The Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) is exploring the establishment of a credit union to provide its members with greater financial stability amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. President Bernard de Nully unveiled the initiative during the union’s 86th Annual Conference, emphasizing its potential to address wage violations, inadequate pension payments, and the escalating cost of living. De Nully described the proposal as a dual-purpose strategy: a practical solution to current economic challenges and a means to strengthen solidarity within the labor movement. He stressed the urgency of the plan, stating, ‘The time is now,’ and highlighted how a member-owned financial institution could offer affordable services and support retirement planning. The president also cautioned that Social Security contributions alone would be insufficient to ensure timely pensions in the coming decade, urging delegates to back measures that enhance worker protections and financial security. The credit union proposal was announced alongside recent wage negotiations, including a 14% increase for non-established workers, reflecting the union’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits and exploring innovative support mechanisms for its members.
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Grenada leads regional charge with PAHO HEARTS initiative
Grenada has reached a significant milestone in its battle against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by achieving the national scaleup of the PAHO HEARTS initiative. NCDs, which accounted for over 80% of deaths in Grenada in 2019, remain a pressing public health challenge. Cardiovascular diseases dominate the leading causes of mortality, with hypertension and diabetes contributing significantly to chronic illness. Risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity persist at alarming levels.
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Major sewer main breach in the south of the island
The National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) has issued a public advisory following a significant sewer main breach in the Grand Anse area, near Excel Plaza. The incident occurred during ongoing pipe-laying works under the UKCIF Southern St George’s Water Supply Expansion Project. The breached sewer line, which transports sewage from the Morne Rouge catchment to the Maurice Bishop Highway, has caused leakage from three of Nawasa’s four pump stations in the Grand Anse system. Emergency repairs are currently in progress to mitigate environmental and public health risks.
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Nawasa addresses major blockage at Green Bridge sewer outfall
The National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) has issued a public advisory regarding a significant disruption affecting the St. George’s Sewerage Network. The blockage, primarily caused by the improper disposal of foreign objects and excessive grease, has severely impacted the system’s efficiency and created operational challenges. Residents and commuters in the Green Bridge area may encounter unpleasant odours as a result of the ongoing issue.
Nawasa has swiftly mobilized its technical team to address the problem, deploying necessary resources to the site. Sewage disposal operations at the Green Bridge Disposal Facility have been temporarily halted to facilitate corrective measures. Over the coming days, the public can expect an increased presence of Nawasa personnel, including divers and specialized equipment, as efforts intensify to resolve the blockage.
The authority has urged the public to adhere to on-site precautionary measures and emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal practices. Indiscriminate disposal of grease, solid waste, and other materials into the sewer network not only disrupts the system but also adversely affects the broader community.
Nawasa has reassured the public that every effort is being made to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. The authority expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and cooperation during this challenging period.
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Peso Power: Building Local Capital Before Global Capital
The narrative of Dominican startups is frequently misrepresented. Typically, the story begins with a flashy investment from Miami or New York, followed by media attention and photo opportunities. Only then do people question whether the company can truly operate in pesos, withstand tax audits, or assemble a reliable operations team that won’t abandon ship for the next lucrative opportunity. The reality, however, is far more challenging: peso power is not a luxury—it’s the cornerstone of Dominican entrepreneurship. While dollar investments may bring prestige, it’s the peso that ensures survival.
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UN approves 5,500-strong force to combat Haitian gangs
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic has expressed its approval of the international community’s decision to transform the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti into a specialized 5,500-member ‘Gang Suppression Force.’ This initiative, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, aims to address the escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups in Haiti. Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez emphasized that this decision represents a pivotal step toward restoring stability in the neighboring nation. The revamped mission will adopt a more robust and focused strategy, directly targeting criminal gangs that have severely disrupted the security and daily lives of Haitians. Álvarez also reiterated the Dominican Republic’s unwavering support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to mitigate the broader regional security crisis stemming from Haiti’s instability.
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“Viajero Sin Límites” brings connectivity and care to tourists
Santo Domingo – SimLimites, a seasoned technology startup with more than ten years of expertise, has unveiled its innovative service, ‘Viajero Sin Límites,’ marking a first in the Caribbean region. This pioneering offering combines unlimited connectivity, comprehensive medical assistance, and emergency air coverage tailored for international tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. The service package features an eSIM with unlimited data, complimentary travel assistance including medical coverage up to USD 10,000, and access to AeroAmbulancia for emergency situations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Emmanuel Wu Rivera, CEO of SimLimites, emphasized that the product transcends conventional connectivity solutions by integrating care and immediate response into a unified service. The initiative is bolstered by partnerships with Universal Assistance, a prominent regional travel assistance provider with over 45 years of experience, and AeroAmbulancia, renowned for its rapid emergency response capabilities. This groundbreaking service positions the Dominican Republic as a trailblazing destination in the Caribbean, offering an all-encompassing travel solution that surpasses traditional insurance models tied to hotel accommodations.



