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  • U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo resumes consular services

    U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo resumes consular services

    The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced the resumption of both routine and emergency consular services, effective this Monday. This decision comes after the Emergency Operations Center (COE) downgraded the alert level in Santo Domingo province from red to yellow. In a statement shared on the embassy’s official Instagram account, officials confirmed that the Visa Assistance Center at Sambil will also reopen and resume normal operations. The embassy attributed this move to the improved weather conditions and the diligent monitoring of Hurricane Melissa by local authorities. However, the embassy issued a warning, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa remains a potent and unpredictable storm. It could still bring heavy rainfall and localized damage to certain areas of the Dominican Republic in the days ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather developments.

  • Grote belangstelling voor Chinese automerken op DSB Bigi Yari Autobeurs

    Grote belangstelling voor Chinese automerken op DSB Bigi Yari Autobeurs

    The DSB Bigi Yari Auto Show, held on the grounds of the DSB Bank, drew massive crowds this weekend, with Chinese automakers stealing the spotlight. Brands like Riddara, BYD, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Chery impressed attendees by offering luxury features comparable to—or even surpassing—those of Japanese, Korean, and American counterparts, all while being an average of $15,000 more affordable. The event was part of DSB Bank’s 160th-anniversary celebrations, which included various community initiatives. Sandrina Hunsel of DSB stated, ‘This is one of our treats to society. We’ve already donated to hospitals, schools, and institutions. More events, like the Bigi Yari Fun Run and Kresneti Fatu, are coming soon.’ The auto show featured nine car dealers, two insurers, oil company Gowtu, and technical firm Elgawa, the official dealer of energy giant Anker. Visitors explored innovative solutions for solar-powered electric vehicle charging, with or without home backup batteries. Marcel Tijndal of DSB called the event a success, noting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Many attendees were surprised by the value-for-money proposition of the new generation of Chinese vehicles, with one visitor exclaiming, ‘So this is cheaper than the used RAV4 I wanted to buy?’ The Surinamese car market is undergoing a significant shift, with major dealers rapidly expanding their offerings to include Chinese brands. Rudisa Motors (KIA) now carries Chery, SEMC (Ford) offers Jaecoo and Omoda, Fernandes (Isuzu) introduces GAC, and Yokohama has become the official dealer for Great Wall Motors and Haval.

  • Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions

    Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions

    Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has announced the lifting of preventive measures across most of the Dominican Republic following the departure of Hurricane Melissa, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. However, four provinces—Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia—remain under red alert due to lingering risks from the hurricane’s indirect effects.

  • FLASH : Hurricane Melissa becomes Cat. 5, Haiti on maximum alert

    FLASH : Hurricane Melissa becomes Cat. 5, Haiti on maximum alert

    On October 27, 2025, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, posing a severe threat to Haiti and neighboring Caribbean nations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h and a central pressure of 917 millibars. Located 625 km south of Port-au-Prince, Melissa is expected to move slowly westward before turning north and northeast, potentially impacting Jamaica, Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas. The Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has issued a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments, with orange alerts for other regions. Catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage are anticipated, with rainfall projections of up to 40 inches in some areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected along Haiti’s western coast, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles from the center. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended coastal shipping activities, and residents are urged to follow civil protection guidelines. Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas are also under hurricane watches, with life-threatening storm surges and heavy rains predicted. Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness as Melissa continues its destructive path.

  • Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School

    Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School

    A mother is urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation following allegations that her teenage son was physically assaulted by a teacher at Princess Margaret School, resulting in facial injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded last Thursday when the student approached his form teacher to discuss a prior suspension. According to accounts, the teacher accused the student of inappropriate conduct and allegedly struck him across the face in response. After the altercation, the student returned to his classroom, but his mother later noticed significant facial swelling and immediately contacted the school’s administration. During a meeting with the principal and assistant principal the following day, it was revealed that they were unaware of the incident. Subsequently, the student was asked to prepare a written report detailing the events. The mother, deeply concerned about the teacher’s actions, emphasized that physical retaliation should never occur without verifying the facts. She has called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, asserting that no educator has the right to physically harm a student, particularly over unsubstantiated allegations.

  • Churches Urged to Pray for Jamaica as Antiguan Students Sheltered During Hurricane Melissa

    Churches Urged to Pray for Jamaica as Antiguan Students Sheltered During Hurricane Melissa

    In a heartfelt appeal during the National Independence Service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to pray for Jamaica and the 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students currently in Kingston as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on the island. The students, relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under government arrangements, are receiving full support, including accommodation and meals, until the storm subsides. Speaking from Dominica, Browne expressed gratitude to those involved in the relocation efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the students. He emphasized that all necessary resources would be mobilized to protect the young nationals. The Prime Minister, who is closely monitoring the situation, is scheduled to return to Antigua on Monday.

  • PM Browne Pays Tribute to Rastafarian Elder King Saggi-Fu

    PM Browne Pays Tribute to Rastafarian Elder King Saggi-Fu

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of revered Rastafarian elder and cultural figure, King Saggi-Fu, also known as Osagifu. Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a man he described as “one of the senior figures in the Rastafarian community.” Browne shared heartfelt memories of their shared origins in Gray’s Farm and recounted his recent visit to Saggi-Fu at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he had been airlifted for treatment. Despite hopes for his recovery, Saggi-Fu’s passing has left a void in the community. During his visit, Browne played his latest musical compositions, including “Gassy Dread” and “Love Is the Way,” which brought joy to the elder in his final days. Browne emphasized Saggi-Fu’s unwavering conviction and cultural impact, urging the nation to find solace in the fact that he lived a meaningful and influential life. Education Minister Daryll Matthew also paid homage, sharing personal anecdotes of Saggi-Fu’s fearless and loyal nature. Matthew’s tribute concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest well. It is well deserved. JAHHHHH RASTAFARI!” The loss of King Saggi-Fu marks the end of an era for the Rastafarian community and Antigua’s cultural landscape.

  • OPINION: Nuts and bolts of Caricom ‘free movement’ for Saint Lucia in the future (Part 2)

    OPINION: Nuts and bolts of Caricom ‘free movement’ for Saint Lucia in the future (Part 2)

    Saint Lucia’s economic and societal development could be significantly accelerated by embracing freedom of movement, a policy that not only allows individuals to relocate but also to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. These individuals would pay taxes, contribute to national insurance, participate in the local economy through shopping and dining, fill labor gaps, and bring valuable educational and vocational expertise. However, freedom of movement is a reciprocal arrangement; Saint Lucians would also gain the right to move freely, improving their quality of life abroad while stimulating economic activity and enriching the social fabric of host countries.

    Under CARICOM law, Article 7 prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and Article 8 bars any member state from receiving more favorable treatment than another. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling in Maurice Tomlinson v. Trinidad and Tobago and Belize further clarifies that domestic legislation conflicting with regional integration law does not constitute a breach unless the state’s practices are incompatible. This means Saint Lucia’s actions at ports of entry and within the country must align with treaty obligations.

    Article 46, which grants the right to seek employment, could help address the skills gap that public officials have long lamented. However, it could also increase competition for jobs currently held by Saint Lucians. To manage this, a comprehensive dialogue is needed on how to manage competition for scarce jobs while creating pathways for upskilling, cross-migration, and employment in emerging sectors. A radical expansion of tertiary education and skills training is essential to ensure Saint Lucians remain competitive in both regional and global markets.

    Policy guardrails must also be considered. Local content policies in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana raise questions about non-discrimination and most-favored nation treatment. Differentiation must be based on qualifications, expertise, and experience rather than nationality. Upskilling the local population is the best defense against perceived intrusion.

    Logistical and transportation issues must be addressed to make air and sea travel across the region more affordable, accessible, reliable, and user-friendly. This would unlock the full benefits of freedom of movement. Additionally, the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) anticipates a future where passports are no longer the sole means of verifying identity within the Caribbean community. Other forms of identification, such as synchronized driver’s licenses, should also be considered.

    Addressing myths and misconceptions is crucial. Data from the OECS shows that even with full freedom of movement, migration remains moderate and manageable. People tend to move where skill gaps exist, not indiscriminately. Job security and public services remain intact, and managed migration will continue to exclude those who pose genuine threats.

    Caribbean history is a history of migration, and the richness of Saint Lucian experience has long been shaped by the intermingling of skills, talents, and perspectives from across the region. Fear-mongering around this policy is unwarranted. Saint Lucia stands to gain from the infusion of new skillsets, economic, and social capital, and educational and vocational expertise, all of which can strengthen both the country and the wider Caribbean. However, there remains an urgent need to root this vision in the minds, hearts, and souls of the people through consultation, education, and meaningful engagement.

  • Rastafarian Elder ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Dies

    Rastafarian Elder ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Dies

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Glasford ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Mack, a revered Rastafarian elder whose influence resonated deeply within the community. Known affectionately as ‘Brother Mack’ or ‘Osagifu,’ his legacy is being celebrated by many, including Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong friend.

    Minister Matthew reflected on their decades-long bond, recalling cherished memories from his childhood to adulthood. ‘I struggle to find the words to express the depth of our friendship and the sorrow I feel,’ Matthew wrote. He reminisced about playing with Mack’s children, exploring his farm, and sharing meals together, describing Mack as a man of unwavering drive, fearlessness, and loyalty.

    Matthew also highlighted Mack’s intellectual and spiritual contributions, noting his ability to engage in insightful, often provocative discussions. ‘You always had something meaningful to share, even if it challenged the status quo. I will miss you deeply, King Saggi-Fu. Rest well. Your legacy is well-deserved. JAH RASTAFARI!’

    King Saggi-Fu was widely respected within the Rastafarian community for his steadfast principles, wisdom, and dedication to the movement’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Tributes continue to pour in from individuals who knew him as a mentor, friend, and guiding force whose impact transcended generations.

  • Leaders urged to serve with humility and faith

    Leaders urged to serve with humility and faith

    At the 85th Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Annual Conference held at Queen’s Park on Sunday, Bishop Marlon Jones delivered a powerful sermon emphasizing the sacred nature of leadership and the importance of humility, sincerity, and compassion in public service. Addressing party members and delegates, Bishop Jones underscored that leadership is not a pursuit of personal gain but a divine calling rooted in service to the nation. He reflected on the BLP’s 87-year history, reminding attendees of the party’s enduring commitment to care and service. ‘You have a calling; the calling is for labour to serve,’ he declared, urging members to uphold the mandate of their predecessors. The bishop highlighted that responsibility extends beyond top leaders to every individual within the organization, emphasizing unity and collective effort. He likened public service to standing ‘on the battlefields of life,’ where criticism and sacrifice are inevitable. ‘When you enter the public arena, you expose yourself, but you cannot turn back,’ he cautioned. Bishop Jones also acknowledged the loneliness that can accompany leadership, encouraging leaders to draw strength from faith. ‘Lean upon God; sometimes you must stand alone, but God will not leave you,’ he advised. Concluding his sermon, he called for compassion across political and social divides, urging the congregation to support their leaders. He reminded all present that true greatness lies not in power but in serving others with humility and empathy.