In a significant development for the Caribbean, Americas, and the Atlantic (CAA) region, Honourable Michelle Slack-Clarke, President of the Nevis Island Assembly, has been nominated to serve on the Executive Body of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The announcement was made during a session of the Nevis Island Assembly on September 25, 2025. Mrs. Slack-Clarke emphasized the importance of Nevis’s role within the broader Commonwealth network, stating, ‘As a law-making body in the Commonwealth, we are integral to the CPA and its regional representation.’ Her appointment positions her as one of three representatives from the CAA region, granting her authority to influence the CPA’s management and direction. This milestone precedes the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), scheduled for October 5–12, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados. The conference, themed ‘The Commonwealth: A Global Partner,’ will host key events, including the CPA General Assembly and specialized forums on gender-sensitive legislation, climate change, and budgeting. Mrs. Slack-Clarke’s new role follows her active participation in the 47th CPA Regional Conference of the CAA Region, held earlier in Nassau, The Bahamas. The CPA remains a cornerstone in promoting parliamentary democracy and good governance across its member states. Mrs. Slack-Clarke’s appointment is poised to elevate Nevis’s profile within the Commonwealth and amplify the region’s global influence.
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Dominican driver Jimmy Llibre wins at Road Atlanta circuit
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Dominican racing driver Jimmy Llibre claimed victory at the renowned Road Atlanta circuit in Georgia, USA. Competing in the esteemed Historic Sports Car Racing (HSR) series, Llibre, alongside teammate Ed Wheatley, piloted a Porsche 991.2 GT3 R to secure the top spot at the Classic 10H / Atlanta Historics event. This achievement not only highlights Llibre’s growing prowess in motorsport but also shines a spotlight on Dominican talent on the global stage. Llibre described the win as a pivotal moment in his career, emphasizing its significance as preparation for his upcoming participation in the Porsche Carrera Cup America. Additionally, he revealed plans to make his debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in November, one of the most celebrated endurance races worldwide. Expressing gratitude to his sponsors, including Banreservas, Baldom, Arroz Campos, and the Ministry of Tourism, Llibre reaffirmed his dedication to representing the Dominican Republic with pride in international motorsport competitions.
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Stephen Junior Cherenfant appointed as Haiti’s new consul in Santiago
Santiago de los Caballeros – In a strategic move to enhance diplomatic relations and consular services, the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named Stephen Junior Cherenfant as the new consul at the Haitian consulate in Santiago de los Caballeros. Cherenfant, who completed a significant portion of his higher education in Santiago, possesses a deep understanding of the cultural and social intricacies of both Haitian and Dominican communities in the Cibao region. His appointment is seen as a step toward fostering stronger bilateral ties and addressing shared challenges. Cherenfant has pledged to prioritize personalized, efficient, and compassionate consular services. His primary objectives include safeguarding the dignity of Haitians, promoting unity within the community, and engaging in constructive dialogue with local authorities to develop collaborative solutions. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens abroad and strengthening its diplomatic presence in the Dominican Republic.
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S&P lift positive, but investment grade remains goal, says Bowe
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas has received a one-notch credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s (S&P), moving from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB’ with a stable outlook. While this development is a positive step, Gowon Bowe, Group CEO of Fidelity Bank & Trust International Limited, emphasizes that the ultimate objective is to achieve investment-grade status, not merely incremental improvements. Bowe stated, ‘It is a one-notch upgrade, which is certainly to be recognized as positive and celebrated, but also to be put into context. Our objective is really to move from non-investment grade into investment grade.’ He highlighted that the true value of S&P’s action lies in the narrative of reforms required to sustain and build upon this progress. S&P’s report underscored the importance of fiscal policy, energy reform, and the fragility of the tourism sector. Bowe noted that S&P has placed significant emphasis on the reduction of the fiscal deficit, the successful refinancing of foreign currency debt at moderate interest rates, and the need for energy reforms to stabilize power costs. He also pointed out the vulnerability of the tourism sector to global economic downturns, particularly in the United States, where elevated inflation and interest rate volatility could negatively impact tourism. Additionally, Bowe stressed the importance of implementing the country’s corporate minimum top-up tax, which has been enacted but not yet enforced. He called for the government to focus on realistic fiscal targets and long-term planning, including a national development plan spanning 25 years or more. S&P’s upgrade reflects The Bahamas’ progress in reducing fiscal deficits, stabilizing its debt-to-GDP ratio, and successfully refinancing external debt. However, the agency cautioned that the country’s high reliance on tourism, vulnerability to external shocks, and challenges in the energy sector remain constraints on the rating. The government welcomed the upgrade as a recognition of its fiscal responsibility and reform agenda, reaffirming its commitment to further economic strengthening, growth diversification, and resilience improvement.
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Antigua Sailing Week Among Major Events on Caribbean Sailing Association Rally Calendar for 2026
The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) has announced its highly anticipated 2026 Rally Calendar, promising an array of thrilling events for cruising sailors. Designed to foster camaraderie and adventure, the calendar features a diverse lineup of activities, including renowned World Cruising Club events, engaging gatherings with the Salty Dawg Association, and exhilarating regattas across the Caribbean. A standout addition is the incorporation of rally classes into racing events, exemplified by the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, which has gained popularity for its unique format. Saskia Revelman, Manager of St. Maarten Yacht Club, highlighted the growing appeal of rally classes, noting their inclusion in the upcoming Course D’Alliance regatta. Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) is also revamping its format for 2026, reintroducing destination sailing and offering both racing and rally options. Organizer Alison Sly-Adams emphasized the event’s return to its roots, focusing on fun and exploration. CSA President Bastien Pouthier expressed enthusiasm for the calendar’s inclusivity, uniting sailors from Barbados to Puerto Rico. Notable additions include the Rum to Spice feeder race and La Vuelta Culebra in Puerto Rico. For the full schedule, visit www.caribbean-sailing.com/rallies.
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Government, EU, and France sign memorandum for PMUS-RD project
The Dominican Republic has officially introduced the Sustainable Urban Mobility Program (PMUS-RD) during the eighth National Sustainable Urban Mobility Week. This ambitious initiative, backed by the Ministry of the Presidency, Intrant, Opret, Fitram, the European Union (EU), and the French Development Agency (AFD), seeks to build on prior successes and expedite the transformation of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. The signing of the memorandum of understanding was witnessed by key figures, including Minister José Ignacio Paliza, French Ambassador Sonia Barbry, EU representative Stefaan Powels, and other prominent officials in the transport sector.
PMUS-RD aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Agenda, a global effort to foster sustainable infrastructure. The program focuses on enhancing urban mobility in Santo Domingo and Santiago by implementing cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport systems. Additionally, it emphasizes climate change mitigation, the shift toward renewable energy, and the reinforcement of national policies to support integrated transportation networks, such as the metro, cable cars, and the Santiago monorail.
This initiative follows the achievements of Aipmus, launched in 2021, which facilitated projects like the expansion of Metro Line 2C and the deployment of six-car trains. With Expertise France joining the collaboration for the first time, the partnership between the Dominican Republic, the EU, and France aims to create a modern, resilient, and eco-friendly urban mobility system. The program is expected to reduce travel times and significantly improve the quality of life for citizens.
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GBC Pharmacy added to SeNaSa case
In Santo Domingo, the National Convergence against Social Security Theft and the Primero Justicia Foundation have formally petitioned the Attorney General’s Office to expand an ongoing embezzlement investigation. The request seeks to include ARS Senasa, GBC Pharmacy, its owner Reymon Rodríguez, and former Superintendents Jesús Feris Iglesias and Miguel Ceara Haton. The case centers on alleged fraud amounting to approximately 41 billion pesos within the State Health Insurance (ARS) system.
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Indotel launches campaign to fight fake news on social media
The Dominican Republic has initiated a nationwide campaign to tackle the proliferation of false information on social media platforms. Guido Gómez Mazara, President of the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel), unveiled the initiative during a press conference, highlighting that 62% of digital content is inaccurate. The campaign, set to launch at the upcoming Book Fair, will emphasize responsible digital consumption, particularly targeting children and adolescents, who are often vulnerable to misinformation.
Gómez Mazara underscored the alarming statistic that 70% of individuals who encounter false information tend to share it, exacerbating the issue. The initiative seeks to foster a digital culture rooted in truth and accountability, urging political parties and other stakeholders to disseminate accurate information to curb the spread of fake narratives.
In addition to addressing misinformation, Gómez Mazara pointed to positive economic developments, including a 2.7% growth rate in the first seven months of the year and the creation of over 121,000 jobs. These figures, he argued, should serve as factual benchmarks in public discourse, reinforcing the importance of truth in shaping societal narratives.
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UNICEF: over 63% of Dominican children suffer domestic violence
In a stark revelation ahead of the National Day of Children’s Rights, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that over 63% of children aged 1 to 14 in the Dominican Republic endure some form of domestic violence. The situation is even more dire for younger children, with 70% of 3- to 4-year-olds affected. Children and adolescents constitute 31.7% of the country’s population, underscoring the gravity of the issue. Beyond domestic violence, UNICEF identified other critical challenges to children’s rights, including high rates of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labor—impacting 16.8% of minors not in school. Additionally, adolescent suicide remains a pressing concern, with 174 cases reported between 2017 and 2022, predominantly among 15- to 17-year-olds. UNICEF’s interim representative, Anyoli Sanabria, called for immediate action to bolster public policies, allocate more resources for child protection, and cultivate a culture that respects children’s rights. She emphasized that violence and inequality must not continue to hinder the present or future opportunities of the nation’s youth.
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La Vega–Jarabacoa Highway reopens after landslide
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has successfully restored traffic on the La Vega–Jarabacoa highway following a landslide in the La Virgen section. The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, temporarily disrupted transportation in the area. MOPC crews acted swiftly to remove debris, ensuring the road was reopened for both directions. Despite the restoration, authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution due to persistent rain and the heightened risk of further landslides. MOPC teams remain on-site, monitoring the situation closely and providing necessary support to maintain safety and prevent additional disruptions.