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  • Education Ministry launches “Dominicans at 100%” civic values campaign

    Education Ministry launches “Dominicans at 100%” civic values campaign

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move to bolster national identity within educational institutions, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (Minerd) has inaugurated the ‘Dominicans at 100%’ campaign. Launched this Tuesday as a cornerstone of the nation’s patriotic trimester, the initiative is designed to deeply embed civic and patriotic values throughout the educational community. The campaign strategically repositions schools as dynamic hubs where national history, core values, and symbols are not merely taught but actively celebrated and integrated into daily student life.

    This comprehensive program is intrinsically linked to the newly formalized ‘Morality, Civics, and Citizen Ethics’ curriculum, a subject introduced at the start of the current academic year to advance students’ holistic development. Utilizing a multi-faceted approach, the campaign employs compelling audiovisual materials, concise educational capsules, and powerful narrative storytelling. These resources are crafted to honor the legacy of national heroes while simultaneously celebrating contemporary citizens whose everyday deeds foster a more conscientious and united society.

    Anchoring the initiative is its resonant rallying cry, ‘No le bajes!’—an urgent appeal for unwavering daily dedication to civic duty, reverence for national emblems, and steadfast patriotic principles. Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps articulated that this endeavor embodies the ministry’s overarching mission to champion value-based learning and cultivate citizens who are deeply invested in democratic processes and the nation’s progress. Minerd further emphasized that the campaign is a pivotal component of a broader strategy to enhance active citizenship and elevate educational standards through impactful and meaningful communication channels.

  • Groot aanbod grofvuil bij gerichte ophaalactie tegen chikungunya

    Groot aanbod grofvuil bij gerichte ophaalactie tegen chikungunya

    Surinamese authorities have initiated an intensive bulk waste removal operation in high-risk areas as a strategic measure to contain the spread of chikungunya virus. The campaign, targeting neighborhoods with the highest infection rates, represents a coordinated multi-agency response to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

    Acting Director of Public Green Space and Waste Management (OGA) Anwar Moenne confirmed substantial public participation in the Marowijne Project and Blauwgrond regions during initial collections. The operation is spearheaded by OGA under the Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning (OWRO), with implementation guidance from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor (VGA).

    The collaborative effort involves district commissioners and the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR), which has contributed two vehicles to support logistics. Execution combines contracted service providers already engaged by OWRO with prison labor resources, creating an integrated operational approach.

    Health Minister André Misiekaba emphasized that eliminating breeding sites remains the most effective preventive strategy against chikungunya transmission. Officials have issued urgent appeals for community cooperation, urging residents to maintain clean premises and cease illegal dumping of household and bulk waste along streets and public spaces.

    The operation continues through Friday with scheduled collections in Geyersvlijt (Tuesday), Clevia (Wednesday), Tamansari in Commewijne District (Thursday), and concludes in Richelieu. Project effectiveness will undergo comprehensive evaluation upon completion.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis Defends Human Rights Progress at UN Review

    Saint Kitts and Nevis Defends Human Rights Progress at UN Review

    GENEVA – Saint Kitts and Nevis has presented a robust defense of its human rights record during the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process, showcasing significant progress in justice reform, gender equality, and social protection systems.

    Led by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Hon. Garth Wilkin alongside Permanent Secretary for Social Development Azilla Clarke, the Caribbean nation detailed its comprehensive approach to human rights implementation through constitutional governance and institutional reforms. The delegation emphasized that their human rights commitments have translated into tangible improvements for citizens.

    During the interactive dialogue session, the federation highlighted advancements across multiple sectors including enhanced access to justice, strengthened protections against gender-based violence, environmental rights, and improved institutional coordination for implementing international recommendations. Several UN member states acknowledged Saint Kitts and Nevis’s constructive engagement and measurable progress in legal and policy frameworks.

    Ms. Clarke addressed critical issues surrounding gender equality and social protection mechanisms, emphasizing the government’s survivor-centered approach to services and coordinated policy actions. While acknowledging remaining challenges, the delegation stressed that their human rights strategy is grounded in realism, national ownership, and sustainable development principles.

    As a small island developing state, Saint Kitts and Nevis emphasized the importance of international cooperation in maintaining steady progress. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a pivotal role in coordinating inter-ministerial inputs and ensuring a coherent national position throughout the review process.

    The government will now evaluate all recommendations received during the review for implementation through national mechanisms and line ministries, with the Foreign Ministry anchoring the follow-up process in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office and statutory bodies.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights Implementation, Judicial Independence, and Violence Reduction

    St. Kitts and Nevis Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights Implementation, Judicial Independence, and Violence Reduction

    In a significant address to the United Nations Geneva Office on January 27, 2026, St. Kitts and Nevis Attorney General Garth Wilkin presented the Federation’s Human Rights Country Report, emphasizing the nation’s practical implementation of human rights reforms rather than mere commitments.

    During his comprehensive 15-minute presentation, Wilkin articulated the government’s multifaceted approach to human rights, which is fundamentally rooted in constitutional governance, rule of law, and a people-centered development philosophy. He emphasized that this framework operates within the context of the nation’s 43-year-old Constitution while acknowledging the challenges of limited institutional capacity and vulnerability to external shocks.

    The Attorney General detailed the government’s systematic approach to implementing recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), highlighting the establishment of a national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up. This mechanism consolidates recommendations from various international bodies including treaty organizations and special procedures.

    Judicial independence emerged as a cornerstone of the presentation, with Wilkin explaining the unique regional constitutional framework through the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court that provides additional layers of institutional independence beyond national processes. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission operates under constitutional safeguards specifically designed to prevent undue influence and ensure merit-based judicial appointments.

    Significant progress was reported in several key areas:

    Gender equality remains a national priority through the ongoing implementation of the Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2022-2027. The government has strengthened inter-ministerial coordination and integrated gender considerations into social protection, education, citizen security, and climate resilience frameworks.

    Most notably, the Federation achieved a remarkable 75% reduction in homicides from 2024 to 2025, representing a 68% decrease from the 15-year average. This achievement positions St. Kitts and Nevis as having one of the most significant violence reduction rates in the Caribbean region.

    The government is addressing domestic and sexual violence through enhanced legal safeguards, institutional protocols, specialized training, and sustained public education campaigns. Work continues to strengthen standard operating procedures across correctional, health, and justice institutions to improve sanitation, healthcare access, and risk management.

    Regarding freedom of expression, Wilkin acknowledged ongoing international discussions about criminal defamation, noting the government’s careful examination of the issue within broader legal modernization efforts while balancing proportionality and access to remedies. Simultaneously, the administration supports initiatives promoting responsible journalism and media ethics through training and engagement programs.

    Wilkin candidly acknowledged persistent challenges in human and technical capacity, data availability, and competing reporting obligations. He emphasized the importance of pragmatism, institutional ownership, and targeted technical cooperation to ensure sustainable progress, particularly in the administration of justice.

    The Attorney General concluded by reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to continuous improvement, stating that the government “doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk when it comes to human rights-related reform,” demonstrating tangible results in violence reduction and judicial strengthening.

  • West Indies confirm squad for ICC T20 World Cup

    West Indies confirm squad for ICC T20 World Cup

    Cricket West Indies has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to commence in India and Sri Lanka on February 7th. The selection represents a strategic blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, with captain Shai Hope leading a roster that includes Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, and power hitters Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell.

    The two-time champions enter the tournament seeking to overcome recent inconsistent performances, particularly against spin bowling during their series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The selection committee emphasized an extensive evaluation process focused on assembling a squad capable of adapting to subcontinental conditions while maintaining competitive consistency.

    Head Coach Daren Sammy, currently conducting final preparations during South Africa’s preparatory series, described the squad as containing ‘optimal balance, extensive experience, and strategic mystery.’ Sammy emphasized the inclusion of both X-factor players and hungry newcomers ready to represent the Caribbean region with pride.

    Notable inclusions feature Gudakesh Motie’s return following a developmental stint in South Africa’s SA20 tournament, while Johnson Charles secures the backup wicketkeeper position based on current player availability. Captain Hope expressed confidence in the team’s ‘power-packed batting lineup and adaptable bowling attack’ to compete effectively throughout the tournament.

    The West Indies commence their campaign against Scotland in Kolkata on February 7th, facing mounting expectations to replicate their 2016 triumph in similar subcontinental conditions.

  • Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    The Belizean communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank are confronting a surge of violent crime following the separate yet connected fatal shootings of two close friends on Sunday evening. Shakeem Ferguson, 26, and Elroy Bainton, 29, were killed within a mere thirteen minutes of each other, sending shockwaves through a neighborhood still grieving the murder of a security guard just one week prior.

    According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the sequence of events began at approximately 5:32 p.m. on Joe Lewis Street. Ferguson was returning from a store when he was ambushed by assailants in a vehicle who fired multiple shots, inflicting fatal injuries. Shortly thereafter, at around 5:45 p.m., gunfire erupted on nearby Yellowtail Street, where Bainton was shot. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his wounds.

    Police investigations indicate the two victims had been socializing together prior to the attacks. ACP Romero stated that evidence suggests the men were specifically targeted and trailed, with the murders being ‘drug related’ and connected to an ‘internal issue’ within a local group. This revelation contrasts sharply with the perspective of Ferguson’s family. His sister, who spoke anonymously, described him as a man who would typically relax in an alleyway, socialize, and spend time with his one-year-old daughter. She expressed profound shock and confusion over the motive, stating, ‘I never expect something like this.’

    The tragic incidents have exacerbated existing fears in the area. While police have found no direct link to the recent killing of BWS security guard Darwin Valerio, the cumulative effect of these events has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable and alarmed. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and searching for two suspects connected to the vehicle used in the attacks.

  • Migration advances digital system for minors’ exit permits

    Migration advances digital system for minors’ exit permits

    Santo Domingo – In a significant move to modernize governmental services, the Dominican Republic’s immigration authorities have partnered with the National Competitiveness Council to revolutionize the process for authorizing minors’ international travel. Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration, convened a strategic meeting with Peter Prazmowski, head of both the National Competitiveness Council and the Zero Bureaucracy Program, to finalize the digital transformation initiative.

    The collaboration has yielded substantial progress, with officials announcing the imminent launch of a Private Beta phase for the newly developed digital platform. This controlled testing environment will engage a select group of users to assess system performance, identify necessary refinements, and ensure seamless functionality before the official public deployment. The comprehensive digital transfer of the minors’ exit permit process is reportedly in its final implementation stage, leveraging interoperability between participating government institutions to optimize efficiency.

    The innovative system specifically addresses the most common travel scenario—cases where one parent authorizes another to travel with a minor—which accounts for approximately 80% of all applications. The remaining cases will be systematically integrated into the platform in subsequent phases. Notably, the digital solution extends significant benefits to the Dominican diaspora, enabling citizens abroad to request, receive approval, and obtain travel permits electronically through Dominican consulates worldwide.

    According to CNC Director Peter Prazmowski, the fully digitized process will dramatically reduce bureaucratic hurdles, potentially cutting authorization issuance time to under 30 minutes. This transformation represents a substantial improvement in service delivery for Dominican families, aligning with broader governmental efforts to enhance administrative efficiency and citizen experience through technological innovation.

  • Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Authorities in Belize acknowledge their investigation into the fatal shooting of security guard Darwin Valerio has yet to yield a suspect, despite multiple days of evidence gathering. The 35-year-old was killed while on duty at the Belize Water Services warehouse in Lord’s Bank, an incident that continues to baffle investigators.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who heads the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed the ongoing challenges in the case during a press briefing. While video footage from the entity’s surveillance system and nearby cameras has been obtained and is under review, Romero stated the evidence has not progressed to identifying a perpetrator.

    When questioned by reporters about the potential involvement of a coworker, ACP Romero maintained an objective stance, clarifying that while no evidence currently points to any colleague, the investigation remains active. The police force continues to pursue all available leads in their efforts to deliver justice for Valerio’s killing, though the absence of arrests highlights the complexities of the ongoing probe.

  • Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    In a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated national attention since December 11th, law enforcement authorities have formally arrested and charged 49-year-old Harry Trapp in connection with the double murder of Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford. The arrest marks a pivotal development in the investigation that has gripped the public conscience for weeks.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, disclosed that meticulous investigative work involving extensive video surveillance analysis and follow-up operations ultimately led to Trapp’s apprehension. According to Romero, the homicides resulted from a robbery operation where the victims were accosted and transported to a highway area before being killed for money stolen from their truck.

    Trapp represents a familiar figure to criminal justice authorities, having served over two decades in prison for previous manslaughter convictions. His criminal history gained notoriety in 2007 when he made headlines after being intercepted at a police checkpoint while traveling toward Belize City alongside two other inmates and a former Deputy Chief of Prison Security. That incident triggered substantial institutional scandal and additional criminal charges.

    While Trapp remains the primary suspect currently facing charges, ACP Romero indicated the investigation remains active with multiple leads being pursued. When questioned about potential accomplices, Romero confirmed that additional charges would be filed should evidence emerge implicating other individuals in the crime.

    In a separate development, police also announced progress in another homicide case, arresting 28-year-old call center agent Tyron Castro for the January 7th murder of Mark Anthony Gabourel. Castro faces charges of abetment to murder for allegedly facilitating the deadly attack, with his arrest occurring on January 26th as investigators continue reconstructing the events leading to Gabourel’s killing.

  • Rising Opposition as BTL Moves Toward Speednet Acquisition Vote

    Rising Opposition as BTL Moves Toward Speednet Acquisition Vote

    BELIZE CITY – A major corporate acquisition faces mounting opposition as Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) moves toward a decisive vote on its proposed takeover of Speednet. With the board reportedly preparing to decide as early as Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued a formal demand for government intervention.

    The Chamber’s strongly-worded statement calls on the government, which holds controlling interest in BTL, to halt any binding decisions until comprehensive stakeholder consultations occur. BCCI representatives have secured a meeting with BTL management scheduled for Wednesday, but express deep concern that a board vote preceding this dialogue would render their engagement merely ceremonial.

    BCCI President Giacomo Sanchez conveyed the business community’s apprehension in exclusive comments to News Five, stating that reports of provisional approval being advanced without proper discourse remain deeply troubling. Sanchez emphasized that transactions of this magnitude, carrying significant implications for market competition, public expenditure, and consumer welfare, demand absolute transparency and inclusive decision-making processes.

    The escalating controversy highlights fundamental questions about corporate governance and public accountability. Sanchez warned that proceeding without genuine consultation risks eroding public trust and established governance standards, potentially setting concerning precedents for future state-involved business transactions.