Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the most powerful storms to hit Asia this year, wreaked havoc across Vietnam and the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 114 lives. The typhoon made landfall in Vietnam on November 6, with winds reaching up to 92 mph (149 km/h), forcing the closure of six airports and disrupting hundreds of flights. The Vietnamese government has mobilized over 260,000 soldiers and 6,700 vehicles, including six aircraft, for rescue and relief operations. The storm has already caused widespread damage, including flooded homes, uprooted trees, and shattered infrastructure in provinces like Dak Lak and Gia Lai. Local media reported that hundreds of residents in Dak Lak province called for emergency assistance as their homes collapsed or were inundated by floodwaters. Vietnam’s weather bureau warned of potential waves up to 8 meters (26 feet) in the South China Sea, posing a significant threat to coastal communities. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the urgency of reaching isolated areas to ensure access to food, water, and essential supplies. Meanwhile, the Philippines faced catastrophic flooding, particularly in central regions like Cebu, where entire neighborhoods were wiped out. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency as survivors began the arduous task of cleaning up and rebuilding. The typhoon’s impact extended beyond Vietnam and the Philippines, with Thailand also bracing for flash floods and landslides. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of weather events in the region, prompting calls for heightened preparedness and resilience.
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Paz beëdigd als president van Bolivia, belooft ‘kapitalisme voor iedereen’
Rodrigo Paz has officially assumed the presidency of Bolivia, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape after nearly 20 years of governance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. The 58-year-old conservative business advocate and son of a former president was sworn in during a ceremony at the Plurinational Legislative Assembly in La Paz, Bolivia, on Saturday. His inauguration was met with applause from attendees, signaling hope for a new direction.
In his inaugural address, Paz emphasized a commitment to ‘God, family, and homeland,’ and declared that Bolivia is now open to the world after two decades of leftist rule. He pledged to address the country’s severe economic crisis, which includes annual inflation exceeding 20%, chronic fuel shortages, and a depletion of foreign currency reserves. The outgoing administration of Luis Arce had exhausted nearly all reserves to sustain fuel subsidies, leaving Paz with a daunting task.
Paz, a Christian Democrat, campaigned on a platform of ‘capitalism for all,’ promising economic reforms centered on decentralization, lower taxes, fiscal discipline, and continued social spending. However, economists have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of simultaneously stabilizing the economy and maintaining social programs.
In a bold move, Paz also vowed to restore ties with the United States and collaborate with international security organizations, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was expelled by former President Evo Morales in 2008. ‘Never again a Bolivia isolated by failed ideologies or turning its back on the world,’ Paz declared during the ceremony, attended by delegations from over 70 countries and local dignitaries.
Paz’s presidency signals a departure from the state-centric economic model of the MAS era, which thrived during the early 2000s commodity boom but later faltered due to declining natural gas exports and unsustainable subsidies. His administration faces the challenge of navigating Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in 40 years while balancing the demands of reform and social welfare.
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Regen en zon wisselen zich af op deze zondag
This Sunday morning begins with overcast skies and a chance of rain showers. As the day progresses, the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms increases, particularly in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to start at a mild 24°C in the early morning, gradually rising to a peak of around 30°C by midday. In the evening, the rain is predicted to subside, though the skies will remain cloudy. However, late at night, another round of rain is forecasted, bringing a damp end to the day. Residents are advised to stay prepared for fluctuating weather conditions throughout the day.
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Wat u moet weten over COP30, de VN-klimaatconferentie van dit jaar
World leaders, activists, experts, and delegates from across the globe have converged in Belem, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30. Nestled at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, Belem serves as a symbolic backdrop for discussions aimed at addressing the escalating impacts of human-induced climate change. The primary goal of the summit is to foster international collaboration to mitigate the worst effects of global warming, though many experts warn that time is running out to achieve meaningful progress. Climate change is already triggering life-threatening disasters worldwide, and delaying action will only exacerbate the crisis. This year’s conference emphasizes the critical role of indigenous communities, sustainable land management, and the preservation of vital ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth.’ Brazil has introduced the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a financial incentive program to protect forests, though its success hinges on sufficient funding from global leaders. Logistical challenges, including housing thousands of attendees in a city with limited infrastructure, have added complexity to the event. Despite these hurdles, the Brazilian government insists on hosting the summit in Belem to highlight the vulnerability of poorer communities to climate-induced disasters. A decade after the landmark Paris Agreement, global temperatures have risen by approximately 0.46 degrees Celsius, pushing the world closer to breaching the 1.5-degree threshold. While renewable energy has become more affordable than fossil fuels, many nations, including the United States, have failed to submit updated climate action plans. Experts criticize the lack of ambition in existing commitments, warning that current efforts fall short of what is needed to avert catastrophic outcomes. Unlike previous COP summits, COP30 is not expected to yield a groundbreaking agreement but is instead framed as an ‘implementation COP,’ focusing on translating existing pledges into actionable measures. However, skepticism remains, with some officials, like Panama’s Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro, dismissing such gatherings as bureaucratic exercises with minimal impact. As the world watches, the stakes for COP30 could not be higher, with the future of the planet hanging in the balance.
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Natio-manager Brian Tevreden in beeld als technisch directeur Ajax
Amidst the ongoing turmoil at Ajax, Brian Tevreden has emerged as a potential candidate to steer the club out of its current crisis. The Dutch football giant recently dismissed coach John Heitinga and two of his assistants following a series of disappointing performances in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League. Ajax currently trails league leaders Feyenoord and PSV by eight points and has suffered four consecutive defeats in Europe. The mounting pressure from fans and the board led to Heitinga’s departure, with technical director Alex Kroes also offering to step down, though he was urged to stay until the end of the season. Journalist Mike Verweij of *De Telegraaf* suggested Tevreden as a potential successor to Kroes, sparking widespread speculation across football blogs and sports media. However, Tevreden has firmly dismissed the idea of leaving his current role prematurely. As the general manager of Suriname’s national football team, he is focused on preparing for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Guatemala. ‘Natio comes first for me,’ Tevreden stated. ‘We have big business to handle now.’ Tevreden, a former Ajax youth player and coach, has maintained strong ties with the club but remains committed to his current responsibilities in Suriname. He emphasized his determination to complete his journey with coach Stanley Menzo before considering any future opportunities.
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$144,000 contract between gov’t, Walters a ‘disgrace’ – Cummings
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sparked significant controversy by awarding a one-year contract worth EC$144,000 to Grace Walters, a Hospital Administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward, to advise on healthcare system reforms. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and was disclosed by Opposition spokesperson on health, Daniel Cummings, at a New Democratic Party (NDP) rally in North Union. Cummings criticized the appointment, questioning Walters’ qualifications and performance as a hospital administrator, and suggesting that the funds could have been better utilized to hire three top-class nurses. He also highlighted ongoing issues in the healthcare system, such as the lack of nurses in certain clinics and the poor conditions at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration and management, is tasked with supporting the implementation of healthcare quality and patient safety standards, planning the transition to the Arnos Vale Acute Care Referral Hospital, and advising on procurement and information systems. Despite her credentials, Cummings argued that the appointment reflects nepotism and a lack of seriousness in addressing the country’s healthcare needs. He pledged that an NDP government would prioritize healthcare, ensuring properly staffed facilities with adequate medication and equipment. The controversy underscores the political tensions surrounding healthcare reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the ULP defending its decision and the NDP vowing to address systemic issues if elected.
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Who deserves your vote?
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) enters another election season, the familiar sights and sounds of campaigning are in full swing. Campaign vehicles traverse villages, loudspeakers echo across hillsides, and social media buzzes with partisan fervor. Yet, beneath this vibrant spectacle lies a critical question every voter must confront: who truly deserves their vote? This election is not merely a ritual of democracy but a pivotal moment that will shape the nation’s future.
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Amazon Bazaar arrives in the Dominican Republic: Everything you need to know about the app
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – November 7, 2025. Amazon has unveiled its latest venture, the Amazon Bazaar app, in the Dominican Republic, marking a significant expansion of its global affordable shopping initiative. This new platform offers a diverse range of budget-friendly products across fashion, home, and lifestyle categories, with prices starting as low as 125 Dominican pesos. The launch follows the successful reception of Amazon Haul in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Australia, as well as Amazon Bazaar in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Amazon Bazaar is now accessible in 15 regions, including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Nigeria. The app integrates value-driven shopping with interactive features such as sweepstakes and promotions, enhancing the user experience. New customers are welcomed with a 50% discount on their first order, while all shoppers benefit from additional savings. Orders exceeding 1,500 Dominican pesos qualify for free shipping, with deliveries guaranteed within two weeks. A 24/7 multilingual customer service team ensures seamless support. Amazon Bazaar maintains the trusted standards of the Amazon ecosystem, offering product reviews, star ratings, and rigorous compliance checks. Returns are free within 15 days of receipt. The app supports six languages and local currency options, providing a convenient shopping experience for Dominican Republic residents. Payment methods include internationally accepted Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards. The Amazon Bazaar app is now available for download on iOS and Android platforms in the Dominican Republic. Amazon continues to uphold its core principles of customer obsession, innovation, operational excellence, and long-term thinking, reinforcing its position as a global leader in e-commerce.
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Simons: Regering niet in gesprek met Chinalco
Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons has firmly denied reports of government negotiations with Chinese multinational Chinalco regarding the mining and export of bauxite from West Suriname. Speaking at a press conference upon her return to the country, Simons emphasized that no agreements or discussions are underway, and Suriname will not export bauxite from the region under any circumstances. She acknowledged that Vice President Gregory Rusland had been approached by Chinalco and engaged in a single conversation but clarified that this did not represent official government negotiations. ‘The government consists of the president, vice president, and the Council of Ministers,’ Simons stated. ‘One member having a conversation does not equate to government negotiations.’
Simons highlighted the need for Suriname to make deliberate choices in utilizing its natural resources to foster development. The country is rich in gold, bauxite, and other resources but is internationally committed to preserving at least 90% of its forest area. ‘If the world expects us to uphold this commitment, they must compensate us for forest conservation,’ she asserted. ‘Only then can we make a fair assessment.’
The president noted that revenues from the oil sector could alleviate economic pressure on other resources. ‘Oil discoveries may slightly slow deforestation, as we anticipate income from this sector,’ she explained. However, Simons warned against overburdening the economy, stating, ‘A country with just 600,000 inhabitants cannot tackle everything simultaneously. Overextension risks economic overheating and new challenges.’
Addressing the issue of Mennonite communities seeking agricultural land, Simons firmly opposed deforestation for large-scale farming. ‘Clearing tropical rainforest for agriculture is not my approach,’ she declared. She also reiterated that all land allocations over the past five years were unlawful. ‘They were issued illegally. I’ve said this for years, and now the Audit Office has confirmed it,’ she said. Simons emphasized that officials had failed to adhere to legal requirements, citing Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which nullifies unlawfully issued allocations. The government has temporarily halted land allocations pending a review of past transactions.
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Cibao Airport is experiencing delays to and from the United States due to air traffic controllers
Cibao International Airport in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has been grappling with a wave of flight delays and cancellations since Friday, primarily affecting routes to and from the United States. This disruption is part of a broader aviation crisis in the U.S., triggered by a severe shortage of air traffic controllers. Over the past 24 hours, the Santiago terminal has joined numerous airports across the continent experiencing operational chaos, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and creating scenes of frustration and uncertainty. According to a spokesperson from Cibao International Airport’s communications department, at least seven scheduled flights to or from major U.S. cities such as New York, Boston, and San Juan have been rescheduled. These flights, primarily operated by JetBlue Airways and United Airlines, include JetBlue 837 from New York, rescheduled from 8:34 p.m. to 11:20 p.m., and JetBlue 337, also from New York, moved from 11:12 p.m. to 11:39 p.m. Other affected flights include JetBlue 2137 from New York, delayed from 3:33 p.m. to 4:46 p.m., and United 1624 from Newark, postponed from 2:53 p.m. to 5:33 p.m. JetBlue 2723 from Boston was also delayed from 5:43 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Notably, JetBlue 1607 from San Juan maintained its scheduled departure at 4:15 p.m., standing out as one of the few unaffected flights. The root of this crisis lies in the partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government, which has left thousands of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees unable to work due to the lack of a budget extension. While international flights, including those connecting Santiago with U.S. cities, are not the most directly impacted, the uncertainty continues to unsettle travelers and airport operators. Cibao International Airport, a key hub for international connections in the Dominican Republic, remains on high alert as the situation unfolds.