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  • Abinader leads parade in San Cristóbal honoring 181 years of the Dominican Constitution

    Abinader leads parade in San Cristóbal honoring 181 years of the Dominican Constitution

    San Cristóbal, the historic birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s first Constitution, hosted a grand ceremony to mark the 181st anniversary of this pivotal document. President Luis Abinader presided over the event, which underscored the nation’s unwavering dedication to sovereignty, democracy, and institutional resilience. The celebration featured a vibrant civic–military–police parade and drew participation from hundreds of students representing over 90 local schools, symbolizing the unity and pride of the Dominican people.

    Juan Pablo Uribe, head of the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Anniversaries (CPEP), delivered a poignant address, emphasizing the 1844 Constitution’s foundational role in securing Dominican independence. He traced the evolution of constitutional principles over the decades, affirming that the democratic values established nearly two centuries ago remain robust and relevant today.

    The event also saw prominent local figures, including Governor Pura Casilla and Mayor Nelson de la Rosa, highlighting San Cristóbal’s unique historical significance. The gathering was further elevated by the presence of numerous ministers, military leaders, and senators, collectively paying homage to the nation’s enduring democratic heritage and fostering a sense of civic solidarity.

  • Dominican Republic launches first artificial intelligence laboratory

    Dominican Republic launches first artificial intelligence laboratory

    The Dominican Republic has embarked on a transformative journey with the establishment of the Dominican Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (LIAD), a groundbreaking initiative designed to position the nation as the Caribbean’s premier hub for artificial intelligence (AI) development. The official launch ceremony, held at the ChromoMED Institute Auditorium, was spearheaded by Dr. Gilberto Objío Subero, LIAD’s CEO, and Dr. Bary G. Bigay, its Scientific Director. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize AI research and application across key sectors including healthcare, education, public administration, justice, agriculture, and industry. During the event, Dr. Objío delivered a compelling keynote address titled ‘Artificial Intelligence Applied to Clinical Research,’ showcasing innovative projects such as Medical GPT—a cutting-edge tool engineered to enhance diagnostic precision, streamline medical data management, and automate scientific research processes. LIAD’s overarching mission is to cultivate ethical AI practices, foster innovation, and drive AI-powered solutions that bolster both public and private sector efficiency. By nurturing specialized talent and integrating emerging technologies into public policy frameworks, the Dominican Republic is poised to emerge as a regional leader in AI and innovation, paving the way for sustainable development and enhanced global competitiveness.

  • Ganga Nahaan te Weg naar Zee en andere locaties

    Ganga Nahaan te Weg naar Zee en andere locaties

    Across multiple locations in Suriname, the annual Ganga Nahaan ritual took place on Wednesday, honoring the sacred Ganges River. This ceremonial bath, held during the full moon between October and November, drew hundreds of devotees to the pilgrimage site at Weg naar Zee. Among the participants were Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin and his wife, who joined the crowd on the steps leading to the sea, where the rising waves soon embraced them. Ramon Baynath, Chairman of the Weg naar Zee Pilgrimage Site Foundation, highlighted the event’s deep-rooted tradition, noting that while people in India bathe in the Ganges daily, Suriname observes this ritual once a year. The celebration typically attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, with activity peaking after 3 PM as the tide rises. Adhin emphasized the spiritual significance of the ritual, describing it as a symbol of rebirth and purification—both physical and mental. This year, Ganga Nahaan was celebrated not only at Weg naar Zee but also at seven other locations across Commewijne, Wanica, Saramacca, and Nickerie, according to the Hindu Media Organization.

  • Column: Met het mes tussen de tanden

    Column: Met het mes tussen de tanden

    Suriname is poised at a pivotal juncture in the Concacaf region’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, currently leading Group A. With two critical matches ahead—against El Salvador at home in Paramaribo and Guatemala away—the team remains firmly in contention for a World Cup berth. Initially underestimated due to their FIFA ranking, Suriname has defied expectations, transforming from underdogs to formidable contenders. Early in the qualifiers, opponents dismissed Suriname with little respect, but the team’s resilience and growth have since commanded recognition. Despite setbacks during the Gold Cup, where Costa Rica and Mexico emerged victorious, Suriname has steadily built a competitive squad. Their performance in the final phase has been commendable, with a hard-fought draw against Panama marking a turning point. The match saw Panama abandon their aggressive strategy as Suriname proved their mettle, earning mutual respect and a shared point. Subsequent encounters with El Salvador and Guatemala have further solidified Suriname’s reputation, with opponents now approaching matches with caution rather than overconfidence. As the qualifiers reach their climax, Suriname faces immense pressure. Every point is crucial, and any misstep could jeopardize their World Cup aspirations. The team must balance offensive aggression with defensive solidity, particularly against opponents known for swift counterattacks. Suriname’s supporters also play a vital role; unsporting behavior could undermine the team’s progress. With focus and determination, Suriname aims to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s footballing journey.

  • Digicel and Digicel Foundation Launch Expanded Humanitarian Efforts in Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa

    Digicel and Digicel Foundation Launch Expanded Humanitarian Efforts in Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Digicel Group and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation have intensified their humanitarian efforts to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. The initiative, launched on November 5, 2025, focuses on delivering essential supplies, restoring connectivity, and supporting long-term rebuilding efforts across affected parishes, including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny. The joint relief program has already distributed over 1,500 food care packages and plans to provide an additional 10,000 in the coming days. These packages include vital staples like water, rice, and oil, alongside hygiene kits, solar-powered lanterns, and emergency lighting for households still without electricity. To empower communities, Digicel is offering hardware certificates, enabling residents to purchase construction materials locally for sustainable rebuilding. Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to reconnecting Jamaica through care and compassion, stating, ‘Our responsibility goes beyond business. We’re focused on helping families rebuild and restoring hope.’ The Digicel Foundation, a cornerstone of community development for nearly two decades, has mobilized staff and volunteers island-wide to coordinate distribution efforts. Additionally, Digicel is providing free mobile plans, SIM cards with data for relief workers, and mobile charging stations to ensure residents can stay connected. The initiative also includes donation bins at Digicel’s Kingston headquarters and a regional crowdsourcing campaign to support relief efforts. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the mission’s broader purpose: ‘These care packages are more than supplies; they’re a message that communities are not alone.’ As Digicel’s network teams work tirelessly to restore connectivity, the company remains steadfast in its mission to rebuild with resilience and support Jamaica’s recovery.

  • Veteran educator: teacher licensing needs planning, talks

    Veteran educator: teacher licensing needs planning, talks

    The teaching profession in Barbados is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation has unveiled plans to mandate professional licensing for all teachers by 2027. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational standards, has sparked both optimism and caution among experts.

  • Alarm bij Deviezencommissie over gelduitvoer via stichtingen

    Alarm bij Deviezencommissie over gelduitvoer via stichtingen

    The Foreign Exchange Commission of Suriname has raised alarms over a significant surge in foreign currency outflows through local foundations, prompting stricter regulatory measures. Chairman Arun Sankatsing revealed that tens of millions in foreign currency are being transferred abroad without proper accountability. In response, the Commission has intensified its scrutiny of fund origins, aligning with the 1947 Foreign Exchange Regulation and international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards. The Commission emphasized that foundations must comply with these regulations and provide transparent documentation of their financial sources. Sankatsing clarified that these enhanced controls are not new but a reinforcement of existing laws and international obligations. However, notaries representing these foundations have expressed concerns, citing delays in transaction processing and increased administrative burdens due to the stringent verification requirements. The Commission maintains that these measures are essential to safeguard Suriname’s financial integrity and comply with AML/CFT laws. The surge in foreign currency outflows, particularly through foundations, has been labeled a high-risk category under international standards, necessitating additional documentation to mitigate risks and protect monetary stability. The Commission’s actions come ahead of Suriname’s evaluation at the upcoming CFATF meeting in Barbados, where compliance with AML/CFT regulations will be assessed. Sankatsing stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders is crucial to address these challenges effectively.

  • Cave Hill folk appeal to authorities after shooting

    Cave Hill folk appeal to authorities after shooting

    Residents of Cave Hill, Barbados, are voicing their frustration and fear following a recent spate of gun violence that has left one man severely injured. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a man was shot on Montgomery Pasture, marking the third shooting in the area this year. Just over an hour later, another shooting took place in Cane Vale, Christ Church, further escalating tensions. Both victims were rushed to the hospital by private vehicles. This surge in violence has left the community on edge, with many expressing anger over what they perceive as inaction from authorities.

  • Public Health launches national rabies vaccination campaign for pets

    Public Health launches national rabies vaccination campaign for pets

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has unveiled an ambitious nationwide rabies vaccination campaign targeting dogs and cats. Scheduled to run from Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, the initiative is a critical step toward the country’s goal of eradicating dog-transmitted rabies by 2030. Rabies, a fatal viral disease affecting both animals and humans, is preventable through vaccination, and the MSP is offering free, safe vaccines across all provinces. Teams will visit neighborhoods, and fixed vaccination posts will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The campaign’s official launch will occur at Plaza de la Cultura on Friday at 9:00 a.m., with vaccinations available until 2:30 p.m. Coordinated by the Center for Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Cecovez), the effort will distribute over one million vaccine doses nationwide. The MSP has urged citizens to participate, emphasizing that vaccinating pets is an act of love, responsibility, and family protection. Detailed vaccination site information is available on the Ministry’s official social media channels.

  • Bedrijven zetten stap naar datagedreven toekomst

    Bedrijven zetten stap naar datagedreven toekomst

    Suriname is positioning itself at the forefront of a data-driven future, as highlighted during the leadership seminar ‘Data as a Compass,’ organized by Consulytic. The event brought together executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore how data can serve as a guiding force for economic growth and decision-making. The seminar was inspired by the book ‘Data as a Compass’ by Dutch data strategist Rob van den Wijngaard, who was specially invited to Suriname for the occasion. Minister Andrew Basaron of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) opened the event, emphasizing that Suriname stands at a critical economic juncture. He stressed that with anticipated developments in the oil and gas sector, businesses must prepare for scaling, international competition, and more efficient decision-making. ‘Data-driven operations are no longer optional but a necessity,’ he stated. Van den Wijngaard, in his presentation, argued that the shift to data-driven practices begins not with technology but with people. ‘The success of data-driven organizations is not determined by the volume of data or the quality of software,’ he said. ‘It starts with leaders who demonstrate vision and guide their teams on a journey of learning and improvement.’ He expressed optimism about Suriname’s potential, citing motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to build a strong, future-oriented economy. The seminar also included masterclasses for EZOTI ministry officials and executives from leading companies, focusing on data-driven leadership, collaboration, and the role of data in modern business operations. Bibi Mustapha, Operations Manager at Consulytic, noted that the event marks the beginning of a broader movement. ‘The world is changing rapidly. Surinamese organizations have the opportunity not just to catch up but to lead. We are guiding businesses and government institutions through this transition—not just with technology but with knowledge, leadership, and sustainable collaboration,’ she said. Van den Wijngaard concluded with optimism, stating, ‘Something beautiful is coming to Suriname. The energy is palpable. This is a country ready to grow.’