In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the Caribbean on October 28, 2025, President Trump has authorized an urgent U.S. intervention to aid affected regions, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm caused extensive flooding and destruction, prompting a swift mobilization of resources to address the crisis. Secretary of State Rubio deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), comprising urban search and rescue units, to assess needs and provide critical assistance. The State Department is collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, and local governments to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. Financial contributions to reputable relief organizations are encouraged, as cash donations enable the purchase of urgently needed supplies locally, reducing delays and supporting regional economies. Humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts with local stakeholders to ensure an effective and adaptable response. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned against scams targeting donors and urged vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of relief organizations. U.S. citizens abroad in need of emergency consular assistance are advised to contact the Department of State or their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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BUT lobbying for cleaner schools
Julian Pierre, First Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Chairman of its Occupational Safety and Health Committee, has reiterated the urgent need for a standardized industrial cleaning schedule across all public schools. This appeal follows the repeated closure of Deacons Primary School due to a persistent rodent infestation. Speaking to Barbados TODAY during the union’s Professional Development Workshop at Sky Mall, Pierre highlighted that Deacons Primary School was forced to shut down twice in one week—on Monday and again on Thursday—due to the ongoing issue. He also revealed that St Matthew’s Primary School faced similar challenges in recent weeks. Pierre emphasized that while industrial cleaning was conducted at Deacons Primary School, rodent droppings were still found in several areas, underscoring the need for thorough and consistent cleaning practices. He called on the Ministry of Educational Transformation to ensure that cleaning contractors adhere to stringent health and safety standards. Pierre acknowledged recent improvements in the management of the Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU), which has implemented rodent-proofing measures such as installing door sweeps and sealing gaps. However, he stressed the importance of establishing a formal maintenance schedule, particularly during school holidays, to prevent infestations and maintain healthy learning environments. Pierre noted that many older schools have not undergone deep cleaning in over a decade, with some never having received industrial cleaning at all. Despite these challenges, he commended the ETMU for its increased accountability and improved oversight of contractors. The Ministry of Education Transformation has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the latest closure of Deacons Primary School.
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Couple found dead in car was beaten, strangled
A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in the Fenton Mountains of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the bodies of a young couple were discovered in a car. The victims, identified as Kamalo Glasgow, 24, and Cassique Richards, aged 25-26, were found beaten and strangled, marking the 33rd homicide in the country this year. The discovery coincided with the nation’s 46th anniversary of independence from Britain, casting a somber shadow over the celebrations. Kamalo’s parents, Dalwin and Gailene Glasgow, expressed their anguish, struggling to comprehend the violent death of their son. Kamalo, a security guard, had recently begun dating Richards. The couple was last seen together on Monday morning after Kamalo dropped off his mother. When he failed to return home by 9 a.m., his family grew increasingly concerned. Initial reports suggested gunfire as the cause of death, but police later confirmed no spent shells were found in the vehicle. Autopsy results revealed Kamalo died from strangulation and a blow to the head, while Richards bore severe beatings. The Glasgow family, devastated by the loss, faces an uncertain path forward as they seek justice for their son.
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Verdachte van verduistering bij Suribet-shop betwist opgegeven bedrag
In a recent court hearing, the suspect, M.K., contested the alleged amount of money he is accused of embezzling. While M.K. claims the sum does not exceed SRD 50,000, the victim has asserted that the amount is ‘significantly larger.’ The case revolves around M.K.’s alleged unauthorized use of his workplace’s funds to play Suribet games on his phone between March and August of this year. Since the exact amount embezzled remains unclear, the Forensic Investigation Department has been tasked with analyzing the suspect’s phone for further evidence. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 9, during which surveillance footage will also be reviewed. M.K. remains in custody pending further proceedings.
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‘Building block’: Central Bank warns of labour bottleneck in construction boom
The Central Bank of Barbados has issued a stark warning that a shortage of skilled workers could escalate operating costs and hinder the island’s ongoing construction surge. Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge highlighted the pressing challenge of low employment in the construction sector during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that this labour deficit poses immediate risks to the timely execution of numerous capital projects spanning tourism, housing, water infrastructure, and road networks.
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Rains persist across the Dominican Republic, especially in the South
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather update indicating that a pre-frontal trough located north of the island, coupled with moisture carried by east-southeast winds, will result in isolated, short-duration showers across parts of the Dominican Republic on Friday morning. As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to intensify, leading to scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potentially gusty winds in several provinces, including El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Vega, San José de Ocoa, Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, and Puerto Plata. Overnight, the weather is predicted to remain partly cloudy.
In response to the anticipated rainfall, weather alerts and warnings remain active in nine provinces due to the heightened risk of flooding, overflowing rivers and streams, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to range between 21°C and 23°C, while daytime temperatures will hover between 31°C and 33°C. In Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District and Santo Domingo Norte, Este, and Oeste, skies will become increasingly overcast, accompanied by scattered showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks.
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NOTICE : The BRH authorizes loan moratoria or restructuring
In a significant move to alleviate financial strain on borrowers impacted by the ongoing crisis, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) has announced the authorization of loan moratoriums and restructuring for eligible clients. Governor Ronald Gabriel issued Circular 115-7, which permits financial institutions to implement these measures from November 3, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The circular aims to support individuals and businesses that have maintained a good credit history but have been adversely affected by the crisis over the past three fiscal years. Eligible clients must formally request and justify their need for a moratorium or restructuring with their respective financial institutions. During the moratorium period, borrowers are only required to pay interest on outstanding debts, and their credit ratings will remain unchanged until the moratorium expires. Upon its conclusion, borrowers must resume regular monthly payments, including both principal and interest, while retaining their credit rating as of September 2026. The circular also extends the loan term by the duration of the moratorium. Circular 115-7 replaces the previous Circular 115-6, effective October 1, 2024, and will come into force on November 3, 2025. For further details, the complete circular is available for download at the provided link.
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Man dies suddenly on highway morning walk
A 66-year-old man, Audwyn Marshall, tragically passed away during his routine morning walk along the Mighty Grynner Highway on Thursday. Marshall, a resident of Wilkinson Road, Lower Richmond Gap, St Michael, was discovered unresponsive near Stansfield Scott & Co. Ltd. at the southern end of the highway. His family believes he may have succumbed to a heart attack, a suspicion later confirmed by local authorities. The incident came to light when a passerby recognized Marshall and promptly alerted the police, who then informed his family. Shaddriese Marshall, his great niece, recounted how the police arrived at their home to deliver the devastating news. ‘A lady passing by noticed him and knew him,’ she shared. ‘My mom came down to identify the body.’ Marshall was remembered as a reserved individual who cherished moments with his family and led a quiet life. His sudden demise has left his loved ones in deep sorrow.
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JCE presents new ID Card design featuring national symbols and tribute to Juan Pablo Duarte
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic, under the leadership of President Román Jáquez Liranzo, has introduced the official designs for the new Dominican Identity and Electoral Card. The unveiling took place during a presentation to the Duartian Institute and the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Ephemerides (CPEP), two institutions responsible for ensuring the proper use of national symbols. The updated card aims to modernize the document while strengthening national identity by incorporating significant historical, cultural, and environmental elements. Key features of the design include the national coat of arms, a portrait of founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, and the Monument to the Heroes of Restoration. Additionally, the cardholder’s image will be superimposed over Duarte’s chest, symbolizing the enduring connection between Dominican citizens and their homeland. The design also celebrates Dominican culture and biodiversity, featuring the güira and tambora—instruments central to Dominican music—and the palmchat, the national bird. This initiative transforms the ID card into a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage, blending history, culture, and nature. Both the Duartian Institute and CPEP have formally approved the designs, praising the JCE for its efforts to foster national pride and preserve the legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte through this innovative project.
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Inside the Hangar Controversy: Who’s Trying to Privatize a Public Road?
In Belize City, a contentious debate has erupted over the future of the Hangar, a public road that some affluent seafront residents are attempting to privatize. On August 23, 2025, a group of homeowners in the Home Park area submitted an application to the Ministry of Natural Resources, seeking provisional approval to subdivide the Hangar and convert it into private property. The applicants, including prominent figures such as Louis Leslie, Henry C Fairweather, and JRD Holdings Limited, argued that the move was necessary to address safety concerns, prevent coastal erosion, and mitigate rising sea levels. However, the Ministry swiftly rejected the proposal, citing legal ownership issues, as the land in question belongs to the Government of Belize. This decision has sparked a broader discussion about public access to communal spaces and the influence of wealthy residents in shaping urban policy. Despite the rejection, the residents remain steadfast, issuing a press release to justify their actions and pledging to collaborate with the City Council and other stakeholders. The controversy raises critical questions about the balance between private interests and public welfare in Belize City.