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  • Dominican National Police debuts at Dubai SWAT Challenge 2026

    Dominican National Police debuts at Dubai SWAT Challenge 2026

    DUBAI – In a landmark moment for international law enforcement sports, the National Police of the Dominican Republic has entered the global arena with its inaugural participation in the elite Dubai SWAT Challenge 2026. This premier tactical competition, organized under the auspices of Dubai Police, brings together the world’s most highly trained special weapons and tactics units for rigorous testing of operational capabilities.

    Documentation released via official channels reveals Dominican tactical specialists demonstrating exceptional proficiency across multiple combat disciplines. The visually compelling footage captures officers navigating complex obstacle courses, executing precision marksmanship under pressure, performing vertical ascent operations, and conducting simulated combat rescue missions. These multifaceted exercises evaluate core operational competencies including physical resilience, strategic coordination, and tactical accuracy under simulated high-stress environments.

    The Caribbean nation’s representation comprises three distinct eight-member squads drawn from specialized divisions: the tactical SWAT unit, Special Operations command, and the Lynx rapid response team. These contingents are presently engaged in head-to-head competition against internationally renowned special forces units from numerous nations, facing an exhaustive series of tactical and operational evaluations throughout the championship event.

    Police authorities emphasize that this debut participation symbolizes both national pride and professional achievement, reflecting years of advanced tactical preparation and inter-agency cooperation. The historic involvement positions Dominican law enforcement within global security networks while demonstrating commitment to international standards of tactical excellence. This engagement provides invaluable opportunity for cross-training with elite counterparts and benchmarking capabilities against world-class special operations units.

    The Dominican Republic’s inaugural appearance at the Dubai SWAT Challenge represents a significant milestone in the continuing professionalization and international integration of its national law enforcement capabilities, fostering greater interoperability in global security cooperation initiatives.

  • CTUSAB urges respect for labour as key governance partner

    CTUSAB urges respect for labour as key governance partner

    In a significant appeal on election day, Dennis De Peiza, General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), issued a powerful call for the incoming administration to recognize the labour movement as an essential partner in national governance. Speaking to Barbados TODAY after casting his ballot at St Stephen’s Primary School, De Peiza emphasized that respect and dignity must form the foundation of this critical relationship.

    De Peiza simultaneously urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, highlighting the hard-earned privilege of voting that many global citizens lack. He connected emerging voter apathy directly to a concerning erosion of trust in political institutions, suggesting that this disillusionment stems from perceived failures in transparency and accountability among public officials.

    The labour leader presented a compelling argument about the cyclical nature of political behavior, noting that younger generations learn from observing their elders. He warned that when leaders demonstrate ‘cowardly’ or questionable conduct, they establish dangerous precedents that risk corrupting both present and future democratic practices. De Peiza advocated for a system grounded in exemplary performance and actions aligned with established best practices and norms, asserting that only through such standards can confidence in governance be restored.

  • SOCU says illegal cambio busted at Mohamed’s building; Azruddin Mohamed denies accusation

    SOCU says illegal cambio busted at Mohamed’s building; Azruddin Mohamed denies accusation

    A significant law enforcement operation has ignited a political firestorm in Guyana, pitting the country’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against prominent businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. The confrontation centers on allegations of illegal foreign exchange operations at Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street, which authorities claim continued despite the revocation of its license in June 2024.

    SOCU released timestamped video evidence dated January 27, 2006, showing what appears to be financial transactions occurring within the premises. The footage depicts an individual, allegedly equipped with recording equipment, receiving money through a cashier cage. Law enforcement officials maintain this evidence substantiates their claim that unlicensed cambio services were being conducted illegally.

    Mohamed vehemently denies the allegations, stating, ‘That is untrue. Never ever!!! I looked at the video and I am not seeing no USD.’ The businessman acknowledges the presence of hundreds of U.S. dollars in the building but argues this doesn’t prove illegal operations. He questions the logic of the accusation, noting that if they were genuinely operating an illegal cambio, they would have possessed substantially larger sums of money.

    The raid resulted in the seizure of nearly GY$2 million and multiple boxes of documents. Mohamed claims these funds were designated for charitable purposes, intended to assist less fortunate individuals who regularly seek help at his establishment. Five staff members detained during the operation were later released on their own recognizance.

    This incident occurs against the backdrop of previous sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) against Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, for alleged gold smuggling and tax evasion. SOCU characterizes Wednesday’s action as part of a broader national and regional security strategy targeting organized criminal networks involved in gold smuggling, illicit financial flows, and unlicensed money exchanges.

    The law enforcement agency emphasized its commitment to combating financial crimes without political influence, stating it ‘performs its lawful functions with a strict mandate, without any political influences.’ SOCU officials confirmed that charges would be filed shortly and that a detailed forensic and financial examination of seized materials is underway.

  • NOB lanceert krediet tot SRD 400.000 voor jonge ondernemers

    NOB lanceert krediet tot SRD 400.000 voor jonge ondernemers

    Suriname’s National Development Bank (NOB) has inaugurated a specialized credit facility designed to empower young entrepreneurs across the nation. Dubbed the ‘Level-Up Credit’ initiative, the program targets individuals aged 18 to 27, offering access to business loans of up to SRD 400,000 for commercial investments and venture development.

    The financing mechanism operates under the Production Credit Fund (PKF), with designated allocations for diverse sectors including manufacturing, processing industries, creative arts, information technology, and innovative project undertakings. The program was officially unveiled on January 30, 2026, under the local slogan ‘Wan Okasi gi den Yongu Basi’ (An Opportunity for Young People).

    NOB President-Director Sandy Cameron emphasized the deliberately low-threshold application process, noting that youth applicants can submit projects through a streamlined documentation system. The bank has committed to processing complete applications within a 31-day review timeframe, according to Suriname’s Communication Service.

    Beyond financial support, the NOB provides comprehensive entrepreneurial guidance including assistance with Chamber of Commerce and Industry registration, permit acquisition, and administrative procedures. Post-approval monitoring remains integral to the program’s implementation framework.

    The credit facility features a maximum five-year maturity period with flexible repayment structures, including potential grace periods for principal payments in specific circumstances. Funding derives from the Production Credit Fund, which is resourced through national budgetary allocations and international financing mechanisms.

    The NOB actively encourages young Surinamese citizens with viable business concepts to leverage this financial opportunity for enterprise development and economic participation.

  • Mottley, BLP returned to government in Barbados after snap elections

    Mottley, BLP returned to government in Barbados after snap elections

    In a stunning electoral triumph, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) have secured an unprecedented third consecutive term in government following Wednesday’s snap general elections. The political landslide resulted in the BLP capturing all 30 parliamentary constituencies, completely excluding the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) from the legislative body.

    The resounding victory has drawn international recognition, with St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew extending formal congratulations on behalf of his nation. In his official statement, Dr. Drew emphasized that the electoral outcome demonstrates “the confidence of the people of Barbados in your leadership and vision,” while praising Mottley’s dedication to national advancement and regional unity within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Electoral participation saw thousands of Barbadian citizens casting ballots across the island nation. Following the announcement of results, supporters adorned in the party’s signature red color flooded the streets in celebration, congregating at Grantley Adams House where Prime Minister Mottley declared Friday a national holiday in recognition of the historic achievement.

    Prime Minister Mottley, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most articulate and influential leaders, has gained substantial popularity both regionally and internationally for her governance approach. Despite the DLP’s pre-election confidence and claims of having a viable path to victory, party sources acknowledged the necessity for significant organizational restructuring and public image transformation to rebuild competitive viability.

    Dr. Drew further expressed anticipation for strengthened bilateral relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and Barbados, emphasizing continued collaboration within CARICOM frameworks based on “friendship, mutual respect, and shared progress.”

  • National Bank Mourns the Passing of Director Lorna Hunkins

    National Bank Mourns the Passing of Director Lorna Hunkins

    The financial community of St. Kitts and Nevis is grappling with profound loss following the passing of National Bank Director Lorna Hunkins, who died on the morning of February 11, 2026. The institution announced her death with deep sorrow, acknowledging the significant void left within the organization and the countless lives she impacted through her service.

    Hunkins distinguished herself through exceptional dedication, strategic wisdom, and genuine commitment to the bank’s mission. Her tenure on the Board was characterized by steady leadership and insightful guidance that proved fundamental in charting the institution’s strategic course and fortifying its operational foundation. Beyond her official capacity, she served as a trusted mentor and voice of reason, forging familial bonds with colleagues throughout the organization.

    The National Bank has extended heartfelt condolences to Hunkins’ family and loved ones, inviting the broader community to join in both mourning her passing and celebrating her extraordinary legacy. Her contributions were marked by unwavering service, impeccable integrity, and deep compassion that extended beyond professional boundaries.

    While details regarding memorial arrangements remain pending, the institution has requested thoughts and prayers for the grieving family during this challenging period. The banking community collectively honors her memory with profound sympathy and respect for her remarkable life and career.

  • Dominican Embassy in the U.S. hosts eighth edition of Dominicans on the Hill

    Dominican Embassy in the U.S. hosts eighth edition of Dominicans on the Hill

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant display of diplomatic and community engagement, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the United States recently hosted a prestigious reception to celebrate the eighth iteration of its ‘Dominicans on the Hill’ initiative. This flagship program is dedicated to honoring the profound leadership, growing influence, and multifaceted contributions of the Dominican diaspora across the United States.

    Presiding over the distinguished gathering was Her Excellency Ambassador María Isabel Castillo Báez. The event served as a confluence of eminent figures, including prominent community leaders, accomplished professionals, elected public officials, influential private sector executives, and esteemed members of the international diplomatic corps. The primary objective was to further fortify the bilateral relationship and collaborative spirit between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

    Throughout the evening, a series of addresses shed light on the indelible impact of Dominicans and Dominican-Americans. Speakers meticulously documented their exceptional achievements and pivotal roles in a diverse array of critical sectors. These encompass public service and governance, healthcare innovation, national security, entrepreneurial ventures, cultural arts, and athletic excellence. The narratives consistently underscored how these contributions are instrumental in forging more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous communities within the American social fabric.

    In her keynote remarks, Ambassador Castillo Báez articulated that the sustained and diverse contributions of the Dominican diaspora are not merely additive but fundamentally transformative. She stated that these efforts continuously reinforce the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations while significantly enriching the multicultural tapestry of American society. The event was further highlighted by the presence of U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, a historic figure as the first Dominican-American ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Congressman Espaillat reflected on the significance of the assembly, noting that it successfully united hundreds of the community’s leading voices, professionals, and aspiring students to commemorate its ascending trajectory in political influence and social activism.

  • Murder Case Linked to 2025’s First Killing Delayed Until April 15

    Murder Case Linked to 2025’s First Killing Delayed Until April 15

    The judicial proceedings for Antigua and Barbuda’s first recorded homicide of 2025 have encountered another significant postponement, creating renewed attention around this high-profile case. Deon Lloyd, the accused individual at the center of this tragic incident, must now wait until April 15th to learn whether prosecutors have established sufficient evidentiary grounds for his case to advance to the High Court.

    Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, presiding over the preliminary inquiry, has formally scheduled this crucial date which will determine if the evidence meets the statutory threshold for a murder trial. The decision rests on Magistrate Emanuel’s assessment of whether the prosecution has presented a prima facie case compelling enough to warrant trial proceedings at the higher judicial level.

    According to official police allegations, the case originates from a deadly altercation that occurred on January 2, 2025, at Boggy Peak, involving Lloyd and 35-year-old Javorn Williams, who tragically lost his life during the confrontation. Lloyd, identified as a resident of Lower Ottos, remains at the center of an investigation that has captured national attention due to its status as the country’s first homicide case of the new year.

    The repeated delays in judicial proceedings have raised questions about the pace of justice in high-profile criminal cases, though legal experts note that such postponements are not uncommon during complex preliminary inquiries where evidentiary standards must be meticulously examined before advancing to trial.

  • Minister Henderson assumes Chairmanship of the OECS Council of Ministers for Tourism at 9th Meeting in St. Kitts

    Minister Henderson assumes Chairmanship of the OECS Council of Ministers for Tourism at 9th Meeting in St. Kitts

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts – In a significant development for regional cooperation, the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism for Saint Kitts and Nevis, has formally assumed leadership of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers: Tourism. The transition occurred during the opening ceremony of the Council’s 9th Meeting, convened in Saint Kitts on February 11-12, 2026.

    Minister Henderson articulated a transformative vision for Caribbean tourism, characterizing it not merely as an economic sector but as the fundamental lifeblood of national economies throughout the OECS region. In her inaugural address, she emphasized tourism’s paramount status as the region’s most vital export commodity, directly driving employment generation, foreign exchange revenues, infrastructure advancement, and community prosperity.

    “Operating in isolation is no longer a viable option for any member state,” Minister Henderson declared. “Our collective competitiveness, resilience, and global relevance will be fundamentally determined by our capacity to function as a cohesive regional entity.”

    The newly appointed chairperson passionately advocated for transcending traditional fragmented approaches to hospitality, urging member states to embrace a strategically coordinated, data-informed regional tourism model. She envisioned an industry architecture that is “intentionally integrated, strategically resilient, and structurally capable of navigating global market volatility.”

    Minister Henderson extended formal gratitude to her predecessor, Grenada’s Minister of Tourism Honourable Adrian Thomas, acknowledging his principled leadership during his tenure. She committed to advancing the initiatives launched under his guidance, ensuring that “the symbolic torch passed today continues to illuminate our pathway toward deeper integration and a more unified OECS tourism offering.”

    The ministerial agenda for the two-day summit encompasses critical priorities demanding collaborative regional action. Key discussion points include enhancing intra-regional transportation connectivity to establish the OECS as a seamlessly accessible destination cluster, standardizing investment and sustainability protocols to attract environmentally conscious development, and implementing shared data analytics systems to anticipate global travel trends.

    “These objectives represent concrete actions rather than abstract aspirations,” Minister Henderson affirmed. “They constitute practical measures toward constructing a more efficient, competitive, and resilient tourism ecosystem that simultaneously benefits all member states while preserving their distinctive cultural identities.”

    The OECS Council of Ministers: Tourism functions as the principal governing body coordinating regional tourism strategy, with emphasis on sustainable development, transportation integration, and global market competitiveness.

  • Qatar 2026 : Prime Minister congratulates the Grenadiers U-17 qualification to the World Cup

    Qatar 2026 : Prime Minister congratulates the Grenadiers U-17 qualification to the World Cup

    In a remarkable display of sporting excellence, Haiti’s Under-17 national football team has secured qualification for the 2026 Qatar World Cup following a decisive 2-1 victory over Guatemala. The achievement marks a perfect qualifying campaign with three consecutive wins, during which the young Grenadiers scored eleven goals while conceding only two.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé officially congratulated the team, highlighting how their performance demonstrates exceptional talent, discipline, and national pride. This qualification represents the second consecutive appearance for Haiti’s U-17 squad in the World Cup tournament, underscoring the consistency of Haitian football talent on the international stage.

    The achievement places Haiti among an elite group of nations that have qualified for multiple FIFA tournaments across different categories, including Men’s Senior World Cup (1974, 2026), Women’s Senior World Cup (2023), Women’s U-20 World Cup (2010), and Boys’ U-17 World Cup (2007, 2019, 2025, and now 2026).

    Government officials emphasized that this sporting success transcends athletics, serving as a powerful symbol of national resilience and potential. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security, strengthening institutions, and fostering national unity—conditions identified as essential for enabling Haitian youth to continue achieving international excellence.

    The qualification has been celebrated as an act of faith in Haiti’s future and a demonstration of the nation’s ability to triumph despite historical challenges and hardships.