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  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    A collection of the latest developments from Haiti spanning multiple sectors this July 2026 brings a mix of athletic triumph, diplomatic clarification, legal enforcement and public service milestones.

    First, in a historic win for Haitian sports, competitive swimmer Christian Jérôme delivered a stunning performance at the 2026 Pan American Swimming Games hosted in Ibagué, Colombia. Jérôme left the multi-day competition with an unprecedented six medals for his home country: three gold medals earned in the men’s 100-meter butterfly, 50-meter butterfly, and 50-meter freestyle events, one silver medal from the 200-meter individual medley, and two bronze medals claimed in the 200-meter freestyle and 4 x 100-meter mixed medley relay. His achievement marks a standout moment for Haitian swimming on the regional competitive stage.

    Turning to regional security diplomacy, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has publicly clarified the nature of his country’s cooperation with Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a multinational mission tasked with quelling widespread gang violence in Haiti. Speaking in a media interview, Abinader emphasized that Dominican collaboration is strictly limited to two core areas: delivering humanitarian medical support and coordinating intelligence sharing with the international mission. He explicitly ruled out any direct participation by Dominican forces in offensive anti-gang operations within Haiti. The president confirmed that a permanent communication channel between the Dominican government and the GSF is already active, noting “Yes, we are in coordination with this multinational force. If there is a problem, they inform us and we prepare.” Addressing security along the shared Haiti-Dominican border, Abinader highlighted ongoing upgrades to the Dominican Armed Forces’ capabilities and infrastructure, confirming the force now has access to new armored vehicles and significantly improved weaponry. He added that military salaries have been tripled nationwide, with all personnel assigned to border posts receiving an additional special performance bonus.

    In domestic legal news, Haitian opposition figure Moïse Jean-Charles has been officially summoned to appear before the national prosecutor’s office following a series of inflammatory public remarks. The summons comes in response to repeated statements in which Jean-Charles called on the Haitian public to “destroy and burn everything”, repeated calls for “total annihilation” widely referenced by the slogan “boule tout bank”, and his most recent public appeal for widespread “dechoukaj”, a term referring to violent mass upheaval. Many Haitian citizens have argued that Jean-Charles’s rhetoric has exacerbated an already volatile national security climate, where armed gangs already carry out widespread acts of terror across the country. Observers note that inflammatory public speech that incites disorder carries tangible risks of unpredictable, harmful consequences for already vulnerable communities.

    The Port-au-Prince Prosecutor’s Office has also announced a sweeping new crackdown on the exploitation of minors, intensifying enforcement actions targeting nightclubs and hotels across the Haitian capital that permit underage girls to work and gather on their premises. According to Jean Fritz Patterson Dorval, Government Commissioner for the Port-au-Prince jurisdiction, targeted inspection operations launched last weekend are focused on combating the sexual exploitation and violence targeting 15- to 16-year-old girls in these entertainment and hospitality venues.

    In public health, the Haitian health community honored the contributions of international medical support last month. On June 20, the Lasile Community Reference Hospital (HCR) hosted a formal tribute ceremony for the Cuban Medical Brigade, recognizing the brigade’s central role in the success of the recent Free Surgical Caravan initiative. The ceremony was attended by senior Haitian health officials, including Dr. Esther Ceus Dumond, Nippes Department Health Director, and Eluderne Denius, coordinator of the Miragoâne District Health Unit and departmental coordinator for the caravan. Thanks to the brigade’s dedicated work, more than 100 low-income patients received completely free life-changing surgical procedures at the Lasile facility, bringing new hope to hundreds of vulnerable Haitian families who could not otherwise access care.

    Finally, in law enforcement training, the Haitian National Police Academy (ENP) officially launched the academic year for its 37th class of aspiring police officers on July 14, 2026. During the opening ceremony, new cadets received detailed briefings on training requirements and the core values the Haitian National Police requires all officers to uphold throughout their careers: strict discipline, professional ethics, and adherence to deontological standards. The ceremony, branded “First Civic Monday”, marks a key milestone in the integration of the new cohort, coming two weeks after the completion of their initial orientation period.

  • Minister Dwayne George Pleased with Carnival 2026 Preparations

    Minister Dwayne George Pleased with Carnival 2026 Preparations

    During an on-site inspection of the Antigua Recreation Grounds this Monday, Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, affirmed that the nation is solidly on track to host what event organizers project will be the largest Carnival in the country’s history.

    Accompanied by Cleofoster Harris, Operations Lead for the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, George toured the venue that is currently undergoing extensive transformation into Carnival City, where he reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing pre-event work for the country’s flagship summer cultural celebration.

    After wrapping up the inspection, George told reporters he was deeply encouraged by the progress achieved so far, confirming that overall preparations are currently 70 percent complete ahead of the 2026 edition of the festival.

    “From everything I’ve seen and heard during today’s walkthrough, I can say we are in an incredibly strong position, and I’m thrilled with how prepared we are,” George shared during a post-inspection briefing. “Seventy percent of all work for Carnival 2026 is done, and I can already feel the excitement building – the rhythm of the celebration is already in the air.”

    The minister went on to issue a public appeal for widespread community participation, emphasizing that the long-term success of the iconic cultural festival hinges on active support from local residents.

    “Our unique cultural heritage cannot thrive unless we show up to support it in person, alongside our families,” he noted. He also extended gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the national government, corporate sponsors, and the local population for their consistent contributions to the event’s ongoing success over the years.

    As the country gears up to mark its 69th Carnival, George stressed that organizers are fully committed to delivering the most expansive and memorable edition of the festival in its decades-long history. He highlighted a series of major infrastructure upgrades being rolled out for this year’s event, headlined by a new nearly 100-meter modern performance stage, alongside fully upgraded lighting and audio systems that are designed to enhance the experience for both performers and attendees.

    “This expanded, state-of-the-art stage will give local artists a first-class platform to truly show off their craft and highlight the incredible creative talent that Antigua and Barbuda has to offer to the world,” George explained.

    He also commended the ongoing collaboration between the Festivals Commission and his ministry, as well as the generous backing from corporate sponsors, which have kept all preparation work moving according to the established timeline. Beyond core entertainment infrastructure, George shared that event organizers have prioritized improving the overall attendee experience, with upgrades to security protocols, sanitation facilities, and parking logistics all progressing smoothly.

    Reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s status as home to one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious cultural festivals, George extended an invitation to both local residents and international travelers to join the 2026 celebrations, helping to uphold the nation’s reputation as a top global Carnival destination.

    “Let’s come together to make this a landmark success,” he said. “Antigua and Barbuda already hosts one of the greatest summer festivals in the entire Caribbean. Let’s keep living up to that legacy, and continue setting an example for other nations to follow.”

  • Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce Introduces 2026–2027 Executive Team

    Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce Introduces 2026–2027 Executive Team

    The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, the leading business advocacy organization for the twin-island nation, has officially introduced its new slate of executive leadership set to serve the 2026–2027 term. The newly assembled team draws experienced professionals from a wide range of key domestic sectors, including banking, digital technology, telecommunications, maritime shipping, retail, and more, reflecting the diverse makeup of the country’s business community.

    Heading the incoming executive team is Celia Samuel, who will take on the highest leadership role of president. The core leadership structure also features Dr. Errol Samuel in the position of first vice president, Tamara Lowe-James stepping into the role of second vice president, and Jackie Ferracho-Williams serving as the group’s treasurer. Four industry professionals—Ragi Burton, Yasmin Ephraim, Priscilla Leonce, and Wayne Hull—have been appointed to serve as board directors, while Martin Cave will remain in his position as executive director to ensure institutional continuity.

    In a public statement confirming the new appointments, the Chamber expressed confidence in the new executive’s ability to steer the organization forward. The statement highlighted the leadership team’s shared commitment to three core priorities: bolstering the resilience and growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s private sector, delivering enhanced support and resources to all Chamber member businesses, and driving inclusive national economic development that benefits communities across both islands.

    The organization also concluded its announcement by extending formal congratulations to all newly appointed and returning executive members as they prepare to take up their responsibilities for the upcoming two-year term.

  • Caribbean Women Scientists, Including Those in Antigua and Barbuda, Invited to Apply for US$15,000 Research Grants

    Caribbean Women Scientists, Including Those in Antigua and Barbuda, Invited to Apply for US$15,000 Research Grants

    The fourth edition of the regional L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program has officially opened applications for early-career Caribbean women researchers working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, program organizers L’Oréal Caribe and the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean have announced. The 2026 iteration will award two individual grants of $15,000 USD to selected recipients to advance their ongoing scientific work, marking another milestone in the global initiative’s mission to uplift underrepresented women in STEM across the region.

    The application window will run from May 19, 2026, through the final deadline of August 14, 2026. Eligible candidates include women scientists based in the Caribbean who are currently enrolled in doctoral degree programs, conducting postdoctoral research, or working in the early phases of their independent scientific research careers across approved STEM disciplines. Acceptable fields of research include formal sciences, life and environmental sciences, materials science, engineering, and technological sciences.

    This Caribbean program operates as a regional extension of the globally recognized L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science movement, which was founded to expand women’s participation in scientific research and address the persistent gender gaps that continue to shape STEM sectors worldwide. In the Caribbean, the initiative is implemented in strategic partnership with two leading regional scientific bodies: the Caribbean Academy of Sciences and the Caribbean Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

    Liana Camacho, Market Vice President of L’Oréal Caribe, emphasized the core value of gender diverse talent in addressing global and regional challenges. “At L’Oréal Caribe, we firmly believe that science needs the talent, creativity, and leadership of women to address the challenges of today and the future. Through For Women in Science, we seek to increase the visibility of and support women researchers who are generating knowledge and innovation with an impact on our region and the world,” Camacho said.

    UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay reaffirmed the organization’s long-standing commitment to removing systemic barriers for women in scientific fields. “UNESCO works to recognize and promote the talent of women in science, foster diverse perspectives, and break down the barriers that limit their professional development,” Azoulay stated.

    Beyond direct financial support, the awards also shine a spotlight on the critical contributions Caribbean women scientists make to solving pressing regional challenges. The program points to the 2025 cohort as a powerful example of this impact: last year’s recipients were two Jamaican researchers, Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher and Dr. Arianne Brown Jordan, whose work addresses urgent health and environmental priorities. Dr. Fisher’s research explores genetic risk factors for liver diseases, while Dr. Brown Jordan investigates the prevalence of waterborne bacterial diseases in distribution systems serving low-income, vulnerable communities. Both projects deliver actionable insights that directly improve quality of life across the Caribbean.

    Interested applicants can access full eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the official For Women in Science online application portal. All submissions must be completed before the August 14, 2026, deadline to be considered.

    As a regional division of the world’s leading beauty company, L’Oréal Caribe oversees operations across 25 Caribbean islands from its headquarters in Puerto Rico. The company’s mission centers on delivering inclusive, ethical, and sustainable beauty, with 31 international brands in its portfolio and ambitious carbon and sustainability targets under the global L’Oréal for the Future program.

  • Team Antigua & Barbuda Concludes ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship With Strong Performances And Major Development Milestones

    Team Antigua & Barbuda Concludes ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship With Strong Performances And Major Development Milestones

    The 2026 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) U20 Beach Volleyball Championship wrapped up recently in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA) is highlighting the strong showing and meaningful progress its delegation achieved at the regional tournament. Beyond competitive results that exceeded many expectations, the nation also notched critical off-court wins that will strengthen volleyball development across the country for years to come.

    On the competitive side of the tournament, Antigua and Barbuda’s young rosters brought unwavering determination and fierce national pride to every match, going head-to-head with some of the most promising up-and-coming beach volleyball talent across the Eastern Caribbean.

    In the women’s division, the pairing of Faith Gibson and Philisha Burnette turned heads with their consistent calm and poise under tournament pressure. After a grueling, hard-won three-set victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines – decided by final scores of 14-21, 22-20, 15-9 – the duo closed out their run with another impressive three-set win against St. Eustatius. Tacking on scores of 21-13, 17-21, 20-18, the win earned Gibson and Burnette a solid fifth-place finish overall, a standout result for the young pairing.

    For the men’s team, partners George Freeland and Miguel Peña-Lugo displayed incredible toughness and tenacity throughout every set they played. The pair advanced to a thrilling three-set semifinal matchup against Dominica, taking the opening set in dominant fashion before a late shift saw them fall 1-2 (21-8, 15-21, 7-15). Undeterred by the narrow semifinal loss, Freeland and Peña-Lugo advanced to the bronze medal match against host nation St. Kitts and Nevis, pushing the heavily favored home team to the limit before dropping a tight two-set match 0-2 (19-21, 15-21) to claim fourth place overall.

    While the team did not claim a podium finish, ABAVA leaders emphasize that the competitive experience gained at the regional tournament will be an invaluable asset as Antigua and Barbuda continues to invest in growing its youth beach volleyball programs and building a pipeline of talent for future international competitions.

    Beyond the on-court results, the trip to St. Kitts and Nevis delivered major milestones for Antigua and Barbuda’s technical volleyball ecosystem. ABAVA has formally congratulated Coach Braulio Estrada López on his successful completion of the ECVA Beach Volleyball Coaches Course, a qualification that expands the country’s pool of expertly trained coaches and supports more structured long-term athlete development across the nation.

    Two other Antigua and Barbuda delegates also earned key regional credentials: Randy St. Jean and Josanne Lewis recently graduated from the ECVA National Beach Volleyball Referee Course, expanding the country’s roster of internationally certified match officials. This certification marks a critical step forward for Antigua and Barbuda, allowing local officials to officiate higher-profile regional and international competitions moving forward.

    Finally, ABAVA recognized the foundational work of team leaders Jamarie James and Rosemarie Simon, whose meticulous preparation, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the athletes supported the national delegation throughout the entire tournament. ABAVA notes that their contributions off the court were a core factor in enabling the athletes to deliver their best performances when it mattered most.

  • Olieprijzen stijgen fors door escalatie VS-Iran over Straat van Hormuz

    Olieprijzen stijgen fors door escalatie VS-Iran over Straat van Hormuz

    Global oil markets saw a sharp upward spike on Tuesday, with benchmark Brent crude climbing to $83.32 per barrel to mark a 4.5% one-day gain. The sudden surge comes on the heels of rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran centered on the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical chokepoint for global energy trade.

    The escalation unfolded after U.S. Central Command (Centcom) launched dozens of airstrikes on Iranian targets in the region, an operation explicitly designed to reduce Iran’s capacity to launch attacks on commercial vessels transiting the waterway. This U.S. military action was itself a response to an earlier alleged Iranian attack on a container ship registered under the flag of Cyprus. In a public statement, Centcom reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to guaranteeing freedom of navigation through the strait, despite what it calls continued aggressive actions by Tehran.

    Iran hit back quickly, launching a wave of drone and rocket attacks targeting states across the Persian Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The Iranian authority that manages maritime traffic through the straat also issued a stark warning: any commercial vessel that deviates from the Tehran-designated shipping corridor will not be guaranteed safe passage. “The consequences of transiting via unauthorized routes are the sole responsibility of the vessel’s owner, operator and captain,” the official statement read.

    Geopolitical analysts widely recognize the Strait of Hormuz as an irreplaceable strategic energy artery, with roughly one-fifth of all globally traded oil passing through the narrow waterway each year. The sharp spike in tensions has already triggered a dramatic drop in daily vessel transits, fanning widespread market fears over potential disruptions to global oil supply chains.

    The drop in traffic comes after a brief period of de-escalation earlier in June, when Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to de-escalate hostilities. Data from maritime intelligence firm Windward illustrates the severity of the recent decline: between Thursday evening and Friday morning during the latest escalation, only six vessels completed transits of the strait, down from a steady 18 to 22 daily transits recorded earlier in June. Between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, just nine vessels passed through, four of which sailed under the Iraqi flag.

    Compounding market concerns is the ongoing drawdown of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which has now fallen to its lowest level since 1983. The reserve has released 172 million barrels of crude onto global markets in an effort to offset price spikes and stabilize supply, leaving storage at a multi-decade low.

    Industry analysts forecast that oil prices will remain elevated through August and September, holding in a range of $70 to $80 per barrel with continued volatility tied directly to geopolitical developments and shifting global demand patterns. The latest escalation between the U.S. and Iran has also accelerated a long-running trend of major energy importers reducing their dependence on Middle Eastern crude, though analysts note that persistent geopolitical risk premiums will continue to support higher global prices.

    Beyond energy markets, the renewed tensions have also rippled through global equity markets, putting downward pressure on major Asian exchanges. Japanese and South Korean stock indices posted notable declines, though the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong recorded a modest gain.

  • New York : Minister Paulemon pleads for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs

    New York : Minister Paulemon pleads for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs

    At the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 13, 2026, Sandra Paulemon, Haiti’s Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, delivered a pivotal address on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) during the general debate of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Her intervention centered on pressing the international community to step up collective efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly for vulnerable small island developing states (SIDS) facing cascading existential threats.

    Paulemon opened her remarks by reaffirming CARICOM member states’ unwavering commitment to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but stressed that the current trajectory of global progress leaves SIDS drastically behind. Current global SDG implementation stands at just 36%, a pace that Paulemon warned puts the 2030 Agenda at serious risk of failure for the world’s most vulnerable nations. “Our presence at this Forum is not simply about participating in discussions. It is a call for renewed commitment and concerted action in the face of the urgent challenges facing our countries,” she told the gathering of global policymakers and stakeholders.

    The minister drew sharp attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on SIDS, whose inherent structural vulnerability has been exacerbated by repeated natural disasters, volatile global economic shocks, and gradual environmental degradation linked to global warming. These overlapping crises, she explained, systematically erode hard-won development gains and push vulnerable communities further away from meeting SDG targets. Without targeted, systemic support from the global community, she argued, small island nations will never be able to close the implementation gap on their own.

    To address this structural gap, Paulemon put forward a series of clear policy demands. She called for the swift, full adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) across the entire UN system, framing the tool as a critical mechanism to ensure vulnerable states gain fair access to concessional financing, direct grant support, and targeted post-disaster recovery assistance. She also highlighted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS as a foundational strategic framework that can guide national development planning, prioritize responsible public investment, and structure more effective international cooperation for island nations.

    Additionally, Paulemon urged global partners to extend tangible support to the SIDS Centre of Excellence, particularly for its programs focused on expanding sustainable investment, improving data collection and utilization for evidence-based policy, and strengthening debt sustainability for small island economies. These initiatives, she noted, are tailored to directly address the unique barriers SIDS face in accelerating SDG progress.

    Looking ahead to upcoming international negotiations on climate change and biodiversity protection, Paulemon reaffirmed CARICOM’s steadfast commitment to the global target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. She also called on negotiating blocs to center the specific economic and environmental circumstances of SIDS in all final agreements, rather than adopting one-size-fits-all frameworks that fail to account for their unique vulnerability.

    In her closing remarks, Paulemon emphasized that meaningful sustainable development for small island developing states can only be achieved through principled, strong global partnerships, equitable financing structures, and results-driven international cooperation rooted in collective solidarity. “International commitments must now be translated into concrete actions, appropriate financing, and mechanisms capable of addressing the specific realities of small island developing states,” she said, echoing the core call of CARICOM to the global community.

  • Washington : Extensive diplomatic mobilization for the extension of the HOPE/HELP laws

    Washington : Extensive diplomatic mobilization for the extension of the HOPE/HELP laws

    In July 2026, a high-level cross-sector Haitian delegation has traveled to Washington D.C. to launch an extensive diplomatic campaign aimed at securing the extension of two landmark U.S. trade laws that underpin Haiti’s most vital economic sector.

    The delegation, assembled to advocate for the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement (HOPE) and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) laws, brings together representatives from Haiti’s government, central bank, and leading industry groups. It includes Commerce and Industry Minister James Monazard, Yves Pierre of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), Georges Sassine from the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), and Virgilio Mota, representing both Group M and the CODEVI industrial free zone.

    Over the course of the diplomatic mission, the Haitian team has scheduled a full slate of meetings with a broad range of key U.S. stakeholders, spanning Congress, the State Department, industry bodies, and the White House’s National Security Council. Meetings have already been held with Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. Lionel Delatour, senior staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Viviana Bovo—Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, leadership from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), as well as legislative directors and senior aides from multiple congressional offices, including that of House Speaker Mike Johnson, and senior leadership of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

    First enacted in 2006 and later expanded by the HELP legislation, the HOPE/HELP framework stands as the cornerstone of trade cooperation between Port-au-Prince and Washington. The core provision of the laws grants duty-free access to the U.S. market for Haitian-manufactured textiles and apparel, the country’s largest export sector. Beyond trade preferences, the regime has also catalyzed foreign direct investment, supported the expansion of Haiti’s domestic industrial base, and sustained hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across the country.

    For Haitian Commerce Minister James Monazard, the renewal of the trade laws is not merely a policy adjustment—it is a strategic priority for Haiti’s entire national economy. “Extending these programs will allow us to protect tens of thousands of existing jobs, boost the global competitiveness of our domestic producers, draw new international investment, and solidify Haiti’s role in regional textile and apparel supply chains,” Monazard emphasized during the mission.

    The current diplomatic push underscores the Haitian government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the country’s core economic interests. Through sustained, constructive engagement with U.S. policymakers and industry partners, the delegation is working to lock in the renewal of a trade regime that has long served as a central engine of growth, job creation, and long-term sustainable development for Haiti, a nation grappling with persistent economic and security challenges.

  • Ismaël Holtuin bezorgt Suriname goud en brons op PanAm Aquatics Championships

    Ismaël Holtuin bezorgt Suriname goud en brons op PanAm Aquatics Championships

    The 2026 PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships, held from July 8 to 12 in the Colombian city of Ibagué, delivered a historic milestone for Surinamese swimming, as veteran competitor Ismaël Holtuin secured one gold and one bronze medal to cement his place among the nation’s most accomplished aquatics athletes.

    Competing in the men’s 19-and-over division, Holtuin claimed top honors in the 50m freestyle, clocking a winning time of 22.85 seconds to secure the gold. He followed up this breakthrough performance with a third-place finish in the 100m freestyle, touching the wall in 50.40 seconds to take home bronze. Beyond his medal-winning runs, Holtuin also posted solid results in two additional events: he finished fifth in the 50m backstroke with a time of 26.95 seconds, and placed 10th in the 50m butterfly with a 25.62-second swim.

    Organized as the official continental swimming championship for all of North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, the PanAm Aquatics Championships brings together the region’s top competitive swimmers. The tournament serves as a critical international platform for nurturing emerging swimming talent and elevating the standard of elite aquatics competition across the Americas. Suriname sent a small three-person delegation to the 2026 event, consisting of Ismaël Holtuin, his younger brother Hassan Holtuin, and fellow competitor Tyrell Mokkum.

    Hassan Holtuin competed in the 16-to-18-year-old age group, where his strongest showing came in the 50m breaststroke. He posted a time of 30.84 seconds to secure eighth place overall in the event. He also competed in three additional races: the 50m freestyle (25.44 seconds), 50m butterfly (27.17 seconds), and 100m breaststroke (1:11.12).

    Tyrell Mokkum, also competing in the 16-to-18-year-old division, took part in five different events across the championship. He recorded times of 26.51 seconds in the 50m freestyle, 27.35 seconds in the 50m butterfly, 32.29 seconds in the 50m breaststroke, 1:13.27 in the 100m breaststroke, and 1:01.96 in the 100m butterfly.

    The Suriname Swimming Federation has hailed the delegation’s overall results as an outstanding achievement for the nation’s swimming program. Officials highlighted that Ismaël Holtuin’s dual medal finish is a direct reward for years of dedicated training, strict discipline, and unwavering commitment to the sport. They added that the historic medals underscore the steady growth and rising international competitiveness of Surinamese competitive swimming.

    The federation has officially extended congratulations to Ismaël Holtuin, his coaches Fabienne Nabibaks and Vincent Babel, as well as Hassan Holtuin, Tyrell Mokkum, and all supporting staff for their strong performances throughout the championship. Official final results will be published by the tournament organizing committee only after all post-event administrative processes, including any required doping control procedures, are fully completed.

  • Mayor Cawich Explains What Triggered Belmopan’s Historic Flooding

    Mayor Cawich Explains What Triggered Belmopan’s Historic Flooding

    In the wake of an unprecedented historic flood that submerged large swathes of Belmopan over the weekend, Mayor Pablo Cawich has publicly pushed back against local accusations that clogged city drainage infrastructure was the primary cause of the disaster. Speaking to local media on the evening after floodwaters peaked, Cawich explained that the catastrophic event was triggered by an extraordinary surge of floodwater originating from nearby Armenia Village that overwhelmed the capital’s drainage network beyond its design capacity. The mayor emphasized that the scale of this flood is unmatched by any event the city has experienced in nearly three decades, with natural runoff channels completely unable to accommodate the massive volume of water moving through the urban area.

    “This was not a failure of Belmopan’s own drainage maintenance, as some have claimed by saying blocked drains stopped water from moving,” Cawich stated in his address. “The root cause was extreme, unrelenting rainfall across the entire Belmopan-Armenia region that brought rainfall totals we have never recorded before. Rain began falling steadily Friday night and continued nonstop through all of Saturday, swelling both the Belize River and local creeks past their banks. Our city’s drainage system feeds runoff into Ten Cents Creek, Mount Pleasant Creek, and ultimately the Belize River, but the final outflow point along the highway is narrow and cannot handle massive flood surges. I can confirm that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) already has plans to build a new expanded bridge at that bottleneck, which we hope will improve drainage capacity for future extreme weather events.”

    As emergency crews worked to contain the flood and assist displaced residents, the Belmopan City Council initially launched a WhatsApp-based emergency hotline to allow residents to request aid directly. However, the sheer volume of pleas for assistance overwhelmed the platform, leading to the hotline being automatically flagged and suspended by the messaging service due to the high rate of incoming messages. The national ministry quickly intervened to launch a dedicated online emergency portal, giving residents a secondary channel to submit requests for help. By combining reports from both platforms, the city council has been able to map affected areas and coordinate on-the-ground response efforts more effectively.

    To date, the combined reporting system has gathered 150 individual assistance requests from affected residents. “This morning, I confirmed that approximately 70 of those requests have already been processed, with affected households assessed and receiving support from the Belize Emergency Management Organization (BEMO),” Cawich added. The mayor noted that the last time the city saw a flood of this magnitude along the main highway was during Hurricane Mitch in 1998, a catastrophic storm that hit the region nearly 28 years prior. While the city has faced heavy rainfall events in recent years – including a flood last February that cut off the J&W area and turned it into a temporary island – a recently completed MIDH-funded bridge on John Saldivar Boulevard held up through the recent extreme conditions. “That bridge took a tremendous beating from the surging water, but thank goodness it remained fully functional throughout the event,” Cawich said.

    Meteorological records show rainfall finally stopped around 11 a.m. Saturday, and floodwaters across the entire city had receded to pre-flood levels by 3 p.m. the same day, allowing crews to begin full damage assessments and cleanup operations. This report is a transcribed version of an evening television newscast, with words originally spoken in Kriol transcribed using a standardized spelling system.