In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce of China in the Dominican Republic has mobilized a large-scale relief campaign to aid families devastated by Tropical Storm Melissa. The effort involves the distribution of 23,000 food kits, with an estimated total value of RD$29.9 million, across the nation. The campaign is spearheaded by prominent figures including Zheng Shanfeng, President of the Fujian Chamber; Mars Wang, Vice President; Weng Didi, Secretary General; Yuek Fai Cheung, President of the Chinese Colony Center; and Rosa NG Báez, President of the Flor Para Todos Foundation. Deliveries have already commenced in severely affected southern provinces, such as San José de Ocoa. The relief operation will extend to 13 regions, including Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San Juan, Barahona, and Peravia. Organizers emphasized that the campaign embodies the spirit of solidarity and gratitude that binds the Chinese and Dominican communities. ‘In times of hardship, it is our duty to stand together and offer support,’ stated Zheng Shanfeng, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Chinese community to assist the Dominican Republic during challenging times.
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SVG to host 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been selected as the host nation for the 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier, following a decisive vote by the Americas Netball Region members on Wednesday. The prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 13 to 23, 2026, and will determine the two teams that will join Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls in representing the Americas Region at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, scheduled for August 25 to September 5, 2027. Natasha Baptiste, President of the SVG Netball Association, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment and extended heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the successful bid. Baptiste highlighted the event as a significant opportunity for sports tourism and a chance for the Vincy Jewels to compete on home turf. A critical factor in securing the bid was the official commitment from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to transform the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex into an indoor facility, ensuring uninterrupted play regardless of weather conditions. Baptiste emphasized that this development would revolutionize the landscape for all indoor sports disciplines in the region. The SVG Netball Association is poised to begin planning and logistical preparations soon, as the nation gears up to host what is anticipated to be a historic milestone in Vincentian sports.
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The Colonial City draws 8% of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has undergone a significant transformation with the completion of an extensive urban renewal project, spearheaded by Tourism Minister David Collado. The initiative, valued at over RD$103 million, has revitalized 11 streets in the historic district, enhancing accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall visitor experience. Executed by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), the project includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and pavements across 17 streets, alongside drainage improvements, new signage, and universal access ramps. Minister Collado emphasized that the Colonial City, a key attraction for approximately 8% of the Dominican Republic’s tourists, will remain fully accessible throughout December to ensure uninterrupted tourism and local commerce. The project also extends its benefits to neighboring areas such as San Lázaro and San Miguel, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. Collado highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve the historic charm of the Colonial City while positioning it as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
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FOIA Law Places Burden of Proof on Government
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandates that government ministries must provide a valid justification for denying access to public records, as emphasized by Section 38 of the Act. Under FOIA, individuals have the right to request government-held information unless the document falls under exemptions outlined in Part IV. In cases of refusal, the ministry is required to issue a written notice under Section 21, detailing the reasons for the decision and informing the applicant of their right to appeal to the Ombudsman.
Section 38 of the FOIA, which governs the Review of Decisions process, explicitly states that the ministry or prescribed authority bears the burden of proof. They must demonstrate that their decision to withhold information was justified under exemptions such as national security, Cabinet confidentiality, or legal privilege, or that the Ombudsman should rule against the applicant. This ensures that access to information remains the default, with the ministry required to validate its refusal rather than the applicant proving the legitimacy of their request.
Failure to meet this burden can result in the Ombudsman ordering disclosure under Section 39. Recently, the Government of Belize has escalated this process by appealing to the High Court to overturn the Ombudsman’s directive to release information regarding payments to private law firms. While FOIA permits appeals to the Supreme Court under Section 43, such appeals usually follow a completed review. The Attorney General’s decision to directly challenge the Ombudsman’s directive now brings the interpretation of these procedural safeguards before the judiciary, marking a significant development in the application of FOIA.
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Attorney General Appeals Ombudsman’s FOIA Decision
The Attorney General of Belize has initiated a legal challenge against an Ombudsman’s decision mandating the disclosure of government payments to private law firms under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). On October 28, 2025, a Notice of Appeal was filed in the High Court, naming the Attorney General as the appellant and the Ombudsman as the respondent. The appeal seeks to overturn the Ombudsman’s October 10th ruling, arguing it contains legal errors. The filing references Part V of the FOIA, the Inferior Appeals Rules 2021, and Sections 31 and Sub-Part 8 of the Senior Courts Act. It also bears a General Registry stamp dated October 28, 2025. Part V of the FOIA specifically addresses the ‘Review of Decisions.’
The Ombudsman’s decision stemmed from a review initiated by civic activist Jeremy Enriquez after the Attorney General’s Chambers denied a FOIA request for details on payments to private law firms retained by the Belizean government for redistricting-related litigation. The Ombudsman ordered partial disclosure, requiring the release of the names of attorneys or law firms involved and the total amounts paid to each, with redactions limited to legitimately exempt material.
As of October 23, Enriquez reported no updates from the Ombudsman’s Office since the directive was issued on October 15, though the two-week compliance period had not yet expired. The October 28th appeal effectively bypasses the next procedural step outlined in Section 38 of the FOIA, bringing the matter directly before the High Court for resolution.
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Relief Supplies Dispatched for Belizean Students After Storm Hits Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture & Immigration, has mobilized urgent relief supplies for approximately 75 Belizean students stranded in Jamaica and Santiago de Cuba. The aid package includes essential hygiene products and canned food, delivered via a Jamaica Defence Force aircraft that had sought refuge in Belize during the storm. Coordination of the distribution in Jamaica is being managed by Ms. Elecif Arthurs, Belize’s honorary consul in Kingston, while the Belizean Embassy in Havana is overseeing support efforts for students in Cuba. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca expressed gratitude to Jamaica for safeguarding Belizean students during the hurricane and reiterated Belize’s unwavering commitment to their safety. The ministry has confirmed that all Belizean students in both countries have been accounted for. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwest coast with sustained winds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall, is considered the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in recent history. The hurricane caused extensive damage, including widespread power outages, severe flooding, and the collapse of critical infrastructure across western Jamaica. This relief initiative comes amid public criticism in Belize regarding the perceived lack of immediate support for students in Jamaica following the disaster.
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President Simons bezoekt scholen voor kinderen met speciale hulpvraag
President Jennifer Simons emphasized the importance of inclusivity and support for children with special needs during her recent visit to several institutions dedicated to their care. On Thursday, the head of state toured Stichting Matoekoe, the Blindencentrum, the Kennedyschool, and the Mytylschool, where she expressed her deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of these organizations.
President Simons highlighted the indispensable role these institutions play in society, ensuring that children with special needs receive the support they deserve for a dignified life. Her visit aligns with her broader vision of personally engaging with schools to understand their challenges and collaboratively address them. ‘I believe in giving personal attention. That way, we can tackle issues together,’ she stated. Despite their reliance on subsidies, the president was impressed by the institutions’ ability to maintain their facilities and develop impactful programs.
Simons also underscored her commitment to advocating for these organizations at the policy level, a sentiment echoed by Matoekoe’s director, Delano Hoogvliets. ‘Social institutions don’t always get what they ask for, but these schools are actively finding ways to keep their operations running,’ she noted.
The president pointed out a broader societal shortfall: ‘We, as a society, are not doing enough to guide these children toward adulthood where they can care for themselves. Independence, with some assistance, is crucial for everyone.’ As a gesture of appreciation, she presented each child with an envelope containing a Kirpalani voucher.
Simons also highlighted the achievements of individuals with disabilities within the government, emphasizing the importance of nurturing these children to lead fulfilling lives. ‘We must help those who cannot stand on their own—that’s how we show our humanity,’ she said. While some challenges can be resolved with targeted attention, she acknowledged that larger, structural issues need to be addressed through government policy.
Matoekoe, established in 1988, currently supports 42 children, 13 of whom reside permanently. Hoogvliets expressed gratitude for the president’s early visit, noting her long-standing support for the foundation. However, he identified funding as a persistent challenge, calling for improved subsidy alignment with institutional needs. ‘We hope to work with the president to enhance subsidies structurally, enabling better functionality for these organizations,’ he concluded.
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Robinson Cabrera criticizes Santiago City Council over severe flooding
Santiago de los Caballeros, a major city in the Dominican Republic, was hit by severe flooding on Thursday following heavy rainfall. The deluge inundated key streets and avenues, causing widespread disruption and damage. Robinson Cabrera, a councilman from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), publicly criticized the city’s inadequate urban planning and poor maintenance of drainage systems. Cabrera described the situation as unprecedented, stating, ‘Santiago is flooded like never before.’ He highlighted the extensive impact on homes, vehicles, and businesses, attributing the crisis to clogged storm drains and neglected catch basins. To illustrate the severity, Cabrera shared striking images on Instagram, depicting the city’s main roads transformed into rivers. In an official statement, he called on residents to assist by avoiding littering in public spaces but stressed that the primary responsibility lies with municipal authorities. The torrential rains submerged several neighborhoods, brought traffic to a standstill, and caused flooding in areas previously unaffected by such events. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the city’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
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Srefidensi-commissie biedt excuses aan en kondigt verbeterplan aan voor gymnastrade-oefeningen
The Srefidensi Committee has acknowledged significant organizational lapses during the preparations for the upcoming gymnastics parade, pledging to implement immediate improvements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The Commission for the 50th Anniversary of Constitutional Independence has issued a sincere apology to students, teachers, and parents for the inconveniences experienced during the rehearsal sessions. ‘We recognize the shortcomings in our planning and take full responsibility to address them swiftly and effectively. Our aim is to restore confidence and enthusiasm among all children participating in these special sporting preparations,’ the commission stated. To enhance the upcoming rehearsal days, the committee has increased the number of first aid personnel and supervisors. Schools will also provide additional staff to bolster student safety and care. The Police Training Center has made toilets available for the second rehearsal day, and from November 1st, eight to ten portable toilets will be strategically placed to ensure adequate sanitation facilities throughout the event. Furthermore, water distribution has been reorganized, with each student receiving a personal water bottle for better hydration. The commission has also urged parents to ensure their children wear hats or head coverings for sun protection and to pack extra snacks, drinks, and a spare water bottle in a small backpack. ‘These small measures can significantly impact the children’s well-being,’ the committee emphasized. ‘We are working diligently to normalize the situation and hope to embody the spirit of Srefidensi through unity, trust, and pride in our youth.’
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Column: Realiteit en waarheid zijn niet populair bij de VHP
The VHP, once a beacon of honest governance, reform, and innovation, appears to have lost its moral compass entirely. Over the five years it held power, the party failed to prioritize the public interest, instead functioning as a network of influential figures, friends, families, and confidants who shielded one another from accountability. Since its electoral defeat on May 25, this image has only grown clearer. The VHP is no longer a national people’s party but a collection of individuals hiding under the same orange umbrella. Principles have been overshadowed by personalities, particularly those who thrive on applause and affirmation. While the party projects an image of internal harmony, a closer look reveals division, bruised egos, and a fear of challenging leadership. The cracks are now impossible to ignore. What stands out most is the party’s opportunistic opposition tactics since its defeat. Issues it could have resolved with its previous majority are now loudly condemned, while problems it once oversaw are disingenuously blamed on others. As society yearns for mature political self-reflection, the VHP prefers to plant political bombs—not to build, but to destroy. Chairman Chan Santokhi seems trapped in his own reality, dismissing the defeat with comforting falsehoods, as if the electorate misunderstood his achievements rather than the party itself. Outside the party’s walls, this belief has long evaporated. The lack of honesty was evident this week when spokesperson Dew Sharman questioned the integrity of Starnieuws, denying a report about the departure of senior board member Sidik Moertabat, who had confirmed his exit in an interview. Instead of acknowledging the facts, Sharman chose denial and discredited the media—a telling sign of the party’s character. This is not an isolated incident. Whenever internal issues arise, the VHP avoids political reality, addressing it opportunistically, as seen in its political appointments and dismissals of loyalists. This behavior reflects arrogance—a mix of power, self-deception, and fear of the truth. A party that claims to uphold values should know better. Democracy demands not compliance but courage—the courage to face the truth, even when it’s painful.