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  • ‘Most nurses came to work’

    ‘Most nurses came to work’

    The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has issued a firm rebuttal against statements advising patients to avoid public hospitals due to nursing staff protests. Chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh emphasized that patient care remains uncompromised despite ongoing challenges, calling such warnings “irresponsible” and potentially life-threatening for those with serious medical conditions.

    Contrary to claims made by Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association (TTNNA) president Idi Stuart, Dr. Gopeesingh revealed that 73% of nurses reported for duty last Saturday, with additional staffing measures being implemented. The Authority is addressing the situation through multiple strategies: recruiting 51 new nurses this week, integrating 115 locum doctors into mainstream service, and creating a new 24-bed ward at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex to alleviate overcrowding.

    Gopeesingh questioned Stuart’s authority to speak on operational matters, noting his lack of certification from the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board. The chairman provided substantial evidence of operational improvements, including expanding operating theaters from three to seven, performing five successful renal transplants, and conducting complex surgical procedures with international medical teams.

    The scale of operations at NCRHA facilities remains substantial, with over 500,000 patients annually accessing the Eric Williams Complex alone. Daily operations include approximately 250 emergency department visits, 150 pediatric emergencies, and extensive diagnostic services totaling 45,000 CT scans and 4,500 MRIs annually.

    Additional measures to enhance healthcare access include reopening the Accident and Emergency Department at Arima Hospital after a five-year closure and maintaining 24-hour operations at the St. Joseph health facility per the Prime Minister’s mandate. Gopeesingh reiterated the Authority’s commitment to hiring qualified nursing assistants and encouraged patients to seek immediate medical attention when needed without hesitation.

  • Attack on the lifeblood of the island, says Farley

    Attack on the lifeblood of the island, says Farley

    Tobago’s water distribution network has been severely compromised following what officials are describing as a calculated assault on essential infrastructure. Between Friday evening and early Saturday morning, perpetrators systematically targeted multiple water facilities across the island in what the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) characterizes as a ‘coordinated and deliberate’ operation.

    Chief Secretary Farley Augustine issued a stern declaration on Saturday, emphasizing the gravity of the situation: ‘This transcends petty theft or vandalism. We are confronting a direct assault on our critical public infrastructure that approaches the threshold of domestic terrorism.’

    The comprehensive attack damaged installations at strategic locations including Arnos Vale Well #4, Bacolet Well #3, multiple facilities along the Claude Noel Highway, and the Bloody Bay infrastructure complex. Thieves specifically targeted and removed critical power cables, paralyzing the island’s water distribution capabilities.

    The immediate aftermath has triggered widespread water disruptions affecting numerous communities. The Courland supply zone has experienced particularly severe impacts, leaving residents in Crown Point, Plymouth, Les Coteaux, Culloden, and Seaview without reliable water access. Additional disruptions are anticipated along the Claude Noel Highway corridor, potentially affecting Signal Hill, Patience Hill, Lambeau, and Lowlands. The single well and treatment plant serving residents from Bloody Bay to Castara has also been compromised.

    Augustine highlighted the multidimensional threat posed by the infrastructure attack, noting vulnerabilities for households, medical facilities, educational institutions, commercial enterprises, and Tobago’s vital tourism industry. ‘This constitutes nothing less than an attack on the island’s lifeblood,’ Augustine stated, while urging citizens to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has been formally notified of the incident. Augustine has mandated that the investigation receive priority status, warning that perpetrators will face maximum legal consequences. ‘We refuse to allow criminal elements to hold our island hostage,’ the Chief Secretary affirmed.

  • Monday 30th March 2026 Football Match Fixtures

    Monday 30th March 2026 Football Match Fixtures

    Football enthusiasts worldwide are preparing for an extensive lineup of international matches scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026. The day’s fixtures feature a compelling blend of senior international friendlies, UEFA U21 Championship qualifiers, and FIFA Series matches across multiple continents.

    In high-profile friendly encounters, Germany’s national team faces back-to-back challenges against African opponents, taking on both Ivory Coast and Ghana in what promises to be a rigorous test of squad depth and tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, other nations are engaging in strategic preparations with UAE meeting Faroe Islands, while Cyprus hosts Moldova in additional friendly contests.

    The competitive landscape extends to youth development with France U21 squad confronting Iceland U21 in a crucial European U21 Championship qualifying match, highlighting the next generation of football talent.

    FIFA Series matches offer particularly intriguing geographical matchups with New Zealand versus Chile, Saint Kitts and Nevis against Solomon Islands, Trinidad and Tobago facing Gabon, Indonesia hosting Bulgaria, Uzbekistan meeting Venezuela, Kenya taking on Azerbaijan, and Sierra Leone competing against Rwanda. These cross-confederation fixtures provide valuable international experience for teams that rarely compete against one another, fostering global football development and cultural exchange through sport.

    The diverse schedule reflects football’s global reach and serves multiple purposes: from tactical experimentation for major tournaments to revenue generation and fan engagement across different time zones and markets.

  • Suriname mourns the passing of former President Santokie

    Suriname mourns the passing of former President Santokie

    A small Caribbean nation is grieving a towering political figure this week, as the regional integration body CARICOM has publicly joined the people of Suriname in mourning the sudden death of former President Chandrikapersad Santokie. Santokie, who led the South American-Caribbean nation as its ninth president from 2020 through 2025, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, after emergency medical efforts failed to save him.

    Local media reports originating from Suriname’s capital Paramaribo confirm that medical teams were dispatched to Santokie’s private residence early Monday morning in response to a medical emergency. First responders administered urgent on-site care before transferring the former head of state to a local hospital for advanced treatment, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

    In an official media statement released this week, the Caribbean Community expressed profound sorrow over the unexpected passing of the former leader. Beyond his role as Suriname’s president, Santokie left a clear mark on regional governance through his service to CARICOM: he held the rotating position of Chairman of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government from July through December 2022, where he represented Suriname with widespread respect and distinction.

    During the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference, hosted by Santokie in Paramaribo, the former president spearheaded decisive action on a host of critical regional priorities. These included advancing the expansion of approved professions covered by skills certification under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), coordinating the Community’s collective policy response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti, and driving forward the development of a cohesive CARICOM Industrial Policy.

    Closing its statement, the regional bloc extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the official government and people of Suriname, as well as to Santokie’s wife, extended family, and close political colleagues in the wake of their loss.

  • Malaka Parker Claims Snap Poll Aimed at Covering Poor Performance

    Malaka Parker Claims Snap Poll Aimed at Covering Poor Performance

    In a sharply critical address, United Progressive Party candidate Malaka Parker has called upon constituents of St. John’s Rural North to deliver a decisive electoral verdict against the current administration. Parker contends that the government’s potential call for another snap general election represents a strategic diversion rather than a genuine democratic exercise.

    The opposition figure asserted that such political maneuvering aims to obscure what she characterized as systemic governance failures and chronic underperformance. Parker warned voters against being swayed by what she described as manufactured chaos and compressed electoral timelines, arguing these tactics intentionally overshadow years of governmental neglect.

    Expanding her critique to national concerns, Parker highlighted deteriorating international relations and increasingly restrictive visa policies as evidence of poor diplomatic stewardship. She further accused the government of implementing policies that disproportionately burden ordinary citizens while insulating political elites from consequences.

    The UPP candidate framed the upcoming election as a critical opportunity for citizens to render judgment on what she termed ‘reckless leadership and profoundly flawed decision-making.’ Parker concluded with a direct appeal for voters to exact political accountability through ballot box consequences, emphasizing that electoral participation represents the most potent mechanism for expressing public discontent.

  • VINCI Airports appoints new Aerodom general manager

    VINCI Airports appoints new Aerodom general manager

    In a strategic leadership transition, VINCI Airports has named Cyril Girot as the incoming General Director of Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), effective April 1, 2026. The announcement signals a strengthened commitment to advancing the Dominican Republic’s aviation infrastructure during a period of significant expansion.

    Girot arrives with a substantial track record in international airport management within the VINCI network. His expertise was honed through leadership roles overseeing complex operational frameworks and executing strategic development initiatives across multiple continents, including Europe and Asia. A proven capability in navigating crisis situations and spearheading post-pandemic air traffic recuperation positions him as an ideal candidate for this pivotal role.

    This executive appointment coincides with a crucial phase for Aerodom, which is currently channeling substantial investment into modernizing the nation’s key aviation gateways. The centerpiece of this development is the construction of a new terminal at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), a project bolstered by a financial commitment exceeding $350 million. The initiative is central to transforming the passenger experience and boosting the country’s tourism and economic infrastructure.

    Company representatives emphasized that Girot’s leadership will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and ensuring the sustainable growth of the Dominican Republic’s airport assets. The move is viewed as a direct reinforcement of VINCI Airports’ long-term dedication to fostering high-quality, efficient, and environmentally conscious aviation services in the Caribbean region.

  • Governor General Honours Doctors on International Doctors’ Day

    Governor General Honours Doctors on International Doctors’ Day

    In a solemn ceremony at Holy Family Cathedral, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams led national tributes to medical professionals across Antigua and Barbuda and its diaspora communities. The special church service, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Medical Association, marked the global observance of International Doctors’ Day with profound recognition of healthcare workers’ contributions.

    His Excellency delivered a powerful address highlighting the extraordinary dedication and compassion demonstrated by physicians throughout the nation. He emphasized their critical role in safeguarding public health during life’s most vulnerable moments, from birth to illness and aging. “A healthy nation is a productive nation,” declared Sir Rodney, reinforcing the fundamental connection between robust healthcare systems and national prosperity.

    The Governor General called for sustained investment in medical infrastructure, preventive care, and wellness initiatives. He urged citizens to actively express appreciation not only to doctors but to all healthcare support staff who form the backbone of the medical ecosystem.

    Quoting Winston Churchill’s assertion that “healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have,” Sir Rodney framed healthcare as a matter of national security and economic stability. The ceremony concluded with prayers for continued strength and divine guidance for all medical professionals serving the twin-island nation.

  • PEPCA Prosecutor detained with US$10,000 in bribery case

    PEPCA Prosecutor detained with US$10,000 in bribery case

    In a striking case of institutional corruption, Dominican authorities have detained one of their own anti-corruption prosecutors for allegedly accepting bribes from a subject under investigation. Aurelio Valdez Alcántara, a prosecutor with the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office against Administrative Corruption (PEPCA), was apprehended following an orchestrated operation authorized by judicial authorities.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed that Valdez Alcántara was caught with $10,000 in his possession during a controlled delivery operation. The arrest occurred moments before the prosecutor was scheduled to initiate formal proceedings against the individual from whom he allegedly solicited the bribe.

    Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso characterized the incident as profoundly serious, emphasizing the administration’s uncompromising stance against corruption within its ranks. The ongoing investigation, jointly conducted by Reynoso and Deputy Attorney General Wilson Camacho, has uncovered more disturbing details. Evidence suggests the prosecutor initially demanded approximately $200,000 from the subject, though this amount was reportedly negotiated downward during discussions. The prosecutor additionally solicited high-end luxury goods as part of the illicit arrangement.

    Judicial authorities have petitioned for twelve months of preventive detention as a coercive measure while the case proceeds. Given the defendant’s legal standing within the judicial system, a special judge from the Court of Appeals of the National District has been assigned to oversee proceedings, ensuring impartial adjudication.

    The case has generated substantial public outrage, particularly because it involves an official specifically tasked with combating corruption now accused of perpetrating the very crimes he was employed to prevent.

  • Spanish man caught smuggling 77 drug capsules at Las Américas Airport

    Spanish man caught smuggling 77 drug capsules at Las Américas Airport

    Authorities at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo have apprehended a 39-year-old Spanish citizen attempting to board a Madrid-bound flight while allegedly carrying 77 capsules of suspected cocaine internally. The interdiction resulted from a meticulously coordinated operation involving the National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD), the Specialized Airport Security Corps, Customs officials, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

    Security personnel initially identified the suspect during standard pre-flight screening procedures, where anomalies were observed in his digestive tract during a routine inspection. This discovery prompted immediate escalation to a higher level of scrutiny. The individual was subsequently transported to a medical facility for further examination, where radiographic imaging conclusively revealed the presence of numerous foreign objects within his body.

    Under strict medical supervision, the suspect underwent a monitored procedure resulting in the expulsion of 77 tightly sealed capsules. The substance contained within these capsules field-tested positive for cocaine, though official confirmation awaits comprehensive laboratory analysis. The seized evidence has been transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for definitive chemical examination and evidential processing.

    Dominican authorities have emphasized that this arrest represents a significant interception within ongoing transnational narcotics trafficking investigations. Judicial and law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads to identify potential accomplices and dismantle any broader networks associated with this smuggling attempt. The suspect remains in custody facing serious drug trafficking charges under Dominican law, which carries severe penalties for such offenses.

  • Mother Marks Son’s Birthday in Agony as Disappearance in Antigua Nears One Year

    Mother Marks Son’s Birthday in Agony as Disappearance in Antigua Nears One Year

    A Trinidadian mother continues her agonizing search for answers as the one-year anniversary of her son’s disappearance in Antigua approaches, with authorities yet to issue any formal missing person alert or provide conclusive leads regarding the case.

    Candy Vasquez recently commemorated what would have been her son Thomas’s 22nd birthday, describing the experience as profoundly difficult amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his fate. The family’s distress compounds as they approach the grim milestone of his disappearance without any resolution.

    The circumstances of Thomas’s vanishing remain shrouded in mystery. The 21-year-old had traveled to Antigua for employment opportunities and was last seen on the morning of April 15 at a farm in Glanville’s Piars, where he had accompanied a friend for work. Since that moment, there has been no communication or verified sightings of the young man.

    Vasquez has voiced increasing concern about the investigative attention devoted to her son’s case, highlighting that despite the prolonged absence, local law enforcement has not classified it as a cold case or issued official missing person bulletins. Her attempts to engage Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers yielded little comfort—authorities maintain that the investigation remains active but have provided no substantive updates.

    Throughout this painful year, the family has encountered fragmented and unverified information that has only intensified their fears about potential outcomes. Despite these challenges, Vasquez persists in her public appeals for assistance, maintaining steadfast belief that crucial knowledge exists within the community. “Someone, somewhere, knows something,” she asserts, clinging to hope that breakthrough information may yet emerge.