Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has intensified efforts to assess and accelerate recovery in the eastern regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Over the past week, Díaz-Canel has focused on the hardest-hit areas, including Cauto Cristo and Río Cauto, which remain under hurricane alert. Accompanied by high-ranking officials, he engaged with local residents, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and government responsiveness during this challenging period. The President highlighted the critical role of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and Ministry of Interior (Minint) in rescue operations, particularly in flood-affected zones. He also stressed the need for swift action to restore infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, while ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced families. Despite significant losses in crops and livestock, Díaz-Canel expressed optimism about the recovery process, urging collective effort and resilience. The President’s visit underscored the importance of updating disaster response plans to better handle future crises of similar magnitude.
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INAPA water tank explosion destroys homes and injures three in San Pedro de Macorís
A water tank operated by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) exploded early Wednesday morning in Consuelo, San Pedro de Macorís, resulting in extensive damage to at least ten homes and leaving three individuals injured. The explosion occurred on Isidro Barros Avenue, close to the Sor Leonor Gibb Elementary School, where the force of the blast also damaged a nearby vehicle. The injured victims were promptly transported to the Antonio Musa Regional Hospital, while other residents affected by the shockwave are reported to be in stable condition. Provincial governor Yovanis Baltazar swiftly arrived at the scene to coordinate relief efforts and assess the damage. Emergency response teams, including the Emergency Medical Services (DAEH), the Dominican Red Cross, Civil Defense, Fire Department, and National Police, were deployed to assist victims, secure the area, and mitigate further risks. Authorities remain on-site, providing aid to affected families and monitoring the situation to ensure safety.
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Straughn to private sector: Seize opportunities with CAF membership
Barbadians are being encouraged to capitalize on investment opportunities across the Caribbean and Latin America as Barbados prepares to become a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn emphasized this vision during the introduction of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The bill, which seeks to elevate Barbados’ membership status, will unlock access to up to US$18 billion in concessional financing for the government, local businesses, and individuals. Straughn highlighted that this financial access will empower Barbadians to acquire businesses regionally and beyond, fostering economic growth and integration. He urged a shift in mindset from concerns about foreign ownership to proactive regional investment by Barbadian enterprises. Straughn also called on local credit unions to innovate and support this vision, enabling Bajan companies to expand their reach. As the smallest member of CAF, Barbados will join a prestigious group of regional economies, marking a significant milestone in its financial and economic integration with Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Barbados to join Latin American development bank as smallest full member
Barbados is poised to become the smallest full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), a move that will grant the island nation access to $18 billion in loan financing. This funding will benefit not only the government but also the private sector and individuals. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn introduced legislation on Tuesday to ratify Barbados’ membership, marking its transition from Series C to Series A status. This upgrade will enhance the country’s influence in the bank’s operations and expand its eligibility for funding opportunities. CAF, headquartered in Caracas, Venezuela, is a regional development bank owned by its member countries and financial institutions. It focuses on promoting sustainable development, regional integration, and social inclusion across Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve Series A membership, Barbados will pay over $1 million in membership dues, necessitating the repeal of existing legislation and its replacement with the new bill. Minister Straughn emphasized the strategic importance of this move, particularly as the World Bank shifts its stance on climate-related development projects under the influence of the U.S. administration. He highlighted that CAF offers greater insulation and flexibility for Barbados to secure concessional loans, especially for middle-income countries like Barbados and The Bahamas, which face unique vulnerabilities. Unlike other institutions where non-borrowing members dominate lending policies, CAF is governed primarily by its borrowing members, ensuring decisions align with their collective interests. Straughn likened CAF to a credit union for Latin America and the Caribbean, where member contributions translate into ownership and influence. He also stressed the importance of maintaining access to concessional financing during crises beyond the country’s control. CAF provides concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance for projects in infrastructure, energy, water, transport, and climate resilience, often linking financing to transformative development outcomes for the region.
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We agree, reading must become our true superpower
Barbados, a nation celebrated for its impressive 99.6% literacy rate, is taking bold steps to address underlying gaps in comprehension and critical thinking. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has emphasized that literacy must be more than a statistic—it should be the cornerstone of national development. In a world increasingly driven by data, innovation, and creativity, Blackman’s assertion that “reading has to be our country’s superpower” underscores the importance of intellectual capital over material resources. However, despite the high literacy rate, challenges persist. Misinformation spreads rapidly, and public discourse often lacks reasoned debate, revealing deficiencies in how information is processed and understood. Recognizing these issues, the government has launched Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), a comprehensive literacy initiative targeting both children and adults. The program aims to foster a love for reading, enhance critical thinking, and empower individuals to participate meaningfully in societal and national discussions. Blackman highlights the critical role of parental involvement, acknowledging that economic pressures and the dominance of digital distractions pose significant challenges. The initiative also addresses adult literacy, offering community-based and online resources to ensure inclusivity. For Project SOAR to succeed, it will require sustained funding, teacher training, public-private partnerships, and a cultural shift that prioritizes reading as essential to national identity. Barbados, already a leader in education, now has the opportunity to redefine literacy for the digital age and set a global example.
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Anti-Corruptiecommissie wordt tijdelijk ondergebracht bij Constitutioneel Hof
In a significant move to address financial constraints, Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has proposed that the Anti-Corruption Commission temporarily relocate to the same building housing the Constitutional Court (Chof). The commission is currently required to vacate its premises on Henck Arronstraat due to the ministry’s inability to meet rental obligations. The Chof is situated at the intersection of Watermolen and Lim A Postraat. Monorath emphasized that this relocation is a necessary interim measure, saving the ministry approximately $4,000 per month in rental costs. He clarified that the move is not intended to displace the Chof, referencing President Jennifer Simons’ recent mention of the court in her annual address. The appointment and installation of the Chof’s chairperson and members remain pending. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice and Police has initiated renovations of several buildings, including its headquarters and the former Public Prosecutor’s Office. Monorath reiterated that the decision is purely financial and aims to provide both the Chof and the Anti-Corruption Commission with their own dedicated facilities in the future.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has claimed 43 lives, left 21 injured, and 13 missing as of November 4, 2025. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to reach the hardest-hit areas in the southwest, where landslides and flooding have ravaged over 30 towns and villages. In a bid to bolster security, the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) have pledged to establish five forward operating bases in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and deploy mobile patrol units in the West Department. These measures aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Gang Suppression Force (FRG). Concurrently, the PNH has successfully conducted operations along Haile Selassie Avenue, dismantling gang hideouts and restoring order without any casualties. The United States has also stepped in, allocating $8.5 million from a $24 million emergency aid package to assist Haiti in its recovery efforts. Amidst these challenges, former Acting President Jocelerme Privert emphasized the need for patriotic and competent leadership to steer Haiti towards stability. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health has launched an HPV vaccination campaign targeting young adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.
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Duguid defends choice of QEH expansion site over old hospital grounds
In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid defended the government’s decision to expand the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Enmore Clinic site, emphasizing safety and accreditation concerns. The decision to bypass the old general hospital at Jemmotts Lane was influenced by the risks of storm surges, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Dr. Duguid highlighted the importance of meeting stringent accreditation requirements for hospitals, which the Jemmotts Lane site could not satisfy due to its proximity to the shoreline and vulnerability to storm surges. He cited the example of Black River Hospital in Jamaica, which suffered significant damage from a storm surge due to its location. The $390 million expansion project, facilitated by a loan agreement signed by Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott, will include a bridge connecting QEH to the Enmore Clinic site. Dr. Duguid also addressed concerns about the Harrison Point facility, which experts deemed unsuitable for hospital accreditation due to its infrastructure limitations and the need for patient transportation between buildings. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of Barbados becoming a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), describing it as a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for accessing concessional funds. This move, he noted, would benefit not only the government but also businesses and individuals, providing a line of credit when needed.
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Nieuwe website moet toegang tot kapitaal voor ondernemers vergroten
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) in Suriname has officially unveiled its new digital platform, financieringswijzer.sr. Designed to assist entrepreneurs and startups, the platform aims to streamline the process of identifying funding opportunities from banks, funds, and investment programs. The launch event took place in the ballroom of the Lallarookh Building, marking a significant step toward enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. The platform serves as a centralized portal, enabling users to systematically explore available financial instruments tailored to their specific needs. According to EZOTI, this initiative addresses a critical barrier: the lack of accessible information on securing funding. Karishma Mathoera, Director of Entrepreneurship, emphasized the platform’s role in fostering sustainable economic growth, stating, ‘This platform makes a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.’ Entrepreneurs like Wensley Perea, CEO of AMEA Cashew & Pineapple Industry, shared their experiences in navigating funding challenges within the agricultural value chain. Ifeyinwha Bonheur, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, banks, and investors to improve access to capital for local businesses. Minister Andrew Baasaron, who officiated the launch, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable employment. He noted that financieringswijzer.sr enhances transparency and equal opportunities for entrepreneurs across all districts.
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Taiwan’s participation in the “Global Mutirão” on climate transition
Taiwan is taking significant strides in addressing climate change, aligning its efforts with global initiatives to combat the escalating climate crisis. In 2025, the island nation faced severe weather events, including typhoons and torrential rains, which highlighted the urgent need for robust climate action. As a proactive member of the international community, Taiwan has committed to ambitious targets under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035, aiming to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.