In the wake of Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz has disclosed significant damage to approximately 650 kilometers of rural roads, particularly in the highland regions renowned for premium coffee cultivation. The destruction of these inter-parcel roads has severely disrupted the transportation of essential supplies and harvested crops, prompting the government to prioritize the restoration of rural logistics.
分类： society
-
News : Zapping…
Haiti is currently navigating a series of significant events and initiatives that highlight both challenges and opportunities. The National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC), led by Director General Réginald Guignard, is actively promoting aviation career awareness among young Haitians. OFNAC recently conducted its first school presentation to inspire students to explore the diverse opportunities within the aviation sector. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals in this vital industry. Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Education has announced the temporary closure of schools in five departments—West, Nippes, Southeast, South, and Grand’Anse—due to a red alert. This precautionary measure, effective from October 29, 2025, is intended to ensure public safety until the alert is lifted. Additionally, Hurricane Melissa has prompted the Presidential Transitional Council to declare October 29 as a non-working day for schools and businesses, allowing the population to prepare for and mitigate the hurricane’s potential impacts. On the economic front, the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) reported collecting 70 billion gourdes, aligning with fiscal year 2024-2025 projections. However, DGI Director General Romuald Petit expressed concern over the relocation or closure of 21 tax collection points due to security issues. In a positive development, France has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Haitian women and girls through its feminist diplomacy. At the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Diplomacy in Paris, France pledged continued support for over 50 Haitian organizations via the PISCCA program, funded by the Team France 2025 Fund. Furthermore, French Ambassador Antoine Michon recently convened a meeting with representatives of French NGOs operating in Haiti to address challenges in education, health, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and security.
-
Highway murder accused remanded
A 21-year-old man, Jabari Rashawn Waterman, has been remanded to Dodds Prison following his appearance at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Waterman, a resident of St Barnabas Road, St Michael, faces charges for the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Shaquon Chandler-Wray, which occurred a week prior on Monday. Additionally, he is accused of using a firearm during the commission of the crime. Represented by attorney Damien Sands, Waterman was unable to enter a plea for the indictable charges before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes. His remand has been extended until November 25. The tragic incident took place on the ABC Highway at the St Barnabas pedestrian crossing, where Chandler-Wray sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite being rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
-
Dominican Republic climbs 11 places in World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
The Dominican Republic has demonstrated exceptional progress in fortifying the rule of law, ascending 11 positions to secure the 76th spot out of 143 countries in the 2025 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. This achievement represents the most significant global improvement, with a notable increase of 2.1%. The nation’s overall score advanced from 0.49 to 0.50, underscoring advancements in critical domains such as constraints on governmental authority, civil justice, and criminal justice. The WJP, an autonomous international initiative, assesses the extent to which nations adhere to the principles of the rule of law in everyday life, evaluating factors like corruption absence, justice accessibility, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Luis Henry Molina, President of the Supreme Court, attributed this progress to the relentless efforts of judges and court personnel in fostering a justice system characterized by transparency, efficiency, and a human-centric approach. Criminal justice reforms have been pivotal, with marked enhancements in due process, non-discrimination, procedural efficiency, and corruption mitigation, largely due to the national criminal case management system and collaborative efforts through the Inter-institutional Criminal Justice Roundtable. Additionally, the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and settlements, has significantly alleviated court backlogs and bolstered public confidence. The report ranks the Dominican Republic among the top 16 nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing a consistent trajectory of institutional reinforcement since 2019. The Justice of the Future 2034 vision aims to further cultivate a justice system that is agile, accessible, transparent, and trusted by the populace.
-
Camilo is time itself
The story of Camilo, a revolutionary figure whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations, is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born into humble beginnings, Camilo grew up in a modest household, where he developed a strong sense of empathy and a desire to protect the vulnerable. Despite financial hardships that forced him to leave the San Alejandro Academy, he balanced his education with tailoring work, demonstrating his determination to persevere against all odds.
At the age of 21, Camilo joined protests against a corrupt regime, an act that marked the beginning of his revolutionary journey. Targeted by repressive forces, he was forced into exile, but his spirit remained unbroken. He returned to his homeland, only to be exiled again, eventually joining a revolutionary group that would change the course of history. In a daring and arduous journey, he returned to Cuba aboard a yacht designed for tourists, which carried 82 expedition members, including himself.
Camilo’s pivotal moment came when he landed with Fidel Castro, joining his guerrilla column and remaining by his side throughout the revolutionary struggle. His leadership and bravery earned him the title ‘Lord of the Vanguard,’ and he played a crucial role in the eventual triumph of the revolution. Camilo’s life was cut short, but his legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts of the Cuban people.
Every year, the nation mourns his physical absence by flooding rivers, coastlines, and reservoirs with flowers, a tradition that symbolizes his enduring presence. Camilo’s story transcends time, as he has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unyielding fight for justice. His legacy is a testament to the power of conviction and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge oppression.
-
Illegal foreigners will have to be registered in coming weeks or forced to leave Guyana – Home Affairs minister
In response to a recent security breach involving a Venezuelan national who bombed a gas station, Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has announced a stringent new policy requiring all illegal foreigners in the country to register or face deportation. The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
-
Ryan Hyde Dies After Cotton Tree Shooting; Family Awaits Answers
The quiet village of Cotton Tree was thrust into turmoil last Friday night when a single gunshot echoed through the community, striking 32-year-old Ryan Hyde in the head. Despite being rushed first to the Western Regional Hospital and then transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for specialized care, Hyde succumbed to his injuries on Monday night, leaving his family shattered and searching for answers. Hyde’s sister, Christie Bonell, expressed the family’s anguish, recounting how they had hoped for his recovery but were devastated by his sudden passing. The tragedy is compounded by the family’s history of loss, with several relatives previously killed in gang-related violence. Bonell believes her brother was targeted due to the stigma associated with their last name, Hyde, which she says has been unfairly linked to crime and violence. Amid their grief, the family is left to console Hyde’s wife and two young sons, who now face life without their father. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the family awaits the results of the post-mortem to proceed with funeral arrangements. The community mourns the loss of a man described as jovial, loving, and deeply committed to his family.
-
Four Men Arraigned, Woman’s Case Delayed in High Court
In a significant legal development, four men were arraigned in the High Court before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on October 28, 2025, while the case of a woman accused of a serious sex offense was adjourned. The proceedings unfolded as follows: Ulide Allen and Marquis Conorquie were jointly indicted for the murder of Stanley Jerome Moore and the attempted murder of Joshua Gillett, incidents that occurred in Belize City in June 2024. Both pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court on December 8. Andre Arthurs faces a murder charge for the killing of Mark Usher Jr. in March 2025. Arthurs, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded not guilty and was given until December 8 to organize his legal documents. His next court date is set for December 12. Mark Stevens, accused of attempting to murder Juan Carlos Reyes Pineda in June, was noted by Justice Pilgrim to have complications in his case. Stevens will be assigned legal counsel and is due back in court on November 10. Meanwhile, Shania Welch of Gales Point Manatee, accused of a serious sex offense involving a minor, had her arraignment delayed. Represented by attorney Nazira Myles-Espat, Welch will return to court on November 14. These cases highlight the ongoing legal challenges and the complexities of the judicial process in handling serious criminal offenses.
-
Belize Signs Regional Pact to Tackle Domestic Violence
In a significant move to address the escalating issue of domestic violence, Belize has signed the Regional Pact on Legislative and Policy Priorities for Domestic Violence. This landmark agreement was finalized during a two-day summit in Barbados, where senior officials from across the Caribbean convened to strategize on combating this pervasive problem. The pact aims to enhance legislative frameworks and policy measures to better protect victims, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse. Belize is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its Domestic Violence Act to bolster domestic protections. However, the government faces criticism for its perceived inadequacies in addressing the crisis. Prime Minister John Briceño addressed concerns raised by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, who publicly criticized the government’s efforts. Briceño acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of sensitizing law enforcement and strengthening institutional responses to ensure victims receive the support they need. Despite these efforts, questions linger about the effectiveness of current measures and the government’s commitment to eradicating domestic violence.
-
Jerome Palma is New SSB CEO
The Social Security Board (SSB) has officially named Jerome Palma as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Palma, who has been serving as Acting CEO since February 2025 and Deputy CEO since October 2024, brings a wealth of expertise in executive leadership, risk management, organizational governance, and investment strategies to the role.