In a swift and coordinated response to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD), under the Ministry of Defense (MIDE), successfully evacuated 98 individuals from Saona Island this Saturday. The operation was executed as a preventive measure against the storm’s adverse effects, which have already brought heavy rainfall and high waves to the eastern and southern coasts of the country. The evacuation was part of a broader emergency response strategy led by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MIDE), which mobilized all available resources of the Armed Forces to support the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and civil authorities in ensuring public safety. Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, the Minister of Defense, directed the Navy to activate its emergency protocols, deploying surface naval units and specialized rescue teams. Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez, Commander General of the Navy, emphasized the critical role of interoperability among Naval Commands, the Eastern Naval Zone, the Captaincy of the Ports, and the Dominican Maritime Authority in the operation’s success. ‘This swift action reflects the preparation, discipline, and commitment of our men and women of the sea, who respond with determination whenever the nation needs them,’ stated Vice Admiral Crisóstomo Martínez. The evacuees were safely transported to the Port of Bayahibe, where they received immediate assistance from relief agencies. The Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives, safety, and well-being of its citizens, with air, naval, and land resources remaining on standby to address any further challenges posed by Storm Melissa.
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Canada : High-level visit by the Gang Supression Force
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, visited the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) headquarters in Haiti this week. Accompanied by André François Giroux, Canada’s Ambassador to Haiti, and a delegation of senior Canadian officials, Rae’s visit marked the highest-level UN diplomatic engagement with the GSF since its transition from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) on October 3, 2025. The GSF, led by Deputy Commander Colonel Eldon Morgan, welcomed the delegation and showcased its ongoing efforts to combat gang-related insecurity in the region. During his visit, Rae praised the GSF’s dedication and professionalism, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting the Force’s transformative role in restoring stability. He emphasized Canada’s $60 million contribution, which includes funding for a Regional Maritime Security Initiative aimed at countering transnational organized crime across the Caribbean. Rae also called for patience and continued cooperation, expressing optimism about the deployment of additional GSF personnel by April 2026. As part of his itinerary, Rae met with female GSF personnel, highlighting their critical contributions, and inspected newly acquired helicopters that enhance the Force’s air mobility and logistical capabilities.
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Where in the Caribbean is Melissa located?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC), in collaboration with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, provided an update on tropical weather conditions this Saturday, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa persists as a significant threat in the Caribbean Sea. Currently positioned approximately 130 miles southeast of Jamaica, the hurricane continues to pose risks of heavy rainfall, perilous waves, and sustained winds that could impact Jamaica and neighboring islands in the immediate future. Meanwhile, the NHC also reported a period of relative calm across the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, with no new tropical cyclones anticipated to develop over the next seven days. This forecast suggests a temporary stabilization in the region following recent meteorological activity.
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Sosúa: The Dominican corner that defied Adolf Hitler’s hatred and saved lives from the Holocaust
The television program *Migrantes*, hosted by journalist Millizen Uribe and aired on Telesistema Channel 11, recently featured poignant testimonies from descendants of Jewish refugees who settled in Sosúa, Dominican Republic. These individuals shared deeply moving accounts of their grandparents’ experiences, who fled the Nazi genocide during the mid-20th century. The program shed light on the resilience and enduring legacy of these survivors. Julli Wellich Miller, one of the descendants, recounted the challenges her grandmother faced upon arrival in 1940, including the harsh tropical climate, which was a stark contrast to the European weather they were accustomed to. Despite adapting to the new environment, her grandmother carried the emotional scars of losing several relatives in the Holocaust. Miller emphasized her grandmother’s strength and the role of faith in their lives, stating, ‘The Jewish religion has a tradition that can be carried from home.’ Another descendant, Eric Czarlinski, shared his father’s harrowing experience of being forcibly taken from his home by the Nazis, describing it as ‘worse than what you see in the movies.’ Czarlinski also reflected on his mixed religious identity, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining Jewish traditions while living in the capital. The Holocaust, known as the Shoah in Hebrew, was a systematic genocide aimed at exterminating the Jewish population of Europe during World War II. These testimonies serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the past and the enduring strength of those who survived.
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Ruim 300 kinderen uit Brokopondo nemen deel aan sportdag Zijin Rosebel
More than 300 children from various villages in the Brokopondo district gathered today for a large-scale sports event organized by Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. at the Bigi Wey Sports Center in Brownsweg. The event, aimed at youth development, received significant support from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport (JOS).
Enrique Ralim, Acting Director of Sport at JOS, commended Zijin’s commitment to the community during the opening ceremony. ‘Our strength lies in this collaboration. Sports are not just the responsibility of the government but of all of us: businesses and society alike,’ he stated. Ralim emphasized that sports not only promote physical development but also teach young people essential values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, and perseverance—key attributes for their future.
Ralim highlighted the ministry’s intention to maintain a structured partnership with Zijin, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for youth in Brokopondo. ‘Take advantage of the opportunities you are given,’ he urged the children. ‘Together, we can build a stronger and healthier Suriname.’
Jerry Finisie, Community Relations & Development Manager at Zijin, stressed the importance of early talent discovery. ‘Identify what you truly enjoy—that’s where your strength lies. We aim to help create that space,’ Finisie remarked.
Captain Lambertus Waandels also addressed the youth with an inspiring message: ‘Your choices shape your future, and initiatives like this are designed to guide you in a positive direction.’
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Gonsalves contacts Vincy student group as hurricane threatens Jamaica
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has called for solidarity and prayers for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, a potentially catastrophic storm, advances toward the island. Speaking at the inauguration of the new port in Kingstown, Gonsalves emphasized the immediate danger facing Jamaica, urging attendees to pray for the safety and well-being of the Jamaican people, particularly Vincentian students and residents. The hurricane, predicted to escalate to a Category 5 storm within 48 hours, poses a significant threat with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph. Gonsalves highlighted his communication with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Vincentian Students Association, ensuring that necessary precautions are in place for student safety. He also mentioned discussions with UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles, who confirmed that the university has implemented robust measures to protect students, including relocating Jamaican students with secure accommodations to make space for others. Gonsalves reassured parents of students in Jamaica, stating that he remains in close contact with student leaders and will continue to monitor the situation. He emphasized the importance of prayers not only during the storm but also in its aftermath, addressing potential post-hurricane challenges.
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Hurricane Melissa reaches category 4 strength, threatening catastrophic impacts
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a formidable Category 4 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph). This marks the fourth major hurricane of the current season, with the Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet) confirming its peak strength at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. The hurricane is currently advancing westward at a speed of 7 km/h (4 mph), positioned about 195 km south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 450 km south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. Satellite and radar imagery from Punta Cana and Puerto Plata reveal extensive cloud cover across the Dominican Republic, with forecasts predicting intense showers, thunderstorms, and powerful waves along the northern and southern coasts. Indomet has issued warnings of ‘extremely dangerous’ conditions, highlighting the potential for catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic, through mid-week. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take immediate precautions as the storm’s trajectory and intensity pose significant risks to life and property.
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CICA International University & Seminary Issues Legal Response to False and Defamatory Statements
CICA International University & Seminary, along with its Technical Centre of Excellence, has issued a robust legal response to what it describes as false, defamatory, and procedurally improper statements made by the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) and the Ministry of Education. The statements questioned the legitimacy of CICA’s programs and accreditation status, prompting the institution to clarify its position and defend its reputation. CICA emphasized that it is not pursuing local accreditation in Antigua & Barbuda, as it already holds international accreditation from globally recognized bodies. These include the City & Guilds of London Institute, regulated by Ofqual (UK), and registration with the Florida State Department of Education under Section 1005.06(1)(f). Additionally, the university is ISO certified and WES verified, ensuring international equivalency and quality assurance. Between 2021 and 2024, CICA submitted extensive documentation to ABNAB on 21 occasions, totaling 69 attachments, demonstrating proactive transparency. Despite these efforts, ABNAB and the Ministry of Education issued two public statements without prior consultation, verification, or adherence to procedural fairness, causing significant reputational harm. CICA asserts that it has operated lawfully and in full compliance with international education standards. The matter has now been referred to legal counsel for further action to safeguard the institution’s reputation and global standing. CICA remains committed to educational excellence, faith-based leadership, and global collaboration, operating under internationally recognized frameworks and quality standards.
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US jury finds man, 61, guilty of killing Saint Lucian man
In a landmark verdict, Timothy Timmons has been found guilty of second-degree murder by a Clinton County, New York jury for the December 2024 killing of Jahfari Joseph, a Saint Lucian resident of Plattsburgh. The decision, reached on Thursday after a 10-day trial, marks the culmination of a high-profile case that gripped the local community. Joseph, a 40-year-old who had lived and worked in the Plattsburgh area, was reported missing on December 29, 2024. The investigation gained momentum when authorities charged Timmons, 61, following a search of property linked to the case. Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict, swayed by compelling evidence presented by prosecutors, including witness testimonies, digital records, and phone call logs. In an emotional interview with NBC5, Joseph’s mother, Theresa John, expressed profound relief, stating, ‘I’m just happy as a mom that justice is served.’ Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wiley confirmed that sentencing is set for January 2026. Under New York law, second-degree murder carries a penalty ranging from 15 years to life, with a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
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Suriname en Venezuela verkennen verdieping landbouw, energie en visserij
On Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname welcomed Venezuelan Ambassador Ayerim Flores Rivas for an introductory and exploratory meeting at the Cabinet of the President. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus included agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, with additional interest in cultural and health-related exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, who attended the meeting, emphasized Venezuela’s role as a significant economic partner. ‘We discussed the involvement of Venezuelan companies in Suriname’s fish processing and export sectors,’ Bouva stated. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the oil and gas industry, noting Venezuela’s valuable expertise in this domain. Bouva reiterated Suriname’s commitment to maintaining South America as a zone of peace, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect. The Communications Service of Suriname reported that the country will continue to advocate for regional stability. Ambassador Flores Rivas described the meeting as constructive and underscored the historical ties between the two nations. ‘Our relationship spans over fifty years. We see tremendous opportunities for collaboration, especially as Suriname develops its energy economy,’ the diplomat remarked.