Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has undergone a significant transformation with the completion of an extensive urban renewal project, spearheaded by Tourism Minister David Collado. The initiative, valued at over RD$103 million, has revitalized 11 streets in the historic district, enhancing accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall visitor experience. Executed by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), the project includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and pavements across 17 streets, alongside drainage improvements, new signage, and universal access ramps. Minister Collado emphasized that the Colonial City, a key attraction for approximately 8% of the Dominican Republic’s tourists, will remain fully accessible throughout December to ensure uninterrupted tourism and local commerce. The project also extends its benefits to neighboring areas such as San Lázaro and San Miguel, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. Collado highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve the historic charm of the Colonial City while positioning it as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
分类： society
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Relief Supplies Dispatched for Belizean Students After Storm Hits Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture & Immigration, has mobilized urgent relief supplies for approximately 75 Belizean students stranded in Jamaica and Santiago de Cuba. The aid package includes essential hygiene products and canned food, delivered via a Jamaica Defence Force aircraft that had sought refuge in Belize during the storm. Coordination of the distribution in Jamaica is being managed by Ms. Elecif Arthurs, Belize’s honorary consul in Kingston, while the Belizean Embassy in Havana is overseeing support efforts for students in Cuba. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca expressed gratitude to Jamaica for safeguarding Belizean students during the hurricane and reiterated Belize’s unwavering commitment to their safety. The ministry has confirmed that all Belizean students in both countries have been accounted for. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwest coast with sustained winds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall, is considered the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in recent history. The hurricane caused extensive damage, including widespread power outages, severe flooding, and the collapse of critical infrastructure across western Jamaica. This relief initiative comes amid public criticism in Belize regarding the perceived lack of immediate support for students in Jamaica following the disaster.
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President Simons bezoekt scholen voor kinderen met speciale hulpvraag
President Jennifer Simons emphasized the importance of inclusivity and support for children with special needs during her recent visit to several institutions dedicated to their care. On Thursday, the head of state toured Stichting Matoekoe, the Blindencentrum, the Kennedyschool, and the Mytylschool, where she expressed her deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of these organizations.
President Simons highlighted the indispensable role these institutions play in society, ensuring that children with special needs receive the support they deserve for a dignified life. Her visit aligns with her broader vision of personally engaging with schools to understand their challenges and collaboratively address them. ‘I believe in giving personal attention. That way, we can tackle issues together,’ she stated. Despite their reliance on subsidies, the president was impressed by the institutions’ ability to maintain their facilities and develop impactful programs.
Simons also underscored her commitment to advocating for these organizations at the policy level, a sentiment echoed by Matoekoe’s director, Delano Hoogvliets. ‘Social institutions don’t always get what they ask for, but these schools are actively finding ways to keep their operations running,’ she noted.
The president pointed out a broader societal shortfall: ‘We, as a society, are not doing enough to guide these children toward adulthood where they can care for themselves. Independence, with some assistance, is crucial for everyone.’ As a gesture of appreciation, she presented each child with an envelope containing a Kirpalani voucher.
Simons also highlighted the achievements of individuals with disabilities within the government, emphasizing the importance of nurturing these children to lead fulfilling lives. ‘We must help those who cannot stand on their own—that’s how we show our humanity,’ she said. While some challenges can be resolved with targeted attention, she acknowledged that larger, structural issues need to be addressed through government policy.
Matoekoe, established in 1988, currently supports 42 children, 13 of whom reside permanently. Hoogvliets expressed gratitude for the president’s early visit, noting her long-standing support for the foundation. However, he identified funding as a persistent challenge, calling for improved subsidy alignment with institutional needs. ‘We hope to work with the president to enhance subsidies structurally, enabling better functionality for these organizations,’ he concluded.
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Robinson Cabrera criticizes Santiago City Council over severe flooding
Santiago de los Caballeros, a major city in the Dominican Republic, was hit by severe flooding on Thursday following heavy rainfall. The deluge inundated key streets and avenues, causing widespread disruption and damage. Robinson Cabrera, a councilman from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), publicly criticized the city’s inadequate urban planning and poor maintenance of drainage systems. Cabrera described the situation as unprecedented, stating, ‘Santiago is flooded like never before.’ He highlighted the extensive impact on homes, vehicles, and businesses, attributing the crisis to clogged storm drains and neglected catch basins. To illustrate the severity, Cabrera shared striking images on Instagram, depicting the city’s main roads transformed into rivers. In an official statement, he called on residents to assist by avoiding littering in public spaces but stressed that the primary responsibility lies with municipal authorities. The torrential rains submerged several neighborhoods, brought traffic to a standstill, and caused flooding in areas previously unaffected by such events. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the city’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
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Srefidensi-commissie biedt excuses aan en kondigt verbeterplan aan voor gymnastrade-oefeningen
The Srefidensi Committee has acknowledged significant organizational lapses during the preparations for the upcoming gymnastics parade, pledging to implement immediate improvements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The Commission for the 50th Anniversary of Constitutional Independence has issued a sincere apology to students, teachers, and parents for the inconveniences experienced during the rehearsal sessions. ‘We recognize the shortcomings in our planning and take full responsibility to address them swiftly and effectively. Our aim is to restore confidence and enthusiasm among all children participating in these special sporting preparations,’ the commission stated. To enhance the upcoming rehearsal days, the committee has increased the number of first aid personnel and supervisors. Schools will also provide additional staff to bolster student safety and care. The Police Training Center has made toilets available for the second rehearsal day, and from November 1st, eight to ten portable toilets will be strategically placed to ensure adequate sanitation facilities throughout the event. Furthermore, water distribution has been reorganized, with each student receiving a personal water bottle for better hydration. The commission has also urged parents to ensure their children wear hats or head coverings for sun protection and to pack extra snacks, drinks, and a spare water bottle in a small backpack. ‘These small measures can significantly impact the children’s well-being,’ the committee emphasized. ‘We are working diligently to normalize the situation and hope to embody the spirit of Srefidensi through unity, trust, and pride in our youth.’
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The humanity of a revolution stands up
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has initiated a comprehensive tour of Holguín, one of the regions most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane in Cuba’s recorded meteorological history. Accompanied by key government officials, including Roberto Morales Ojeda, head of the Political-Ideological Work Body, and several deputy prime ministers, Díaz-Canel assessed the extensive damage and coordinated recovery efforts. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, including flooding, uprooted trees, and submerged villages, displacing thousands of residents. During his visit to the José Martí Pre-University Vocational Institute of Exact Sciences (IPVCE), which has sheltered 321 evacuees, the president emphasized the importance of prioritizing life and ensuring the safe return of displaced families to their homes. He also highlighted the resilience of the community and the effective response of local authorities. The president’s itinerary included visits to critical infrastructure, such as the Providencia photovoltaic solar park and the Vladimir Ilich Lenin General Hospital, both of which withstood the hurricane’s impact. Díaz-Canel underscored the need for organized and responsible recovery efforts, particularly in agriculture and housing, and commended the collaborative work of various government bodies. The provincial leadership, led by Joel Queipo Ruiz, reported significant challenges, including crop losses and damaged communications, but reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and accelerating recovery.
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Education : Patriotic appeal to the Haitian scientific community in the diaspora
In a bold move to revitalize Haiti’s education system, Augustin Antoine, the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Haitian scientific community abroad. The minister’s call seeks to transform the nation’s ‘brain drain’ into a ‘return of knowledge,’ fostering a renewed connection between Haitian researchers at home and those in the diaspora. This initiative aims to integrate research into Haiti’s public policies, economy, governance, and culture, ultimately building a ‘Haiti of knowledge.’
Despite ongoing efforts, Haiti’s university system continues to grapple with significant challenges, including insufficient research, funding shortages, lack of scientific supervision, and outdated infrastructure. The recently established Public Universities in the Regions (UPRs) are particularly in need of technical support, mentorship, international partnerships, and sustainable resources to strengthen their operations and contribute to national development.
Minister Antoine envisions the Haitian scientific diaspora playing a pivotal role in this transformation, not only as intellectual collaborators but also as strategic supporters of the National Education Fund (FNE), a cornerstone of the country’s public education policy. The Ministry plans to create a structured program of scientific and academic cooperation, enabling Haitian researchers abroad to contribute in three key areas: training teachers and school administrators, supporting the Departmental Directorates of Education (DDEs), and aiding the UPRs in research, innovation, and institutional development.
This initiative represents more than just a resource-gathering effort; it is a call to unite the Haitian national community around a shared vision of knowledge, excellence, and progress. Minister Antoine’s appeal emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the identity of the Haitian scientific diaspora as the ‘voice, strength, and light’ of a resilient Haiti that continues to believe in its potential and refuses to surrender to adversity.
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BUT lobbying for cleaner schools
Julian Pierre, First Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Chairman of its Occupational Safety and Health Committee, has reiterated the urgent need for a standardized industrial cleaning schedule across all public schools. This appeal follows the repeated closure of Deacons Primary School due to a persistent rodent infestation. Speaking to Barbados TODAY during the union’s Professional Development Workshop at Sky Mall, Pierre highlighted that Deacons Primary School was forced to shut down twice in one week—on Monday and again on Thursday—due to the ongoing issue. He also revealed that St Matthew’s Primary School faced similar challenges in recent weeks. Pierre emphasized that while industrial cleaning was conducted at Deacons Primary School, rodent droppings were still found in several areas, underscoring the need for thorough and consistent cleaning practices. He called on the Ministry of Educational Transformation to ensure that cleaning contractors adhere to stringent health and safety standards. Pierre acknowledged recent improvements in the management of the Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU), which has implemented rodent-proofing measures such as installing door sweeps and sealing gaps. However, he stressed the importance of establishing a formal maintenance schedule, particularly during school holidays, to prevent infestations and maintain healthy learning environments. Pierre noted that many older schools have not undergone deep cleaning in over a decade, with some never having received industrial cleaning at all. Despite these challenges, he commended the ETMU for its increased accountability and improved oversight of contractors. The Ministry of Education Transformation has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the latest closure of Deacons Primary School.
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Couple found dead in car was beaten, strangled
A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in the Fenton Mountains of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the bodies of a young couple were discovered in a car. The victims, identified as Kamalo Glasgow, 24, and Cassique Richards, aged 25-26, were found beaten and strangled, marking the 33rd homicide in the country this year. The discovery coincided with the nation’s 46th anniversary of independence from Britain, casting a somber shadow over the celebrations. Kamalo’s parents, Dalwin and Gailene Glasgow, expressed their anguish, struggling to comprehend the violent death of their son. Kamalo, a security guard, had recently begun dating Richards. The couple was last seen together on Monday morning after Kamalo dropped off his mother. When he failed to return home by 9 a.m., his family grew increasingly concerned. Initial reports suggested gunfire as the cause of death, but police later confirmed no spent shells were found in the vehicle. Autopsy results revealed Kamalo died from strangulation and a blow to the head, while Richards bore severe beatings. The Glasgow family, devastated by the loss, faces an uncertain path forward as they seek justice for their son.
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Verdachte van verduistering bij Suribet-shop betwist opgegeven bedrag
In a recent court hearing, the suspect, M.K., contested the alleged amount of money he is accused of embezzling. While M.K. claims the sum does not exceed SRD 50,000, the victim has asserted that the amount is ‘significantly larger.’ The case revolves around M.K.’s alleged unauthorized use of his workplace’s funds to play Suribet games on his phone between March and August of this year. Since the exact amount embezzled remains unclear, the Forensic Investigation Department has been tasked with analyzing the suspect’s phone for further evidence. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 9, during which surveillance footage will also be reviewed. M.K. remains in custody pending further proceedings.