 and 2024, Barbados issued 2,869 Skills Certificates to both Barbadians and other CARICOM nationals, while verifying only 877 certificates for professionals coming to work in the country. This ratio of three incoming professionals for every ten outgoing ones underscores Barbados’ high standards and its contribution to regional capacity building. The data also reveals that the number of skilled nationals entering Barbados averages just 97 per year, a manageable and sustainable figure that dispels fears of overwhelming the job market or social services. Furthermore, Barbadians have actively utilized the CARICOM Skilled Nationals programme to pursue opportunities abroad, with 582 certificates issued to Barbadians between 2016 and 2019 alone. Rogers emphasizes that the system fosters a multi-directional exchange of talent, promoting regional integration and growth. As Barbados navigates this new era, the facts point to a balanced and promising reality, encouraging confidence over anxiety and a clear understanding of the country’s leadership role in the Caribbean community.
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Woman Mauled by Four Pit Bulls Days Before UWI FIC Graduation
A promising young woman’s life took a tragic turn just days before her graduation when she was viciously attacked by four pit bulls at a family residence in Antigua. Shabo Nedwell, 27, who had recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, was visiting her aunt’s home on Saturday afternoon when the incident occurred. According to a family member, Nedwell was in the living room conversing with her uncle when the dogs suddenly charged from the hallway and mauled her. The attack left her with severe injuries to her legs, hands, and face, including the loss of half her lip. Despite her critical condition, Nedwell managed to drive herself to the hospital, where she received emergency treatment, including stitches. Doctors have indicated that she will require reconstructive surgery once her wounds heal. Family members revealed that the pit bulls belonged to Nedwell’s aunt, who had reportedly ignored multiple warnings about the dogs’ aggressive behavior. Neighbors intervened during the attack to rescue Nedwell, while the aunt allegedly removed the dogs from the property afterward. The incident has left Nedwell physically and emotionally scarred, forcing her to miss her graduation ceremony. Her family is now urging authorities to locate and remove the dogs to prevent further tragedies. Police have yet to confirm whether an investigation is underway.