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  • FLASH : Major fire at the Cluny Market in Cap

    FLASH : Major fire at the Cluny Market in Cap

    A catastrophic fire engulfed the historic Cluny Market in Cap-Haitien on the night of January 24, 2026, inflicting severe damage on the city’s primary commercial hub. The blaze, which ignited around 10:30 p.m., required an extensive multi-agency response involving municipal firefighters, rescue services, Civil Protection units, and law enforcement personnel. With crucial support from the Cap-Haitien International Airport Fire Department, the inferno was finally contained by approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 25th.

    Preliminary assessments reveal extensive destruction across the market complex, with the poultry sales sector completely obliterated. The conflagration consumed approximately 30 warehouses with all their merchandise and reduced over 100 small commercial stalls to ashes, resulting in massive material losses for local vendors.

    The Municipal Administration has pledged full support to affected merchants and announced plans to establish an urgent commission of inquiry in collaboration with relevant institutions to determine the fire’s exact origins. The investigation will involve coordination with multiple government entities including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has dispatched the Minister of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to implementing “concrete, rapid, and appropriate assistance” for victims. The Haitian government issued an official statement affirming that “no citizen will be left alone to face this ordeal” and promised a structured institutional response.

    Emmanuel Vertilaire, Member of the Presidential Transitional Council, characterized the event as “a severe blow to the informal economy” affecting hundreds of small merchants who depend on the market for their livelihood. The National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) received recognition for their prompt intervention in making fire hydrants available to combat the blaze, which helped limit the disaster’s overall impact.

    The government has announced plans to enhance national emergency response capabilities through more effective and coordinated approaches to similar crises in the future.

  • President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    President Abinader and Chile’s president-elect Kast strengthen bilateral ties

    SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast for comprehensive talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic domains. The meeting, held at the Presidential House on Saturday, laid the groundwork for enhanced partnership in border security, economic development, tourism expansion, and trade facilitation between the two nations.

    President Abinader welcomed Kast’s symbolic choice of the Dominican Republic as his first official international destination following his electoral victory. The leaders announced plans for a joint inspection tour of border security infrastructure on Sunday, demonstrating mutual commitment to addressing transnational security challenges. Abinader specifically emphasized trade balance enhancement, expressing interest in boosting imports of Chilean wines while seeking preferential market access for Dominican cigars in Chile.

    The Chilean leader-elect praised the Dominican Republic’s advanced border control mechanisms and citizen security protocols as exemplary models worthy of detailed study. Kast expressed particular interest in biometric control systems and comprehensive security strategies, indicating intentions to adapt applicable elements to Chile’s specific context while acknowledging differing national realities.

    Both leaders recognized the Dominican Republic’s notable achievements in tourism development and economic diversification as benchmarks of stability and growth. The high-level meeting included participation from numerous Dominican cabinet members—including ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior, housing, industry, commerce, and migration authorities—alongside Chilean delegation members comprising foreign affairs and security officials.

  • RO en Melkcentrale verkennen samenwerking rond afname lokaal fruit

    RO en Melkcentrale verkennen samenwerking rond afname lokaal fruit

    The Surinamese Ministry of Regional Development and Melkcentrale Paramaribo (MCP) have initiated strategic discussions to establish a collaborative framework for sourcing fruits from indigenous farmers. This development aligns with MCP’s ambitious plan to establish a juice processing facility that would utilize locally grown produce.

    Minister Miquella Huur, accompanied by her technical team, conducted an official working visit to MCP’s facilities to discuss potential synergies. During the meeting, MCP Director Monché Atompai presented the company’s operational activities and outlined their planned projects, with particular emphasis on the proposed juice manufacturing plant.

    The dairy processing giant has expressed firm commitment to systematically purchasing fruits from small-scale agricultural producers in Suriname’s interior regions. This initiative dovetails perfectly with the Directorate of Agricultural Development Interior’s primary objective of creating sustainable market opportunities for indigenous farmers.

    These negotiations represent a significant extension of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote agricultural development in Suriname’s hinterlands. Both parties have agreed to continue and intensify these collaborative discussions in the coming weeks to formalize the partnership structure. The proposed collaboration could substantially boost economic opportunities for rural communities while supporting domestic food processing capabilities.

  • Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    Integrity Commission law should allow summary declaration of public officials’ assets- APNU’s Campbell

    In a significant push for governmental transparency, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell has demanded urgent amendments to Guyana’s Integrity Commission Act. Speaking over the weekend, Campbell advocated for legislative reforms that would mandate the public disclosure of summarized asset declarations from elected officials and other public servants.

    Campbell proposed that Guyana emulate Jamaica’s model, where summaries of asset declarations from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are routinely published in the Official Gazette. This approach would extend scrutiny beyond the Integrity Commission, police, and government ministers to include media outlets and civil society organizations, creating a multi-layered accountability system.

    The APNU leader’s recommendations emerge amidst growing controversy surrounding asset declarations of several government figures. Opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) recently raised questions about properties owned by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues, and former Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO Sherwyn Greaves. All three officials have categorically denied any wrongdoing.

    Campbell criticized the current Integrity Commission as ‘toothless,’ contrasting it with what he described as the more proactive Ethnic Relations Commission. He expressed disappointment that the Commission remained silent on whether it would investigate the circulating allegations, suggesting it should have immediately assured the public of its intent to examine the claims thoroughly.

    The existing legislation imposes severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure of declaration information, with violators facing fines of GY$25,000 and up to two months imprisonment. Meanwhile, public officials who fail to submit their declarations risk even stiffer penalties: fines of GY$25,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, plus additional daily fines of GY$10,000 for continued non-compliance.

    This political confrontation occurs against a backdrop of mutual accusations between major parties. The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has frequently accused APNU parliamentarians of neglecting their declaration obligations, while Campbell alleges the PPPC has ‘captured’ constitutional agencies through strategic appointments of top officials.

  • BLP candidates urged to stay grounded in faith ahead of general election

    BLP candidates urged to stay grounded in faith ahead of general election

    With Barbados approaching critical February 11 elections, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called upon her 29 Barbados Labour Party candidates to center their campaign in spiritual foundation. Speaking during a Sunday service at Jackson’s Church of God, Mottley emphasized that maintaining faith anchors became increasingly vital as political activities intensified nationwide.

    The Prime Minister detailed how all BLP candidates simultaneously attended religious services within their respective constituencies, creating island-wide moments of spiritual reflection while fostering deeper connections with local communities. This coordinated initiative underscored the government’s conviction that divine guidance enabled their accomplishments throughout seven and a half years of leadership.

    ‘Our entire tenure has demonstrated that achievements materialized solely through God’s grace,’ Mottley asserted. She reminded congregants of life’s fragility, referencing four recent unexpected deaths within her St Michael North East constituency. These losses highlighted the imperative of gratitude and reflection during turbulent times.

    Mottley cataloged successive crises confronting Barbados—COVID-19, hurricanes, freak storms, volcanic ashfall, and international conflicts—noting that national stability endured because the country’s ‘anchor’ held firm. While acknowledging Barbados’ insulation from worst global tempests, she emphasized the island’s inextricable links to worldwide events requiring vigilance and resilience.

    The Prime Minister further addressed youth development, stressing that grounding young people in faith and values ensures resilience even when pursuing opportunities abroad. ‘Properly rooted individuals may bend under pressure but shall not break,’ she declared, framing this nurturing as fundamental governmental responsibility.

    Complementing Mottley’s message, Church Minister Lisa Dottin elaborated on theological pruning concepts. She portrayed challenges as transformative opportunities, urging parents and leaders to equip youth with spiritual resilience for navigating life’s uncertainties. Dottin explained divine pruning as removing fruitless elements to stimulate healthy growth, advocating embracement of this process for balanced development.

  • Police appeal for witnesses after deadly shooting

    Police appeal for witnesses after deadly shooting

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a deadly shooting incident that occurred Sunday morning in close proximity to the Usain Bolt Sports Complex at Paradise Park, formerly known as Lazaretto, in St Michael. The tragic event has prompted police to issue a public appeal for potential witnesses and evidentiary materials that could advance their investigative efforts.

    According to official statements from Police Public Affairs and Communications Officer, acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, the Police Operations Control Center received an emergency notification at approximately 11:16 a.m. through a female caller who reported an active shooting situation involving a male victim inside a vehicle adjacent to the sports facility.

    “Law enforcement personnel promptly responded to the scene where they discovered the deceased body of a male individual seated within a vehicle. A medical professional attended the location, conducted a thorough examination of the victim, and formally pronounced death,” Inspector Brathwaite detailed during his public briefing.

    Preliminary investigative findings indicate the victim had driven into the vicinity earlier that morning when an assailant wearing distinctive black attire—a t-shirt and three-quarter pants—approached the vehicle. Multiple gunshots were reportedly heard by witnesses, after which the suspect was observed fleeing the scene on foot.

    The investigation team is particularly interested in contacting individuals who might have been traveling alone along the West Coast road near the Usain Bolt Complex between the critical time window of 10:50 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Additionally, police are urging motorists who may have captured relevant footage via dashboard cameras to provide this potentially crucial evidence to investigators.

    Law enforcement officials have provided multiple contact avenues for information submission, including Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, the police emergency hotline at 211, or direct communication with the Black Rock Police Station at 417-7500 or 417-7501. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

  • PM touts government’s efforts to reduce cost of living

    PM touts government’s efforts to reduce cost of living

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has revealed that her administration will unveil a suite of groundbreaking national policies within the coming fortnight, designed to fortify the Caribbean nation’s socioeconomic foundations against growing global instabilities. The announcement came during a public address following a religious service at Jackson’s Church of God in St. Michael on Sunday.

    Mottley emphasized that these forthcoming measures would transcend political affiliations, targeting holistic societal support from infancy through senior citizenship. “I have some exciting new policies that we will announce over the course of the next two weeks that I hope will allow us as a people, not the [Barbados] Labour Party family, not the Dems, but us as a people to continue to provide the resilience we need,” stated the Prime Minister, who also represents St. Michael North East constituency.

    Defending her government’s track record, Mottley acknowledged the challenges of national recovery while highlighting consistent progress. She cited critical infrastructure stabilization through acquisitions of garbage trucks and buses, though admitting services weren’t yet perfect. “This is a journey and on a journey you see progress, but you’re not yet at your final destination,” she remarked.

    The administration’s economic strategy has centered on alleviating cost-of-living pressures through innovative fiscal reforms. Since 2019, tax system restructuring has effectively eliminated income taxes for citizens earning under $35,000 annually. From April, homeowners with properties valued below $400,000 will be exempt from land taxation.

    Additional consumer protection measures include VAT and import duty removals on essential goods, with recent expansions to cover stewed beef and Horlicks. Electricity VAT has been capped at 10%, while the Ask Dealia price comparison application empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

    Social protection frameworks have been significantly enhanced through pioneering disability grants and supporting legislation. Economic resilience efforts include bolstering food security via the International Food Centre at Newton and a new St. Philip tissue culture laboratory to improve agricultural material access.

    Mottley conceded administrative imperfections, citing ongoing roadwork challenges, but framed Barbados’ development within broader global context of conflict-induced weariness and economic uncertainty. She urged national perseverance, referencing the Mission 2030 agenda as a long-term developmental framework rather than expecting immediate transformations.

    “This is a journey. This is not a single event,” Mottley concluded, expressing confidence that sustained effort and national resilience would propel Barbados toward significant achievements despite global headwinds.

  • U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers : Haiti crush Antigua and Barbuda [6-1] (video)

    U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers : Haiti crush Antigua and Barbuda [6-1] (video)

    In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Haiti’s U-17 women’s national soccer team commenced their FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying campaign with an emphatic 6-1 triumph over Antigua and Barbuda on January 25, 2026. The match, held at FFK Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao, showcased Haiti’s technical superiority and strategic coordination from the opening whistle.

    Under the guidance of Coach Frenoy Baptiste, the Haitian squad demonstrated remarkable attacking efficiency throughout the contest. The scoring commenced in the 19th minute when forward Keisha Gue capitalized on a corner opportunity, directing a precise close-range shot into the bottom right corner. Just three minutes later, Kerdina Lamour doubled Haiti’s advantage with a well-placed right-footed strike from the left side of the penalty area.

    Gue secured her brace in the 30th minute with another clinical finish, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead that persisted through halftime. The second half witnessed continued dominance as Kyrah Lormil extended the margin to 4-0 in the 53rd minute, benefitting from Gue’s assist. Adjani Kamanzi-Mondestin, entering as a substitute, netted Haiti’s fifth goal in the 65th minute with an impressive right-footed shot into the top right corner.

    Despite conceding a consolation goal to Antigua and Barbuda’s Keitonya Skepple in the 79th minute, Haiti maintained offensive pressure, with Lamour completing her double in the 86th minute to finalize the 6-1 scoreline. The comprehensive victory positions Haiti favorably in their qualification group, tied with Guatemala on three points but leading on goal differential.

    The team’s multinational composition, featuring players from clubs in Haiti, the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Puerto Rico, demonstrated effective integration and collective understanding on the pitch. Haiti’s next qualification matches will see them face Saint Lucia on January 27, followed by encounters with the Cayman Islands and Guatemala, as they pursue qualification for the tournament scheduled in Morocco.

  • Government Investing in Night Farming to Address Climate Change

    Government Investing in Night Farming to Address Climate Change

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced a groundbreaking agricultural initiative on Saturday, revealing government investments in nocturnal farming operations as a direct response to climate-driven temperature increases. During his appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, the leader explained that solar lighting installations will enable agricultural workers to cultivate crops during cooler nighttime hours, effectively avoiding peak daytime heat that has significantly hampered productivity.

    The innovative approach addresses the growing challenge of heat waves linked to climate change, which have rendered traditional daytime farming increasingly difficult. ‘We’ll be putting in solar lights so that those who want to farm at night can do so,’ Browne stated, explicitly connecting the measure to ‘the issue with heat waves as a consequence of climate change.’

    This night farming strategy forms one component of a comprehensive agricultural modernization program designed to protect farmers from intensifying weather extremes while enhancing food security. The method offers dual benefits: greater scheduling flexibility for planting and harvesting operations, and improved productivity as workers avoid the most oppressive daytime temperatures.

    The solar initiative accompanies additional agricultural investments including advanced heavy equipment acquisitions and expanded water storage infrastructure. These coordinated efforts represent the government’s multifaceted approach to strengthening food production systems against climate variability. Browne emphasized the necessity of adapting traditional practices, noting ‘We have to adjust the way we do things’ to maintain and expand local food production despite environmental challenges.

  • Oyster World Rally 2026–27 Sets Sail from Antigua

    Oyster World Rally 2026–27 Sets Sail from Antigua

    Oyster Yachts has officially inaugurated its fifth Oyster World Rally, embarking on an extraordinary 16-month global circumnavigation reserved exclusively for yacht owners. The prestigious fleet of 23 vessels set sail from Antigua, commencing a meticulously planned 27,000-nautical-mile journey across multiple ocean systems.

    This edition marks a significant milestone for the luxury yacht builder as company chairman Richard Hadida joined the expedition with his family for the first time. The departure ceremony witnessed distinguished attendees including the Governor General of Antigua, specially invited guests, and the Oyster support team, enhanced by vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional Antiguan dancers and steel pan music.

    The international fleet comprises owners from eight different nations sailing yachts ranging from 50 to 90 feet in length. Notably, 15 of these vessels represent Oyster’s new-generation models, including the Oyster 565, 595, 675, and the flagship 885. Participants benefit from comprehensive end-to-end support including specialized owner preparation programs, training sessions, and dedicated technical and logistics teams positioned strategically along the route.

    Several rally participants arrived in Antigua following impressive performances in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, where Oyster yachts secured the top three positions in Cruising Class B. The entire global journey can be tracked in real-time through online platforms, allowing sailing enthusiasts worldwide to monitor the fleet’s progress throughout their epic adventure.