Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Judiciary has finalized its groundbreaking Ten-Year Plan, titled “Justice of the Future 2034,” marking a significant milestone in the nation’s judicial reform efforts. The final document was officially presented to stakeholders during a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday, presided over by President Luis Abinader and Chief Justice Henry Molina at Casa San Pablo. The event drew over 3,000 participants, including Supreme Court justices, prosecutors, public defenders, legislators, business leaders, and civil society representatives, all of whom played a pivotal role in this collaborative strategic planning initiative. Chief Justice Molina outlined the plan’s ambitious goals, which include enhancing accessibility, transparency, reliability, and citizen-centered service within the justice system. The official launch is set for November 19 at 8:00 p.m., broadcasted via the Judicial Branch’s YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook channels. Molina emphasized that the plan was developed using the scenario planning methodology, a first for the Dominican Republic, previously implemented in countries like South Africa and Colombia. He described the initiative as “not merely a technical exercise but an ethical, institutional, and strategic act.” The Justice of the Future 2034 Plan aims to address systemic issues such as judicial delays, geographical and economic barriers, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups, fostering a more inclusive and participatory justice system. President Abinader lauded the plan as a national commitment and a cornerstone of democratic strengthening, stating, “This plan is not just a Judiciary initiative; it’s a commitment to a justice system that transforms lives and strengthens citizen confidence.”
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Development : $80 million from the World Bank for road infrastructure
In a significant move to bolster Haiti’s infrastructure, the World Bank has greenlit an $80 million initiative aimed at enhancing rural road connectivity and accessibility across key regions. The Haiti Resilient Corridors Project, approved on November 11, 2025, will focus on the West, South, Southeast, and North departments, targeting critical road sections such as National Road 2, Departmental Route 41, and the border road linking Ouanaminthe to the Dominican Republic. The project will restore and modernize essential bridges like La Digue, Côte-de-Fer, and Mahot, alongside improving culverts and rural roads to create a sustainable and resilient network. Additionally, it will fortify the Ministry of Public Works’ capacity to address geological and climate risks by renewing emergency bridge stocks. The initiative also includes the rehabilitation of 100 kilometers of tertiary and rural roads in vulnerable urban areas, particularly in the South, Nippes, Grand’Anse, and Southeast departments, to enhance transportation reliability, especially during the rainy season. The project is set to benefit nearly 2.9 million people by providing better access to sustainable transportation infrastructure and services, while also generating 300,000 direct workdays for the local workforce. A notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on gender inclusion, supporting training and certification for women in heavy equipment operation and road construction techniques, alongside capacity building for Ministry and construction company staff.
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‘Street kid’ stabs, kills teen in Kingstown
An 18-year-old youth, identified as Gary Butler from Campden Park, was fatally stabbed in Kingstown on Tuesday morning, marking the third homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in less than a week. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. near Gonsalves Liquor on Middle and Melville streets. According to an eyewitness, the assailant, described as a ‘street kid,’ retrieved what appeared to be an ice pick from a window ledge and stabbed Butler once in the chest, causing him to collapse. Butler was rushed to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police have yet to comment on the incident, which has raised the year’s homicide count to 36. The killing has reignited concerns about the growing number of children, particularly teenage boys, living or frequently seen on the streets of Kingstown. This issue has been repeatedly highlighted in public forums, including radio shows, with complaints about their aggressive behavior and violence towards each other. The incident follows the recent discovery of Lee-Chang Anthony’s body in a shallow grave and the fatal shooting of Shem Walker, who was killed in Akers just 25 days before his 26th birthday. Walker’s death came after he received multiple threatening comments on his Instagram account. The community is now grappling with the escalating violence and the urgent need for interventions to address the plight of street children.
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Vreedzaam vraagt in openbrief Simons helderheid gouddiefstal Grassalco
In a formal open letter to President Jennifer Simons, National Assembly member Jennifer Vreedzaam has called for immediate clarification regarding the alleged theft of gold at the state-owned company N.V. Grassalco. Reports of discrepancies in the company’s gold reserves have raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability. Vreedzaam, representing the Para district where Grassalco is headquartered, emphasized the company’s critical role in the economic and social development of the region, particularly for the indigenous communities in the Maripaston area, where gold mining operations are conducted. She highlighted the initial promise of ‘fair benefit sharing’ and sustainable, mercury-free mining, which has yet to materialize in meaningful community participation. Vreedzaam stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged theft, citing potential systemic failures in Grassalco’s management and internal controls. She referenced Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which prohibits actions causing financial harm to state institutions, and posed a series of critical questions. These included inquiries into contractual transparency, financial oversight, governance protocols, and the handling of the incident. Additionally, she questioned the application of FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) protocols to ensure the rights of indigenous communities. Vreedzaam urged prompt and comprehensive responses to these issues, underscoring the public’s right to accountability and integrity in state operations.
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BEL Crew Heads to Jamaica to Help Restore Power After Hurricane Melissa
A specialized team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has embarked on a mission to Jamaica to aid in the restoration of power infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, unleashing winds surpassing 180 miles per hour and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and critical utilities, particularly in the central and western parishes. The BEL crew, led by Line Supervisor Tyrone Reynolds, includes skilled Power Line Technicians Kareem Lopez, Perr Tillett, Ethan Alvarado, Bladimir Alvarez, Adolfo Oliva, and Kendale August. They will collaborate with other regional teams under the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to expedite the recovery process. BEL CEO John Mencias emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, ‘We stand in solidarity with our Jamaican brothers and sisters by joining our thoughts and prayers with our actions.’ This initiative underscores the regional cooperation and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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Farmer Mauled to Death by Bush Hog in Blue Creek
A devastating farming accident in the Blue Creek Community has resulted in the death of 57-year-old Peter Dyck. The incident occurred on the morning of November 12, 2025, when Dyck attempted to climb onto a moving bush hog operated by a 15-year-old minor. Tragically, he slipped and fell beneath the machine, sustaining fatal injuries. Emergency services rushed Dyck to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Local police in Orange Walk are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event. The community has been left in shock, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety protocols in agricultural operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Officers Found Guilty of “Fabricating Statements” in Jesse Escobar Shooting
In a landmark verdict, two law enforcement officers have been found guilty of perverting the course of justice in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of off-duty BDF soldier Jesse Escobar. BDF Private Ramon Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales were convicted after a magistrate determined that their statements regarding the incident were “entirely fabricated.” The ruling came after video evidence from the Branch Mouth Stop & Shop Store in Santa Familia unequivocally demonstrated that Escobar neither behaved aggressively nor attempted to disarm the officer who shot him. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal hailed the decision as “extremely important,” emphasizing that the magistrate dismissed the defense’s argument that the officers were too “tired” and “hungry” to provide accurate statements. Vidal stated, “The recording clearly showed that Jesse never reached out to grab anyone’s gun and was not acting aggressively toward the shooter.” She further underscored that the conviction serves as a stern warning to law enforcement officers who might consider distorting the truth. “This case sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future,” Vidal added. Both officers have been remanded in custody pending their sentencing next month.
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The Budna File: ‘A File Full of Empty Words’
In a scathing critique of the police investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has labeled the case file as ‘less than nothing.’ Vidal, who received the file last week, expressed her disappointment, stating that she had anticipated a thin file but was shocked by the lack of substantive information. ‘I apologize as director for saying this, but I was expecting nothing. What I was not expecting was less than nothing,’ Vidal remarked. She emphasized that her office is currently reviewing the file as a team but noted that, based on the information provided, no arrests can be made at this time. ‘Very few people saw anything, and what they saw, they are not too sure about,’ she explained. The case was handed over to the DPP by Prime Minister John Briceño, who opted against an independent investigation due to the Attorney General’s advice that there was no legal framework to support it. Budna was abducted in Orange Walk in August, and while Constable Barrington Flowers was initially accused of aiding in the abduction, he has since been moved to full-pay suspension and denies all allegations. Budna remains incarcerated in a Guatemalan prison.
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Welsh fined for drug possession; two others convicted for Larceny
In a recent development in St. Kitts, Randolph Welsh of Lower Monkey Hill has been convicted and fined for multiple drug-related offenses. Welsh faced charges on August 15, 2025, for possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, followed by additional charges on August 21, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine and intent to supply. Welsh pleaded guilty to all charges and was fined EC$5,000, with a three-month deadline for payment. Failure to comply will result in a six-month imprisonment. The sentence was issued on November 10, 2025, by Her Honour Ms. Yasmine Clarke at the Basseterre Magistrate’s Court. In a separate case, Marsha Graham of Shadwell and Althea France of Bird Rock were convicted for larceny. Graham was fined EC$1,500 and ordered to pay EC$250 in compensation, while France faced fines of EC$1,500 for each of her two charges and EC$550 in compensation. Both must pay within specified deadlines or face three months’ imprisonment. Their sentences were handed down by His Honour Reynold Benjamin on October 27, 2025, at the same court.
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Human Skeletal Remains Found in Orange Walk
A chilling discovery in the Orange Walk District has prompted a thorough police investigation. On the morning of November 12, 2025, human skeletal remains were found near the Orange Walk Bypass. The remains were located inside a small wooden house approximately half a mile from the main road. The grim find was reported by a passerby, who noticed the body in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities have confirmed that DNA testing will be conducted to identify the deceased as the investigation progresses. The case has drawn significant attention, with local residents and social media users expressing concern over the unsettling discovery.