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  • Research shows 56.5% of Dominicans in the U.S. have postgraduate degrees

    Research shows 56.5% of Dominicans in the U.S. have postgraduate degrees

    Santo Domingo – A recent conference organized by the National Institute of Migration (INM RD) shed light on the significant role of skilled migration in the global economy. Researcher Raúl Delgado Wise revealed a striking disparity: 56.5% of Dominicans residing in the United States possess postgraduate degrees, compared to a mere 2.6% in the Dominican Republic. His keynote address delved into the phenomenon of skilled migration within the framework of cognitive capitalism, emphasizing how knowledge, innovation, and highly trained human capital are pivotal to economic competitiveness.

    The event brought together academics, specialists, and international organizations to explore the Dominican diaspora’s participation in global innovation networks. Delgado Wise highlighted the reliance of major technological ecosystems, such as Silicon Valley, on foreign talent. He noted that one-third of doctorates awarded in the U.S. go to migrants, underscoring the critical role of international expertise in driving technological advancements. However, he also cautioned that the privatization of knowledge exacerbates global inequalities and fosters technological dependence of the Global North on the Global South.

    Elba Franco, director of the National School of Migration, celebrated the recent graduation of 25 professionals from the Master’s in Migration Policies and Development program. She emphasized the importance of scientific research in crafting effective public policies. INM RD director Wilfredo Lozano expressed gratitude to participants and advocated for an ‘insular perspective’ in migration governance. He also expressed interest in integrating Haitian students into future academic programs, highlighting the need for regional collaboration.

    The conference underscored the dual nature of skilled migration for the Dominican Republic, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Key issues discussed included talent retention, innovation capacity, and the necessity of evidence-based policymaking to harness the potential of the diaspora effectively.

  • PM: Amendments to prevent widespread changes to electoral boundaries

    PM: Amendments to prevent widespread changes to electoral boundaries

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a stark warning regarding the necessity of legislative reforms to address electoral boundary issues in Barbados. On Tuesday, Mottley introduced two significant bills—the Constitution Amendment Bill and the Parliament Miscellaneous Provisions Bill—to the House of Assembly. These measures aim to empower the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to rectify what she termed ‘an error from years past.’ The last adjustments to constituency boundaries occurred in 2003, with prior changes dating back to 1991. Mottley emphasized that the demographic shifts in Barbados have rendered the current constituency framework outdated, necessitating drastic boundary revisions that could make many constituencies ‘unrecognizable.’ Under the existing constitutional mandate, constituency populations must remain within a 10% variance of each other. However, the EBC has recommended expanding this range to 20% (80% to 120%) to better reflect current demographic realities. Mottley highlighted significant population movements into regions such as St Philip, St Thomas, Christ Church, St George, and St Peter over the past two decades. In a related development, the EBC recently announced the removal of over 8,000 individuals from the voters’ list, including 4,923 deemed to have resided overseas for more than five years and 3,367 confirmed deceased. The commission has urged citizens to verify their electoral details, particularly if they have relocated, ensuring no one is disenfranchised due to missed enumeration visits.

  • Prime Minister Welcomes New Chinese Ambassador, Praises Decades of Transformational Support from the People’s Republic of China

    Prime Minister Welcomes New Chinese Ambassador, Praises Decades of Transformational Support from the People’s Republic of China

    ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – November 25, 2025 – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda formally welcomed Her Excellency Ambassador Jiang Wei, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, during a credential presentation ceremony attended by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene. The event marked a significant moment in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two nations, which has flourished since ties were established in 1983. Prime Minister Browne lauded China’s unwavering support, describing it as a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s national development. He highlighted China’s contributions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology, citing the modernization of hospitals, the expansion of the deep-water harbor, and the construction of university facilities as enduring symbols of this partnership. Browne also reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, emphasizing the importance of territorial sovereignty and mutual respect. Foreign Minister Greene echoed these sentiments, underscoring the breadth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic development, housing, and public administration. Governor-General Williams expressed gratitude for China’s transformative impact over the past four decades and expressed optimism that Ambassador Jiang’s tenure would further strengthen ties, enhance trade and investment, and deepen cultural and educational exchanges. Both leaders expressed confidence in the future of the partnership, envisioning a shared path toward prosperity and mutual respect.

  • Prime Minister Gaston Browne attends MEDays 2025 Forum in Tangier, Morocco

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne attends MEDays 2025 Forum in Tangier, Morocco

    TANGIER, Morocco — On November 25, 2025, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne of Antigua and Barbuda arrived in Morocco to participate in the 17th edition of the MEDays Forum, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The forum, scheduled from November 26 to 29, 2025, in Tangier, brings together over 300 high-profile speakers, including Heads of State, ministers, Nobel laureates, and international experts, alongside 7,000 participants from 120 countries. This year’s theme, “Fractures & Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation,” addresses pressing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and the need for inclusive governance. Known as the “Forum of the South,” MEDays serves as a critical platform for emerging and developing nations to voice their concerns and shape a more equitable international order. Prime Minister Browne’s attendance highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to South-South cooperation, high-level diplomacy, and advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in a multipolar world. Key discussions will focus on global governance, economic sovereignty, climate resilience, and development finance — issues of paramount importance to SIDS. The forum also aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s goals of attracting foreign investment, fostering sustainable development, and strengthening ties with Africa and other Global South partners. Prime Minister Browne emphasized, “In a world of deepening polarization, Antigua and Barbuda must not only adapt but advocate. MEDays 2025 provides a platform to project our priorities, particularly climate resilience and economic equity.” Since its inception in 2008 by the Amadeus Institute, MEDays has evolved into a strategic hub for diplomacy, economics, and intellectual exchange, particularly for the Global South. The 2025 edition features over 50 sessions on geopolitics, economics, energy, climate, and governance, including the MEDays Investment Summit, which promotes public-private investment in Africa and beyond. The event is hosted at the Palais des Arts et de la Culture in Tangier.

  • Operation Kraken exposes drug trafficking network

    Operation Kraken exposes drug trafficking network

    In a groundbreaking revelation, Operation Kraken has dismantled one of the most intricate criminal networks operating within the Dominican Republic’s port logistics system. This syndicate, active since 2015, facilitated the export of drug shipments to Puerto Rico, the United States, Canada, and Europe. The investigation, spearheaded by the Specialized Anti–Money Laundering Prosecutor’s Office, DNCD, and the DEA, uncovered the group’s operations primarily in the eastern and southern regions of the country. Large cocaine shipments arrived through remote coastal areas of Barahona, transported by road to Boca Chica, where the network utilized port employees, security personnel, transporters, and crane operators to conceal and load the drugs into containers at the Caucedo Multimodal Port. The network provided ‘logistics services’ for other drug trafficking organizations, moving South American cocaine through a heavily militarized Caribbean route. Profits were laundered through luxury vehicles, properties, farms, and businesses tied to commerce and tourism. Court documents reveal a methodical system involving insiders across port security and logistics. Security personnel with lax inspections smuggled drugs in their vehicles, while trucks with hidden compartments evaded controls, sometimes aided by X-ray machine operators. Unauthorized individuals entered the port hidden in containers or cargo trucks, exploiting areas without cameras. Inside the port, contraband was moved to the ’empty depot,’ known as ‘the desert,’ where workers discreetly inserted drugs into selected containers. The organization cloned container seals to avoid detection, and contaminated containers were shipped to destinations like Puerto Rico, Miami, New York, Halifax, Antwerp, and Rotterdam.

  • Belize Urges Back-to-Back Hearings on Territorial Disputes

    Belize Urges Back-to-Back Hearings on Territorial Disputes

    Belize is making headlines as it urges the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to conduct back-to-back hearings on two significant territorial disputes. These cases, involving Guatemala and Honduras, could potentially redefine Belize’s borders and have far-reaching implications for sovereignty, security, and national identity. The first case, initiated in 2019, addresses Guatemala’s longstanding claims over Belizean land and maritime territories. The second, filed in 2022, focuses on the Sapodilla Cayes in the Gulf of Honduras, contested by both Belize and Honduras. Belize’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Assad Shoman, emphasized the importance of resolving these disputes efficiently to avoid delays and redundancy. He suggested that the ICJ hear the Guatemala/Belize case first, followed closely by the Belize/Honduras case, to streamline proceedings and minimize repetition. This strategic approach aims to ensure a comprehensive resolution of all territorial claims against Belize, reinforcing its position on the global stage. The outcomes of these cases could significantly impact regional diplomacy and Belize’s future, making this a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

  • Belize Urges ICJ to Fast-Track Border Hearings

    Belize Urges ICJ to Fast-Track Border Hearings

    Belize has taken a proactive stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the court to expedite and coordinate hearings on two intertwined territorial disputes. The first involves Guatemala’s longstanding claim over Belizean territory, while the second centers on Honduras’ recent assertion of rights over the Sapodilla Cayes. Notably, Honduras only raised its claim in 1981, following the collapse of the Heads of Agreement talks between the UK and Guatemala. Despite this, Honduras has largely left its claim dormant and chose not to intervene in the ongoing Guatemala-Belize case. Belize’s legal team, led by Ben Juratowitch, KC, argues that holding the hearings back-to-back would allow the ICJ to address both disputes comprehensively, potentially leading to a complete resolution. However, questions remain about how overlapping arguments and Honduras’ push for traditional fishing rights might complicate the proceedings. Belize and Guatemala have found common ground on several points, including the timing of Honduras’ claim and its lack of intervention. The ICJ’s approach will be crucial in determining whether Belize’s strategy succeeds in achieving a clear and final resolution.

  • ICJ Battle Pits Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras Over Sapodillas

    ICJ Battle Pits Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras Over Sapodillas

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to adjudicate a high-stakes territorial dispute involving Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras over the sovereignty of the Sapodilla Islands in the Gulf of Honduras. This legal confrontation underscores the complexities of international law, historical claims, and geopolitical interests. Guatemala asserts its stake in the islands, citing overlapping territorial claims with Belize, while Honduras challenges the validity of Guatemala’s legal interest, arguing it lacks specificity and precision. The case hinges on Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, which requires a well-established legal interest for intervention. Professor Carlos Jiménez Piernas, Legal Counsel for Honduras, emphasized that Guatemala’s claims are not substantiated by the court’s jurisprudence. The outcome of this case will not only determine the fate of the Sapodilla Islands but also set a precedent for resolving disputes where history, geography, and law intersect. The ICJ’s decision will address a fundamental question: in an era of blurred borders, how do nations define and defend their sovereignty?

  • Delecia Flowers’ Family Wants Closure One Month After Her Murder

    Delecia Flowers’ Family Wants Closure One Month After Her Murder

    One month has passed since the brutal murder of 35-year-old Delecia Flowers in her Belize City home, leaving her family devastated and her teenage daughter injured. The incident, which occurred in October—a month dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence—has highlighted the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Belize. As the country joins the global Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, Delecia’s family continues to grapple with their loss and seek justice. Delecia’s brother, Delroy Moody, shared the family’s anguish and the challenges they face in coping with the tragedy. He expressed concerns about the broader societal issues contributing to such violence, including substance abuse and unresolved anger. Despite their efforts, the family has yet to receive updates on the case, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and frustration. Moody emphasized the need for systemic change to break the cycle of violence and protect women and children in Belize.

  • Guatemalan Dollar Van Driver Granted Bail in Teen Assault Case

    Guatemalan Dollar Van Driver Granted Bail in Teen Assault Case

    In a highly charged courtroom drama on November 25, 2025, Wenseslao Garrido-Veilz, a 43-year-old Guatemalan dollar van driver accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, was granted bail despite strong objections from police prosecutors. The emotional scene saw Garrido-Veilz break down in tears as he pleaded not guilty, first in Spanish and then in English, stating, “Thank you God…I neva touch dah young lady.” The case stems from allegations that on a Saturday, the teenager boarded his van on Cemetery Road. After dropping off other passengers, Garrido-Veilz allegedly drove her to a secluded feeder road near Cisco on the George Price Highway, where he inappropriately touched her. A medical examination confirmed physical harm. Prosecutors argued that Garrido-Veilz posed a flight risk, but he countered by emphasizing his family ties in the country and lack of a passport. The court set bail at $5,000 with stringent conditions: no contact with the victim, no international travel, and mandatory weekly police check-ins. Garrido-Veilz is scheduled to return to court on January 13, 2025, as the case continues to unfold.