Two men from St Michael, Barbados, are set to appear in court on Monday, each facing distinct murder charges. Hassan Alessandro Hazell-Grant, a 22-year-old resident of Jessamine Avenue, Bayville, is accused of the fatal shooting of Akil Hinds on October 6, along with the unlawful use of a firearm on the same day. In a separate case, Akeeme Livingston McDonald, aged 21 and residing in Lewis Gap, Green Hill, has been charged with the murder of Kenardo Woolery, which occurred on October 19. Hazell-Grant is scheduled to present his case in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court, while McDonald will appear before the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. These proceedings highlight the ongoing legal efforts to address violent crimes in the region.
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US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a US warship, in Trinidad on Sunday has intensified concerns over escalating military activity in the Caribbean. This development comes amid warnings from regional leaders and religious figures about the potential destabilization of the area. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago defended the US presence, emphasizing its role in combating drug trafficking and enhancing national security. However, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former CARICOM leaders have expressed alarm, urging a return to dialogue and peace to avoid regional conflict.
The US military’s increased presence, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, is framed by Washington as part of a counter-drug initiative. However, critics argue it may serve as a pretext for broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly concerning Venezuela. The recent bombing of vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which resulted in casualties including Trinidad and Tobago nationals, has further fueled tensions. The US has yet to provide evidence supporting these actions.
Religious leaders from the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have also voiced concerns, calling for de-escalation and respect for sovereignty. They highlighted the moral and humanitarian challenges posed by militarization and the narcotics trade, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue and regional unity. Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar stressed the need for immediate action to address crime and drug-related issues in Trinidad and Tobago, citing the country’s proximity to major trafficking routes.
As the region grapples with these challenges, the call for peace remains a unifying theme. Mottley and other leaders have emphasized the Caribbean’s historical commitment to peace and the importance of resolving disputes through international mechanisms like the United Nations. The situation underscores the delicate balance between security needs and the preservation of regional stability.
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Dominican Republic partners with Ghana to improve prison system
In a significant step toward enhancing its penitentiary system, the Dominican Republic has entered into a groundbreaking international cooperation agreement with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and Fordham University’s Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. The pact, formalized at the National Palace’s Los Trinitarios Hall, aims to drive prison reform, bolster human rights, and strengthen legal and technical training within the country. The agreement was signed by key figures including Roberto Santana, Presidential Advisor on Penitentiary Services; Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, Dean of GIMPA’s School of Law; and Paolo Galizzi from Fordham University. The event also saw the presence of Dr. Diana Asonabo Dapaah, former Deputy Minister of Justice of Ghana. Coordinated through the National Office for Support to Penitentiary Reform (ONAPREP), the collaboration will focus on joint research, academic exchanges, and specialized training for prison personnel. It also seeks to draw inspiration from Ghana’s remarkable success in reducing pretrial detention rates from 68% to below 15% within three years. Furthermore, the partnership will organize an International Conference on Human Rights, the Penitentiary System, Global Challenges, and Good Practices, bringing together global experts to share insights and foster sustainable justice reforms. The three-year agreement, with provisions for automatic renewal, will be managed by an Interinstitutional Coordination Committee, with Dr. Juan Dionicio Rodríguez representing the Dominican Republic.
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U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo resumes consular services
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced the resumption of both routine and emergency consular services, effective this Monday. This decision comes after the Emergency Operations Center (COE) downgraded the alert level in Santo Domingo province from red to yellow. In a statement shared on the embassy’s official Instagram account, officials confirmed that the Visa Assistance Center at Sambil will also reopen and resume normal operations. The embassy attributed this move to the improved weather conditions and the diligent monitoring of Hurricane Melissa by local authorities. However, the embassy issued a warning, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa remains a potent and unpredictable storm. It could still bring heavy rainfall and localized damage to certain areas of the Dominican Republic in the days ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather developments.
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Grote belangstelling voor Chinese automerken op DSB Bigi Yari Autobeurs
The DSB Bigi Yari Auto Show, held on the grounds of the DSB Bank, drew massive crowds this weekend, with Chinese automakers stealing the spotlight. Brands like Riddara, BYD, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Chery impressed attendees by offering luxury features comparable to—or even surpassing—those of Japanese, Korean, and American counterparts, all while being an average of $15,000 more affordable. The event was part of DSB Bank’s 160th-anniversary celebrations, which included various community initiatives. Sandrina Hunsel of DSB stated, ‘This is one of our treats to society. We’ve already donated to hospitals, schools, and institutions. More events, like the Bigi Yari Fun Run and Kresneti Fatu, are coming soon.’ The auto show featured nine car dealers, two insurers, oil company Gowtu, and technical firm Elgawa, the official dealer of energy giant Anker. Visitors explored innovative solutions for solar-powered electric vehicle charging, with or without home backup batteries. Marcel Tijndal of DSB called the event a success, noting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Many attendees were surprised by the value-for-money proposition of the new generation of Chinese vehicles, with one visitor exclaiming, ‘So this is cheaper than the used RAV4 I wanted to buy?’ The Surinamese car market is undergoing a significant shift, with major dealers rapidly expanding their offerings to include Chinese brands. Rudisa Motors (KIA) now carries Chery, SEMC (Ford) offers Jaecoo and Omoda, Fernandes (Isuzu) introduces GAC, and Yokohama has become the official dealer for Great Wall Motors and Haval.
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Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions
Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has announced the lifting of preventive measures across most of the Dominican Republic following the departure of Hurricane Melissa, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. However, four provinces—Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia—remain under red alert due to lingering risks from the hurricane’s indirect effects.
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FLASH : Hurricane Melissa becomes Cat. 5, Haiti on maximum alert
On October 27, 2025, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, posing a severe threat to Haiti and neighboring Caribbean nations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h and a central pressure of 917 millibars. Located 625 km south of Port-au-Prince, Melissa is expected to move slowly westward before turning north and northeast, potentially impacting Jamaica, Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas. The Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has issued a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments, with orange alerts for other regions. Catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage are anticipated, with rainfall projections of up to 40 inches in some areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected along Haiti’s western coast, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles from the center. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended coastal shipping activities, and residents are urged to follow civil protection guidelines. Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas are also under hurricane watches, with life-threatening storm surges and heavy rains predicted. Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness as Melissa continues its destructive path.
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Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School
A mother is urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation following allegations that her teenage son was physically assaulted by a teacher at Princess Margaret School, resulting in facial injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded last Thursday when the student approached his form teacher to discuss a prior suspension. According to accounts, the teacher accused the student of inappropriate conduct and allegedly struck him across the face in response. After the altercation, the student returned to his classroom, but his mother later noticed significant facial swelling and immediately contacted the school’s administration. During a meeting with the principal and assistant principal the following day, it was revealed that they were unaware of the incident. Subsequently, the student was asked to prepare a written report detailing the events. The mother, deeply concerned about the teacher’s actions, emphasized that physical retaliation should never occur without verifying the facts. She has called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, asserting that no educator has the right to physically harm a student, particularly over unsubstantiated allegations.
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Churches Urged to Pray for Jamaica as Antiguan Students Sheltered During Hurricane Melissa
In a heartfelt appeal during the National Independence Service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to pray for Jamaica and the 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students currently in Kingston as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on the island. The students, relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under government arrangements, are receiving full support, including accommodation and meals, until the storm subsides. Speaking from Dominica, Browne expressed gratitude to those involved in the relocation efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the students. He emphasized that all necessary resources would be mobilized to protect the young nationals. The Prime Minister, who is closely monitoring the situation, is scheduled to return to Antigua on Monday.
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PM Browne Pays Tribute to Rastafarian Elder King Saggi-Fu
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of revered Rastafarian elder and cultural figure, King Saggi-Fu, also known as Osagifu. Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a man he described as “one of the senior figures in the Rastafarian community.” Browne shared heartfelt memories of their shared origins in Gray’s Farm and recounted his recent visit to Saggi-Fu at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he had been airlifted for treatment. Despite hopes for his recovery, Saggi-Fu’s passing has left a void in the community. During his visit, Browne played his latest musical compositions, including “Gassy Dread” and “Love Is the Way,” which brought joy to the elder in his final days. Browne emphasized Saggi-Fu’s unwavering conviction and cultural impact, urging the nation to find solace in the fact that he lived a meaningful and influential life. Education Minister Daryll Matthew also paid homage, sharing personal anecdotes of Saggi-Fu’s fearless and loyal nature. Matthew’s tribute concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest well. It is well deserved. JAHHHHH RASTAFARI!” The loss of King Saggi-Fu marks the end of an era for the Rastafarian community and Antigua’s cultural landscape.