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  • Switzerland seeks to strengthen energy and mining ties with Dominican Republic

    Switzerland seeks to strengthen energy and mining ties with Dominican Republic

    In a significant diplomatic engagement marking the conclusion of her service, Swiss Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Rita Hämmerli-Weschke articulated Switzerland’s sustained commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy and mining sectors. The farewell meeting, convened at the Dominican Ministry of Energy and Mines, served as both a retrospective on institutional collaborations and a forward-looking dialogue on future partnerships.

    Ambassador Hämmerli-Weschke commended the work of Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos and his ministry, recognizing their efforts in advancing the nation’s extractive and energy industries. The discussions centered on identifying concrete opportunities for strengthened technological exchange and investment between the two nations, with Switzerland positioned as a valuable partner in Dominican development initiatives.

    Minister Santos expressed gratitude for the Swiss Embassy’s ongoing support and specifically proposed the promotion of larimar, the Dominican Republic’s distinctive semiprecious national stone, within the Swiss market. He emphasized Switzerland’s global relevance in the gemstone commerce sector, suggesting significant potential for this cultural export.

    The outgoing ambassador confirmed the scheduled arrival of her successor in March, ensuring continuity in diplomatic relations and reaffirming Switzerland’s technical and financial capacity to contribute meaningfully to Dominican progress in these critical sectors. Hämmerli-Weschke shared positive reflections on her tenure in the Caribbean nation, characterizing her diplomatic assignment as personally and professionally rewarding.

    The ceremonial conclusion of the meeting featured the ambassador presenting Minister Santos with a traditional Swiss Army knife—a symbolic gesture representing Swiss craftsmanship and practical innovation. The exchange was witnessed by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, underscoring the importance both nations place on their diplomatic and economic relationship.

  • 18-year-old Kaleb Ottley missing

    18-year-old Kaleb Ottley missing

    Authorities in Barbados have launched a public appeal for information regarding the disappearance of 18-year-old Kaleb Ottley from the Ellerton parish of St. George. The teenager was last observed on the morning of Monday, January 19, at approximately 6:50 a.m. near his residence at Waverley Cot.

    Ottley is described as having a slim physique, standing at five feet seven inches tall, with a dark complexion. His distinguishing facial features include small eyes, a bulbous nose, and thin lips. A small scar is visible on the left side of his neck. At the time of his disappearance, he was attired in casual beach shorts colored blue and a grey T-shirt.

    The Barbados Police Service has disclosed that the missing individual has been diagnosed with a psychological disorder and possesses a documented tendency to wander from his home without notice. His physical demeanor is characterized by an unusually erect posture, and his speech patterns are marked by a distinct Vincentian accent.

    Law enforcement officials emphasize the urgency of this case due to the young man’s medical condition and potential vulnerability. Investigators are urging anyone with relevant information to immediately contact the District ‘B’ Police Station at 437-4311 or 430-7625. Alternative points of contact include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any local police station. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.

  • DLP’s Griffith says Barrow’s legacy must be lived, not just remembered

    DLP’s Griffith says Barrow’s legacy must be lived, not just remembered

    In a powerful address during the Errol Barrow Day commemorations, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ian Griffith challenged Barbadians to transform ceremonial remembrance into tangible national action. Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony in Checker Hall, St Lucy, the first-time political candidate emphasized that true homage to Barbados’ National Hero requires daily commitment to his foundational principles.

    Griffith, standing alongside DLP political leader Ralph Thorne, articulated that national reflection must evolve beyond tradition into concrete practice, particularly during periods of economic and social difficulty. He framed the ceremony not as routine observance but as a profound ‘commitment, promise, and declaration’ to actively pursue justice, dignity, and inclusion—the cornerstones of Barrow’s leadership philosophy.

    Quoting historical wisdom, Griffith reminded attendees that ‘the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.’ He pledged his solidarity with the people of St Lucy, specifically acknowledging farmers, fishermen, laborers, and church leaders who shoulder the silent burdens of community development.

    The candidate presented a vision of nation-building that originates in households and local communities rather than parliamentary chambers alone. He called for a Barbados where every citizen feels they ‘belong and have a purpose’ in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing that Barrow’s legacy must live through contemporary actions that make justice real, fairness felt, and inclusion genuinely experienced.

  • Truck driver dies after falling into Ozama River at Port of Santo Domingo

    Truck driver dies after falling into Ozama River at Port of Santo Domingo

    A devastating incident unfolded at the Port of Santo Domingo where a contracted truck driver tragically fell into the Ozama River during standard logistics operations, resulting in his death. The fatal accident occurred late at night within the port’s operational perimeter during routine transportation activities.

    Horizon Auto Logistics (HAL) management confirmed that immediate emergency protocols were activated following the incident. General Manager Daryelin Cabrera stated that port authorities and company officials promptly notified all relevant agencies to coordinate response efforts. The National District Fire Department, with assistance from Civil Defense units, successfully recovered the victim’s body from the waters. The remains were subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for official procedures.

    In an official statement, Cabrera conveyed the company’s profound condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized that HAL maintains continuous communication to provide comprehensive support throughout this difficult period. The logistics firm has reaffirmed its dedication to full cooperation with investigative authorities to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the tragic event. HAL further emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency throughout all aspects of its port operations.

  • FLASH : Attempt to revoke the PM defeated by the USA

    FLASH : Attempt to revoke the PM defeated by the USA

    In a dramatic political showdown on January 21, 2026, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé retained his position after a failed dismissal attempt within the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT). The resolution for his removal initially garnered support from five council members before Advisor Smith Augustin unexpectedly reversed his position, refusing to provide the crucial final signature needed for passage.

    The four advisors who endorsed the dismissal motion were identified as Fritz Alphonse Jean, Leslie Voltaire, Louis Gérald Gilles, and Edgard Leblanc Fils. Their effort faced strong opposition from Laurent Saint-Cyr, the Council’s President pro tempore and Coordinator, who circulated a formal correspondence condemning the initiative.

    Saint-Cyr’s communication emphasized the critical need for governmental stability ahead of the February 7 institutional deadline, warning against ‘any initiative likely to fuel instability, confusion or a breakdown of trust’ that would carry ‘serious risks for the country.’ He advocated for structured dialogue representing Haiti’s diverse political sectors rather than rushed decisions.

    The decisive factor in quashing the dismissal attempt emerged from explicit diplomatic pressure from the United States Embassy. In unequivocal language, U.S. officials declared that changing Haiti’s government composition at this late stage would be considered ‘an effort to undermine’ American objectives for security and stability. The correspondence contained a direct threat that the U.S. would regard supporters of such measures as ‘acting contrary to the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people’ and would ‘act accordingly.’

    This diplomatic intervention highlights the ongoing influence of international actors in Haiti’s fragile political transition and the continuing challenges facing the Caribbean nation’s governance structures.

  • Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Suriname’s Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime after discovering a fully operational twin-engine aircraft at a meticulously maintained illegal airstrip deep within the remote Goliath territory. The sophisticated discovery occurred on Saturday, January 17th, during routine aerial reconnaissance missions designed to monitor previously identified clandestine landing strips.

    The aircraft, found in remarkably good technical condition, had been expertly camouflaged with natural foliage including leaves and branches, rendering it virtually undetectable from both aerial surveillance and ground observation. Authorities noted the exceptional concealment efforts demonstrated the advanced operational capabilities of those involved.

    Further investigation of the immediate vicinity revealed substantial quantities of aviation fuel stored in numerous jerrycans, indicating prepared capacity for extended flight operations. The airstrip itself showed signs of recent use and careful maintenance, suggesting regular illicit air traffic in the region.

    Due to the challenging remote location and complex logistical considerations, Surinamese authorities executed a carefully coordinated extraction operation with support from the Air Force of the National Army. The aircraft was successfully started on site and safely flown to Paramaribo for comprehensive forensic examination and further investigation into its origins and suspected criminal connections.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office communication unit confirmed the operation represents a major disruption to suspected criminal networks operating in the country’s interior regions, though specific criminal activities connected to the aircraft remain under investigation.

  • BPO Association Speaks on Credit Card Fraud

    BPO Association Speaks on Credit Card Fraud

    The Belize Business Process Outsourcing Association (BBPOA) has formally addressed mounting concerns regarding sophisticated credit card fraud operations potentially linked to the nation’s BPO sector. This response follows an investigative report by News Five that uncovered substantial financial losses suffered by local businesses through fraudulent transactions originating from compromised payment data.

    In its official statement, the BPO trade group unequivocally condemned all forms of financial fraud and data misuse while emphasizing its commitment to cooperate with ongoing investigations. Notably absent from the association’s communication was any acknowledgment regarding whether specific member companies are currently under investigation or if internal security breaches might have facilitated the alleged criminal activities.

    The association’s response strategically highlighted the industry’s substantial economic contributions, noting that Belize’s BPO sector employs approximately 16,000-20,000 citizens and generates roughly US$150 million in annual wages. While underscoring this significant economic footprint, the statement provided limited concrete information addressing potential security vulnerabilities within member organizations.

    BBPOA officials pointed to existing compliance measures including Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, advanced encryption systems, restricted access protocols, and regular third-party audits as evidence of robust governance frameworks. The association further announced collaborative efforts with member companies to reexamine security procedures and strengthen compliance standards.

    Despite pledging support for a ‘thorough and transparent investigation,’ the trade group stopped short of committing to public disclosure of internal review findings or outlining potential consequences for member companies where security deficiencies might be identified. This cautious approach has raised questions about accountability mechanisms within the rapidly growing industry.

  • Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    The legal fraternity has been plunged into profound grief following the sudden and unexpected passing of Magistrate Oliver Thomas, who tragically died at the age of 39. The devastating news has sent reverberations throughout the court system and among his professional colleagues, casting a pall over the judiciary.

    Magistrate Thomas’s death occurred on Wednesday, a mere 24 hours after he had actively presided over multiple cases in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, demonstrating his recent and dedicated commitment to his new role on the Bench. His appointment to the magistracy, which took place earlier this month, marked a significant pinnacle in a legal career characterized by diligent service.

    Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Thomas had established a formidable reputation as a legal professional. Admitted to the Bar in 2014, he dedicated years of service as a Principal State Counsel within the esteemed Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this capacity, he played a critical role in the administration of justice, honing the expertise that would later see him appointed to a judicial position. His untimely demise represents a significant loss of a promising legal mind at the very beginning of what was anticipated to be a long and distinguished judicial career, leaving colleagues to mourn not only a respected peer but a cherished friend.

  • Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    In a moving tribute delivered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, attorney David Dorsett commemorated the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, who passed away on December 13, 2025, just six days before his 87th birthday. Drawing from more than two decades of collaborative legal practice, Dorsett painted a portrait of a legal titan whose profound impact extended far beyond the courtroom.

    Dorsett framed his memorial around the philosophical framework of Psalm 90, noting that Sir Gerald’s 31,771 days of life were characterized by purposeful action and institution-building. The senior counsel was celebrated as an architect of enduring legal structures, having established a law firm grounded in principles rather than convenience. His approach to jurisprudence rejected opportunistic financial gain in favor of championing difficult cases that others avoided, viewing the law primarily as an instrument for aiding those in distress.

    The tribute highlighted Sir Gerald’s exacting professional standards, emphasizing his commitment to rigorous preparation, precise legal drafting, and unwavering respect for judicial procedure. Dorsett revealed that his mentor selectively engaged in legal battles guided by strategic principle rather than pragmatism, famously advising that ‘conceding under pressure is an ill-advised course’ unless grounded in fundamental values.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Gerald demonstrated remarkable personal investment in his colleagues’ welfare. Dorsett recounted instances during the COVID-19 pandemic when the senior counsel personally ensured his firm’s members received vaccinations and accompanied colleagues to medical appointments. His leadership style blended firm expectations with genuine paternal concern, treating younger attorneys as family members while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

    Sir Gerald’s distinguished public service portfolio included roles as Attorney General, parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, and chairman of the Electoral Commission. In each position, he brought characteristic diligence, thoroughly studying parliamentary procedure and refusing to accept responsibility for matters beyond his control. Despite health challenges in his later years, he remained actively engaged in legal discourse, maintaining clear visions for his firm’s future and the broader legal profession.

    Dorsett concluded that Sir Gerald’s most enduring quality was his deep commitment to honor, leaving behind a blueprint for professional excellence that would continue to guide generations of legal practitioners in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.

  • Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Grenada’s House of Representatives has passed landmark legislation decriminalizing cannabis, triggering urgent warnings about potential repercussions for the nation’s financial system. The Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) (Amendment) Bill, approved on January 20, 2026, legalizes possession of small cannabis quantities and permits regulated medicinal, therapeutic, scientific, and religious use for citizens aged 21 and above.

    The legislative overhaul includes protective measures for youth, establishes new cannabis misuse offenses, and provides for expunging criminal records for minor cannabis-related violations through amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

    Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell sounded alarms during parliamentary debates, highlighting that decriminalization could jeopardize Grenada’s banking relationships with international counterparts. “The issue of derisking from international banks is something that we have to watch,” Mitchell cautioned, noting that cannabis remains federally illegal in major financial hubs like the United States.

    Mitchell explained that local financial institutions risk losing vital correspondent banking relationships if they process funds linked to cannabis operations. “The present danger we face can cripple our financial sector if not handled properly,” he warned, emphasizing that such scenario could create cash-heavy environments complicating tax collection and increasing security risks.

    The former leader revealed his administration had initially proposed similar amendments in 2021, but the initiative stalled due to parliament’s dissolution for 2022 elections.

    Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre expressed concerns about implementation clarity, stating: “I expected to hear more surrounding plans for implementation. If we’re not clear where we’re going and how we’re getting there, we can have problems.” She emphasized the serious consequences of potential cannabis misuse despite supporting the legislation.

    Government member Peter David highlighted the social benefits of record expungement, noting that criminal records have historically hindered opportunities for youth caught with minimal cannabis quantities. All present opposition members supported the bill, which now advances to the Upper House for further debate.