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  • Amnesty International urges Dominican Republic to end health protocol tied to deportations

    Amnesty International urges Dominican Republic to end health protocol tied to deportations

    Amnesty International has once again urged the Dominican government to abolish a controversial health protocol that ties medical treatment for undocumented Haitians to deportation. The organization labeled the policy as ‘unjustified’ and ‘discriminatory’ during the virtual launch of its report titled ‘Health Without Stigma: The Impact of Migration Policies on the Right to Health in the Dominican Republic.’ The report delves into how current migration policies are obstructing Haitian migrants’ access to healthcare.

    The findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of public health data, UNICEF reports, and interviews with health experts and Haitian patients. Amnesty International highlighted that the protocol’s requirements—such as ID verification, proof of residence, employment letters, and post-treatment deportation—contravene international human rights standards. These measures, the organization argues, deter Haitians from seeking medical care, perpetuate racial stereotypes, and amplify anti-Haitian sentiments, thereby undermining the fundamental right to health.

    Implemented in April, the protocol permits undocumented patients to receive medical treatment but mandates their deportation once they are medically stable. Amnesty International contends that this approach not only jeopardizes public health but also disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. The organization has called on the Dominican government to revoke the protocol, cease the detention and deportation of Haitians seeking medical care, and ensure that immigration status does not hinder access to health services.

  • TikToker ordered to pay $1.75M for destroying woman’s marriage

    TikToker ordered to pay $1.75M for destroying woman’s marriage

    In a landmark ruling, a North Carolina jury has sided with Akira Montague, who accused TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard of destroying her marriage to her ex-husband, Tim Montague. The court ordered Kennard to pay $1.5 million for alienation of affection and an additional $250,000 for ‘criminal conversation,’ a legal term referring to sexual relations with another person’s spouse. Montague alleged that Kennard’s affair with her then-husband caused her severe emotional distress, negatively impacted her health, and deprived her children of a stable two-parent household. Initially, Montague sought $3.5 million in punitive and compensatory damages. Robonetta Jones, Montague’s attorney, stated, ‘She has received justice for losing her husband and the father of her children.’ Kennard defended herself by claiming that Montague had consented to the affair, asserting that the marriage was already over. However, the jury dismissed this argument and ruled in favor of Montague. North Carolina remains one of the few states where spouses can legally sue third parties for affairs that lead to the dissolution of a marriage.

  • Fernandes Driver beloont topgamers met SRD 10.000 bij vierde prijzenronde

    Fernandes Driver beloont topgamers met SRD 10.000 bij vierde prijzenronde

    Paramaribo – Fernandes Driver, Suriname’s first and only locally developed smartphone game, continues to surge in popularity. Since its launch in January, the game has attracted thousands of players. Unlike most mobile games, Fernandes Driver offers more than virtual victories; top racers also earn tangible rewards. The fourth prize ceremony took place recently, where the two main winners received Fernandes products alongside vouchers worth SRD 10,000. The game allows players to race through a digitally recreated Paramaribo, using virtual versions of cars sold by Fernandes Autohandel, the official dealer. Recent updates have expanded the gameplay to include Suriname’s rural areas, introducing challenges like unpaved roads. Players can now further customize their vehicles and avatars, enhancing the competitive aspect. The game features two categories: Single Run, where players aim for the longest distance in one session, and All Time, where the player with the most kilometers over a two-month period wins. This season’s All Time title went to Kevin, an entrepreneur, bodybuilder, and avid gamer who has played since the game’s launch. Reflecting on his win, Kevin said, ‘Finally, I’ve won the All Time title. It’s a unique experience compared to other games. Here, you get real prizes you can use.’ He also suggested improvements, such as adding multiplayer and chat features. Previous prize packages included Yadea e-bikes, smartwatches, juice boxes, and other Fernandes products. The latest ceremony featured additional perks, with winners receiving SRD 10,000 vouchers alongside traditional prizes. Yume Zalman, communications officer at Fernandes Autohandel, hinted at upcoming updates, including seasonal changes with a Christmas theme. With its growing player base, attractive rewards, and continuous updates, Fernandes Driver is solidifying its position as Suriname’s most popular game and an innovative blend of gaming and real-world incentives.

  • Abinader to attend annual semiconductor meeting in California

    Abinader to attend annual semiconductor meeting in California

    President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic is set to embark on a significant diplomatic and economic mission to San Jose, California, on November 20. His visit comes at the invitation of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), recognizing the country’s strides in developing a robust and dependable ecosystem for semiconductor investments. Abinader will be joined by Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and a delegation of private-sector representatives as part of the National Strategy for the Promotion of the Semiconductor Industry (Enfis).

    During the Semiconductor Annual Meeting, the Dominican team will engage with top executives from global semiconductor giants, including Intel, TSMC, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Micron. The primary objective is to forge stronger alliances and position the Dominican Republic as a trusted partner for companies looking to diversify their production chains away from Asia.

    The Dominican Republic is focusing on several key areas within the semiconductor industry, including the manufacturing of discrete semiconductors and passive components, assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) of mature-node chips, and the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and chip integration into electronic devices. These sectors are currently dominated by China, but the Dominican Republic aims to capitalize on its logistical advantages, free zone system, and precision manufacturing capabilities to meet U.S. supply chain demands.

    President Abinader emphasized that this event is a pivotal opportunity to showcase the nation’s potential. Several free zone companies in the Dominican Republic are already in advanced discussions with major global players, signaling a promising future for the country’s semiconductor industry.

  • San Pedro Vessel Grounded After Steering Malfunction

    San Pedro Vessel Grounded After Steering Malfunction

    A routine water taxi journey between San Pedro and Caye Caulker took an unexpected turn over the weekend when a San Pedro Belize Express vessel experienced a steering malfunction and ran aground on a small island west of San Pedro. The incident, which occurred on November 17, 2025, involved 40 individuals, including 36 passengers and 2 crew members. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the Belize Port Authority and the Belize Coast Guard have launched investigations to determine the cause of the accident.

    Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young confirmed that the vessel encountered mechanical issues with its steering system, leading it to veer into shallow waters near the island. He emphasized the importance of identifying the root cause, whether it was related to the vessel’s condition, the competence of the crew, or the navigation equipment. Young also highlighted the stringent annual inspections and safety requirements for commercial passenger vessels, underscoring the need to ensure passenger safety.

    Lieutenant Mark Choc, Operations Officer of the Coast Guard, described the swift response to the incident, with rescue teams arriving within 5 to 10 minutes after being alerted by a fisherman. He confirmed that the vessel was ‘high and dry’ and that all crew members were safe, with no serious injuries observed. Choc stressed the critical importance of rapid response in such emergencies, noting that the Coast Guard aims to maintain a 15-minute response time to prevent potential loss of life.

    While the exact cause of the grounding remains under investigation, authorities are committed to uncovering the factors that led to the incident. A second vessel from the same company arrived shortly after to safely transport passengers from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released once the findings are complete.

  • CARICOM Leaders Pledge Support After Touring Hurricane-Hit Jamaica

    CARICOM Leaders Pledge Support After Touring Hurricane-Hit Jamaica

    In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) embarked on a one-day tour of hurricane-ravaged communities in western Jamaica on November 17. The delegation, which included heads of government from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, and Guyana, was accompanied by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and representatives from the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Their journey took them from Montego Bay to White House, Westmoreland, the epicenter of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, where they assessed the damage and engaged with affected residents. Leaders emphasized the symbolic and personal significance of their visit, highlighting the shared vulnerability of Caribbean nations to natural disasters. They expressed unwavering confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and ability to recover stronger. Barbados pledged a field hospital and additional garbage-removal trucks, while Guyana committed engineering support from its Defence Force, debris removal assistance, and 200 roofs for housing repairs. Other CARICOM member states and associate members also offered aid. The mission, supported by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Regional Security System (RSS), underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in rebuilding communities and enhancing disaster preparedness for future challenges.

  • UPDATE: Police investigate shooting death in Silver Lake

    UPDATE: Police investigate shooting death in Silver Lake

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting death of Eddie Anthony James, a 32-year-old resident of Silver Lake. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025, when James was fatally shot inside his home by unidentified attackers. Acting Superintendent Chaucer James, head of the Criminal Investigation Department, confirmed the details and urged the public to assist with the ongoing investigation. A man previously held in custody has been released pending further inquiries. Superintendent James emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, stating that such violent behavior is detrimental to society. He assured the public that the police are committed to preventing such incidents and called for community cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • Byron James’ Family Says His Murder Was ‘Mistaken Identity’

    Byron James’ Family Says His Murder Was ‘Mistaken Identity’

    The tragic murder of 36-year-old Byron James has left his family in shock, as they believe he was the victim of mistaken identity. The incident occurred late Friday night when two masked gunmen entered the yard of his Castle Street home and fatally shot him. Byron’s sister-in-law, Leah James, recounted the harrowing moments, stating that the attack happened just seconds after he stepped outside for a cigarette. She described rushing to the scene and being the first to see his lifeless body on the ground. Leah also revealed that her seven-year-old daughter witnessed the gunfire, adding to the family’s trauma. Byron’s brother, Nikolai James, spoke of Byron’s efforts to turn his life around, emphasizing his role as a loving uncle and his desire to leave his troubled past behind. Byron had recently been released from Belize Central Prison after a prolonged legal battle related to a 2012 murder conviction. The case had been stalled due to procedural delays, leading to his eventual release. Police have detained one man for questioning and recovered two nine-millimetre pistols, which will undergo ballistic testing. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith confirmed that no motive has been established yet. The family is now grappling with the loss of a man they say was striving for redemption.

  • Universal Church has no right to exclusive parking – City Mayor

    Universal Church has no right to exclusive parking – City Mayor

    Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has firmly stated that the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) does not possess exclusive parking rights on Charlotte and Wellington streets. This declaration followed a heated confrontation between a church representative and a member of the public over parking space outside the church. The dispute escalated when the church representative claimed the area was a ‘private zone,’ a statement vehemently denied by the individual involved. The altercation, captured on video, saw the church representative act aggressively, even brandishing a cutlass, which was quickly removed by another church associate. Mayor Mentore expressed his disappointment with the pastor’s behavior, emphasizing that the city council had never granted the church any reserved parking privileges. City workers were dispatched to remove any ‘No Parking’ signs and ensure public access to the parking area. The incident, monitored by government CCTV, underscores the tension between public rights and perceived private claims in urban spaces.

  • CONFIRMED: Jose Abelardo Mai Resigns from Cabinet

    CONFIRMED: Jose Abelardo Mai Resigns from Cabinet

    In a significant political development, Jose Abelardo Mai has officially resigned from his position as Minister of Agriculture. The resignation was confirmed on November 17, 2025, with reports indicating that Mai submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister John Briceño earlier in the afternoon. Sources suggest that Mai’s departure was influenced by mounting pressure from the Prime Minister, who is reportedly under scrutiny from the United States government. The exact reasons behind Mai’s resignation remain unclear, but it follows a highly publicized controversy in October. During that time, Mai vehemently denied allegations linking him to criminal activity, which had surfaced in a viral social media post. He labeled the accusations as “highly defamatory” and dismissed them as entirely fabricated. Mai also accused certain media outlets and political agents of the UDP (United Democratic Party) of conspiring to tarnish his reputation. Despite attempts by News 5 to seek his comments, Mai has remained silent on the matter. This resignation marks a pivotal moment in Belizean politics, raising questions about the dynamics within the current administration and its relationship with external stakeholders.