The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has officially reopened the floating bridge over the Ozama River to vehicular traffic. The reopening follows extensive cleanup operations that removed lilacs and other debris deposited on the bridge by recent heavy rains. MOPC crews worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge was safe for public use, restoring smooth passage between Santo Domingo Este and the National District. The bridge had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure during Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience and reiterated its dedication to maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
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Celebrity Xcel to arrive in Puerto Plata at year’s end
Santo Domingo – Celebrity Cruises has officially welcomed its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship is scheduled to commence operations in November 2024, offering seven innovative onboard spaces and a series of seven-night inaugural voyages from Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will alternate between destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Caribbean hotspots including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In a strategic expansion, the Celebrity Xcel will make its European debut in summer 2026, featuring seven- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona and Athens. These voyages will introduce new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, enhancing the travel experience. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, hailed the Celebrity Xcel as a transformative milestone in premium travel, emphasizing the Edge Series’ cutting-edge design and unparalleled onboard offerings. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s guest-centric development through the Xcel Dream Makers program, ensuring a tailored and exceptional experience for global travelers.
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Overheid zet meer zwaar materieel in vuilnisbrand Charlesburg
A massive fire at the Charlesburg landfill has been burning uncontrollably for over a week, despite relentless efforts to extinguish it. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery, including military equipment, to combat the blaze, which has caused significant distress among local residents. The fire has produced thick smoke and a pungent odor, leading to complaints of respiratory irritation and other health concerns.
Anwar Moenne, Acting Director of Public Green Spaces & Waste Management, confirmed that round-the-clock efforts are underway to bring the situation under control. “We are working tirelessly with all available resources, including military support and specialized machinery, to contain the fire,” Moenne stated. “Several hotspots remain, and we are focusing on sealing these areas to prevent further spread.”
In addition to firefighting teams, the Ministry of Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Environment (OWRO) has provided additional equipment, such as bulldozers and pickup trucks, to aid in containment efforts. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings to residents in surrounding neighborhoods, advising them to keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to harmful smoke.
Moenne emphasized the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including Defense, Justice & Police, and OWRO, to resolve the crisis swiftly. “The situation is improving, but we are committed to making this a thing of the past as soon as possible,” he added. Despite the ongoing challenges, officials remain hopeful that the fire will be fully extinguished in the coming days.
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Gas bottle ruled out in deadly explosion at Mobil gas station
A tragic explosion at a Mobil gas station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown on Sunday night has left one child dead and two others seriously injured. Authorities have confirmed that a cooking gas cylinder, commonly referred to as a ‘gas bottle,’ was not the cause of the incident. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:24 PM, destroyed a car and caused significant damage to the Mobil convenience store, Acme’s building, and an adjacent cambio. Shattered glass windows were reported in a building on the north-western corner of the intersection. The Fire Service received an emergency call at 7:30 PM and arrived at the scene by 7:34 PM. Initial investigations revealed no evidence of a gas bottle being involved. Witnesses reported seeing white and then black smoke moments before the loud explosion, which was heard and felt across distant sections of Georgetown. Police are now investigating whether the explosion was caused by an explosive device or a malfunction in the car. A woman, who had parked the car and entered a nearby KFC to make a purchase, was unharmed. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at gas stations and the potential risks associated with vehicle malfunctions.
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Agriculture : Positive impacts of the World Bank on Haitian agriculture
Haiti, once the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, faced severe challenges in its agricultural sector, with 27% of rural farmers living in extreme poverty and grappling with acute food insecurity. In response, the World Bank launched the Emergency Project for Resilient Agriculture for Food Security (PARSA), adopting an integrated approach to address these issues. The initiative combined sustainable land management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and disaster risk reduction to improve natural resources, combat soil erosion, and enhance water retention capacity. This strategy was tailored to Haiti’s unique agroecological context, aiming to generate sustainable income for rural communities. The project emphasized community participation, developing participatory and investment plans for sub-watersheds and providing subsidies for improved technical input packages. Through farmer field schools, farmers were introduced to advanced agricultural technologies and landscape management practices, selected via community involvement. The initiative achieved significant positive impacts, including poverty reduction, climate action, and enhanced resilience against flooding and landslides. Over 4,267 farmers adopted improved technologies, with 38% being women, and more than 80% gained better market access. Additionally, 2,050 hectares were managed sustainably, and 112 farmer field schools were established, benefiting 2,800 farmers. The project also created 6,667 temporary jobs and supported 20 sub-projects through matching grants, improving market linkages and production quality. Following the devastating 2021 earthquake, the emergency response component provided critical support to 137,611 farmers, including climate-resilient crop varieties and seeds. Despite ongoing challenges, the Haitian government, with the World Bank’s support, continues to implement projects like PARSA and RPT II to strengthen productivity, livelihoods, and food security for rural households.
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Hurricane : Full activation of the National Emergency Operations Center, Melissa in Cat. 5 (video)
Haiti is bracing for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has escalated to a Category 5 storm, prompting the full activation of the National Emergency Operations Center (COUN). The hurricane, initially classified as Category 4, was upgraded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on October 26, 2025. A joint press conference on Saturday afternoon, attended by representatives from the Presidential Transitional Council, government ministers, and officials from Haiti’s Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), formalized the maximum alert level. Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, Minister of the Interior and Communities, confirmed that the South and Grand’Anse departments are on red alert, while other regions face orange alerts for heavy rainfall. Over 350 shelters have been opened across the Grand Sud, accommodating more than 900 families (3,653 people). The provisional death toll remains at four, with 16 injured since October 21. Significant damage has been reported in agriculture, with banana plantations in Nippes and the South severely affected. Road infrastructure has also suffered, with landslides and flooding disrupting traffic in multiple regions. The DGPC has issued recommendations, including preventive evacuations and school closures, to mitigate further risks.
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Kehlani’s performance at tonight’s WCMF show cancelled
International music sensation Kehlani has been forced to withdraw from the final night of the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, as confirmed by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA). The Oakland-born artist was slated to headline the event but was unable to attend after her charter flight was canceled due to the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa. The DDA expressed deep regret over the cancellation, acknowledging the disappointment of fans eagerly anticipating Kehlani’s performance. However, the authority reassured attendees that the festival would continue as planned, with a lineup of regional and international artists ready to deliver exceptional and memorable performances. The festival, known for celebrating Creole culture and music, remains a highlight of the cultural calendar, and organizers are committed to ensuring a successful conclusion despite the unforeseen setback.
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Dominican Trade Union calls on government to support ending U.S. blockade of Cuba
In Santo Domingo, the Unión Clasista de Trabajadores (Classist Union of Workers) has issued a compelling appeal to President Luis Abinader, urging him to reaffirm the Dominican Republic’s stance against the longstanding U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba. This embargo, in effect since 1962, has been widely criticized as a violation of the United Nations Charter. Juan Núñez, the union’s Secretary General, highlighted the severe repercussions of the blockade, which has inflicted profound hardships on the Cuban population for over six decades. The restrictions have severely limited access to essential goods such as medicines, food, medical equipment, raw materials, and machinery, while also crippling international trade and hindering sustainable development. The union expressed unwavering solidarity with Cuban workers, citizens, and their government in their ongoing struggle to lift the blockade. Furthermore, they called on the Dominican government to uphold its support for Cuba, aligning its actions with both the Dominican Constitution and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
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Five Dominican players named finalists for 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award
Five standout Dominican players—Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez, Jorge Polanco, and Jéremy Peña—have been named finalists for the prestigious 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award. This accolade recognizes the most exceptional offensive performers at each position in Major League Baseball (MLB), celebrating their remarkable contributions to the game. Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman, emerged as a dominant force this season, smashing 45 home runs, driving in 110 RBIs, and maintaining a .264 batting average, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most formidable hitters. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman, delivered consistent offensive prowess with 23 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .292 average. Julio Rodríguez, the Seattle Mariners’ center fielder, achieved a rare 30-30 season, combining 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases, alongside 95 RBIs and a .267 average. His teammate, second baseman Jorge Polanco, bolstered Seattle’s infield with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .265 average. Meanwhile, Houston Astros shortstop Jéremy Peña showcased maturity and consistency, finishing the season with a .304 batting average, 17 home runs, and 62 RBIs. The Silver Slugger Award winners, determined by votes from MLB managers and coaches, will be unveiled in the coming weeks, spotlighting the league’s elite hitters.
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One dead, two injured in massive explosion at Mobil gas station
A devastating explosion at a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana, has resulted in one fatality and two injuries, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the intersection of Regent and King streets. Witnesses reported a mangled car at the scene, while the convenience store at the gas station and the nearby Acme Building sustained significant damage. The explosion, which originated near the cooking gas depot, remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance to the injured and securing the area to prevent further harm. The explosion has raised concerns about safety protocols at gas stations and similar facilities in the region. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.