A recent investigative report by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), released on October 9, 2025, has unveiled a disturbing surge in violence in Haiti’s Artibonite department. Between January and September 2025, at least 24 armed attacks and massacres were carried out by notorious gangs, including ‘Kokorat San Ras,’ ‘Gran Grif,’ and ‘Taliban/Mawozo.’ These brutal incidents occurred across 25 localities and cities within eight municipalities, with Petite-Rivière being the most heavily targeted area, suffering eight attacks. The Artibonite region, once hailed as Haiti’s agricultural heartland, has now become a focal point of escalating insecurity and lawlessness. The report highlights daily occurrences of armed clashes, extrajudicial executions, rapes, arson, looting, and mass displacement of citizens. Hundreds of homes were looted or burned, nearly 100 people were killed, and numerous vehicles, including police armored cars, were destroyed or stolen. Additionally, at least six state institutions, such as police stations and magistrates’ courts, were vandalized or set ablaze. The full 25-page report, available for download, provides a comprehensive account of the crisis.
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Edeeste regularizes more than 22,000 customers and dismantles nearly 8,000 illegal connections
In a significant move to bolster electrical infrastructure and promote responsible energy consumption, the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) executed a comprehensive technical intervention program across its concession area in September. This initiative, part of the 2025 Strategic Plan for Loss Control and Reduction, successfully normalized services for over 22,000 customers, dismantled approximately 8,000 illegal connections, and integrated more than 4,100 new users into the grid.
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Guyana reiterates to UN Security Council the Caribbean is a zone of peace
Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has reiterated the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining the region as a ‘zone of peace’ during a UN Security Council meeting on October 10, 2025. While supporting US efforts to combat narco-trafficking, Rodrigues-Birkett emphasized the importance of international cooperation rooted in the rule of law to address drug-related threats. She highlighted Guyana’s launch of an early warning system to detect and respond to emerging drug threats, strengthening both public health and national security frameworks. The ambassador stressed the need for partnerships that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, underscoring Guyana’s unwavering commitment to non-intervention and peaceful dispute resolution. However, she acknowledged that the region’s peace is increasingly threatened by transnational criminal networks involved in drug and arms trafficking. Rodrigues-Birkett called for collective action to safeguard regional stability and security, urging leaders to act as ‘beacons of peace.’ Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Caribbean due to increased US military presence, including the deployment of a nuclear-powered submarine and reconnaissance aircraft, as part of efforts to combat drug cartels. Venezuela, supported by China and Russia, condemned the US actions, accusing Washington of violating sovereignty and escalating regional tensions. The Venezuelan delegate warned of potential armed conflict, while the US defended its operations as necessary to prevent drug trafficking into its borders. The UN has called for de-escalation and adherence to international law to ensure regional peace and security.
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Economy : «Economic conditions in Haiti remain fragile» dixit FMI
A recent virtual mission conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from September 30 to October 8, 2025, has underscored the fragile economic conditions in Haiti. Led by Mr. Camilo E. Tovar, the mission assessed Haiti’s progress under its Staff-Monitored Program (SMP), an informal agreement designed to monitor economic reforms and pave the way for potential IMF financial assistance. The findings reveal a seventh consecutive year of economic contraction, with inflation soaring at 32 percent year-on-year. Despite these challenges, remittance inflows have surged, bolstering the current account balance and supporting international reserves, which stood at over US$3.1 billion as of July 2025. Fiscal policy remains constrained by security issues and institutional weaknesses, though social spending has increased by 34 percent, aided by IMF support. Public debt is projected to be the lowest in the Latin America and Caribbean region at 12.4 percent of GDP by the end of FY2025. However, risks persist, including gang-related disruptions and potential shifts in international migration and trade policies. On a positive note, the UN Security Council’s authorization of a new multinational Gang Suppression Force could mark a turning point in restoring security and fostering economic growth. The SMP continues to prioritize governance reforms, revenue mobilization, and strengthening the central bank’s policy frameworks. Despite progress, Haiti urgently requires international financial support, preferably in the form of grants, to address its humanitarian and developmental needs and ensure sustainable growth.
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Ramdien Sardjoe viert 90e verjaardag: ‘Een grote zoon van het land’
Ramdien Sardjoe, a towering figure in Surinamese politics, marked his 90th birthday with an intimate gathering at his home on Friday. The former Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and ex-chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most influential political leaders. Currently serving as the honorary chairman of the VHP, Sardjoe’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Mahinder Jogi, a current member of the National Assembly, praised Sardjoe as “one of the great sons of the country,” highlighting his lifelong dedication to Suriname and the VHP. Jogi emphasized Sardjoe’s wisdom, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Known for his bridge-building approach and advocacy for national unity, Sardjoe remains a revered figure among the VHP’s supporters and the broader Surinamese community. As he celebrates this significant milestone, tributes pour in from across the country, honoring his enduring contributions to Suriname’s development.
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Indomet forecasts very hot temperatures and heavy rains in some regions due to Storm Jerry.
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather forecast for this Saturday, predicting scorching temperatures and scattered showers across various regions. These conditions are attributed to the indirect effects of Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently active in the Atlantic.
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Alexia Moonsam uitgeroepen tot beste VOJ-leerling van 2025
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo has awarded the prestigious VOJ Student Excellence Award 2025 to Alexia Moonsam from St. Louise School, recognizing her exceptional academic performance, dedication, and leadership qualities. The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dirk Currie, who urged students to focus not only on academic knowledge but also on character development. Alongside Alexia, Redjinio van Meulen, Eva Vaseur, Jenaysa Mijnals, and Wayne Doekoe were among the top five finalists. Additionally, Dylan Wijnaldum, Amber Asmowidjojo, Metrisha Darnoud, Mercy-Grace Stedenburg, and Roghim Resosetiko received honorable mentions for their achievements. Rotary Club President Anand Gajapersad delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of personal growth. He encouraged students to strive for excellence, believe in themselves, and appreciate the support of their parents and teachers. Jury Chair Soraya Nanand praised the high caliber of participants and expressed hope to see them at the VOS Student Excellence Awards in the future. Minister Currie highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, urging students to develop interpersonal skills and resilience. Since 2005, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo has organized the VOJ Student Excellence Award to nurture talent and discipline among youth. This year, the top fifteen students were selected based on their final exam results. During an intensive training weekend, participants received instruction in personal leadership, presentation skills, and artificial intelligence. The ten most promising candidates advanced to the final round, held on October 8, 2025. The Rotary Club aims to continue motivating young talents to excel and realize their full potential through this initiative.
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Football : Key details on the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced crucial details for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers. The men’s regional qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, 2026, across six venues in Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. A total of 34 member associations will participate in the tournament, which will follow a single-round format. Teams will be divided into eight groups, with each team playing against the others in their group once. The eight group winners will secure their spots in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The official draw for the competition is set for October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be streamed live on CONCACAF’s official YouTube channel. Teams will be seeded into five pots based on their CONCACAF U-17 Men’s rankings as of April 2025, with the highest-ranked teams in Pot 1 and the lowest in Pot 5. For the U-17 Women’s qualifiers, the first round will run from January 24 to February 2, 2026, with matches held in Aruba, Bermuda, Curaçao, and Nicaragua. Thirty nations will compete, with the top six group winners and two best runners-up advancing to the finals. The women’s draw will take place on October 15, 2025, also live on CONCACAF’s YouTube channel.
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The country registers 123 maternal deaths this year
As of week 39, the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological surveillance system has documented 123 maternal deaths, marking a 9% decrease compared to the 135 cases recorded in 2024. Health authorities project a continued downward trend in maternal and infant mortality rates by 2025. However, this overall improvement is overshadowed by significant regional disparities. Provinces such as Santiago, La Altagracia, and Distrito Nacional have reported increases in maternal deaths, with 22, 14, and 7 cases respectively. These figures underscore ongoing challenges in the accessibility and quality of obstetric care, particularly in high-demand areas. Maternal mortality serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and is influenced by social determinants like poverty, systemic inefficiencies, and inadequate primary care. Most maternal deaths occur within the public health system, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare personnel and support networks. On the infant mortality front, 1,331 deaths have been reported, reflecting a 22% reduction from the previous year’s 1,700 cases. While provinces like El Seibo, Monseñor Noel, and Monte Plata have shown progress, others such as Independencia, Bahoruco, and Sánchez Ramírez continue to face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure. Neonatal mortality, a key measure of perinatal care, has decreased by 16%, from 1,378 to 1,145 deaths. Significant improvements were observed in Monseñor Noel (-63%), Duarte (-43%), San Cristóbal (-39%), Puerto Plata (-38%), and La Altagracia (-35%). However, alarming increases were noted in San José de Ocoa (150%), Independencia (100%), Bahoruco (71%), and Hato Mayor (64%), albeit with smaller absolute numbers. The neonatal group remains the most vulnerable, accounting for the highest number of infant deaths. For nearly three decades, monitoring maternal and infant mortality indicators has been a persistent challenge. Maternal deaths are tracked by hospital committees and reported to the Department of Epidemiology. Experts emphasize the need for greater integration of specialized professionals in public healthcare centers to address these critical issues effectively.
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Deadly Highway Crash Near Hattieville Claims Two Lives
A catastrophic accident unfolded late Thursday night on the George Price Highway near Hattieville, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred just before midnight at mile fourteen, where a Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 40-year-old Osman Pineda, collided with the rear left wheel of a Freightliner truck. The violent impact caused the Ford to lose control, swerve into the opposite lane, and crash head-on into an oncoming Nissan. Tragically, the two occupants of the Nissan, Othoniel Vasquez Moreno, a Mexican Belizean national, and Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, a Mexican national, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage, but their efforts were in vain. Pineda sustained minor injuries, while his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old and a nine-month-old baby—were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for urgent medical attention. The bodies of Moreno and Dominguez were transported to the KHMH morgue for post-mortem examinations. The accident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about road safety on this busy highway.