In response to the severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican authorities have declared a red alert across several provinces. The affected regions include Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District, as well as San Cristóbal, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, Pedernales, San José de Ocoa, and San Juan de la Maguana. The storm has unleashed torrential rains, raising concerns over potential flooding and other related hazards. As a preventive measure, educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and government employees have been instructed to conclude their workday by 1:00 p.m. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the directives issued by emergency and civil defense agencies to ensure safety and minimize risks during this critical period.
分类： society
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Tussen mist en muur: Onze uitdaging in de Chinese bergen
On a chilly autumn day, a diverse group of journalists from the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Great Wall of China. Despite the biting cold and unexpected rain, the group, hailing from the Asia-Pacific region, the Caribbean, the Arab world, and former Soviet states, set out with determination to conquer one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Clad in layers of warm clothing, they braved the elements, their spirits undeterred by the challenging weather. The journey began with a two-hour bus ride, during which the majestic mountains, shrouded in mist, came into view, setting the stage for the day’s adventure. Arriving at Juyongguan, a strategic pass of the Great Wall located 60 kilometers from Beijing, the group was greeted by a breathtaking landscape that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The steep, winding path of the Wall, combined with the Yuntai Cloud Platform—a masterpiece from the Yuan Dynasty—offered both a physical and mental challenge. As they began their ascent, the group quickly realized the climb would test their endurance. The uneven, steep steps demanded focus and stamina, and while some struggled, others, like Filomeno from East Timor, seemed unfazed, even opting to climb barefoot. The camaraderie among the group was palpable, with everyone encouraging one another to push forward. Along the way, they paused to capture the stunning views and reflect on the Wall’s rich history, which dates back to the 7th century BC. Despite the physical toll, the group reached the highest point, their sense of accomplishment overshadowing their fatigue. The descent proved equally challenging, with the steep steps requiring careful navigation. By the end of the journey, the journalists, though exhausted, were filled with pride and a deeper appreciation for the Great Wall’s enduring legacy. The experience not only strengthened their bonds but also left them with lasting memories of a day spent conquering one of the world’s greatest wonders.
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FRS Express Des Iles announces major changes to St. Lucia schedule
FRS Express Des Iles has announced the suspension of its ferry service to and from St Lucia until Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The decision comes in response to an unexpected technical issue that has disrupted operations. This development follows a series of schedule adjustments and unforeseen cancellations over the past weekend. The company has assured passengers that refunds will be processed for those affected by the service halt. Details on how to obtain a refund have been provided in the official announcement. The temporary pause in the St Lucia leg of the service underscores the challenges faced by the ferry operator in maintaining seamless transportation amid technical difficulties.
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Four SLASPA employees arrested following drug bust at Castries Port
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, four employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) have been apprehended following a drug bust at the Castries Port. The arrests were made as part of an intelligence-driven operation executed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on October 18. During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle operated by a SLASPA employee. Upon inspection, they discovered a barrel that had not yet been processed for Customs examination. A thorough search of the container revealed substantial quantities of controlled substances, including cannabis and MDMA, also known as ecstasy. The driver of the vehicle was immediately taken into custody. Subsequently, three more individuals, believed to be involved in the incident, were arrested. The RSLPF has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and formal charges are anticipated to be filed later this week.
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COMMENTARY: Jamaican beekeeper Duhaje Jennings will share insights on the challenges and opportunities of producing in the Caribbean at the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas in Brazil
Duhaje Jennings, a 38-year-old Jamaican beekeeper and entrepreneur, has been invited to participate in the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2025 in Brasília. Recognized as one of the Leaders of Rurality of the Americas by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Jennings is celebrated for his contributions to food security and environmental sustainability. The conference, organized by Brazil and IICA, will convene ministers and senior officials from November 3 to 5 to discuss the future of agriculture, emphasizing the role of science, technology, and innovation. Jennings, along with three other Leaders of Rurality, will share insights from their rural communities with the ministers. Jennings’ journey into beekeeping began in childhood, inspired by his grandfather. Starting with just five bee colonies at 18, he now manages around one thousand colonies annually through his company, Dada B’s, which also creates jobs and supports aspiring beekeepers in Jamaica. At the conference, Jennings plans to advocate for the inclusion of agriculture in school curricula, stressing its importance for regional food security. He also proposes exchange programs for Caribbean farmers to learn from successful agricultural practices in countries like Brazil. The event will also feature the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), IICA’s highest governing body. The conference aims to address the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, particularly in the face of climate change and food import dependency in the Caribbean.
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A cache of firearms has been surrendered to police by a civilian, reports Ag Police Chief
Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette has announced a significant breakthrough in Dominica’s fight against crime, as a citizen voluntarily surrendered nine firearms to Sergeant Yankey of the St Joseph police station. The collection included rifles, pistols, revolvers, and 216 rounds of ammunition. Corbette praised Sergeant Yankey for his meticulous and professional handling of the situation. In addition to this, Corbette revealed the largest drug seizure in Dominica’s history, with 1,730 kilograms of cocaine confiscated, valued at approximately EC$46.764 million. This surpasses the previous record set in the early 1980s. The seizure was part of ‘Operation Clean Street,’ a joint initiative by the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), launched in late September 2025 to combat illegal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime. Corbette emphasized the importance of keeping such dangerous substances out of criminal hands. The operation also led to 24 arrests, including 19 males and five females, and the confiscation of significant amounts of cash and additional firearms. Corbette commended the officers involved for their dedication to public safety.
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Belize Secures BZ$10 Million from Adaptation Fund for Climate Resilience and Water Security
The Government of Belize has successfully secured BZ$10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund to launch the Securing Water Resources through Solar Energy and Innovative Adaptive Management (SEAM) project. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and provide sustainable water systems to rural communities, particularly in the villages of Boom Creek, Dolores, Otoxha in the Toledo District, and Copper Bank in the Corozal District. The project, announced jointly by the Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET), the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government (MRT), and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), was approved during the Adaptation Fund’s 45th Board Meeting in Bonn, Germany. Funded through the Adaptation Fund’s Large Innovation window, SEAM will be implemented over five years, directly benefiting over 1,800 individuals. Key components include the development of solar-powered hybrid water systems, ecosystem restoration, and livelihood diversification for women through reforestation and agroforestry. Additionally, the project will strengthen local water governance structures. Implementation is set to commence following the signing of the grant agreement in early 2026. Once operational, SEAM is expected to serve as a scalable model for integrated climate adaptation strategies in other rural areas across Belize.
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Caribbean development Bank spearheads thrust for regional disability inclusion
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the Caribbean. Speaking at the 2025 Caribbean Disability Conference, themed “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities,” CDB President Daniel Best underscored the necessity of a unified regional approach to create inclusive societies. He cited findings from the CDB Regional Disability Assessment Report, which highlights persistent systemic exclusion faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services, education, and employment. Best urged governments, institutions, and communities to take decisive steps to dismantle these barriers. He emphasized that persons with disabilities deserve equal rights, dignity, and opportunities to participate fully in societal development. As part of its initiatives, the CDB has developed the Model Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education (SEND) Policy and Strategy (2024), aimed at transforming education systems to accommodate learners of all abilities. The Bank also prioritizes investments in early detection, teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and accessible infrastructure. Additionally, the CDB collaborates with the Caribbean Disability Network (CDN), supporting initiatives like the CDN Legacy Project in Barbados, which focuses on digital accessibility training and establishing an accessible technology hub. Over the past five years, the CDB has intensified efforts to enhance disability inclusion through funding, policy support, and technical assistance, as evidenced by its work in countries like Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank has also introduced practical tools, such as the Disability Inclusion Checklist and the Persons with Disabilities User Assessment Tool, to promote inclusivity in infrastructure and community projects. In a symbolic gesture, the CDB announced it would present its “Commitments to Inclusive Development” in braille to national associations for persons with disabilities.
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Preparations Underway for National Food Fair Amid Record Vendor Numbers
Preparations are in full swing for the 2023 National Food Fair, scheduled to take place on November 3 at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with organizers accommodating 245 vendors—a significant increase from the 205 participants in 2022. Gilbert Laudat, co-chair of the organizing committee, highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the expanded vendor list, particularly as some vendors requested larger stalls. Adjustments were made to ensure fairness and optimal placement for all participants. ‘Our goal is to ensure every vendor is comfortably situated,’ Laudat emphasized. ‘We’ve capped the number at 245 to align with anticipated visitor turnout.’ The event layout will follow last year’s design, with odd-numbered stalls positioned on the east side and even-numbered ones on the west. Vendor assignments will be finalized at a meeting next Tuesday at People’s Place. Beyond the culinary offerings, the fair will feature a dedicated children’s zone and a seniors’ section for dining and entertainment. A mobile-friendly system, complemented by helpers in distinctive T-shirts, will assist visitors in navigating the venue. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a parade at 3:30pm will showcase the Skelly Hoppers, Moko Jambi, and other vibrant characters, tying the event to the nation’s Independence celebrations. The National Food Fair continues to be a cornerstone of the country’s Independence festivities, celebrating culture, community, and cuisine.
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42 Officers Graduate in First Prison Training Ceremony Since 2016
In a landmark event marking the first prison training graduation ceremony since 2016, 42 recruits have officially joined His Majesty’s Prison. The ceremony, held at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre on Monday, celebrated the completion of a rigorous nine-week training program. The curriculum encompassed essential areas such as law enforcement, weapon handling, and conflict management, equipping the new officers with the skills necessary to enhance prison security and public safety. Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin lauded the graduates, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to national safety. He also revealed plans to amend the Prison Act by the end of the year, signaling a commitment to modernizing prison operations. Officials emphasized that the influx of new staff would strengthen rehabilitation initiatives at the Coronation Road facility, ultimately aiding in the reduction of reoffending rates.